Lake Danao

Lake Danao sits in the elevated interior of San Francisco, on Camotes’ larger island — a freshwater lake locals still call the “Mirror Lake” for how still its surface sits on calm mornings. Like most standing water on Camotes’ raised coral-limestone terrain, it’s spring-fed rather than river-fed, which keeps the color a deep, settled green even after heavy rain elsewhere on the island. Kayaks and pedal boats line the shore for rent, and the tree line around the water gives the lake a closed-in, sheltered feel rare on an island otherwise defined by open coastline.

• Rent a kayak or pedal boat — the water is calm enough for a slow, unhurried loop, especially before the afternoon breeze picks up.
• Watch for herons and other waterbirds working the shallows near the tree line; the surrounding forest is one of the more intact patches of cover left on the island.
• Go early. Wind starts to ripple the surface by late morning, which is also when the lake loses the mirror effect that gives it its name.

Explore More in San Francisco (Camotes)

• Timubo Cave
• Lory Loft
• Virgen de Regla Lapu-Lapu City