Twin Lakes and Balinsasayao National Park Twin Lakes Natural Park

Description and is it worth a visit

The two Twin Lakes in the craters of the extinct volcano and the forests around them are recognized by the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. This is one of the most visited natural attractions in the area Dumaguete, however, not always the expectations of tourists are met. Visiting them, of course, is definitely worth it, just do not wait too much.

On the Twin Lakes of Twin Lake (in fact, they are not twins at all), you can go boating (kayak - 150 pesos/hour, boat - 250 pesos/hour) or just enjoy the views from the shore, having a picnic . But it is more interesting here rather than the lakes themselves, but the surrounding nature and a walk through the National Park. There are beautiful views along the way and there is even a small waterfall, Olayan Falls, and between the Lakes is a bird watching tower. But the problem is that over these mountains almost always form mountains, which is why the lakes are covered with fog, almost always cloudy and rainy. So there is a chance that most of the beauty will not be able to see. It is best to go here in the morning, then the chances of clear weather are greater. And by the way, warm clothes will not hurt: during the rain at the height of the lakes it is cool, especially if you ride a motorcycle.

How to visit the National Park and lakes

You can visit the National Park and lakes yourself, guides are not required. From the parking lot to the lakes there is a trail for a descent of 10 minutes, it will lead you to the pier of boats and kayaks on the large lake Lake Balinsasayao, and to gazebos for recreation. From this point to another smaller lake Lake Danao can be reached on foot, or by boat. In some guidebooks you can find information that the second lake can only be reached by boat, but this is not true. There is a good path leading to it, and it is even more interesting and faster to walk along it than by boat. In 20 minutes you will be on the isthmus between two lakes, and there is an observation tower. On the small lake Lake Danao boats do not ride, it can only be viewed from the shore.

You can also take a boat ride on the large lake to the small waterfall Olayan Falls, you can not reach it on foot. To do this, you will need to disembark in a small bay, a landmark for disembarkation is a small gazebo with a canopy – fungus, at the pier you will be explained and shown where to sail. Along the shore, you will need to follow the path for another 300 meters to the waterfall itself. It is small, but very picturesque and natural, there are rarely tourists. It consists of three Rapids, the highest 3 meters. In its pool you can swim. To swim back and forth and just look at the waterfall, you need one hour, and if you want to relax and swim in the pool, you need to rent a boat or kayak for at least two hours.