The Twin Lakes: Lake Balinsasayaw and Lake Danao

Located 9°2l'N, 123°10'E, in the Province of Negros Oriental, in the municipality of Sibulan, lies a natural wonder that has attracted local and foreign tourists alike: the Twin Lakes, Lake Balinsasayaw (or Balinsasayao) and Lake Danao. The Twin Lakes rises 1000 feet above sea level. These two freshwater lakes are shaped like deep craters separated only by a narrow ridge between them. The more famous Lake Balinsasayaw lies in the western part while Lake Danao is in the southeast.

Hidden by the embrace of four mountains, Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Mount Guidabon to the west, the Twin Lakes and its surrounding area of 3900 hectares is home to fish fauna, birds, dipterocarps and other wildlife. Some fish species found in the Twin Lakes include tilapia (Tilapia mossambica),carp (Cyprinus carpio),bangus (Chanos chanos), andlong arm shrimp (Macrobrachium sp.). Because of this rich and diverse wildlife, it has been designated as a National Park, classified under Wetland type 14.

The Municipality of Sibulan is a neighboring town of the capital city of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City. Sibulan lies approximately 6 kilometers away. Normal means of transportation to and fro the two places include bus, multicabs which are called easy rides, and tricycles or pedicabs. The travel time is approximately 20 minutes, give and take. An area for disembarking is designated somewhere along the steep and winding path towards the mountains. From there, a man-made stairway of flat stones will take you on a short descent towards the lakes.

In recent years, the area has become a major tourist spot. The Twin Lakes has become an attraction and a must-see destination for nature-loving individuals both in the local area of the municipality, in the whole province of Negros Oriental and even travelers from abroad. Tourists can trek on the way to the lakes where amenities include a clean restroom and a small canteen. A short trek from Lake Balinsasayaw to Lake Danao is also very invigorating. Both local and foreign tourists can also do other fun activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking.

But if you’re like myself, who’s really not a sports-minded person, you can still enjoy the breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains sitting under a shady, tall tree. If you’re into sketching or drawing or writing, the Twin Lakes is a natural inspiration. Get those creative juices pumping and be inspired by the beautiful and magnificent nature that surrounds you.

I've always had the notion that the increase in the number of people in a certain area brings with it more pollution. The picture of squatters areas in Metropolitan cities in the country come to mind every time. Although this is a really a far cry from the main issues of concern in the Twin Lakes area, I think that it is inevitable that pollution problems such as littering would begin to show with more tourists and frequent visits.

Anyway, as of the moment, the main issue of concern in the locality surrounding the Twin Lakes area is the uncontrolled kaingin or slash-and-burn, that is, burning forests to make way for farm lands. Charcoal production is also rampant. So, the struggle to conserve the flora and fauna in this nature preserve is on.