Lake Danao Camotes

Lake Danao sits inland on Camotes Island, a freshwater lake shaped — genuinely — like a guitar, ringed by hills and forest cover. It’s one of the few natural lakes of any size in Cebu province; the mainland doesn’t have an equivalent, which is part of why it draws a detour from visitors already island-hopping through Camotes.

• Paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent to get out on the water rather than just look at it from shore.
• Picnic areas along the bank are maintained and shaded — a reasonable lunch stop between other Camotes stops.
• Afternoons can turn cool here compared to the coast; worth bringing a light jacket if staying past sunset.

Camotes sits administratively under Cebu province but geographically apart from it, in open water between Cebu and Leyte, reached by ferry from Danao City on the mainland or from San Francisco’s own port. Fishing and copra have historically carried the islands’ economy, with tourism a newer addition.

Explore More in San Francisco (Camotes)

• Bukilat Cave
• Pandanon Island
• Shangri La Mactan Beach