The Chronicles of Mariane: Lakes of Lake Sebu: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, Lake Lahit

While we were doing our itinerary for this trip in Lake Sebu, we encountered something that utterly confused us, why are other we encountering names of other lakes that are in Lake Sebu? Does it mean there are a number of lakes within Lake Sebu? Lake within a lake? Parang na-Inception lang! :P Turns out, there are actually three lakes in Lake Sebu, and that Lake Sebu is not just a lake, but the name of a town. First off, the biggest one which the town is named after, Lake Sebu, the secoond biggest one, Lake Seloton, and last, Lake Lahit. Even though the rain did not show any signs of stopping on our first day here, we still braved to see these wonderful lakes with our trusted skylab drivers.

Finally, sunny morning at Lake Sebu

Surrounded with rolling hills, mountains and wide area of lush vegetation, the first-class municipality of Lake Sebu is locally considered as the 'Summer Capital of Southern Mindanao' because of the chilly weather and uphill ascent to this town. It serves as a home to the T'boli, a tribe in the province of South Cotabato famous for its colorful beadworks and intricate weaved clothings. One of its famous landmarks are these three lakes that also serves as an important source of living to the locals.

Lake Lahit
Before reaching The Seven Falls, I was able to pass by this lake which is the smallest of three with a scope of 24 hectares and also lowest in terms of elevation in this town. I noticed that there are no fish pens in this lake, I was told that the government has driven measures to keep the fish cages at a minimum and have this declared area as free fishing zone by the government.

Lake Lahit

Lake Seloton
The "middle child" of the lake sisters has an area of about 48 hectares and is said to be the deepest lake of the three at more than 200 feet. Lake Seloton is famous for tourists as the "Sunrise Lake" since the unblocked view of the sunrise here is said to be unbeatable.

rainy weather on our first day

even with the rain, some of the local fishermen chose to do their daily morning routine of catching fishes in the lake

and yes, even with the rain, the lotus flowers in Lake Seloton were still in full bloom

you can also do bird watching, good thing I had my 250mm with me

gloomy yet still serene morning in Lake Seloton

Lake Sebu
Largest of the three lakes measuring 354 hectares, Lake Sebu is also considered as one of the country's vital watershed for being an important source of irrigation for the province, the town is aptly named after it for its significance in this area.

Bird's eye view of Lake Sebu

another breathtaking view, imagine waking up to this everyday!

the hills around the town gives that nice reflection touch

lotus flowers scattered around Lake Sebu

Local Myth
The local legend about this lake tells about a story of a princess who came to this land. In there, she met a mythical frog whom she angered. Because of this, the frog opened a big lotus flower that gushed water and flooded the entire land. The princess' brother saw this from the heavens so he threw leaves that became mass of land so that his sister can pass through. This is the story of what we now know as Lake Sebu.

Lotus Flowers
One of the unique features of the lakes in Lake Sebu are the lotus flowers. It gives a very feminine touch because of its color. It was raining our entire first day in Lake Seloton, but the flowers still bloomed contradicting my belief that they only bloom because of the sun's light. It certainly adds that mystery and charm to the lake.

the many lotus flowers in Lake Seloton

one great way to start my day, seeing these flowers reach its full bloom

One strategic way to see the lakes:
Go resort hopping :)

How to go to Lake Sebu
There are two easy options if you will be taking a plane, either by landing to General Santos City or Davao will do. In our case, we visited Surigao del Sur first then headed to Davao.

From General Santos City
Take a transfer, either by taxi or jeepney to the bus station and look for buses heading for Koronadal/Marbel (Yellow bus line). From there, there will be buses heading for Surallah. And from this town, you can take jeepneys that will go to Lake Sebu. There are also habal habals available.

From Davao
You can take a bus heading for General Santos or Koronadal/Marbel (also Yellow Bus line). From there, you may take the similar directions above.

Habal-habal drivers (whole day rate is 500 pesos, half day is 300 pesos)
Kuya Paning - 09057163942
Kuya Enteng - 09364175139

Follow my footsteps from South Cotabato to Sarangani