-Edgar Allan Poe-
How fortunate we were to see before our eyes the two wonderful and alluring lakes; the Biga Pit and the quiet and peaceful Lake Bensis, during our quick escapade in the remote and mountainous province of Toledo, Cebu City.
Hi Hive! This is your virtual travel attendant for today's adventure, @callmesmile. Set back, relax, and enjoy the tour. (Wooh, hehe, I feel like a real tourist guide today. I am excited to share with you another simply beautiful creation of God, the Lake Bensis.
THE TRANQUIL LAKE BENSIS
This large brilliantly green lake lay in the middle of the quiet valley of Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy Sinsin, Toledo, Cebu. The window clear lake is also called Lake Pinggaon because of where it is located. The lake is said to be the Hidden gem of Toledo, discovered by campers, trekkers, and travelers looking for a serene and quiet paradise to escape temporarily the bustling life.
This beautiful lake is a large and deep freshwater lake.The lake is simply breathtaking on its way. I say, it's the SIMPLEST LAKE, A VIRGIN, UNTOUCHED tourist attraction I've ever been to. I felt pride in how the locals can preserve and protect its beauty. There were no decorations nor enhancements added to the lake (well except for the floating cottage which of course didn't cause any harm to the lake). Everything is pure and natural like a young maiden who has no make-up on. And this a nature should be.
Finding this Hidden Gem was easier for us to do, not because of the Google Map but because this lake was just a few kilometers away from the man-made BIGA PIT that we went to (which I published on my previous blog). The road going to lake Bensis though not concrete was open and accessible by a motorbike. After a few minutes of travel on the winding road, we finally reached our destination.
The lake has a breathtaking backdrop, the lush mountains, and the trees that surrounded it. Looking at the lake one could imagine how deep it is because of its very dark green color.
The local kid I talked to, told us that there are plenty of fishes underneath such as the Tilapia fish. He offered to catch us some fish which cost 120.00Php per kilo. I'd love to try the fish however we were not able to bring extra cash with us that time because my ATM bank that day was unfortunately offline. (Lesson learned: Whenever you travel far away from home always bring extra cash with you, do not rely on your ATM Card, again DO NOT solely RELY on it, and BRING EXTRA CASH WITH YOU). So I politely rejected the kid's offer. He could have earned extra income. Huhu.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE BENSIS?
1. CAMPING
This peaceful lake secretly lying in the middle of the valleys and lush mountains have become the home for campers since its discovery. Three years ago until now, campers and mountaineers flock to the lake to destress and indulge their selves in nature.
There are no restaurants near the lake, only the small house of the lake's caretaker and the few floating cottages made of bamboo. Camping on the lake, the bonfire, the natural and beautiful sounds of the insects at night, the warmth of the ground, the fresh air, the stars in the sky, and the very quiet village would be a very great camping experience!
2.MOUNTAINEERING AND TREKKING
Lake Bensis Trail has become famous to mountaineers and trekkers for the past 3 years. Many mountains set foot to trek and hike along the mountains of Toledo going down to Lake Bensis. Most of the hikers are from Cebu City taking via Tabunok Road. Some of the campers too, hiked so they could reach the Lake.
If you are from the city, how recharging and energizing it would be to leave the busy life and noise of the city once in a while and walk along with mother nature. Just make sure to bring all the necessities like water and extra clothes, and some food. Looking at the beautiful lake, the long trek is all worth it.
3.SIGHTSEEING
Surely, sightseers and travelers have always had a fulfilling adventure just by simply looking and staring at the view.
The peaceful lake, the lush sceneries, and the quietness of the whole place feel like mother nature is hugging and sheltering you.
Sitting on the floating bamboo cottage and watching the placid lake provides a soothing experience- A peace of mind one needs.
How to get to Lake Bensis?
📍From Cebu City, ride a jeepney or a Taxi going to Tabunok Market. From there, negotiate a Habal-habal driver (private motorbike), and tell the driver to drop you off at Lake Bendis, Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy. Sinsin, Toledo City, Cebu.
Reminder: Negotiate first the cost of the fare before you enjoy the ride.
📍For private vehicles, via motorbike is the easiest and the fastest mobile in reaching the lake. Head to Toledo, and ask the locals where is Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy. Sinsin. Some parts of the road are not a 4-wheel vehicle-friendwhichthat is why the motorbike is the most convenient to ride.
The stunning view of the lake on top.
Some of the damaged woods at the roadside due to typhoon Odette.
What to Bring?
-Make sure to bring food and water as there are no available convenient stores near the lake.
-Bring extra money if you want to buy and grill some fish fresh from the lake.
-For campers, Check and bring all the camping gears you need.
-Fully-charged mobile phones and cameras.
-Leave no trace.
And if you forget to bring something, don't worry, this active and always prepared local kid will run an errand for you. He loves staying at the lake to the point of skipping his classes at school. He is also the best photographer you could hire!
The only convenience store in the valley.
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY.
1.THE MAN-MADE FOREST. The man-made forest of Toledo is protected by the (DENR) Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
2.THE WATERFALLS. The waterfalls along the street of Toledo. This waterfall is just beside the street!
End of virtual tour!
That's it Hive! Thank you for reading this far. Have a blast!.
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Getting close to these sort of places where nature gets to show us their true beauty it is indeed an amazing feelings to encounter. I love being in this sort places. Where I will enjoy the warm weather, feel the water with my bare feet and the sound of birds chirping and getaway from the hassle of everyday. Kind of really sounds like a vacation to me lolz.
The images reflecting on the river does really looks alluring. And not to mention the waterfall it does looks beautiful as well. But seems like the waterfall is kind of dry at this time of the year! Correct me if I am wrong btw!
First, thanks @rehan12 for checking my blog.😍
The beauty of this lake compared to other lakes may not be as grand as theirs, but its simplicity where you can taste the purity of nature makes it so enticing and alluring. Everything there is pure nature. One would surely feel refreshed and relaxed by the experience it gives.
Hehe. The quietness there is deafening, seems like time runs so slow in there too!🥰
Your right, the waterfall seemed dry, it's dry season now in our country.
You are a keen observer @rehan12, thank you so much for your precious time.🥰
Wow. What an amazing place to explore. Thank you for taking the time to show us around. I like how serene Lake Bensis looked. But it made me wonder if there were any crocodiles lurking? 😅
You're welcome and thank you too for dropping by @chichi18. The pictures I think are not enough to really show how serene the place is.😅. The silence there is deafening.
Haha. There were no signs of crocodiles there, but maybe there are snakes I guess. 😅
Ang ganda naman dito. !LUV your description of the place:
Oh wow thanks @juanvegetarian for dropping by and the precious words.
At isang karangalan na i-follow "LANG NAMAN NI @juanvegetarian NG HIVE PH".🙇♀ 😊 THANKS PO.
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What an incredible place! Would love to come here someday! Camping in this untouched area seems like a great idea for a weekend, just to get away from the busy life in the city.
The errand boy should also go to school 😂 but well, it seems like he’s enjoying his time touring and helping people who visit the place.
Thanks for the lovely tour! You’re a greag guide 😅
I am a little concerned about the kid. He is still in Grade 2 and is 13 years old already. His age is for Grade 6 levels supposedly. But he's so quick to run an errand for campers and mountaineers.
So far, (for me) Lake Bensis is one of the tranquil places to camp. It's pure nature there, far from the city life and the Maritesis.😅
Thanks, @wittywhale .🥰 Hope you enjoy the tour. Haha.
I did enjoy the tour! Thank you!
I think you’d be pretty concern since you’re an educator 😄 but yeah I hope he finds school fun so he won’t skip classes
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This place is indeed relaxing. Hoping one day I could have a chance to visit that place too. I'm just a bit worried, is there a crocodile living at the lake?
It is. It is @missellimac . You will surely enjoy how tranquil the place is.
Hehe ,no worries there are no signs of crocodile in the Philippines. But still, one should be very careful of the depth of the lake.
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