We’re so lucky to live on the beautiful volcanic island of Negros, with so many untouched natural sights to discover. One of these gems is Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao. AKA The Twin Lakes Natural Park. These beauties are hidden deep in the jungle of the Talinis mountain range, an hour and a half north of Atmosphere. Balinsasayao and Danao are a set of volcanic crater lakes separated by a narrow ridge with a watch tower overlooking a gorgeous view of both lakes. At over 800 metres above sea level the drive up to the lakes is incredibly scenic with views across mountain ridges and back over to Cebu Island. Once you get there you may feel the slight chill of high altitude which can be a nice change to the humidity.
There’s two options to cross the Twin Lakes: There’s a great little hiking trail following Lake Balinsasayao through the jungle of giant fern and banana canopies all the way to Lake Danao or you can hire a small rowing boat (with your own personal rower) for P250 an hour, which will take you across the lake and even on to some waterfalls on the opposite side of the lake if you want to. Either way is a fantastic way of seeing this wonder of nature, but might depend on how much you want to exert yourself!
If you’re particularly interested in the nature of the area Wikipedia might be able to help you out.
I truly believe there’s something special about the peaceful quietness of these lakes. Due to being a conservation site, park rangers are very strict about letting anything motorized enter the area. Your ears are only privy to the tropical birdsong and perhaps a gentle breeze in the jungle trees, which are likely inspire a feeling of stepping back in time to the Jurassic era.
Check out this drone footage of the Twin Lakes by Droneheroes and Ashley Yee during their stay with Atmosphere. Here are some photos by Ashley Yee:
For more photos or videos, have a look in Atmosphere’s picture gallery.
