Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural ParkBalinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park at a Glance
About Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a protected natural area on Negros Island in the Philippines centered on two adjacent crater lakes. The park was established to conserve the lakes and the forested watershed that surrounds them.
The principal attractions are the twin crater lakes, Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao, surrounded by steep, forested slopes and upland rainforest; visitors use small boats, hike rim trails, and watch for endemic birds and wildlife. The park covers several thousand hectares and includes trails, viewpoints, and lakeside access points.
The area was designated a protected park to safeguard the watershed and biodiversity of the lakes and surrounding forest; protection has focused on preventing deforestation and maintaining water quality. Management combines conservation with low-impact visitor activities.
Located in the central highlands of Negros Island, the park sits inland from the eastern and western coasts of the island within upland terrain and is accessed by road from nearby towns on Negros Oriental.
- Park area: Covers roughly 8,016 hectares under its protected status, preserving watershed forest and upland habitat.
- Best time to visit: Early morning is best for birdwatching and calmer conditions on the lakes for boating and photography.
What to See#
- Lake Balinsasayao: One of the two crater lakes forming the park, set within steep forested slopes and surrounded by protected watershed forest.
- Lake Danao: The second of the twin crater lakes in the protected area, lying adjacent to Lake Balinsasayao and similarly surrounded by native forest and steep terrain.
Nearby Attractions to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Best Time to Visit Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Best visited in the dry season (November-April) for safer trekking and clearer ridge views.
Weather & Climate near Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2519 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 135 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Very Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 23° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 20° - 28° | 24° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 217 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 296 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 331 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 274 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 282 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 285 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 246 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 194 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
The lakes are accessed from Dumaguete and nearby towns; the drive from Dumaguete is roughly 45-60 minutes on regional roads to the park entrance. Local tricycles and jeepneys serve staging points; hiring a local guide is recommended for hiking the ridge and reaching viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
- Hire a local guide from Dumaguete or nearby towns for the climb to the lakes; trails can be steep and poorly marked.
- Combine the lakes with a visit to nearby waterfalls and the Twin Lakes' viewing ridge for panoramic shots.
- Bring footwear good for slippery volcanic soil and carry insect repellent for lower elevations.