Lake Danao Natural Park
About
Lake Danao is Ormoc's cool-air escape: a 148-hectare, guitar-shaped volcanic lake about 650–700 m above sea level, ringed by forested mountains. It reopened in late August 2026 after almost 11 months of rehabilitation, so kayaks, paddle boats and local bancas are back on the water. Paddle out early when the lake is glass-still and misty, walk the perimeter trails, and bring binoculars: the natural park has 84 recorded bird species. Food vendors sit by the shore, but pack a light jacket; it is noticeably cooler than the city. Follow the park's no-litter rules to keep the water clean.
Go before 12 PM today. Rain likely after.
Skip swimming and trails during thunderstorms.
- Half dayTime to spend
- Early morning for mist and calm water; dry months for the trails.Best time to go
- About ₱50 per personSulit · Great value
- About 18 km northeast of Ormoc city proper, roughly a 30-minute drive via the San Pablo, Tongonan and Milagro roads.Getting there
What to do here
- Kayak or paddle-boat across the lake at dawn
- Ride a local banca
- Walk the perimeter trails
- Go birdwatching
Know before you go
Wear a life vest when kayaking or boating; the lake is deep.
Take all trash out with you; the lake is a protected watershed.
Parking at the park entrance by the lakeshore.
Entrance about ₱50 (local guide, updated May 2023). Kayak, paddle boat and banca rentals are paid separately.
It reopened in late August 2026 after almost 11 months of rehabilitation, so kayaks, paddle boats and local bancas are back on the water.
Paddle out early when the lake is glass-still and misty, walk the perimeter trails, and bring binoculars: the natural park has 84 recorded bird species.
Follow the park's no-litter rules to keep the water clean.
Where it is
Lake Danao Natural Park, Barangay Danao, Ormoc City, Leyte
By commuteAbout 18 km northeast of Ormoc city proper, roughly a 30-minute drive via the San Pablo, Tongonan and Milagro roads. Hire a car or van from Ormoc.
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FAQ
Open na ba ulit ang Lake Danao?
Yes. Ormoc reopened the park and lifted the suspension of water activities effective 29 August 2026, after almost 11 months of rehabilitation.
Ano ang pwedeng gawin?
Kayaking, paddle boats, banca rides and swimming on the lake, plus trail walks and birdwatching around it.
Gaano kalamig doon?
It sits about 650–700 m above sea level, close to Tagaytay's altitude, so bring a light jacket.
Gaano kalayo from Ormoc?
About 18 km, or roughly 30 minutes by car from the city proper.
Facts from tribune.net.ph · shellwanders.com · chillandtravel.com
Photo credits (4)
- 1. Selwyn Ken Abapo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 2. Selwyn Ken Abapo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 3. Selwyn Ken Abapo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 4. JIMMYLEOJAYAGAGAPITO · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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