Team Out of Town
Travel Guide to Lake Balanan: An Incredible Beauty After a Disaster
Siaton, Negros Oriental, Philippines — Balanan Lake is a natural body of water which resulted from a 1925 6.8 magnitude earthquake which caused a landslide of the Sandulot Mountains and damaged Balanan and Nasig-id ridges but formed this amazing tourist attraction in Negros Oriental.
Tree House in Lake Balanan, Negros Oriental photo via FB Page
Best time to Visit
The lake has a humid tropical climate with two pronounced seasons, a dry season from November to April and a wet season for the rest of the year.
How to Get to Balanan Lake
Via Dumaguete City
- You can book a flight to Dumaguete through Cebu Pacific then ride the bus going to Siaton.
- Get off at the end of Siaton Bridge and take the habal-habal ride to Siaton Church.
- When you arrive at the church, you can take another 30-minute motorcycle ride going to Lake Balanan.
Balanan Waterfalls
Maybe not as high as Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental but it’s stunning in its own right with cascading waters and lush environment. The water is clear with the presence of green moss throughout the rock formations. Its water comes from a narrow gorge of Lamarao Creek.
Zipline
This is one of the best ways for you to try zip line as the thrill is being above water so you get to film your adventure as you cross Lake Balanan by which you get a full view of the forest.
Balanan Lake’s Floating Cottage
The floating cottage by the lake is the perfect spot for your picnics or moments of rests after a good swim. It’s spacious enough to fit a couple of people and just near the banks so it’s accessible.
Where to Stay
For accommodation needs, you may contact Balanan Lake Mountain Resort at 0927 519 3673.
Here are the rates for the rooms and cottages:
- Small Room – Php1,500 per day for 3 persons; Php200 per extra person
- Large Room – Php4,000 per day for 4 persons; Php200 per extra person
- Staff House – Php2,000 per day for 10 persons; Php100 per extra person up to 5
- Tree House – Php2,000 per day for 6 persons
*Rates may change without prior notice
Camping Area
There’s a forested area in Balanan Lake where campers are allowed. You’ll get a treat of big Acacia trees and experience stargazing after dinner. Camping in this area can be relaxing for couples or families who want to get away from the city for a while. Let the silence be your friend and experience nature in this area.
Other Activities
There’s a place in Balanan Lake where you can stay and engage in other activities like paddle boating, biking, swimming in the pool, enjoying the tree house or having good times with friends and family at the picnic area.
The accommodations are all arranged by the Tourism Office of Lake Balanan.
Fees
- Entrance Fee – Php 50.00
- Swimming Pool Entrance Fee – Php 20.00
What To Bring
- Emergency Kit
- Dry Bag
- flip flops
- comfortable walking shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Bottled Water
- Hat
Balanan Lake is a sight to behold because of its virgin forests and untouched lake. The local tourism is doing a good job in preserving it so that visitors will have a good time with its simple facilities and fun activities.
Come visit and experience the amazing beauty of Lake Balanan in Negros Oriental.
Negros Tourism Office Contact Info
Tel.nos. (6335) 225 1825/ (6335) 422 0675
Email address: negortourism@yahoo.com
*Some of the photos courtesy of Balanan Lake Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Also Read:
- LAIBAN TRILOGY: Go Somewhere New and Captivating!
- Unforgettable Beaches in Luzon, Philippines (Plus How to Get There)
- Manjuyod Sandbar Travel Guide
- Diving in Apo Island, Negros Oriental
