It's a happy long weekend everyone!
How did you spend your long weekend holidays? Well, for me, I have spent my week entirely with my family. We have a random travel that I'm about to share with you.
Here in the Philippines, we have various kinds of natural features in the form of land and water. We get to enjoy their natural goodness and adds a scenic view to our surroundings. Just like we have visited a deserted area in a body of water in Toledo, Cebu, the alluring LAKE BENSIS!
The astonishing view of the lake with its emerald green cold water surrounded with lush vegetation of greens. Lake Bensis has been cultured with Tilapia fish. One could buy it anytime as long as the fish is available. They have cultured it in the heart of the lake. They have to take the boat to get them.
Our experience in going to Lake Bensis
A few days ago after the election day, we traveled to my in-law's house so our children could take a break, and me too. Hehe. We decided to visit the lake since it's a few kilometers away from home. By the way, my in-law's house is on the boundary of the mountain barangay of Cebu City and Toledo City, so we transverse via Talisay. It has a tricky road and seeing those eroded soil from above. It's dangerous yet we took extra careful.
I saw this beautifully arranged roaster house which covered the whole area of a hectare.
When we arrived at the parking lot. We have to hike about one kilometer to the lake. It is purely descending and one has to use force in order not to fall. The path consists of several pebbles and it's dangerous if one walks too fast. We have children on us and other things we brought so it's kind of challenging and getting heavier now and then. Taking a pause is always on our way.
The hill that we're walking was made of these stones. Other parts were pure land but mostly it is by this. I can't believe what I saw, it's like frozen stones accumulated to make way. The last one was gravel that we surely did not step on, to avoid from danger.
As we go farther, we can partially see the abundance of the lake. I am already excited about what's waiting for us there. Tons of thoughts dancing in my mind. The relaxing view of the greens made us calm from the scorching heat of the sun.
When we were already at the foot of the hill, we encountered the remains of the devastating typhoon Odette. The trees fell and were flooded to another place. It's already ready to be a firewood but none of the people there dare to get hence it is owned by the DENR.
Astonishing Lake Bensis!
When we finally arrived at the lake. My eyes glittered with stars as soon as my eyes laid upon the lake. All I can say is WOW!!! We are the first person who arrived there since it's still early. This is an awesome experience of discovering new places in our beloved province. I never got a chance to travel before and now together with my family, my dream has come true.
Calm and perfectly transparent water seems untouched due to its natural and seemingly wonderful creation. As I said, cultured tilapia fish have been living for years but they harvested them by the time. A lot of customers keep coming back because it's freshly caught and affordable in price. They have boats on the side as their way of transportation to get fish. It's just a matter of minutes and a viola! Fishes are there.
The tranquil and glassy water is not exempted from the devastation because as I have observed, the trees on the side have been living dead. It adds to the beauty of the lake. It's a beautiful disaster after all.
Travel would not be complete if we did not taste its fresh and huge tilapia fish. Before we went here, we brought everything that we could think of, we also bought sodas and meat to pair with our freshly caught fish. It's only 2 kilos yet we think that it's not enough so we added more one kilo. Then we grilled it to smoldering charcoal. After an hour of preparing everything, we ate them together.
Then, my husband and my nephews bathed in still placid water made me jealous for I didn't bring any clothes. They really enjoyed the body of water hence it's cozy with its neighboring fantastic vast of green.
Its deepness would not suit my height and probably I would not risk myself because I'm not a swimmer. What's best for this adventure is, I was able to relax my mind, time, and breathing in positive vibes and breathing out negative thoughts. This long weekend has been useful to me for we were able to go out of our comfort zone.
It's now time to go home. We have to ascend this time and prove to ourselves how resilient we are. I might be tired but we have to climb the hill again. Just like the problems that we have, no matter how big or small we have to be brave and resilient.
How to get there?
There are a lot of ways to Lake Bensis:
📌 (From our experience) We took via Lugo, Borbon. Going to Tabuelan, Tuburan, Asturias, Balamban, then right after Strawberry Farm an alley going to Sudlon 11. Right there, we transverse to Sudlon 1, Sinsin then Talisay Road. Straight. Notice the signage to Lake Bensis (Toledo).
Or
📌 From Cebu City, ride a motorcycle in Jy Square, Lahug. Going to Busay up until Sudlon 11, then straight.
📌 There's another area which you can no longer hike but a few kilometers away from where we stopped. You can ask the residents there. They are approachable.
📌 Navigate in your Waze or Google Maps to make sure.
Lake Bensis's experience had a great impact on us. It's simple yet remarkable that carved in our hearts. The laughter, joy, and bond that will always reminisce.
That's all for today hive friends. Thank you for your constant support and may God bless you. Bye!
~I joBEElieve I can, so you can!😉🫶