Lake Danao Park,
Camotes Islands

Danao Lake

See Camotes Lake Danao Park

Lake Danao Park on Camotes Islands , Cebu, Philippines is a protected area of natural beauty and biodiversity.

It features stunning views of the surrounding islands, crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife.

The park is home to over 400 species of birds and animals including saltwater crocodiles and the Philippine Eagle, which is an endangered species.

Visitors can camp or stay in basic lodgings at the park or take part in activities such as swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

The area also has great opportunities for exploring caves and islands nearby, where you can discover hidden secrets of nature.

With its abundance of sights and sounds to explore, Lake Danao Park is a must-see destination when visiting Cebu. 

Lake Danao is located in the northern part of Pacijan Island, one of Camotes Islands’ smaller islands in Cebu Province.

It takes around two hours to reach Camotes by boat, ferry, and other water crafts. If you came from Cebu City, it is preferable to take a ferry from the port of Danao in Cebu's mainland.

The lake has a shape of a guitar whose park is the entry point in accessing the lake itself. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

When I visited this place with my sister and brother-in-law, the place was quiet since it was not season, but started to get noisy when a jeepney-load of guests came. The place is for those who love nature. I said that because I overheard someone who says "It's not beautiful... it looks like the Amazon". Shocking for me to hear that comment!

The Park is north of Mangodlong and Santiago Bay, and about 30 minutes to the towns of Campo and Union.

The Local Government of San Francisco (Camotes) takes charge in maintaining, preserving, and developing the whole area as eco-tourism as well as educational facility.

LOVER’S LAKE
The lake is also popularly labeled as the Lover’s Lake. For some obvious reasons, it is serene and has romantic appeal for couples or lovers to be at.

You’ll be mesmerized by the tranquility of the place, which is harmonized by the singing birds on the trees and the gentle blowing breeze. The park is best not only for couples but also as a picnic area for families and friends.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

The park offers several activities that you may enjoy such as boating, swimming, and fishing. You can also go camping at the main area while listening to the chirping of birds as a good backdrop music.

There are tables and benches where you can eat your meals or snacks with a great view of the lake. 

For thrill seekers, you can take a walk around the perimeter and enjoy the majestic view of the surrounding area or just stay by the lakeside with a book to read.

The park also has some playgrounds for children so they can have fun while parents and guardians relax. 

The Lover’s Lake is also a great place for family gatherings and picnics, where you can have fun and games with your loved ones. With its picturesque view, this area is the perfect spot to bond with friends or even just to get away from city life for a while.

You can also take some time to appreciate nature better by going on a peaceful stroll around the lake. 

No matter what you decide to do, Lover’s Lake is sure to give you a memorable experience. There are also shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs or snacks and drinks for your convenience.

Come and enjoy the beauty of nature with us at Lover’s Lake! 

FLORA AND FAUNA

Lake Danao has diverse flora and fauna that lives and survives within and around the lake. The most noticeable plants surrounding the lake are the coconut trees and some hardwood species planted by the locals living by the lakeside.

There are diverse plants found around the lake – cultivated and natural. Some of the cultivated plants include corns, yams, sweet potato (that is the literal name for “camote” from which the island got its name), and some vegetables.

Locals also develop their traditional way of curing (minor) ailments by using indigenous medicinal plants.

In the lake’s fresh water a number of fish species can be found, such as tilapia, etc.

The lake is also home to some wild ducks, purple herons, and some migratory birds.

FUN ACTIVITIES

Boating
For lovers and couples, it is the most romantic way of being together and sharing intimate time in this serene lake. You can rent a small boat and just paddle around the lake’s shores. Just in case you want a life jacket, these are also available at the park's management office.

Sakanaw
It is some sort of a motor-powered boat that can accommodate more than 10 people for a ride around the lake. This boat has sits and tables for visitors to use in case they want to enjoy some food and drinks while touring the lake and enjoying the scene.

Sakanaw Cruise is PhP500 and allows up to 15 persons. It was just waiting there when we arrived but unfortunately we don't have much time to get a ride.

During the one-hour cruise on that boat, you’ll have the chance to step on an islet in the middle of the lake where you can take photos with the lake’s wonderful view.

You just ask the management of Lake Danao Park when you arrive the place. This simple ride is the photo below...

ENTRANCE & SCHEDULE

The entrance to this lake is actually not close to the lake. It's about a kilometer from the main entrance. It was like the usual 'checkpoint' by military officers and so we had to stop. I think this 'checkpoint' is established in this location to prevent gate crashers from entering the park without paying a dime.

To help keep maintain the lake and its park, the local government asks visitors to pay an entrance charge per person (PhP10-15).

The park opens at as early as 6 in the morning and closes at 6 in the evening.

MORE FACILITIES

Right by the lake side, there are established facilities for those who wish to stay for a day or longer to enjoy the area. Here are some of them...

Snack Bar and Food Stuff

When we arrived I noticed a place that looks like a bar--you know, those places with open sides with sits surrounding the taller serving long tables. Well, they do not only serve drinks (coconut juice, etc.) but they also offer special menu such as sizzling meat dishes.

Swimming Pool

Yes, they also have pools available. I think there are two pools--for children and for adults. Of course, there are dressing or shower rooms available, which look pretty clean and well-kept. By the pools, you can use sits, loungers, etc. And this is just close enough to that bar I mentioned.

I should have asked how much it costs to use the pool! Next time, I will... and probably will avail their facilities.

Huts & Chairs

If you are bringing a group or family with you, you can surely have a place to spend your day's picnic by availing their tables, huts, chairs, among other facilities for rent.

Okay... I will update this again next time I visit this place. I'm sure there will be more development and great facilities coming up.

Enjoy Lake Danao Park!

MORE BEACHES & RESORTS

There is only one lake on this island, and Lake Danao is the largest one in the province of Cebu.
Now, you may continue searching for some fantastic beaches on the island. Just click the links below to open another page. Enjoy!

Bano Beach Resort
Bellavistamare Beach Resort
Borromeo Beach Resort
Buho Rock Resort
Bakhaw Beach
Flying Fish Resort
Greenlake Park Resort
Harbor View Family Resort
Keshe Beach Resort
Lake Danao Park (this page!)
My Little Island Hotel
Masamayor’s Beach House & Resort
Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort
Palanas Beach Resort
Payag Beach House Resort
Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
Santiago Public White Beach
Sunset Bay Beach
Sunset Vista Resort
Tulang Diot Island
Vall Hall Resort
White View Beach House Resort

Thanks for reading this page! Have an amazing travel experience.