There are at least 94 recorded lakes in the Philippines. Although I’m a beach person I find lakes very scenic and serene. I am sure that most of my readers here have seen one or even more.
Today’s feature are two of the largest lakes in the country:
Laguna de Bay
Laguna is a Spanish word for lake, so calling it Laguna Lake is redundant so we call it Laguna de Bay or Lake of Bay. Bay is a town of Laguna (province). It is the largest lake in the Philippines and 3rd in Southeast Asia. Sandwiched between the provinces of Laguna and Rizal this “W-shaped” lake is a primary source of freshwater fish like tilapia for the neighboring towns.
When roads are not yet paved, this lake also played an important role in the transportation system during the Spanish and American period . There is actually an old port used by the Yangco Steamboat Company in my hometown Los Banos.
Interestingly, some local folks call this Lake “dagat” or “baybay” which is the Filipino term for sea. Lakes in the local language is actually “lawa.”
Laguna de Bay with Mt. Makiling as its background
Tip: Best viewed from Art’s Center, UPLB
Lanao Lake / Ranao Lake
Lanao Lake is the second largest lake in the country and can be found in the province of Lanao del Sur. Surprisingly, this lake is counted as one of the 15 ancient lakes of the world, meaning this lake has carried water for more than one million year already. Amazing right?
The lake is home to one of the biggest Muslim tribes in the country- the Maranao. Actually, Maranao means “the people living around the lake.” This lake plays an important part in the economy, hydropower and irrigation of most of Mindanao. Because of this lake we have the powerful twin falls called, “Ma. Cristina Waterfalls.”
A fisherman at Lanao Lake, notice also a bird feeding from the lake
Tip: Best viewed from Mindanao State University Golf Course.
Where are these lakes in the Philippine map?
Laguna de Bay on the top. Lanao Lake below
If you are interested, here are the 10 Largest Lakes in the Philippines:
1. Laguna de Bay, Laguna
2. Lanao Lake, Lanao del Sur
3. Taal Lake, Batangas
4. Lake Mainit, Surigao del Norte
5. Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro
6. Buluan Lake, South Cotabato
7. Bato Lake, Camarines Sur
8. Pagusi Lake, Agusan del Norte
9. Labas Lake, South Cotabato
10. Lumao Lake, Agusan del Sur
I’ve been to the three of the largest lakes in the country. How about you? Have you seen a lake lately? What is your favorite lake? Why?
If you are looking for more, visit: Photo Duels
Lake Lanao…because i’m biased and all:)…not to mention the fact that i saw and passed by that lake 6 years of my life…and immersed with Maranao culture too:)
sleeping beauty looks magnificent too as a backdrop of the lake. Hope you catched it during your visit!
yes, saw sleeping beauty too- really magical!
Lake Lanao….like the one who commented above i saw it everyday of my 5years life in that area. I had swim and cruised in this lake and had been into the otherside of it. Aside from its view from MSU golf course with the sleeping lady as its backdrop, it is also best viewed especially during sunrise & sunset at the Carmelites Sisters Monastery in the hill above the town, Marawi City’s old capitol site..
I had been into the top four lakes listed above but the beauty of Lake Lanao surpasses them all.
wow, that feat of yours is awesome. i want to explore more lakes in our country. thanks for teh added info on lanao lake
Is it Mt. Ragang in the background? Or Makaturing volcano? I am very interested to know.
that i dont now sir, pasensya na