Lake Apo

Bukidnon is known as the "Watershed of Mindanao" because aside from its extensive and intricate river systems, the province also possesses numerous lakes that dot the landscape. As beautiful as they are productive, these majestic lakes are beloved and treasured by the people of Bukidnon.

• The biggest lake in the province is Pinamaloy Lake located in Don Carlos, Bukidnon. The lake was named after Barangay Pinamaloy where it is located. Measuring 50 hectares, this serene and tranquil lake can be seen from the highway of Don Carlos. It is guitar-shaped, with mahogany trees lining the shores.  The area is good for boating and picnics.

• Another wonderful lake is found in Pigtauranan, Pangantucan called the Napalit Lake. The 36-hectare seventy-eight-feet-deep lake is at the foot of the Kalatungan Mountains. It stands out because of its twenty-four floating islets of varying sizes, the biggest of which is 50 feet wide. These islets float around the lake parallel to the direction of the wind.

• The picturesque scenery of a calm and serene lake lined with lush vegetation and surrounded by hills and mountains greets anyone who visits Lake Apo. Found in Barangay Guinoyoran, city of Valencia; Lake Apo is a rift lake, fashioned in a circular shape atop a mountain floor due mainly to the movement of the earth’s crust. It is hailed as a clean and green inland body of water in Northern Mindanao and was awarded the Cleanest Lake in Region 10 in the late ‘90s. This 24-hectare lake has a depth ranging from 17 to 26 meters where species of fish thrive. Some small cottages are made to stay afloat on the water, the sight of which adds flair to the already beautiful landscape. Lake Apo is 11 kms. away from Barangay Poblacion.

• In the town of Malitbog, three various lakes can be found. Malagana Lake located in Barangay Kalingking, Malitbog and about a 15-minute ride from Poblacion. The lake is a hunting area for wild ducks, likewise a fishing ground for mudfish. Another sight to behold is Monte Shanna Lake found in Barangay San Luis, Malitbog.

Pinamaloy Lake

 

How to get there

To get to Bukidnon, one must travel by land from Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental Province. Most local airlines have daily flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City.  Bukidnon is about two hours away by land from Cagayan de Oro City. Local bus companies in Cagayan de Oro operate routes to Bukidnon.

 

Accommodations:

• GV Hotel Bukidnon - Sayre, National Highway Valencia City, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines
• Dahilayan Forest Park - Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines