Description of the attraction
Lake Balinsasayo is one of two small but deep lakes located in the crater of a volcano at an altitude of about 300 meters above sea level, 12 km west of the city of Sibulan. The lake is located to the northwest of a narrow mountain range between four peaks - Makhungot, Kalbasan, Balinsasayo and Gintabon Dom mountains. Nearby is another lake, the beauty of which is breathtaking - Lake Danao. Balinsasayo, Danao and another small lake Kabalinan are part of the Twin Lakes National Park, which covers an area of 8,016 hectares. The park was created in 2000 by the government of the Philippines.
Lake Balinsasayo, striking a variety of ecosystems, is one of the main natural attractions of the island of Negros. The waters of the lake are home to many species of fish and invertebrates, including those introduced by humans, and the dipterocarp forest covering its shores has become home to a huge variety of birds and mammals. Centennial trees entwined with lianas, giant ferns, exotic flowers such as wild orchids - these are the typical ecosystems of the park. Here you can still see the almajika tree - one of the tallest in the Philippines, reaching 60 meters in height.
Tourists love the area for its excellent swimming, fishing, boating opportunities, as well as for the simple walks that feature amazing animals such as the extremely rare Japanese night heron. The park has an equipped toilet and a small dining room where you can buy drinks and light snacks.
Unfortunately, the areas surrounding the park are seriously affected by the timber and coal industries. Uncontrolled logging and slash-and-burn farming practiced by local farmers reduce the flow of water into lakes, which translates into lower levels. That is why the protection of the national park and carrying out explanatory work with the local population are one of the main tasks in the work of the park administration.
