An expansive mountain resort developed around Balanan Lake, a humerus-shaped body of water, 25 hectares in surface area, 285 ms above sea level, oriented along a northwest-southeast direction (right). The lake encases a kilometer-long waterway ideal for water sports. Among the prominent features of the resort is a 4-kilometer circumferential pathway for trekking, a variety of pools for swimming, passenger bancas for boating, waterfalls for great photo-ops.
Balanan has an old forest of almost a hundred balete trees, atop one of which is a treehouse. An 8-room hillside hotel,Balodge provides air-conditioned comforts with a view of the lake. Other amenities include a thatched dining pavilion and a staffhouse. Balanan Lake Development Authority will implement regular rates beginning May 19. Entrance is free every Tuesday.
Balanan located in Sandulot, Siaton is 60 kilometers from Dumaguete City, or approximately 1.5 hours travel time.
It is a “humerus ” bone-formed body of water oriented along a northwest-southeast direction with an area of 24 hectares. It is bounded in the east by the Balanan mountain range and on the west by the Nasig-id mountain range, both of which arise from each bank steeply to a height of more than 200 meters. The southern side is the only low and open area. There are a number of farms and farm houses along the hillside facing the lake, and five houses at the south-eastern end which is very close to the water line. The lake is 285 meters above sea level and is fed by the Lamarao, Balanan and Managob-sob creeks, located at the northern end. It has an exit located at the southern end and drops into the Siaton River .
Tilapia, which was introduced some years before, abounds in the Lake together with edible green shells and eels (locally known as “Bais ”).
For those who love nature-trekking, there is a four-kilometer circumferential pathway around the Lake under a canopy of various indigenous forest trees. Trekkers will also get a chance to see three majestic waterfalls at the other side of the Lake . A one-hectare pond that is ideal for fishing can be found at the southeast and 60 meters lower than the main Lake .
A decade ago, only a handful populated the area but today, there are about 30 houses in the slope. There is also a big population south of the Lake in Sitio Canbunbon and in the North, Sitios Lamarao, Managub-sub and Nasig-id of Barangay Sandulot proper, making the Lake a unique inland farming community. Because of the absence of roads in the area, the Lake served as a trading route for farmers—taking their fish, green shells and other farm products by banca to Sampong, the Tabo or Tag-bo area for middlemen and farmers.
