Ponong Hidden Lake in Samboan

​Aside from the remarkable waterfalls and well-maintained marine sanctuary, Samboan also has a lake hidden behind dense palms and mangroves. The Ponong Hidden Lake is so hidden that some residents of Samboan have yet to visit the place. The local government of Samboan is planning to introduce fishing as an activity at the lake, which has brackish water due to saltwater intrusion. 

Ponong Hidden Lake – image source: panoramio.com

​But, strictly speaking the Ponong Hidden Lake can be considered as a closed lagoon rather than a lake. It was recently introduced as a new tourist destination in the municipality of Samboan. It is also a place for a bird called the Manolong to dive into the water to escape predators. In addition to the Manolong, a number of migratory birds also visit the area. 

Ponong Hidden Lake – image source: panoramio.com

​While the water may be inviting for visitors, swimming is prohibited in the area. The water level can go down as low as four feet during low tide conditions, which is normally in the morning. The place has one small raft covered with a nipa roof to allow visitors to tour the lake. The tour normally takes around thirty minutes and visitors can move across the lake using ropes attached to the mangroves to move around the lake.

Ponong Hidden Lake – image source: swazigirl.blogspot.com

The Ponong Hidden Lake used to have crocodiles roaming around, but the last reported sighting was in the 1960s. The lake also has no entrance fee and all visitors have to do is to tip the guide showing visitors around.

Getting to the Ponong Hidden Lake

To get to the Ponong Hidden Lake, it is necessary to hop on a bus bound for Bato/Barili. Just tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the Ponon gasoline station. From the gas station, you can ride a motorcycle or tricycle to get to the Ponong Hidden Lake.

Ponong Hidden Lake – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The Ponong Hidden Lake is just one of the hidden treasures of Samboan. It is important for the development to ensure the natural beauty of the place is left untouched when it is developed by the local government for tourism purposes. Have you visited the Ponong Hidden Lake already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.