I will never get tired of this place. The nippy air, the sight of canoes slowly cutting through the placid waters of the lake, some egrets and other bird species suddenly landing on a leafy branch nearby and catching the changing hues during sunrise. Marvelling on how the light falls on the water and spread into the low mountains and hills. It is mornings like this, sitting by the porch in front of our room at Punta Isla Lake Resort, I’m at the front seat as nature unfolds before me. It’s no surprise I would be back in Lake Sebu for the third time. On this trip, I’m accompanied by my #TravelMindanao buddies.
Commuting from General Santos to Lake Sebu
Coming from Microtel General Santos, we had to do a few transfers to reach Lake Sebu. It wasn’t really a hassle since transportation system in Mindanao is efficient. We took the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) from Bulaong Terminal headed Marbel. Travel time was about an hour for Php 84.00. From Marbel Terminal, we hopped on to another YBL bus going to Surallah. Travel time was about half an hour for Php 28.00. From Surallah, we took a van to Lake Sebu poblacion (town center) proper. Travel time was less than an hour for Php 35.00. From the poblacion there were plenty of habal-habal (motorbikes) which we took going to our resort Punta Isla Lake Resort. Fare was Php 20.00.
Punta Isla Lake Resort
This resort is already an institution. Even if there are already a number of lake-side resorts popping up, Punta Isla Lake Resort hasn’t change much since my first visit in 2007. Except for the thicker vegetation, the rooms has been slightly spruce up a bit and added wifi access to the common area. Then there’s the big tilapia (fish) on top of the floating restaurant which is way to kitsch for my taste. Still, we’re thankful for staying here as the place still feels homey. The nights were cool. The tables and chairs by the porch doubles as our working area with a view of the lake.
Morning by the Lake
Punta Isla Lake Resort has a wide area and has access to the banks of the lake. Dining huts by the lake gives a closer view of the fish farms. I like it that they have lessened the number of fish cages now in the lake letting it breathe naturally. After enjoying the morning unfold in myriad colors, I went down by the banks to see the fishermen starting early to tend to their nets and fish. It was such a serene moment seeing them glide gracefully over the water while a thin veil of mist linger and slowly evaporate on the lake. Lake Sebu always had that calming effect on me. I really don’t mind going back here again and again.
Punta Isla Lake Resort
Contact: (083)236-1053
Smart: 09194515015
Globe: 09052895134
Sun: 09239115053
email: [email protected]
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
