Swimming in the Cleanest Lake in the Philippines

Last October 29, we had the opportunity to swim in the Cleanest Lake in the Philippines - Kayangan Lake of Coron, Palawan.
After acquiring two new hand cuts from overeating crabs, I decided to change it up a bit and talk more about my recent trip to Coron, Palawan. 


Part of our day 1 itinerary was to visit Kayangan Lake. My dear soul (an ACLC term), Brent, told us that he read in Cebu Pacific's Smile Magazine that Kayangan Lake is the cleanest lake in the entire Philippines. How amazing is that? 

Kayangan Lake from Above the Mountain

Upon arriving in Kayangan Lake, we were all exclaiming, "This is exactly how it looks like on the magazine! Even better!" We all took out our cameras as we all battled to replicate the common Kayangan Lake magazine shot.  Of course they were all armed with huge SLR cameras but I think my dear underwater camera fought a good fight. 

Kayangan Lake is an ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanua tribe. The lake is open to tourists just as long as you abide by their rules. Entrance fee is Php200 per head. 

The short hike to the swimming area of Kayangan Lake made us all realize how unhealthy we all are. We were gasping for breath by the time we reached our destination. Note: it's only a short hike, it's just slippery. :)


Tip: Bring your life vests since Kayangan Lake is pretty deep. It can get tiring trying to stay afloat especially since it's fresh water and not sea water. 

Kayangan Lake is a fresh water lake hidden behind limestone rocks amidst small mountains. The mountains surrounding the lake are mostly rocky with little soil. Probably that's the reason why the lake is so clear.


Tip 2: If you can, try to come to this lake before 9AM. Most tourist trips start at that time. Otherwise, you'll have to share the quiet lake with other tourists in their orange vests. You'll get better photos of the lake if you get to enjoy it on your own. :) Visiting hours is from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Entering the cave in Kayangan Lake

2 of our boatmen guides went with us to the lake and we kept asking if he knew any other lake secrets. He first tried to show us where we could jump off for a nice dive at the lake. However, our thin-skinned hands couldn't hold on to the sharp limestones long enough for us to reach a higher point up in the mountain. 


When that didn't work, he led us to the sides of the lakes and we entered through this cave. I acquired two bruises from entering the cave since it is very narrow but it was worth it. Check out our photo below:

Inside one of the caves in Kayangan Lake

Isn't it stunning? It's almost as if there are fluorescent lights mounted beneath us. I love the underwater glow effect! 


So you might ask, "Exactly how clean is the water in Kayangan Lake?"

Aldwin underwater in Kayangan Lake with my camera

Well, my friend Aldwin took this photo underwater in Kayangan Lake. I didn't edit this at all. See how crystal clear the water is? :) It's really beautiful! No wonder it's a popular tourist spot in Coron, Palawan. 

Little Fish in Kayangan Lake

When I saw the lake with my own eyes, my first instinct was to jump in. I could almost hear the bluish-green crystal clear lake inviting me. Who can resist taking a dip in the cleanest lake in the Philippines?


The temperature of Kayangan Lake is just right. It's not too cold nor is it too warm (at least when we visited). But I think the water is a little too warm for big fishes to survive in. We did, however, see tiny long snouted fishes and tad poles swimming just beneath the surface. My friend Kiwee was fast enough to capture these little fishes with her own hands.


Don't worry, we returned them to the lake immediately. :) We just kept them in our palms until we could no longer stand the ticklish effect of their snouts poking our skin. 

Group Shot! Hmm wait, Marc is missing in the picture

Right before leaving, we attempted to have a group pic with life vests on. We realized then how hard it is to stay in one spot with life vests on! Hahaha. :P This is our best attempt at a group picture in Kayangan Lake. 


So if you're planning on going to Coron, Palawan, make sure to visit Kayangan Lake. You definitely cannot miss out on the cleanest lake of the Philippines. :)

PS. What do you think of the site's new look? :)

More Info on Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan:

Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Php200/person

The best picture of Kayangan Lake that I saw online: click me!


Related Palawan Post:
Lusong Wreck, Coron, Palawan: Snorkeling and Feeling Like Little Mermaid


~It's the little sweet notes everyday that matter. :)~