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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Exploring Twin Lakes - Balinsasayao and Danao

One of the major attractions in Negros Oriental is the Twin Lakes (Balinsasayao and Danao) of Sibulan. It is situated 12 km west of the town of Sibulan, which is only 6 km away from the City of Dumaguete. These two small craters of freshwater lakes are rising 1000 feet above sea level. It’s really deep than even a sea dragon can stay under! The vastness and serenity of the water is really breathtaking.
Balinsasayao Lake from view deck

 
A view from our Nipa Hut
How to get there? It was so easy. We used a motorcycle. From Dumaguete City, it would take 10 minutes to Sibulan. If you take a cab or a jeep, it would be 20 minutes. From a certain point ahead, the steep and winding road begins. Along the way, the lush thick woods welcomed us. The dampness of the air, particularly at 8:00 AM, would let you feel the density of the rain forest. 
If you got whole day, you can stop for an hour to enjoy the scenery.
If you prefer to travel alone, there were trustworthy “habal-habal” drivers who could take you to the disembarking area. There was also an entrance fee administered by the local government, who oriented us about the place. 
Entrance Area
I super love the fog. It was quite cold at this time, but I love the mist touching my skin.
I arrived at the place short breathed (only ME), because I had to walk. Our ride could no longer hold two persons. The steepness of the road made it hard for the motorcycle to ascend (not because I’m too heavy, of course!). Finally, we made it to the disembarking place. We found a small bistro there. It’s chic and fashioned to receive tourists. Anyway, we didn’t order anything, because we brought ourselves our own lunch. If you’re a family, you can bring your own food and drinks to save and enjoy.  
I really had to take this LONG walk alone.
Finally, I made it.
We made a short descent, so we could get to the entrance of the lake. We passed in a man-made stairway made of flat stones. The excitement and thrill I was feeling along the way were slowly sufficed by the captivating scenery. The majestic lake was really right in front of us (at last!). The green quiet water was so enthralling. The place seemed so enchanted and enticing in the eyes. I got this awry feeling when I first look into the lake, but I was mesmerized when I’ve seen how the sunlight beams into the water. It was really worth every sweat I got from walking the steep winding road. 

Walking was really tiring, but the place is worth every single sweat I had.

 
Posing before going down to the entrance of the lake.
The Man-made stairway down to the entrance.
We were greeted by the friendly locals who manage and maintain the lakes. They informed us about the activities we could enjoy there. They offered kayaking, trekking, and swimming for free.  You would only pay for the boat and the kayaks in affordable fees. Since we didn’t plan to swim, we rented a boat for an affordable rate of about $5.00-$6.00.
These are the local people who accommodate visitors.

They're really friendly.
The boatman was also friendly and chatty. He told us many things about the place. I was little scared when he told us that the water in the lake rises and increases each year. He shared stories about how the water ruined the trail they made last year. We also noticed that some nipa huts were already submerged in the water. Even during summer days, the water does not seem to decrease.  
Excited to get to our boat. We were waiting for our turn.
Meet our boatman. This was a candid shot. I was checking if there's a network signal. I wanted to check in here. lol
Anxious with that fog. It's a little scary.
Our friendly boatman took us to an old tower, which is made of wood and nipa. They just renovated the structure and cemented the foundation. From the tower, you could see both the twin lakes – Balinsasayao and Danao. The former looked bigger and larger while the latter seemed so deeper and quiet.

So excited to go upstairs
Finally, Lake Balinsasayao at the back. If only I could share how serene the water.
Seeing Lake Danao. The lake is hidden unless you get up here. Though small, but looks deeper.
It’s about 4:00 PM when we decided to get back. In just a couple of minute, the fogs started to surround us. I was like floating in a cloud.

 The cold wind was blowing my hair and left goose bumps on skin. I got the feeling that all the mysteries of the lake were behind those fogs and clouds. You could really feel that the lake has its own life and it even breathes. It felt so creepy, but such a pleasant sensation!

Clouds and fog ALL IN ONE
We went home before 5:00 PM, because the sky was getting darker though the sun was still up. The atmosphere just suddenly appeared so gloomy. I just felt like there’s some ominous creature lurking behind. 

This was during our way back home. We stopped by and enjoy the view of Cebu Island.
And, I decided to fly! hahaha
The experience was truly memorable. If you are looking for fun in a terrific place for a one-day trip, this place is what you’re looking for.


Just me,
Phioxee


 




PS for those who have read this blog, this was from Tumblr. I just have to repost it, because the pictures were deleted. I just noticed it. And, thank you so much to Walter Grapa. All the credit goes to him. He's almost the official photographer of this blog. (hahaha)

78 comments:

  1. wow it's really beautiful place, ang ganda po ng view. talagang maraming mga magagandang tanawin at places dito sa pinas. hindi lang masyadong nadidiskubre at nakikita,

    talagang mayaman ang pilipinas. more beautiful pictures of ng mga places dito sa atin. thanks for sharing po.

    C0TT0N-L0VE.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  2. great pictures, love your blog :)
    thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog :)
    following you now via gfc :)
    hope you'll follow back :D

    <3

    http://elzanapjevic.blogspot.com/

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  3. Woww....beautiful place!! Awesome pics, and you look lovely! Thank you so much for stopping by, would you like to follow each other on GFC and Bloglovin’? I promise I’ll follow you back <3

    x♥x♥

    "Saúde & Beleza - Health & Beauty"




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  4. Lindo passeio e lindas fotos!
    Obrigada por me seguir.
    Beijos
    <3

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  5. Hi thanks for commenting on my blog. The artist's personal blog is http://whatlifetasteslike.blogspot.com/

    You will find her email there. :)

    pinkydiamonds.com

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  6. Thanks for your comment, you look so beautiful in all of these pictures. I love your blog!

    xx

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  7. Thanks for your sweet comment. Loving your travel photos! :)

    ~Phuong
    http://classypeach.blogspot.com/

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  8. What an adventure! Love the pictures. That lake has quite a mysterious atmosphere. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again. :)

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  9. Very interesting blog!!! Thank you for watching mine. I'm following you. Hope you can follow me too. Kisses

    http://fashionattemptt.blogspot.gr/

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  10. Great photos! Wonderful travels!

    Followed you through GFC
    Hope you could follow mine too

    Http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/

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  11. Super ganda! Sarap mag picnic dun sa may hut by the lake!

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  12. Your photos are gorgeous! I love traveling so I love this post!

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  13. Great photos! I really like the place, thanks for the visit, I'm a new follower, hope that u follow me back
    xoxo

    http://thefashionshadowbygiulia.blogspot.it

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  14. Cool photos. Maybe we can follow each other?
    Thanks for comment in my blog :)

    shoppingepisodes.blogspot.com

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  15. the place is breath taking yet mysterious especially the lake.

    are these the photos that you were talking about in the comment you left in my blog entry about the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals?

    THANKS for your visit :)

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  16. OH MY GASH! ang ganda!!!! great photos as well :D I'd love to visit the place..

    http://steph-g.blogspot.com

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  17. Wow! It wAs really a wonderful place. Oh, I missed home. Thanks for sharing a part of our beautiful country. Happy week end!

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  18. Nice photo set mukhang enjoy na enjoy a!

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  19. great pictures! would you like to follow each other on GFC, bloglovin and maybe facebook?? let me know dear:))

    Leonor
    thesparklinglemon.blogspot.com

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  20. What an absolutely beautiful place. Worth the walk huh?

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  21. Napakaganda at ang bababa ng mga ulap. (Beautiful and the clouds are low.

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  22. Omg this is so beautiful. The scenery is seriously amazing, i love being surrounded by trees and nature, it's such a nice and refreshing feeling! =)

    Anna @ FEED ME NANA xoxo

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  23. Your life seems so beautiful!

    xx from TX,
    NV

    www.theblogture.com

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  24. Loved the pictures ... it must be fun exploring new places ... isn't it?

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  25. Danao Lake? I also visites named Danao but this one is located in Camotes Islands, Cebu.

    The ever-present mist makes the lakes mysterious.

    I hope that I can go to these lakes in the future. ^_^

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  26. Gorgeous! i love it! thanks for your comment, i'm your follower now, do you follow me?
    kisses
    http://think-trendy.blogspot.com.es

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  27. this is one place I'd definitely want to visit someday. I think this is very near Cebu already, where I live.

    http://ahintofsunlight.blogspot.com/

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  28. ohh the pics are really awesome!!

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  29. Thanks for commenting on my blog, these pictures are gorgeous they make me wanna visit the Philippines!

    Shely
    pinkydiamonds.com

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  30. Hi girl!
    Just lovely pictures!
    Thanks for your sweet comment!
    I started following, soo see you again?!

    alisvolatpropiisdairy.blogspot.com

    With love, M

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  31. This looks like an amazing place to be! Gorgeous photos!

    www.daisyraeboutique.com
    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

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  32. this is the real beauty of the philippines...the laid back vibe:)

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  33. bakit kaya di lumabas sa blog updates ko to?
    hmm ganda nung lugar napa ka refreshing sarap tumira sa ganynag lugar

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  34. Grabe para namang paraiso dyan. Salamat sa pag-share.

    * Pareng Jay was here

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  35. oh, this looks like a very nice place to go to relax and have fun.. the lake looks awesome..

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  36. i really have wished I took photos of the lake when I went there, but I'm glad there were a lot of improvements ever since then....:) The monster is in the mist....hahaha

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  37. wooow! That place is so very nice! great Adventure you had! very stunning place! I want to go there!! o__O hoho.

    xoxo. http://www.ostarey.info/

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  38. What can I say? Ang ganda ng lugar! Awesome!
    Gusto ko ring makarating dyan hehe

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  39. lovely blog. great shots :) im follow you :)
    http://theglamorize.blogspot.com/

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  40. During reading this post I felt like I was there!
    Amaziing experience.
    http://nbyen.blogspot.com/

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  41. More lovely photos. You visit some interesting places and take very clear pictures.

    Keep them coming!

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  42. Hello! Sabi ko bat parang familiar ang blog mo, na-follow na pala kita dati, naligaw lang ata ako at hindi nakabalik, hehe..

    Anyways, inggit ako sa place nyo.. Yun onting kandirit lang e makapunta ka na sa isang bonggang tourist spot.. Pangarap ko makasakay ng habal-habal, haha.. Ang ganda naman dyan.. Mejo creepy nga lang yun ma-fog, parang may lalabas nga na ibang nilalang..

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  43. Lovely place, peaceful bet ko yan at ang model ng place pretty din. Thanks for visiting my blog (come again :P )

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  44. ang ganda naman jan... hihi.. ang sexy mo :D

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  45. wow. hidden treasure.

    1st visit. see you around sis.

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  46. These pictures are lovely, everything looks amazing; I so want to go on a vacation after seeing these pictures, I bet you had a great time and you look so beautiful, glowing really! Your have a lovely blog by the way and I am a new follower on GFC and Bloglovin! Hope you will like my blog and follow back!

    Also make sure and enter my Shopbop giveaway for a chance to win a 100$ giftcard to spend on designer goods!

    Pop Culture&Fashion Magic

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  47. How refreshing to get a comment from a completely different part of the world and WORLD VIEW. I love what you have on your profile; that Mark Twain quote about sailing away and YOUR OWN WORDS about not limiting ourselves just to our imagination rings true to me. Though I have taken some financial risks to venture out to explore new things, each day is a glimmer of hope, not that I will be successful in what I pursue, but that I have ALREADY SUCCEEDED by demonstrating the courage to burst out of my imagination bubble and to ACTUALLY DO what I set out to do.

    THANK YOU! Anita

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  48. What an absolute beautiful part of the world..
    You have a lovely blog..
    Thank you so much for your visit and kind words.
    fondly,
    Penny

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  49. ang ganda naman dyan. swerte mo kasi malapit ka lang mga ganyan kagandang lugar. parang ang sarap gumawa ng movie dyan sa twin lake. ang creepy kasi pero sobrang ganda. =D

    thank you pala sa pagdalaw.

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  50. breathtaking sceneries :) thanks for visiting my blog girl and for the comment. I also love travelling, lovely pictures too. good day!

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  51. Nice blog^^
    Maybe follow each other???

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  52. What beautiful pictures!! Such great photography :)

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  53. Je découvre avec un véritable plaisir votre blog avec l'ensemble de vos merveilleuses photos. Des photos qui me font rêver... un lieu où je trouverais certainement des inspirations...
    Une publication remplie d'énergie.
    Je m'autoriserai une prochaine visite.
    Gros bisous à vous.

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  54. Great blog! ^_^ I love reading your posts :)

    I'm a new follower! :) You are awesome, keep it up! :) Looking forward for your new post. Hoping you'll check and follow my blog too ^_^

    And oh, btw. If you are looking for a cheaper acrylic cosmetics organizers, kindly read my blog post. It may help you ^_^ The store I'am mentioning on my post also sells a jewelry organizers and their 3 layers acrylic drawers will be available this month. ^_^ Hoping you'll drop by my page ^_^

    http://thepiinkrouge.blogspot.com/

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  55. wow! breathtaking photos there, we are so envious! seems like you had an awesome time, thanks for showing us !

    love from the NANA girls xoxo

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  56. such a wonderful place! :D seems like fun :D

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  57. Such a lovely place. Very peaceful. =)

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  58. wow...nice place... gusto ko din ng fog and cloud experience... kahit minsan parang mejo creepy.. hehe!

    just dropping by to let you know that I have tagged you for the LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD... you may check it here:

    http://hereiam-loanne.blogspot.com/2012/10/liebster-blog-award.html?showComment=1350674933114#c2738546373665697408

    hope to know more about you! :)

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  59. great inspiring pictures.

    Connect:

    Website: www.fashiondesignsblog.wordpress.com
    Blog: http://agro-turisme-fishpond.blogspot.com
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/JournalistOnDuty
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/utomosetyo

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  60. Thank u so much for the comments bloggers.

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  61. wonderful place! hope i can visit here too..

    Btw, Youve been chosen @ http://mariaswanderland.blogspot.com/2012/10/liebster-blog-award.html

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  62. Nice... Ganto ang gusto kong place. Parang nasalangit :) Gusto kong isave yung mga pictures sa sobrang ganda :)

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  63. the place is nice and breath taking,nice post!
    new here to your blog,would you mind following back?tnx.

    just me,

    cheeneezcool18.blogspot.com

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  64. I mentioned you on my blog my dear friend...:)


    xx!

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  65. OMG *u* I want to go and visit!
    One day talaga, I'm gonna travel other parts of the Philippines.


    Kisty
    http://kisty.net

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  66. Ini-scan ko muna mga comments... may comments na pala ako hehe... anyway, just dropping by.. Ganda talaga ng place! Very peaceful...

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  67. thank you so much for the comments. I'm going to post another one. I am so sorry for being away. but I swear I am accessing all your blogs even when I am away. I just had a four-day trip with friends, so I never had a chance to post a new one.

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  68. Thank you so much for visiting me the other day...your blog is lovely! Oh how I would love to visit this lovely place...so beautiful! Right now I am sitting here in cold Canada with a warm sweater and socks on. xox

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  69. wow! the lake was enchanting.. love it! gustong gusto ko yang mga ganyan eh..pwede ba ko magpagawa ng itinerary sau pag nagpunta ko ng dumaguete or negros..please :)

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    Replies
    1. uu syempre pwedeng pwedeng. kelan nyo bah balak pumunta ng negros? ;-)

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  70. Lovely lake! Medyo creepy nga lang ang fog, parang may mumu bigla :) Naka pag check in ka ba habang nasa boat? :)

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Im sorry guys! no anonymous COMMENTS and bear with the word verification.. i feel im one of the spammers' fave these days. urg!