The Philippines is an archipelago shaped by water, and its lakes—freshwater basins, crater lakes, and twin lake systems—play big roles in local ecology, fisheries, and culture. From lowland wetlands to volcanic calderas, they offer quiet landscapes and important habitats across the islands.
There are 20 Lakes in Philippines, ranging from Balinsasayao Twin Lakes (Balinsasayao-Danao) to Taal Lake; for each entry you’ll find below the Province/Region,Type,Area (km2) so you can quickly compare location, lake type, and size — you’ll find below.
Which Philippine lake is the largest and where can I see it?
The largest is Laguna de Bay in Luzon, just southeast of Metro Manila, with an area of roughly 911 km2; it’s a working lake used for fishing, transport, and aquaculture, so visits are best planned around local communities and environmental conditions.
Are any of these lakes dangerous or restricted to visitors?
Some lakes, like Taal Lake, sit in active volcanic areas and can pose hazards; others have conservation rules or limited access to protect wildlife or water quality, so check local advisories, respect signage, and ask local authorities before swimming or boating.
Lakes in Philippines
| Name | Province/Region | Type | Area (km2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna de Bay | Laguna / Calabarzon | Tectonic | 911 |
| Lake Lanao | Lanao del Sur / BARMM | Tectonic | 340 |
| Taal Lake | Batangas / Calabarzon | Volcanic (caldera) | 234 |
| Lake Mainit | Surigao del Norte / Caraga | Tectonic | 173.4 |
| Lake Buluan | Maguindanao del Norte / BARMM | Natural | 63 |
| Lake Caliraya | Laguna / Calabarzon | Reservoir | 20 |
| Lake Naujan | Oriental Mindoro / MIMAROPA | Natural | 19.4 |
| Lake Buhi | Camarines Sur / Bicol | Natural | 18.4 |
| Lake Bato | Camarines Sur / Bicol | Natural | 18 |
| Laguna de Bay (San Pablo lakes cluster – combined small lakes) | Laguna / Calabarzon | Natural | 3.5 |
| Lake Sebu | South Cotabato / SOCCSKSARGEN | Natural | 1.5 |
| Balinsasayao Twin Lakes (Balinsasayao-Danao) | Negros Oriental / Central Visayas | Crater | 1.2 |
| Lake Danao | Leyte / Eastern Visayas | Natural | 1.2 |
| Lake Danao | Bohol / Central Visayas | Crater | 0.2 |
| Lake Pinatubo (crater lake) | Zambales / Central Luzon | Volcanic (crater) | 0.6 |
| Lake Holon (Maughan) | South Cotabato / SOCCSKSARGEN | Crater | 0.4 |
| Lake Apo | Bukidnon / Northern Mindanao | Crater | 0.24 |
| Lake Kipot | Agusan del Sur / Caraga | Natural | 0.9 |
| Lake Leonard (Tandag area) | Surigao del Sur / Caraga | Natural | 0.8 |
| Lake Suil | Sultan Kudarat / SOCCSKSARGEN | Natural | 0.7 |
Images and Descriptions
Laguna de Bay
Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines. It sits between Laguna and Rizal provinces near Metro Manila. It serves as a major source of fish, irrigation, and transport. It appears on the list for its size and heavy role in the region’s economy and water management.
Lake Lanao
Lake Lanao is a large freshwater lake in Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. It is an ancient tectonic lake that provides water, fish, and hydroelectric power. It supports Maranao culture and ranks among the country’s major lakes.
Taal Lake
Taal Lake is a volcanic lake in Batangas that surrounds Taal Volcano. It contains Volcano Island and formed after eruptions reshaped the caldera. It appears on the list for its unique volcanic setting and tourism importance.
Lake Mainit
Lake Mainit lies between Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte in Mindanao. It is a deep freshwater lake with wetlands and river inflows. It serves local fisheries and is one of the larger lakes in the country.
Lake Buluan
Lake Buluan sits in central Mindanao and forms part of a broad floodplain and wetland system. It supports fishing, rice irrigation, and waterbirds. It appears on the list for its regional ecological and livelihood value.
Lake Caliraya
Lake Caliraya is a man-made reservoir in Laguna province. Engineers created it for hydroelectric power and irrigation. It now serves as a recreation spot for boating, fishing, and watersports.
Lake Naujan
Lake Naujan is a large freshwater lake in Oriental Mindoro within a national park. It hosts many waterbirds and supports local fisheries. It appears on the list for its protected status and ecological importance.
Lake Buhi
Lake Buhi is a small volcanic lake in Camarines Sur. It is famous for the sinarapan, one of the smallest commercially fished freshwater fish. It serves as a local fishery and tourist attraction.
Lake Bato
Lake Bato lies in Camarines Sur near the town of Bato. It is a freshwater lake used for fishing and aquaculture. It appears on the list for its role in local livelihoods and freshwater habitats.
Laguna de Bay (San Pablo lakes cluster – combined small lakes)
This entry groups the small crater lakes around San Pablo City in Laguna, often called the Seven Lakes. These volcanic lakes are scenic, volcanic in origin, and popular for local tourism. They appear as a notable clustered lake system within Laguna province.
Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu sits in South Cotabato, Mindanao, in a highland lake system with waterfalls. It supports indigenous T’boli communities and rich bird life. It appears for its cultural value and growing ecotourism.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes (Balinsasayao-Danao)
The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are two crater lakes in Negros Oriental. They lie inside a forest reserve and support diverse bird and fish species. They appear on the list for their protected status and scenic value.
Lake Danao
Lake Danao
Lake Pinatubo (crater lake)
Lake Pinatubo forms in the caldera of Mount Pinatubo after the 1991 eruption. The crater holds clear, often turquoise water and lies on the Zambales-Tarlac border. It appears for its recent volcanic origin and trekking appeal.
Lake Holon (Maughan)
Lake Holon, also known as Lake Maughan, is a crater lake on Mount Maughan in South Cotabato. It sits in a highland forest and has clear water. It appears for its trekking routes and cultural sites nearby.
Lake Apo
Lake Apo is a highland crater lake in Mindanao. It sits in an upland area and supports freshwater fish and native plants. It appears as an example of smaller volcanic lakes important to local communities.
Lake Kipot
Lake Kipot is a small inland lake in the Philippines that serves local fisheries and wetland wildlife. It appears on regional lists for its ecological and community value.
Lake Leonard (Tandag area)
Lake Leonard lies near Tandag city in Surigao del Sur. It is a freshwater lake used by nearby communities for fishing and recreation. It appears for its local significance and access from the coast.
Lake Suil
Lake Suil is a small upland lake in the Philippines that supports local biodiversity and freshwater habitats. It appears on the list for its environmental role at the community or regional level.
