Lake Danao National Park is located northeast of Ormoc City, sitting among the mountain ranges. It is a popular tourist destination that both locals and tourists go back to. It has a distinct violin shape covering 148 hectares, and has a volcanic origin. Staying in Lake Danao feels cooler than normal because it sits 700 meters above sea level.
Lake Danao is popular for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. It is a habitat for catfish, carp, Indian milk fish, tilapia and giant eels. There are locals around the park who offer a ‘paluto’ service using fresh produce from the lake.
The lake might be the main attraction, but the park offers a whole lot of other fun activities you can do!
How to get to Lake Danao?
Easiest way to Lake Danao
Get rid of the hassle, dust, and stress of commuting – and rent a car from us! Either you self-drive or avail a driver rental service, we can accommodate it! You will arrive in Lake Danao without all the hustle and bustle of the commute.
It does not matter if you’ll come from Tacloban Airport, Ormoc Port, Hilongos Port, or Liloan Port – because we can take you straight to Lake Danao! Availing a rental from us saves you a lot of money while cutting unnecessarily long travel time.
Whether you are a small group or a big one, our units of sedans to vans can accommodate your needs. We do have a distinguished collection of rental vehicles.
Book with us now through our Booking Page.
Contact us through the following:
Globe: 0936 812 9040 or 0955 872 3883
Smart: 0981 632 5288 or 0907 931 8774
Email: customerservice@taclobanrentacar.com
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From Tacloban to Lake Danao
1. If you are coming from the airport, ride a jeep to Downtown and ask them to drop you near Duptours, Van Vans, or Grand Tours.
2. From there, ride a van heading to Ormoc City. This will take 2 hours at most depending on the frequency of passenger stops. Ask them to drop you to the terminal near the public market.
3. Upon arriving at Ormoc, look for jeepneys or multi-cab heading to Barangay Lake Danao. It is a 30-45 minute ride.
4. Haggle with your multicab driver to pick you up on a certain time to ensure your transport back to the City Proper.
From Ormoc City to Lake Danao
1. Go to Ormoc’s terminal near the public market. There, look for a multi-cab or jeepney heading to Barangay Lake Danao.
2. Inquire the driver what time are the trips back to the City Proper or to haggle for them to pick you up at a certain time.
Things to do at Lake Danao
1. KAYAKING
– Kayaking along the wide lake is very serene and calming. There are rentals available, while it is free for some cottage rentals.
2. DINING
– There are locals who offers to cook fresh Danao-captured fish or shellfish. They do not charge for it in big amounts.
3. SWIMMING
– Cottages offer life jackets. It is recommended you wear one when swimming.
4. HIKING
– You can choose to go for a hike around the National Park.
5. BIKING
– Coordinate with the standby tourist officers or locals and bask as much as you can of Lake Danao in a single bike ride.
6. HORSEBACK RIDING
– This one has to be arranged with officers so make sure you coordinate with this.
7. MASSAGE
– Some local therapists offer a full body massage especially to those who came from a trek.
8. BOATING
– A boatman can take you for a tour around the lake.
Rates and Fees
Entrance Fee: ₱ 50
Kayak: ₱ 250
Floating Cottage:
Per Hour – ₱ 150
For a Day – ₱ 700 – 1500
Floatees: ₱ 100 for a day
Life Jacket: ₱ 100 for a day
NOTE: The prices for services and inclusions depends on where you will avail your cottages etc. Some areas offer an all-in pack for a floating cottage + a kayak + floatees + life jackets.
Interesting Facts
– It was formerly called Lake Imelda during the Marcos regime.
– In 1998, Lake Imelda was changed to Lake Danao National Park thanks to the NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System) Act.
– Lake Danao supplies potable water to different towns in Leyte.
How to Contact
You can contact the Lake Danao Tourism Office through this:
+639487174640
To bring when visiting Lake Danao
1. Bring your own water to the park because there are no sure stores you can buy from.
2. Bring your power bank, as this is a park there are no charging ports you can go to in case of a low battery gadget.
3. Bring eco-friendly sunblock and appropriate footwear.
4. Bring cash because there are no ATMs.
5. Bring a medical kit just in case.
Reminders when visiting Lake Danao
1. Study the location. Carry a map so you don’t get lost in case you’re hiking. If you have a guide, stick close and remember the path you took.
2. Register in your cell phone emergency contacts such as police, barangay tanods, firefighters of Ormoc. They have a list of contact numbers when you pay for the entrance fee. Save those.
3. Do not go to Lake Danao alone without telling anyone. Leave a trace.
4. Always wear a life jacket when you’re kayaking or swimming. The lake is freshwater so it might not be as buoyant as the sea.
5. Do not leave your things unattended.