There’s something about lakes that I found mysterious yet interesting at the same time. I think it’s the only body of water that I’m always inclined to learn about. How it came to be. What kind of movement the earth had gone through to form it. Was it a result of some phenomena, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption. They’re such a mesmerizing sight that I couldn’t help but wonder how something so gorgeous and enchanting was created. I have seen several pristine lakes during my travels in recent years like Lake Holon in T’boli, South Cotabato and Lake Balinsasayao in Negros Oriental. Both were equally a beauty and I was just as fascinated as to stumble upon Lake Carolina which charm and mystic resemble these two.
The Journey To Lake Carolina
It was one sunny day during the first month of 2020 in Cateel Davao Oriental when I decided to go to Lake Carolina. That day was just one of the rarest instances the sun has shown up and battled its way through the dark rain clouds. My cousin/travel buddy was a no show for almost 3 days. He must have been very tired with our previous adventures and of driving me around every place I wanna go to. I really couldn’t blame him. “Having a bear 🐻 for a passenger on a motorbike is just too much for his 100-lb body” was his favorite line. 😆 No offense taken there but he always teased me about how I used to be his favorite cousin because I was the thinnest. Don’t worry, he still loves me anyway.
I didn’t want this day wasted so with or without a company, I went my way to Lake Carolina. From our house in central Brgy. San Antonio, I walked 50 meters to the bus stop. The bus didn’t come until several minutes after. While I was waiting, a local recognized me and asked where I was headed. Said I looked familiar and she inquired for my name. I confirmed and she smiled fondly. Said she and mom went to the same school and were good friends. That didn’t come as a surprise to me. My mom is naturally charismatic. Unlike me who drives people away, my mom was always surrounded by a lot of people. She offered that she help me hail the bus because it unusually has a habit of ignoring passengers at the sidewalk.
As soon as the bus from 30 meters away flashed before our eyes, this kind-hearted lady gestured for it to stop. It halted just in front of us and I hopped onto it after thanking this lady kindly. The ride to Lake Carolina was just straightforward. I just didn’t expect it to last for more than 30 minutes. There were only a handful of passengers inside the bus and I reckoned that was what’s causing the delay. The bus circled in a fishing village for some time. Thought it wasn’t normal but didn’t give it much thinking. The bus I was on was headed to Mati so the driver must have wanted to fill at least half of the seats. I handed my fare of P35 to the ticket boy. He was obviously not from around the corner since he spoke Bisaya instead of Mandaya. He appeared to not understand a thing when confronted in the locals’ tongue. I smiled sheepishly. He was just like me.
I arrived in Lake Carolina at 1PM. It wasn’t really hard to find since a sign at the sidewalk can easily be spotted. I still asked for the bus driver to tell me when I’ve arrived at my destination just to make sure. Since I have this uncanny habit of missing my stop on every bus ride, I thought of being careful. I stood up from my seat and walked to the front when the driver gave the cue. The bus stopped just in front of the entrance to Lake Carolina. As soon as I alighted, the bus sped away and was instantly out of sight. I stood in front of an empty lot. I looked up the sign again and it definitely said Lake Carolina but something’s creeping me out. It was eerily quiet. Even the streets were empty. I walked from where I stood to the entrance with reluctance. There’s gotta be people out there, I insisted.
I knocked and called for someone at the house that stood at the entrance. Nobody answered. Several minutes passed and I was getting impatient so I walked my way to the inside of the vicinity. I stumbled into a driveway. I continued walking until the end of it and there it was. Lake Carolina’s beauty is one to behold. It was so immaculate that afternoon. Unrivaled serenity was one way to describe it. The pristine waters were glowing under the sun like crystals. The clear water was a gradient of all the shades of green. There was nobody else around but I didn’t mind anymore. Without much thought, I went for a dip. If there are no other humans around, I was happy to be in the company of fairies and elves because it was the kind of place that reminded me of them. I imagine them flying and sprinkling magic dust everywhere. The elves with their silken skin and elegance playing sweet melodies at the banks. It was definitely terrifying to be alone in this such an enchanting place but I refused to be overcome by fear and chose to cherish the moment.
How To Go To Lake Carolina
From Manila – Fly to Davao. Once at the Davao Airport, take a cab to the Ecoland Terminal. Ride a van or a bus to Baganga (5Hrs | P400). In Baganga town proper, hire a tricycle to take you to Lake Carolina (10 Min | P30).
From Mati – Ride a bus or a van going to Cateel/Baganga and alight in Lake Carolina. Travel time may take 2-3 hours.
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Useful Travel Tips
- Time your visit to Lake Carolina during a sunny day. The water’s color turns into a dark emerald green on rainy days. It is best seen when the waters are a clear turquoise green.
- There are a handful of other places in Baganga that you can visit along with Lake Carolina. The Curtain Falls in Brgy. Campawan is a must-see if you love waterfalls. For the full list, I have written a post for 10 Underrated Tourist Spots in Davao Oriental which you might wanna check out.
- Going to Lake Carolina is easy. It doesn’t require hiking or anything tiring. The way to this lake is also easy and not complicated as it is just along the highway where buses from Davao and Cateel pass by.
- The entrance fee is P10. You will most likely find it empty during the rainy months from November – May and packed during the sunny months of June – October.
- There is a designated parking area. The parking fee range from P20-P50 which depends on the type of vehicle.
- Toilet and baths are available free of charge for visitors.
- Cottages are available for rental. The rental fee starts at P300. This could cater to a group of 10 or more.
- Lifebouy and life jackets are available for rental. The rental fee starts at P30.
- Some properties surrounding Lake Carolina are off-limits. Please observe caution when exploring the area to avoid causing conflict.
- There is cellphone coverage in the area for all networks.
Where To Stay Before/After Visiting Lake Carolina
Obrero Suites – Palma Gil Street, Obrero, Poblacion, Davao City
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Jotel Inn – 434 E. Quirino Avenue, Poblacion, Davao City
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Eden Nature Park and Resort – Bo. Eden, Toril, Davao City
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There you have it lovelies! Lake Carolina is definitely the place to be if you need that refreshing dip into during summer or if you just need a soak to wash away all the stress away. Let me know what you think in the comments. Share this with your friends and plan that trip now. Until next time. Ciao!
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