Nestled in the northern part of Pacijan Island, one of the Camotes Islands in the province of Cebu, Lake Danao is a freshwater with an area of 680 ha. (1,680 ac.), the figure-eight-shaped body of water, is the not only the largest lake in the province but also in the Visayan Region of the country. It is surrounded by six barangays and the poblacion of San Francisco, Cebu.

Lake’s Flora and Fauna

Corn and coconuts are cultivated in the surrounding areas of the lake. Several rare orchids and a variety of herbs of medicinal value also grow along the shore of the lake.


Most of the original vegetation has disappeared, and even the small islet in the lake has been planted with coconuts. The only remaining area of aquatic vegetation is on the east side of the lake, where the water is shallow and there is a dense growth of submerged vegetation.


Soli-Soli is a type of grass that grow abundantly along the banks of the lake and one of the source of livelihood on the island. These grasses are harvested, dried and woven into different kinds of handicrafts such as bags, mats, hats and other decorative materials and then sold to the local and mainland market outlets. A festival is held annually celebrating the plant.


The lake supports a very rich fishery, and most of the local residents are dependent on this resource for their subsistence.

The rich fish fauna includes Tilapia, Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Milkfish (Chanos chanos), Gobies (Glossogobius giuris) and Catfishes (Clarias sp.). A wide variety of waterfowl occur including Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis), Intermediate Egrets, (Egretta intermedia), Purple Herons (Ardea purpurea) and Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata). The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) formerly inhabits the lake. From the Groombridge report (1982), the population was still healthy in 1978, but according to other reports, the last individual was killed in 1971. Monitor lizards (Varanus) can still be seen occasionally on its shore.


Points of Interest

Lake Danao Park

• Located in Sitio Patabog, in Brgy. Union, the municipal lake park is the place to go for fishing and boating, with spacious area for picnicking. Boats are available for rental in the park or launched from the wharf of the park.

Soli-Soli Festival

• Soli-Soli Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Lake Danao Park every 3rd Sunday of March, coinciding with the town fiesta honoring Saint Joseph, the town's patron saint. Extending throughout the island, the much-anticipated event is an occupational festival injected with religious sentiments of thanksgiving and devotion shown through flamboyant colors, abundant food and fervent choreographed dancing.

Islets

• The small island of Pajican has two interior islands of its own - Snake and Crocodile.  The islets can be reached by boats or as part of the scenic lake cruise from Lake Danao Park.

Hiking

• A 11-mile (18 km) hiking and cycling trail encircles the entire perimeter of the lake.

Lodging

• Resorts and bungalows for rent are found across the lake region.