Blog #233: Have you Been to the Mysterious Balanan Lake in Siaton, Negros Oriental?

The water in the lake is placid. Although the lake looks stunning because of the lush forest that added to its beauty but I can't deny that I felt a little bit scared.

I directly went first to the restaurant and had my lunch since it was already 12:00noon. I don't have a proper breakfast that morning and that made me a little bit dizzy and weak.

While I was having my lunch, I asked a few questions to the attendant about the Balanan Lake. At first I can sense that she was reluctant to tell me the real incidents happened. She maybe felt my eagerness to know about the incidents in the place so she told me the real stories.

It was a few years back when there were drowning incidents here. The victims were came from the distant places. The reason maybe was they were unfamiliar of the lake. The lake is deep and it is difficult to swim compared to the sea water. That maybe the reasons why a few guests were found dead.

After hearing that story, I found myself a little bit scared to try boating and toured around the lake. But since my curiosity prevailed, I tried.

Even it was too hot but I pushed myself to do the boating activity. Hmmm the anxious feeling was slowly subsided after I knew that I am with 2 tour guides atleast we were 3 on the boat. Well, the boat size is big so I don't have any reasons to feel anxious.

I was in awe by the beauty of the mountains as we started to navigate. The serenity and the beauty of nature helps me to forget about the bad story of this lake. I temporarily forgot that this lake was once a traitor. It really looks beautiful but behind its beauty there were few lives lost.

The view of the lush forest and the water were truly stunning and jaw dropping.

One of my tour guides suggested that we will visit the falls. Of course, I didn't decline. After we had crossed the lake, we walked around 15 minutes going to the waterfalls.

Finally we were not exposed directly to the heat of the sun as we had crossed on the shady road. I was grateful as there were many big trees around that help block the sunray.

After a few minutes, we were almost arrived to the waterfalls and suddenly the tour guide asked me if I wanted to see the root of the huge tree which has similar shape to the snake's head. The photo is not clear so I don't really think if you could see it.

We continued hiking until I noticed that there's a huge tree where the big roots were almost blocked the pathway.

Honestly, I was greatly disappointed as we arrived in front of the waterfalls. It was not appealing. It was far different to the waterfalls that I'd visited in the southern part of Cebu and in Valencia, Negros Oriental. But I didn't show how I feel that time.

We returned back to the restaurant after the water falls visit. My tour guides did a quick paddle after I remember the agreed time that the motorbike driver will pick me up.

I hurriedly got up and jumped so I would not be late but as I arrived to the restaurant the staffs informed me that the motorbike driver will just wait to the entrance, he gave me a little extension to explore the area without additional fee.

So I took that opportunity to explore the area. I headed to the elevated part where the hotel is situated. It is just one building erected in front of the lake.

After a while, I headed to the pool area.

The pool is also situated in the middle of the lush forest. If you're not familiar of the place you might get lost because the pathway is quite and it seems you could not find amenities further but when the tour guide brought me there, I was amazed.

The small size and native cottages greeted us as we arrived in the pool area.

As I saw the stairs, I immediately went down to the pool area.

There were only few people enjoying in the pool. If only I had enough time, I will surely plunge in the water.

However, my time was just limited so I just stayed there for a while and afterwards I went to the entrance area where the motorbike driver was waiting.

Although I already heard and read online about the story of the Balanan Lake and few people told me not to go there but I didn't listen to them. The road is quite challenging; the place is indeed creepy but still I enjoyed my short adventure. My landlady won't understand me because she only loves to stay at home that was maybe the reason why she reacted that way.

Thank you for reading and see you on my next blog. Cheers!

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Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

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