I cannot pinpoint exactly when I developed a deep affection for the great outdoors or nature in general. Sure, I’ve always known that it was something that is worth appreciating, ergo, protecting, but to actively seek it out was not exactly my thing when I was younger and was still going to school. Somewhere along the way, I just started craving to go out there, up there, breathing and soaking it all in. And I like that I live in a place where I can readily do that, even if it requires some commute or a bit of travel.
So, here’s the continuation of my return to the Four Lakes of Kabayan. You can read about my first trip in this post and, most recently, the first part of this trip in the previous post.
After “crossing” Lake Incolos, I’m a bit proud to say that my feet weren’t completely submerged, although my shoes weren’t completely dry, either. I could definitely feel more than a little bit of dampness having seeped inside my shoes and into my socks but… you know what they say, ‘don’t sweat the small things’ and damp socks and shoes, ladies and gentlemen, is a complete non-issue.
Latep-Ngapos Lake, the Mischievous One
It was not a tough hike to the next lake. But it was not an easy one, either. I think what made it challenging was the uneven terrain. One minute the trail is ascending, then there’s a steep drop to jump down, followed by a steeper trail you’d literally have to clamber up on, using your hands. Then at some parts it gets narrow because of wayward tree roots and, yes, lots of brambles and underbrushes.
But I also think they were what made the hike fun. Because, without them, you’d just as well take a stroll along a paved road, right?
The shade of the trees are a comfort, both under the raging sun or the pouring rain, and I got to experience both extremes! I wish these trees remain in this place for years and years to come, because Lord knows they have shown a shortage in other parts already. There’s a certain comfort to knowing that, at least, in some areas, trees like these still thrive.
Lake Latep-Ngapos is, in my opinion, the loveliest of all four lakes. I don’t see it as a place for people to be swimming in, though, because while it looks shallow in most places, there is a great chance that the floor of the lake won’t be as solid. Just looking at it, I could imaging someone sinking, being swallowed up by the lake.
I suppose this is one of those places that are meant to be appreciated from a distance. In fact, the closest that we got was to stand on the tree roots that seemed to have been strategically placed close to the shore. I don’t think human hands had any involvement in these roots reaching out into the water. Must be nature working her magic, which I’m totally down for.
It took quite some persuading to get my Mom to clamber up on one of the tree roots to take a photo with me, because yes, the roots were looking mighty unsteady. Having been soaked in the water is certainly not doing anything for its longevity, and we weren’t exactly light, haha!
But she did, despite shaky knees and shakier tree roots! (I love those moments when she adopts that YOLO attitude, because they are verrrrrry rare.)
Bulalakaw Lake, the Overwhelming One
This time, the trail leading from Latep Ngapos to the last lake involved a path that cuts through a hill top, which affords you a view of the surrounding peaks with clouds all around. Perfectly situated, I must say, after spending around a good hour or so underneath tall trees and cramped spaces.
This is my third time setting my eyes on the last of the Four Lakes, the Bulalakaw Lake. The first one was during my first climb to Mt. Pulag, waaaay back in 2007 (OMILORD.) because it was one of the side trips before we headed off to Tawangan, our jump-off point for the climb the next morning.
The first time, it was already quite dark when we stood by Bulalakaw Lake, but I remember the sight of the still surface of the lake under the pale light of the moon, and it was pretty.
The second time, it was raining, so there were droplets making the surface of the water of the lake ripple. And we didn’t get to hang out for more than a few minutes, because we just wanted to stay away from the downpour.
This time, I got to see Bulalakaw Lake on a sunny day, and it was as beautiful as both the earlier times I saw it, albeit a different kind of beautiful.
I don’t know about you, but I have a thing for seeing blue sky reflected on the water. It’s like seeing the sky down below, instead of having to crane your neck to look up.
I’ve always been amazed at mirror effects and reflections, and Bulalakaw Lake delivered. Oh, boy, how it delivered that time.
I actually liked how there wasn’t a large dry area on the lake’s shore for many people to stand on. That means lesser chances of visitors setting up camp beside it, or even having a picnic by the lake, showing potential of causing more damage to the Lake.
Because, let’s be real. The Lake, as it is today, is already sustaining some damage, because many of the neighboring farms and agricultural lands are sourcing irrigating water from it. I’m pretty sure it’s not completely legal and aboveboard to be doing that, but we’re talking about old practices and traditions, and sometimes, they take precedence over some newer legislation. *shrugs*
Selfishly, however, let me just say I’m glad I still got to see these sights in my lifetime.
After leaving the Lake, it was a relatively short downward trek to the side of the road, where our rides were waiting after having driven down from the jump-off point where they left us hours earlier.
We went back to Tabeyo Lake, where the local officials have set up late lunch for everyone. A simple fare served in cut up trunks of banana trees, substituting for plates, and soup poured on coconut shells instead of bowls.
This, my friends, is how we roll in these parts, and a part of me was tickled to eat in this manner again. Really, sometimes the old ways have a way of making me smile while, at the same time, not so gently reminding me that, despite the new and modern taking over, some of the old and familiar are still being practiced.
Lately, more and more people are coming to this place, and I’ve seen several groups coming up with organized hikes to the Four Lakes, including it as a side trip for hikers to Mt. Tabayoc or even Mt, Pulag.
I have nothing against that, though. In fact, I highly recommend this as a destination in these parts. But I do hope some responsibility and accountability is observed, by the organizers and hikers, as well as the authorities. I mean, that’s the least everyone can do, right?
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