Reminiscing a Great Adventure: Conquering Lake Danao

I still have so many stories left untold. Now, I have decided to share them before I become old and forgetful.

Under the heat of the scorching sun, my friends and I were set for a summer adventure. It was more of a spontaneous decision. We planned for a 2-day adventure. We opted to go to Lake Danao on the first day.

(Photo by: @invictux - This is the view you get from their lake tower.)

(Photo by: @invictux)

From my town, we took a van going to Ormoc City. It was a 3 hour ride. We just slept all throughout the ride since we were all tired from all those late night shenanigans we did the night before we were set to travel . We arrived there around 10:30 AM. We didn't actually know where to go when we arrived at Ormoc City Bus Terminal. So we asked the locals some informations about the place and how to get there. I was starting to get annoyed because at that time it was too hot and I was damn tired. Gladly, it didn't take too long for us to get into the jeepney so that we can start our so called "spontaneous adventure" .

(Photo by: @invictux , My friends and I are figuring out how to properly row a boat coz it seemed that we were not moving into the right direction 😂🤣)

On our way to the lake, I witnessed hectares of sugar cane plantation. According to the locals, it is owned by 2 prominent families in Ormoc: Torres and Larazabal. On that small jeepney, I remembered talking to the locals. They were very polite and kind. They even offered us food. We politely declined even though we were all famished at that time.

An hour had passed and we arrived at the place. As the fresh air caressed my face, my exhaustion was all gone. Freshwater clams were actually a thing on that area and the locals actually recommended it so we bought some for our lunch. We managed to to get a cottage half the usual price. From Php 250 (USD 5.03) down to Php 125 (USD 2.51). Thanks to my friends negotiating skills and their effective flatteries to the owner.

(Me: about to surrender from rowing the boat coz we are not heading to the right direction. 😂🤣)

We ate our luch like there was no tomorrow. We actually bought a roasted chicken and of course the clams for our lunch. What made our lunch even better was the chilled coke that we just bought in one of the small stores in that place. It definitely quenched the thirst within us.

We were so delighted with our simple lunch. We rested for awhile and then we started exploring the area. The lake has a clear water but as it goes deeper it become more greenish which in some people is quite scary. Thinking of the "Loch Ness monster" I decided not to jump in the middle of the lake (LOL).

(I didn't dare to swim in the deep part of the lake)

There are floating cottages there and normal cottages. Obviously, the floating
cottages are more expensive than the usual cottages. The price ranges from Php 500 - Php 800 (USD 10.05 - 16.08).

We rented a boat. It was good for 4 people which was ideal for us. The rent price ranges from Php 40 - Php 150 (USD 0.80 - 3.10). The boat that we rented was quite heavy and knowing that we have zero rowing skills, it took us ages to reach one part of the lake to another. We fought as we row. Actually we fought more but we still managed to survive. Lol

(Photo by @invictux - I know that rowing is not rocket science but that damn boat and of course the wind at that time was not helping us at all. My friends tried their best as you can see in the picture while I was just sitting there at the back taking pictures of their prolonged sufferings. Lol 😂🤣 )

The water was fresh, clear and cold just perfect for a hot summer. The day went well. We shared a good laugh with all our mischiefs. We all accepted that we didn't have survival skills yet, but we were learning. I also learned one important thing, use a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the unforgiving sun.

Here are some pictures of our shenanigans:

(Photo by: @invictux - On our way to our cruel little boat which had the intention to ruin our friendship.)

(Photo by: @invitux - Me, trying to achieve a blogger pose.)

(A smile of defeat - Tired of rowing and annoyed by the constant complains of your friends.)

(About to throw the paddle coz you gave up rowing but your friend took a picture so you still need to smile. )

(Photo by: @invictux - a floating cottage behind us)

(Relaxing like a boss. )

(Photo by: @invictux - I got balls to put myself out there in the deep greenish water.)

(An unknown specie of a handsome monkey on the tree.)

(Photo by: @invictux - Such a beautiful view)

It was indeed a spontaneous travel. I didn't expect to have so much fun. I can say with great conviction that most of the time your friends will make your simple getaway SO COMPLICATED but MEMORABLE.

Ending this post with an EPIC FAIL JUMP!