Binan's appeal is split between its colonial-era landmarks in the town centre and the natural attractions of wider Laguna province. The town plaza area is walkable in an afternoon, while the waterfalls and mountains nearby make for solid full-day outings.
Exploring the Town Centre
The area around Binan's town plaza is packed with historical landmarks, most of them free to visit. The Albert House, built in 1575, is one of the oldest structures. Nearby, the Roman Catholic Church anchors a cluster of heritage sites including the Kampanaryong Bato (Stone Steeple), first built from pure stone in 1840, destroyed by earthquake in 1870, and rebuilt in cement. Next to the church, the Meditation Garden features the 14 Stations of the Cross and draws crowds during Holy Week. The Casa Real, a stone-and-hardwood hacienda that once housed Dominican priests and served as a tax storehouse during the Spanish period, became city property in 1942.
Casa Parroquial
Also known as The Convent or Bahay Pari, this building was first constructed in 1848 and has had a rough life — earthquake, conversion to a school by nuns, abandonment, restoration, then fire. It now serves as the Cursillo House and is worth visiting for its layered history alone.
Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal
Binan's monument to the national hero is said to be the second largest in the country, after the one in Luneta Park in Manila.
Visiting the Waterfalls
Two major waterfalls are accessible from Binan. Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, part of the Sierra Madre range, has a 50-metre drop into cool, clear water and is also a popular camping and climbing spot — no entrance fee. Across from it, Lanzones Falls feeds into the much larger Binaytuan Falls with a 200-metre drop. Pagsanjan Falls in Cavinti requires a three-hour round-trip boat ride through 16 rapids — an adventure in itself.
Mountain Climbing on Mount Makiling
Mount Makiling, an inactive volcano rising 1,109 metres, is reachable by bus or jeepney from Binan via Los Banos. Two major trails serve both beginners and experienced hikers. The mountain is home to over 2,000 plant species and is excellent for birdwatching, trekking, and butterfly spotting. The road up is steep and winding with no direct public transport, so hiring a private vehicle is advisable. Register at the San Bartolome Barangay Hall before entering.
Splash City Water Park
The largest water park in the Philippines sits along the South Super Highway south of Manila in Binan. Twelve water attractions include six slides — Magellan's Drop, King Pilipit, The Dos Sopremos, Twisted Palms, The Big Bam Boo, and Taisig Trails — plus six attractions for younger children and an interactive kiddy pool.
Philippine Raptor Center
A rewarding day trip to see raptorial birds up close. The centre handles rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding of both nocturnal and daytime raptors.