Nature Tripping

Last weekend, I learned two things. First, 900 meters is far and 10 kilometers is REALLY REALLY FAR! Second, a map doesn't tell you everything.

After staying here in Negros Oriental for more than four years now, I've often heard of Twin Lakes. Whenever I go home to Kabankalan or going back to Dumaguete, I always pass by the Twin Lakes junction and used to wonder what the twin lakes really looks like and why was it called twin lakes.

Yesterday, I finally got my wish. Though I don't have any regrets of going there (and doesn't really have a choice even if I have), I still can't take for granted the fact that I could barely stand, much more walk, after hiking from the Twin Lakes.

But before that, let me share to you the beauty of the Twin Lakes first.

The Twin Lakes is one of the most popular tourist destination in Negros Oriental. Located in the mountainous area of Sibulan, Negros Oriental (actually it is bordered by two other municipalities, Valencia and San Jose), the Twin lakes is composed of two (of course) freshwater lakes with a view that would take your breathe away.

One thing I can say about the Lakes is that, its a photographer's haven. Actually, there are three lakes in the area. The first one you will see is Lake Kabalin-an, a much smaller lake compared to the twin lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. Before you get to the Twin Lakes, you will have to register and pay the entrance fee ( P10 per person) at Lake Kabalin-an.

The whole Twin Lakes area is a natural reserve. There are no people living there because the residents of the area where relocated to Lake Kabalin-an and nearby places. According to tourismnegros.com, the Twin Lakes Natural Park is approximately 8, 000 hectares and a part of the Geothermal reserve managed by PNOC.

The first of the Twin Lakes that would greet you is Lake Balinsasayao, the bigger of the twins. According to the same website, the Lake has a surface area of 76.25 hectares and a depth of approximately 80 meters. Meanwhile, Lake Danao is much smaller version of the Twin Lakes but with a water level that is much higher than the bigger lake.

There are so many things you can do in the area. You may go fishing, trekking, boating, take photos or just enjoy the serenity that nature can offer.

Let me share to you some of our pics...

This bird was freed from CENTROP and is now living inside the Twin Lakes Natural Park.

Here is lake Balinsasayao from the Restaurant located at the entrance of the park...

Actually, the cost of everything there is, as expected, beyond the normal but quite understandable because of the distance from the city and the fact that there is nowhere else you can go if you want to buy anything.

uhm..notice the shoreline behind us? Notice how far it is? We still have to walk that far to reach the junction and get a ride home for Dumaguete...

Next stop is Niludhan Falls of Bayawan City...hope we could find a better camera by then.=)