Blessed with a plethora of exciting sights and stunning natural beauty, the Philippines is undoubtedly home to some of the most captivating and breathtaking places in the world. From postcard-worthy beaches and glorious mountains to eye-catching waterfalls and flowing rivers in the jungle, the country is a paradise for travelers looking for adventure and natural beauty, both above and below the water. From dazzling coral reefs to rainforests full of exotic jungle life, there’s beauty throughout the vibrant country.
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Barracuda Lake Is the Most Unreal Looking Place in the Philippines
Because there are so many beautiful places in the country, it can be hard to build out the ideal itinerary. But if you’re at all able, consider putting Barracuda Lake on your agenda.
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The lake boasts of crystalline turquoise-colored waters, making it a paradise for divers and swimming enthusiasts alike. It’s known as Luluyuan Lake by locals and is a popular scuba diving destination because of its halocline: a murky layer where freshwater on top of the lake blends with saltwater near the bottom. But since it’s only about 13 feet below the surface (depending on rainfall), swimmers who can hold their breath can also swim down to take a look (but probably don’t swim through it).
Photo: Alex Traveler/Shutterstock
Swimmers in Barracuda Lake should bring an underwater camera as the water is clear and beautiful. Stay in the water long enough, and you’ll probably see the famous fish the lake is named for — but they’ll leave you alone if you leave them alone, especially since the clear water allows them to see very easily that you’re not a tasty meal.
The lake is surrounded by tall cliffs covered in bright green foliage.The best time to visit is December though May, since that tends to be the dry season in the country. That said, it’s still a tropical destination, so you may want to be flexible with your plans in case it’s raining on the day you plan to visit Barracuda Lake, as that can affect the water clarity. And if you’re hoping to plan a full day trip, you could combine a visit to Barracuda Lake with visits to swim at the nearby Green Lagoon or Kayangan Lake. both are quite popular, so try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
How to get to Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake in the Philippines is known for its breathtaking beauty and fascinating aquatic life. It’s on Coron Island, in the western part of the country north of the popular scuba diving island of Palawan and south of Mindoro Island. The easiest way to get there is by plane, and local airlines fly from cities like Manilla and Cebu into Busuanga Airport a few times a day; it’s about an hour-long flight from Manilla. You can also take a ferry from El Nido if you’re already on Palawan.
From wherever you are in Coron town, you’ll either need to charter a boat or go as part of a tour, which may be the easiest option. Do an online search for “Barracuda Lake Tour, Coron,” and you’ll find plenty of affordable options. If you go on your own, have cash to pay the 200 PHP entry fee (about $4). 