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Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
My two friends from Sweden were also impressed of the views on our way up the mountain
Before we arrived at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes we needed to register and pay at the visitors center. After registration we needed to drive for additional 5-10 minutes to reach the actual park.
Sometimes when going up in the mountains you can see the effects of landslides
If you don't have your own transportation you can ride a habal habal, a motorcycle taxi. Room for 4 passengers and a driver!
Behind the visitors center...
A small fishing boat
Fishing net
Picture picture time!
The lake was like a mirror
Walk or rent a boat
One of the twin lakes, the Lake Balinsasayao. Depth 90 m and around 850 m above the sea level. From here you can rent small boats for roaming around in the lake.
Off we went on the trail! Not advisable to walk here when it's wet, then it will be very slippery for sure!
The winding trail made the distance felt longer than it actually was...
View over Lake Balinsasayao along the trail
The ants were marching smoothly up the tree
The watch tower
They were also admiring the view over Lake Balinsasayao, but they came by boat
This is the bigger lake of the two, Lake Balinsasayao
This is the Lake Danao, the smaller lake.
This little guy was very curious on me and likewise I was curious on him
When we came back after our walk we saw these two guys fishing... I didn't see them catching anything though.
Facts:
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a natural park surrounding Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao in the province of Negros Oriental, 14.5 km west of Dumaguete. Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao are two small crater lakes separated by a narrow mountain ridge. They are located on the eastern slope of the Talinis mountain range which are volcanic in origin. Lake Balinsasayao has maximum depth of around 90 metres (300 ft). The smaller Lake Danao, on the other hand, has a maximum depth of around 58 metres (190 ft).
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to the park is P100 for foreigners and P50 for Filipinos.
A restaurant also
At the Lake Balinsasayao there is a restaurant that offers variety of dishes at an acceptable rate.
To get there:
The far most convenient way is to have your own transportation. Beware of that the road going up the mountain is very steep at some points, means slippery when it's raining. It's possible to drive your own car all the way up there but motorcycle is preferable.
Public transportation
With public transportation you can go by bus or jeepney to the Lalaan junction for Twin Lakes, 7.5 km from the Sibulan town or 13.5 km from Dumaguete. Around P10-15 per person. From the Lalaan junction take a habal habal up the mountain an additional 13 km until you reach the Twin Lakes. You find the drivers at the junction. Standard rate is P300 for a solo passenger and P400 for two back and forth. You will probably need to pay the entrance fee for the driver as well since after registration there is an additional distance to cover before reaching the lake. The driver will wait for you until you like to go back.
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Breakfast before hiking
Danica prepared the breakfast, means she went out and bought it.
Noodles, veggies, chicken liver, some pork meat, soup and all served together with rice of course
Now happy with a full stomach Danica was ready to go
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
We were not allowed to talk loudly or use the flash on the camera
Our guide showed us the way through the dense vegetation
The tarsier is very shy but we spotted several of them.
After tarsiers then hiking
Hmm just follow the trail...
We were relieved when we spotted the first signage but hmm... we were heading for viewing deck one and this was viewing deck two (!)
We decided to walk in the opposite direction of viewing deck two and 10 min later we finally discovered something on the ground...
Yess we found the direction to viewing deck one! So yes... easy peasy just follow the signs!
The trail was slowly getting steeper and steeper...
When we approached the viewing deck the trail become even more steep
The rewarding view
Ohh the view was really rewarding!
Snack time! But we had ran out of water so be sure to bring some extra bottles of water
The mandatory picture picture time!
Finally before it got dark it was time to go back!
Facts:
How to get to Corella
Via public transport: From Sikatuna Jeepney Terminal, (This is right infront of Island City Mall) get into a jeepney bound to Sikatuna via Corella. This jeepney drops you off at Philippine Tarsier Foundation. Fare is P17.00. Tell the driver of the jeepney that you are headed to Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Upon arrival there is a huge signage and rough road, take it and walk for 300 meters to the research building.
Going back, just take a jeepney headed to Tagbilaran. And yes it is safe to hitch hike here. Fare is P15.00 for jeepney.
If you have your own motorcycle it's very easy to go there, just follow Google maps.