Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao
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4.0
294 reviews
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136
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107
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33
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8
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10
ThatBaldDoc
Quezon City, Philippines143 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Majestic palm fronds, twirling ferns, and heart-shaped taro leaves dot the shoreline of the lakes, casting an emerald hue on the pristine waters that lapped at their roots.
Shrieking bird calls, and gentle paddling were all the sounds we hear while afloat a pale blue boat. You wouldn't want to make a noise, lest you'll disturb such splendor.
And although our presence seems to be imposing, and out-of-place, there is no other way to experience this, but up close.
Shrieking bird calls, and gentle paddling were all the sounds we hear while afloat a pale blue boat. You wouldn't want to make a noise, lest you'll disturb such splendor.
And although our presence seems to be imposing, and out-of-place, there is no other way to experience this, but up close.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anna
4 contributions
Oct 2019
The road towards the lake is paved. The lake is majestic. A very peaceful escape from a buzzing city atmosphere. The little falls were a delight. The staff were all friendly and polite. The whole experience was amazing and also cheap!
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina Arabe... R
Silang, Philippines11 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful lakes plus there is a hidden waterfalls worth going to! Make sure to go to the water falls! So near the city and accessible. However the road going there is like going up the mountain - steep but the road is passable and ok!
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ervin B
Cebu City, Cebu City, Philippines1 contribution
Sept 2013 • Family
A gun similar to baby armalite has been pointed to us(my cousins and i) when we have our trip last September 7, 2013. Our mobile phones, watches, and wallets has been robbed to us inside the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. Thank God we’re safe because the robber attempted to fire a shot while we’re lying down and hands on our head.
We went there to enjoy the place and to be relaxed but it turned out to beg for our lives. This place IS NOT SAFE to anyone who will take trips on this nature park and will never be, unless the Authorities of Sibulan, Negros Oriental will take actions on this incident. So please, share this info to anyone who has plan to visit this place.
We went there to enjoy the place and to be relaxed but it turned out to beg for our lives. This place IS NOT SAFE to anyone who will take trips on this nature park and will never be, unless the Authorities of Sibulan, Negros Oriental will take actions on this incident. So please, share this info to anyone who has plan to visit this place.
Written September 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samissy89
12 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
My boyfriend and I enjoyed our tour and was not disappointed of how it looks like, the pictures on what you see on some websites do not justify of how it really looks like in person. Upon cruisin the first lake, lake Balinsasayao, the view and greeneries can be mistaken for Palawan's. We reached there by taking a travel package from Harold's Mansion. The tour package itinerary includes going to Twin lakes, Casaroro falls and Redrock hotspring for 800php/pax maximum of 4pax (snacks and transportation included) But upon entering the lakes, an entrance fee of 10php for locals and 100php for foreigners should be paid and they will give you a national receipt, so tax is being deducted from this entrance fee.
There is a restaurant located near the entrance where you can take your lunch and buy snacks from it too. You can park your vehicles near the restaurant too. From there you will have to take a 10mins walk/trek going to the first lake,and the road is made of steps going up and down so if you are someone who has a weak heart, think twice, because a harder trail than this awaits you.
Upon the entrance of the first lake, Lake Balinsasayao, there will be caretakers who will offer you a kayak boat for rent, for a kayak which is good for 2 without a boatman, it will cost you 100php. For a kayak boat that can hold 4-5pax with a boatman who will take you to the 2nd lake, it will cost you 250php. I recommend to take this option because not only this will save you a lot of energy and stamina, you will enjoy the 15mins boat ride going to the 2nd lake. If you opt not to ride the boat, you can also trek your way to the second lake and it might take you 30-45mins depending how fast you walk or how long your stamina can support you.
Lake Balinsasayao, according to the boatman, got its name, because on its early days, long ago, Balinsasayao birds inhibit the place and upon cruisin the lake, you will see a tall mountain, where the birds live before, thus it got its name.
The boatman will wait for you upon reaching the end of lake balinsasayao, as you trek up again going to the 2nd lake, Lake Danao, the way up there is steep but man made stairs made of rock and soil with hand rails are made for the convenience of tourists, you can take a dip or swim around on lake Danao, but be careful because there are mosquitoes and other insects who swims on the lake with fishes and different colored dragon flies and butterflies, no one is around except you and your company, so in case someone drowns, no one will rescue you but yourselves.
Again, according to the boatman, Lake Danao was called as such, because the early settlers who had inhabited the place and their early ancestors were called Danao, thus it got its name.
In general, I would recommend for tourists to come visit here, since the place is already developed, meaning its way is already made convenient for tourist yet, it is not that congested with too many tourists unlike other places or spots in the Philippines, so if you are someone who is looking for a place less traveled this can be the spot fir you. it is a serene place to escape the busy city life and a suitable place to relax and just enjoy nature at its best.
There is a restaurant located near the entrance where you can take your lunch and buy snacks from it too. You can park your vehicles near the restaurant too. From there you will have to take a 10mins walk/trek going to the first lake,and the road is made of steps going up and down so if you are someone who has a weak heart, think twice, because a harder trail than this awaits you.
Upon the entrance of the first lake, Lake Balinsasayao, there will be caretakers who will offer you a kayak boat for rent, for a kayak which is good for 2 without a boatman, it will cost you 100php. For a kayak boat that can hold 4-5pax with a boatman who will take you to the 2nd lake, it will cost you 250php. I recommend to take this option because not only this will save you a lot of energy and stamina, you will enjoy the 15mins boat ride going to the 2nd lake. If you opt not to ride the boat, you can also trek your way to the second lake and it might take you 30-45mins depending how fast you walk or how long your stamina can support you.
Lake Balinsasayao, according to the boatman, got its name, because on its early days, long ago, Balinsasayao birds inhibit the place and upon cruisin the lake, you will see a tall mountain, where the birds live before, thus it got its name.
The boatman will wait for you upon reaching the end of lake balinsasayao, as you trek up again going to the 2nd lake, Lake Danao, the way up there is steep but man made stairs made of rock and soil with hand rails are made for the convenience of tourists, you can take a dip or swim around on lake Danao, but be careful because there are mosquitoes and other insects who swims on the lake with fishes and different colored dragon flies and butterflies, no one is around except you and your company, so in case someone drowns, no one will rescue you but yourselves.
Again, according to the boatman, Lake Danao was called as such, because the early settlers who had inhabited the place and their early ancestors were called Danao, thus it got its name.
In general, I would recommend for tourists to come visit here, since the place is already developed, meaning its way is already made convenient for tourist yet, it is not that congested with too many tourists unlike other places or spots in the Philippines, so if you are someone who is looking for a place less traveled this can be the spot fir you. it is a serene place to escape the busy city life and a suitable place to relax and just enjoy nature at its best.
Written June 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis S
Metro Manila, Philippines304 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
This work of nature is a must visit for every one, nature lover or plain citizen Juan. Cool breeze, virgin forest envelope the surrounding mountains, Mt Guintabon, Guinsasayao and Guinsayawan, green thick foliage all around and cool waters. At the entrance, you will be welcomed by a native bamboo structure housing a restaurant and Viewing Deck where you have full view of one of the two Lakes. On the way down to the Mini Wharf, you will pass by a paved road which is almost 45 degree slope. You rent a boat at the Mini Wharf for Php250 and paddle to the other smaller Balinsasayao Lake. You will climb several steps under forest cover to the Viewing Deck. The views are serene and majestic. While enjoying the scenery and taking pictures, you will be refreshed with the cool breeze coming from the two lakes. On the way back to the Mini Wharf, you can request the boatman to paddle you around the bigger lake. Please make sure that you rent a well conditioned vehicle to withstand the climb up to the Twin Lakes. It is about 1.5 hours from Dumaguete City. Must see.
Registration - Php30.00
Cottage - Php200.00
Boat - Php250.00
Registration - Php30.00
Cottage - Php200.00
Boat - Php250.00
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann C
50 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
From downtown Dumaguete, we rode a jeep going to San Jose, which drops you off the startQing point of the ascend to Lake Balinsasayaw, where a terminal of motorcycles await for passengers.
The standard rate to go to the lake is P400 per person, back and forth, with one motorcycle being able to carry a maximum of two people. Travel time is 40 mins to reach the destination (distance is 13.75 km). The ride going there in itself is an adventure, with the road full of twists and turns, and steep ascends. Most of the road has been paved, and only a portion is rough road, with ongoing construction to have it paved. The view though is breathtaking – overlooking the island’s coastline, and the lush forest and mountains of the area.
We got there and had an amazing view of the lake, forests and clouds enveloping the mountains. We were the only one there so it was very tranquil, with the only sounds you hear being that of the different species of birds, insects and fauna. There is a trail leading to an overlooking view of the two lakes, but the trail was steep, the rocks you had to step on was full of moss which makes it slippery, and was also full of fallen leaves and branches. I felt unsafe especially because I was wearing flip flops, so we did not go there.
The beauty of this place is undeniable. Do I consider it a must see in Dumaguete? No, not until the local government further develops this place to be more tourist-friendly. Fares should be lowered and regulated, motorcycle drivers should be mandated to provide helmets to their passenger, or alternative means such as tricycle should be made available. Boat rentals and activities there also are priced outrageously in my opinion. The trails should be cleaned and made safer until then, I won't be coming back
The standard rate to go to the lake is P400 per person, back and forth, with one motorcycle being able to carry a maximum of two people. Travel time is 40 mins to reach the destination (distance is 13.75 km). The ride going there in itself is an adventure, with the road full of twists and turns, and steep ascends. Most of the road has been paved, and only a portion is rough road, with ongoing construction to have it paved. The view though is breathtaking – overlooking the island’s coastline, and the lush forest and mountains of the area.
We got there and had an amazing view of the lake, forests and clouds enveloping the mountains. We were the only one there so it was very tranquil, with the only sounds you hear being that of the different species of birds, insects and fauna. There is a trail leading to an overlooking view of the two lakes, but the trail was steep, the rocks you had to step on was full of moss which makes it slippery, and was also full of fallen leaves and branches. I felt unsafe especially because I was wearing flip flops, so we did not go there.
The beauty of this place is undeniable. Do I consider it a must see in Dumaguete? No, not until the local government further develops this place to be more tourist-friendly. Fares should be lowered and regulated, motorcycle drivers should be mandated to provide helmets to their passenger, or alternative means such as tricycle should be made available. Boat rentals and activities there also are priced outrageously in my opinion. The trails should be cleaned and made safer until then, I won't be coming back
Written January 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex P
Norfolk, CT114 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
We took a multicab (fare: 15 pesos) at Dumaguete that was bound for San Jose (and not Sibulan) to get to the "Crossing." At the Crossing, we hired one of the habal-habals (motorcycle drivers) to take us to Twin Lakes. His fee: 400 pesos per person roundtrip, and that included his time waiting for us. Three lakes are actually in the area -- the first one (Lake Kabalin-an) is small and lies beside the Visitor's Center. The other two (Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao) are several hundred meters higher up the mountain. The lakes are craters of a dormant volcano that have been filled in by eons of rainfall (See Wikipedia's entry for Mount Talinis for more info, if you're curious). The habitat up there (several hundred meters above sea level) was invigorating -- it was cool, the wind was brisk, and the air was incredibly purifying. (It would be a treat to do yoga there!) Because it was a rainy day, we had to be extra careful since everything -- the stone steps, the path, the boat -- was slippery. Both lakes are deep. According to one of the boat women, a team of Filipino scuba divers attempted to explore the depths. Using a rope in Lake Balinsasayao, they found a maximum depth of 172 meters but suspected there were deeper points elsewhere. Carp and tilapia were introduced decades ago and, today, these are the two dominant fishes. (This was an ecological mistake as these invasive species wiped out whatever species originally inhabited these waters). Visit the "Fernery" located beside the restaurant. Try the "Pako" salad (40 pesos only) but tell the cook to go easy on the vinegar and sugar and instead to add more Pako to the salad. We took a Ceres bus back to Dumaguete (fare: 20 pesos) -- this was a better proposition than the multicab since the ride was more comfortable and the trip was shorter. Rain notwithstanding, it was an excellent visit and is highly recommended!
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoleilAnnpc
Dumaguete City, Philippines19 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
i have been here in this place for so many times. It has waterfalls and the twinlake on the other side, you need to ride the small boat or kayak to go see the waterfalls and the other lake.
Written January 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunburst12
30 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
From Dumaguete city proper, you would need to ride a multicab leading to the "kanto" of the Twin Lake. From there, there are habal-habals that you could rent. It's a bit pricey (400php-500php per person) because the Twin Lake is a bit far (20KM from the kanto, if I remember it right).
But trust me, it's worth it!!!
The lake is very placid. You can either rent a boat of raft. It's so relaxing.
But trust me, it's worth it!!!
The lake is very placid. You can either rent a boat of raft. It's so relaxing.
Written July 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
it is accessible by both car and motor. the road is cemented all the way through, however may be slick during rain showers and has tight curvy turns.
Would not recommended using a sedan going up there.
Written November 28, 2018
Diosdado A
Las Pinas, Philippines
May I know how to commute using public transportation. I will be coming from Dumaguete town proper(Golden Gate Suites). Thanks.
Written February 26, 2017
Take a motorcycle. Better make reservations a day ahead.
Written May 4, 2017
nilim101123
Guihulngan City, Philippines
How Much is the entrance fee to the lake if you'll just visit thew placec, how much is the room for 2 and what other expenses that must be paid?
Written June 7, 2016
Hi it was Php 50/head entrance, Php10 vehicle parking
Written June 9, 2016
Есть ли семейные номера(2 взрослых и 2 детей)
Written August 16, 2015
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