The Four Mountain Lakes in Kabayan, Benguet

KABAYAN MOUNTAIN LAKES

Kabayan is a fourth class municipality in the province of benguet, Northern Philippines. It is said to be the home of the Kabayan mummies, mystical 4 lakes and Luzon’s highest peak – Mount Pulag. Long before it was known or named, this quaint town was a thickly forested and mountainous settlement. The whole place was completely covered with pine trees, virgin oaks, and much higher, by the grassy height of Mount Pulag.

Kabayan is located along the Agno River, most easternly of Benguet Province and within the towering presence of Mount Pulag. It is approximately 335 kilometers north of Manila. From Baguio City, Kabayan is 85 kilometers northeast travelling through the Baguio-Ambuclao-Bokod-Kabayan Road. Taking the Halsema Highway, then following the Abatan-Buguias-Kabayan Road, the town can be reached after covering a distance of 118 kilometers. Read More: https://nojuanisanisland.com/2015/04/27/the-4-lakes-of-kabayan-benguet-philippines/

Lake Bulalacao

Photo from: https://nojuanisanisland.com/2015/04/27/the-4-lakes-of-kabayan-benguet-philippines/

Lake Bulalacao or Bulalakao, Lake Incolos, Lake Tabeo, and Lake Letep-ngepos are located in Kabayan, Benguet, at the base of Mt. Pulag. With their crystal clear water, these can be reached by hiking through scenic Oak Forest that grew densely around the base of the mountain.

Bulalakao Lake has been awarded as a “Three time Consecutive Winner” under the Cleanest Lake for the Cordillera under the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/benguet/Lake-Bulalacao-or-Bulalakao-or-Ambulalacao-or-Ambulalakaw.html

Lake Latep-Ngapos

Photo from: http://www.jeffersodyssey.com/the-four-lakes-of-mystical-kabayan/

The name Latep Ngepos was based on a folklore about a hunter and his dog who camped by the lake one evening. According to the folklore, it was believed that there was a huge snake lurking in the area. The dog kept barking to warn the hunter. But the hunter never noticed it. The dog dived into the lake in order for the hunter to notice the snake. The hunter struggled while fighting with the snake. He was able to kill the snake with the use of burning charcoal. Latep is an Ibaloi word for dive while ngepos means burning charcoal. Read More: http://joseph.goshenlandcapital.com/kabayan-four-lakes/

Lake Incolos

Photo from: http://www.philippinestogo.com/four-lakes-kabayan-benguet/

I could say that Lake Incolos (how Ibalois call it) or Incoloh (for Kalanguyas) is fascinating and unique. Dirt, moss, and grass cover the lake water underneath. Step on it and you will slowly sink. You can even see the water seeping in. Read More: http://www.philippinestogo.com/2016/02/

Lake Tabeo

Photo from: http://joseph.goshenlandcapital.com/kabayan-four-lakes/

According to the locals, the the Tabeo Lake never dries even during summer. The farmers sometimes get water from the lake for their crops. Farm animals drink from the lake. It replenishes itself by collecting rainwater. The lake also has fish but I doubt if it’s suitable for human consumption. Read More: http://www.philippinestogo.com/four-lakes-kabayan-benguet/