Lake Mapanuepe - Sail Through a Submerged Village

"Chyng and Ga-el, we're going to Lake Mapanuepe." - an invitation from Dom.

The thought of finally traveling with these 2 bloggers already delighted me! Never mind if I haven't heard of Lake Mapanuepe. I didn't even know what awaits us there, all I know is that the three of us should travel together, at last.

Actually, I have met Dom 3x and Ga-el 2x before this trip, but all of those are non-travel related. More on chikahan over coffee sessions only. So for this trip, I know the three of us will be at ease with each other. Turned out to be super at ease! We haven't reached far enough but we already enjoyed our road trip!

Lake Mapanuepe is listed in "Lonely Planet - Philippines"

yes, we're going there

We took the Olongapo bus bound from Cubao, and from Olangpo, we transferred to Iba, Zambales bound bus. We unboarded at San Marcelino, the jump off point to our destination. We transferred to a jeepney that's going to Aglao.

Dom, Ga-el, and I at the topload

there'll be no view like this if you stay inside the jeep

preview of Lake Mapanuepe

After an hour of a bumpy ride (and Ga-el screaming "Chyng, yuko!" whenever there's a branch of tree that will hit me) we finally reached the town of Aglao.

Dom is in a hurry of reaching the lake!

We found a peaceful place at the end of this road. The view is breath taking. Mountains and trees are in sight. Locals are friendly enough to assist tourists like us.

Lake Mapanuepe - upclose

overlooking the mountain

boats to transfer the residents to the other side

I thought this is the only place that we'll go to. Then Dom said we'll need to ride a boat to bring us to the other side. (obviously, I didn't know that. hindi na kasi ako nag-effort magresearch for this trip Ü)

Since Dom volunteered to look and negotiate for our ride, Ga-el and I were left at the grass to rest and continue our un-ending chismisan! ^_^

be strong and still

I like my color combination of the day! ♥

my feet beyond the sky

After a while, we finally saw Dom and our boat!

here comes our ride!

We started to sail and after a little later we saw this cross.

the cross from afar

Pardon me but I only realized it was a sunken church when we're almost there.

Quick Facts:
The place is used to be called the town of Pili. When Mt.Pinatubo erupted in 1991, this place was totally damaged with lahar. After some time, the deserted place acquired water, thus becoming a lake. No one in the village can tell how this area is now famous with the name Lake Mapanuepe.

the remaining part of sunken church of Lake Mapanuepe

side view

Omg, so there's a submerged village where we sailed! I tried to look at the water and there I saw a semi-clear vision of the community. Creepy!

Challenge part: we tried stepping in the church. It's kinda risky for our cameras (in case we slip)! I know I can manage to swim in case I'll fall, though the thought of swimming in this water full of submerged houses is scarifying!

I swear - I feel the creeps as I walked here!

captured!
shot by Ga-el

I had a heavy feeling as we sail back. I know a lot of people are buried alive in the very same lake we're sailing. Nevertheless, it's a one of a kind experience.

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Lesson on the Road | Lake Mapanuepe

We asked the locals how we can go back to town. They all worriedly said there'll be no jeepney schedules after noontime. This became a dilemma for us. We can walk though, but it will take us 2-3 freaking hours! Torture!

So we we're advised to speak with the town chief. We found the kapitan doing some welding job. We told him about our situation and luckily some of the workers will be going back to town after their jobs, and we can hitch in their ride! Yey! Im so thankful! I really hate to walk back! Haha

our ride back to town

imagine the workers need to fit themselves and stand in the back so Ga-el and I can take the front seats. im so touched.

○ This statement moved us:

Dom asked Kapitan why is he doing some welding jobs
Kapitan: para makatipid kami at mailaan sa iba yung pera na matitipid.

Aaww. We need public servants like him. No wonder his barangay loves this Kapitan! Mabuhay po kayo!

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Meet my Travel Buddies | Lake Mapanuepe Edition

Dom of Eskapo

why I like traveling with Dom:
I dont need to think of anything. He always has a plan!

why I dont like traveling with Dom:
It makes me dependent. Umiiral ang katamaran ko! ^_^

Ga-el of The Pinay Solo Backpacker

why I like traveling with Ga-el:
We never had a dull moment because of her kakulitan!

why I dont like traveling with Ga-el:
I cant sleep even for a single moment! Ang daldal nya! ^_^

Thank you Ga-el and Dom for this experience.
I realized you can really meet a person after you've traveled together.
I look forward for (the Krushers Ü) and more travels with you in the future!

please see: Dom's entry on Lake Mapanuepe