Lake Sebu
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
69 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
25
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
David K
Saint Louis, MO25 contributions
Sep 2023 β’ Couples
The Land of the Dreamweavers is an enchanteding place. The culture and the people are amazing. We stayed at Dreamweavers Hill Resort which was amazing. We did the 7 falls and the zip line and the boat tour of lake sebu. Also visit the Tboli weavers exhibit. We drove from Davao area to Lake Sebu. Roads were generally good. Make sure you experience TBoli dancing and music.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aliawan
Koronadal city4 contributions
Lake Sebu is a beautiful inland sea on the island of Mindanao, the most Southern Island of the Philippines. This lake is located in the southern Tiruray Highlands at an altitude of almost 300m (984ft). Lake Sebu is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains and is home to the T'boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, complicated beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments. The Ubos, or Tasaday, also live in the region, they are a cave-dwelling and primitive, stone-age tribe that lived in isolation in high caves of the primary rain forest area. Another tribe, the Tirurays, are divided into coastal, river and mountain groups. Tirurays who live in the mountains still live in their traditional way. The area of Lake Sebu is recognized as the T'boli and Ubo ancestral domain
Lake Sebu actually consists of three adjacent mountain lakes wich will instantly capture the heart of nature lovers. Lake Sebu is the largest among the three lakes. Lake Siluton, the deepest and Lahit the smallest. These placid lakes are found in the middle of Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve which is used for fish farming or Tilapia Culture, duck raising and the harvesting of freshwater shrimps and snails.. More than one half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture. The lake also irrigates the fertile Allah Valley, the area surrounding Lake Sebu has many small streams, rivers, springs and creeks. Local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up. The watershed of Lake Sebu is recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the Philippines and is proclaimed as a Protected Landscape.
Discover the striking beauty of Lake Sebu's natural waterfalls, βthe Seven waterfalls or "Dongon Waterfalls", that cascade down the rugged terrain of the magnificent hills. From these falls, nr 1 and nr 2 are the most accessible, the others have yet to have access trails. These falls are spectacular and will remind you of the power of nature. Crystal clear water from the edges of the hills have, over the ages, carved these unique scenic masterpieces in a brilliant display of natural colours. The Lonon Falls which is the largest of the group pours thousands of cubic meters of water into a natural pool that provide good swimming spots.
The pristine forest vegetation surrounding the lake is thick and humid, but magnificent for nature loving travellers, it has countless species of flora and fauna. In this green paradise there are refreshing springs that flow out of rocks, natural caves and exciting nature trails up into the mossy forests. Wild boars and Philippine deer live around the lake and are considered endangered species The lake and the surrounding rainforest are a natural habitat to Philippine cockatoos egrets, swallows, kingfishers, herons and kites. These rugged hills are a rest stop for migratory birds and is a popular site with birdwatchers. The Philippine Eagle and Tarsier are among the important wildlife species sighted in the tropical rain forest of Lake Sebu.
There are good resorts in Lake Sebu, with guided boat tours, recreational facilities and hotel accommodation. A few of them, the Traankini resort, Estares resort, The Mountain log resort, Dongon Hills & Falls resort and the Punta Isla Resort. The restaurants at most resorts are specialized in the native cuisine which mainly consist of tilapia dishes, a delicious fish to eat. These fishes are kept in net-enclosed bamboo fish pens and taken out only when ordered, so the freshness of the catch is guaranteed.
Lake Sebu is often named the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines, the climate is pleasantly cool, a beautiful place to enjoy. A new and challenging location to explore where one can watch magnificent sunrises and sunsets in a panoramic view. Lake Sebu is considered a fast growing cultural centre and the area is emerging as a viable destination for eco-tourism. Visitors will surely appreciate the lavish gifts of nature, itβs incredible flowers ,amazing vegetation and many different animals.
The scenery and light in this picturesque place, surrounded by serene waters, make it a living museum and a great outdoor escape, a photographer's paradise that will surprise you with awesome natural sceneries.
Lake Sebu actually consists of three adjacent mountain lakes wich will instantly capture the heart of nature lovers. Lake Sebu is the largest among the three lakes. Lake Siluton, the deepest and Lahit the smallest. These placid lakes are found in the middle of Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve which is used for fish farming or Tilapia Culture, duck raising and the harvesting of freshwater shrimps and snails.. More than one half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture. The lake also irrigates the fertile Allah Valley, the area surrounding Lake Sebu has many small streams, rivers, springs and creeks. Local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up. The watershed of Lake Sebu is recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the Philippines and is proclaimed as a Protected Landscape.
Discover the striking beauty of Lake Sebu's natural waterfalls, βthe Seven waterfalls or "Dongon Waterfalls", that cascade down the rugged terrain of the magnificent hills. From these falls, nr 1 and nr 2 are the most accessible, the others have yet to have access trails. These falls are spectacular and will remind you of the power of nature. Crystal clear water from the edges of the hills have, over the ages, carved these unique scenic masterpieces in a brilliant display of natural colours. The Lonon Falls which is the largest of the group pours thousands of cubic meters of water into a natural pool that provide good swimming spots.
The pristine forest vegetation surrounding the lake is thick and humid, but magnificent for nature loving travellers, it has countless species of flora and fauna. In this green paradise there are refreshing springs that flow out of rocks, natural caves and exciting nature trails up into the mossy forests. Wild boars and Philippine deer live around the lake and are considered endangered species The lake and the surrounding rainforest are a natural habitat to Philippine cockatoos egrets, swallows, kingfishers, herons and kites. These rugged hills are a rest stop for migratory birds and is a popular site with birdwatchers. The Philippine Eagle and Tarsier are among the important wildlife species sighted in the tropical rain forest of Lake Sebu.
There are good resorts in Lake Sebu, with guided boat tours, recreational facilities and hotel accommodation. A few of them, the Traankini resort, Estares resort, The Mountain log resort, Dongon Hills & Falls resort and the Punta Isla Resort. The restaurants at most resorts are specialized in the native cuisine which mainly consist of tilapia dishes, a delicious fish to eat. These fishes are kept in net-enclosed bamboo fish pens and taken out only when ordered, so the freshness of the catch is guaranteed.
Lake Sebu is often named the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines, the climate is pleasantly cool, a beautiful place to enjoy. A new and challenging location to explore where one can watch magnificent sunrises and sunsets in a panoramic view. Lake Sebu is considered a fast growing cultural centre and the area is emerging as a viable destination for eco-tourism. Visitors will surely appreciate the lavish gifts of nature, itβs incredible flowers ,amazing vegetation and many different animals.
The scenery and light in this picturesque place, surrounded by serene waters, make it a living museum and a great outdoor escape, a photographer's paradise that will surprise you with awesome natural sceneries.
Written December 29, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TerMil17
Citrus Heights, CA128 contributions
Jul 2011
It's been 20 years since I visited this place. What a change it's been. Great roads and great resorts. Punta Isla is a great place. Very clean and they have boat rides for you to tour the lake. I was even surprised that they accept credit cards! Great service too!!!
Written July 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TREKKEARL
Luzon, Philippines232 contributions
May 2014
Not too many tourists from outside Mindanao make it to Lake Sebu which is a pity. I come here regularly as I do research on T'boli music abd culture.The lake and the waterfalls are an attraction but the real draw is the culture of the T'boli themselves. To experience this, stay with Maria Todi at her homestay in her School of Living Traditions near SIKAT. The habal-habal drivers know this. She us an authority on T'boli culture and she can guide you to visit crafts makets, dancers, and musicians. You can watch children dancing and playing musical instruments at the school. Much better than staying at the resorts.
Written May 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kumar D
Brisbane, Australia157 contributions
Feb 2017 β’ Couples
this lake is absolutely polluted and overrated. food at the resort is poor, water at the lake is absolutely polluted with dead fish all around and no fresh local produce no where to be seen. highlight was poor boys swimming and diving for discarded coins in the green coloured waters. what a disaster and destruction that man has caused to this lovely lake( once upon a time)
Written March 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kizomama
Cotabato City, Philippines9,023 contributions
May 2018 β’ Family
This is usually accompanied by T'Boli dances- a culturally rich dance- in form as an entertainment depicting Local Cultures.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Medy1950
Davao City, Philippines220 contributions
Nov 2014 β’ Friends
If you wish to experience interacting with the T'bolis, Lake Sebu is the place to be! We returned to Lake Sebu because our first visit there was too short. We were advised by the locals to return during their Helobung Festival when the natives come down in their costumes and gather to celebrate a good year with many activities. We stayed at Monte Cielo
resort and our gracious hosts Mayette and William Sy. My husband wrote in his Google plus account "An overnight stay in Lake Sebu is not enough to imbibe the place and truly breathe the air there into one's blood stream. As we passed the poblacion the day before, I could see some T'bolis walking around in their native outfit. It would have been great to interact with them perhaps while having a meal in their homes. What is T'boli food like? How do they cultivate their mountain rice? How do they resolve conflicts and ensure that individual rights of individual members are maintained under a tribal structure? What is still T'boli and what is not anymore (definitely tilapia farming is not a part of the longer past although it was introduced early by the missionaries). How do you get to know their gods?" We found the answers in our latest visit.
resort and our gracious hosts Mayette and William Sy. My husband wrote in his Google plus account "An overnight stay in Lake Sebu is not enough to imbibe the place and truly breathe the air there into one's blood stream. As we passed the poblacion the day before, I could see some T'bolis walking around in their native outfit. It would have been great to interact with them perhaps while having a meal in their homes. What is T'boli food like? How do they cultivate their mountain rice? How do they resolve conflicts and ensure that individual rights of individual members are maintained under a tribal structure? What is still T'boli and what is not anymore (definitely tilapia farming is not a part of the longer past although it was introduced early by the missionaries). How do you get to know their gods?" We found the answers in our latest visit.
Written January 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GS2013_13
Hartlepool, UK378 contributions
Jul 2013 β’ Couples
Visited this part of South Catabato July 2013. We stayed mountain lake eco resort. If you want to experience living in nipa hut then this is as near as you get. Of course we did have a TV and hot showers in the accommodation. The Hotel is built on the mountain side and looks down on the lake. Its very much away from the tourist area where most of the hotels are. They have a floating restaurant and enjoyed eating tilapia. First visited Lake sebu 1980 and there where no hotels or tourists just Santa Cruze Mission ran by Catholic priests. They ran a hospital and School for the tribal people & I really experienced living native. The people living here where called Tiboli's and on my visit this time only saw two and these I think where for the tourists to have a photo taken with them. The area have been really developed now. There are several lakes, lake sebu being the largest. There are 7 waterfalls and a zip line across one which I didn't attempt but my wife and her sister did. Saw lots of different birds and butterflies whist roaming around the place. The people in the hotel where helpful and friendly. You do need a 4x4 to get around as some of the roads as yet are just tracks.
Written July 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ester Coraza-Juliano
Toms River, NJ63 contributions
Jul 2012 β’ Friends
This resort found in Surallah in South Cotabato should not be missed if you are in Mindanao, Philippines. The resort boasts of several falls, zip lines, a floating restaurant, cozy accommodations and fish ponds teeming with tilapia. I never tried the zip lines due to my age, but I could see the happy faces of my friends who experienced it and the cool trek to see the several falls. This is also the place where you can eat tilapia, cooked in various ways, kinilaw (prepared in vinegar), sinugba, chicharon (the skin), fried, paksiw, etc...you will also be welcomed there by native Tibolis, who will entertain you with their songs and dances, wearing their authentic Tiboli costumes, complete with their jingling accessories. They also sell native trinkets. You can also try their boat ride around the lake. Surely, Lake Sebu has much to offer!
Written June 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
estvanguardia
Manila, Philippines78 contributions
Sep 2011 β’ Solo
I went to Lake Sebu while doing my research on traditional cultural expressions. Lake Sebu is home to the T'bolis, known for their T'nalak weave. The women weavers are also called dream weavers since the designs they create are based on their dreams.
Even though you do not wish to do some research, a very easy task when in Lake Sebu, going to Lake Sebu is a respite from the busy city life -- the place is quiet, people sleep early, and the temperature is perfect!
The food is also really, really good! Just when you think you'll have Tilapia overload, fresh ones from the lake, you end up ordering another one and after a few bites you'll begin to think you can eat it every day.
Its so easy to get comfortable and sedentary in Lake Sebu -- eat, sleep, walk a bit, read etc. but when you're there it is a must to do the zipline, the hike to the 7 falls, and visit the T'boli community!
Be sure to buy some souvenirs from COWHEAD, or you may also buy a 6 meter t'nalak from Lang Dulay - a gawad manlilikha awardee - if you're lucky enough to chance upon one which is not yet sold. Crafts are one of the major source of income from the T'bolis -- beautiful weavings, intricately beaded clothings and accessories, ornate bronze decors etc.
Here's a few photos taken from Lake Sebu.
Even though you do not wish to do some research, a very easy task when in Lake Sebu, going to Lake Sebu is a respite from the busy city life -- the place is quiet, people sleep early, and the temperature is perfect!
The food is also really, really good! Just when you think you'll have Tilapia overload, fresh ones from the lake, you end up ordering another one and after a few bites you'll begin to think you can eat it every day.
Its so easy to get comfortable and sedentary in Lake Sebu -- eat, sleep, walk a bit, read etc. but when you're there it is a must to do the zipline, the hike to the 7 falls, and visit the T'boli community!
Be sure to buy some souvenirs from COWHEAD, or you may also buy a 6 meter t'nalak from Lang Dulay - a gawad manlilikha awardee - if you're lucky enough to chance upon one which is not yet sold. Crafts are one of the major source of income from the T'bolis -- beautiful weavings, intricately beaded clothings and accessories, ornate bronze decors etc.
Here's a few photos taken from Lake Sebu.
Written December 19, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I only have a half day, can I take the tour and zipline for a half day? How do you arrange for the tour?
Written March 14, 2016
Just would like to know if there are any safety concerns just now for Western travellers in that part of the Philippines? i only ask because i am from Scotland and will be arriving in Manila soon for a few weeks worth of backpacking. i keep hearing the odd story about the south being dangerous and not to go to certain places.
How much of this is bad media and how much should i pay attention to stories like this? I just want to experience as much of the Philippines as possible. The 7 falls zip-line looks like a must do activity! :)
thanks
Written December 29, 2015
Mary
Los Angeles, California
Hi Duncansmith, Its more safe if you go with the native people from Cotabato, just dont go alone with people from Luzon because some of them cant take to travel to mindanao.
Written December 9, 2016
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