Twin Lakes near Dumaguette in the Philippines

This one was a pleasant surprise. I had rented a motorbike in Dumaguette on the island of Negros Oriental in the Philippines to explore the beauty of this rain forest area. This particular place was not on my radar as it is not much publicized. But I read a small article on it while researching the area and decided to give it a try. What a great reward!

I had low expectations heading to this place during the lengthy drive. These small bikes have little suspension and my butt felt the pain for days. But it was a pleasant drive before the pain set in.

This is rainforest area with tropical scenery:

But after an hour and a half I reached my destination at the top of a mountain:

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park contains the two lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. There is a smal admission fee of 100 pesos ($2USD) per person.

After a short walk to the lake, you can rent a boat to take you to an elevated area between the lakes for premium viewing. The cost of this boat given to the oarsman is 250 pesos ($5 USD) plus tip if you're inclined. I tipped the oarsman 100 pesos and the woman who helped me board 50 pesos.

Alternatively you can walk the steep trail between the lakes. I decided against the walk, mostly because the boatsman looked like he could use the business and I though I would enjoy the company for the 20 minute ride across the lake.

The view of the lake was quiet serene. No one else was on the lake as we traversed. I could hear some people talking on the trail returning from the high point, but I never saw them.

At the end of the first lake I was dropped off and told to take my time. Not much business today, he would wait for me.

I walked up these steps to the high point for viewing:

Perhaps these pictures look familiar to regular readers? Many of these pictures were featured in my fictional post here:

post/land-of-the-lost

After reaching the peak in about 15 minutes from the landing spot, I was treated with these views:

With the mist, it gave it a bit of an eerie feeling. Especially since I was alone at the top. The people who were on the trail earlier were gone. Now it was just me and the peaceful scenery.

I lingered abou 20 minutes taking pictures. Then I decided I should not keep the oarsman waiting so I descended.

Back across the lake:

But this time I noticed the second oar. I picked it up and began paddling. The oarsman offered to video me and I agreed:

We even met a friend on the way back:

This was the most peaceful and scenic area I visited on the island. It blows my mind these places exist in the world with so few visitors.