SHORT TRIPS | Biking Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos Bukidnon

It was supposed to be a good day for a bike ride to Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Before leaving Maramag, the wind was calm, skies cloudy, no signs of rain... It was beginning to be a good day. Until we covered about eight kilometers or so, the sky in Don Carlos felt heavy and teary.

Still, we're here. Rain or shine, our bikes were ready for an all-weather goodness.

Lake Pinamaloy should be a serene place offering 60 hectares of activity space. For active people, it is a good venue for runners and mountain bikers alike. For lovers, it's wide enough to show public display of affection. Meanwhile, for the laid-back people wanting to relax, the lake is heavily surrounded by trees providing a cool breeze of air for anyone wanting to read a book or have a picnic.

Mountain Biking at Lake Pinamaloy

A rough estimate of three kilometers is needed to loop the existing narrow road around the lake. With walls that enclose the area from any trespassers, it is however worth noting that the lake is always open for visitors free of charge.

Lake Pinamaloy is probably the most famous landmark Don Carlos, Bukidnon has to offer. It also brings fresh-drinking water for the people in the area.

The cool breeze makes it an ideal place to spend leisure time with family any day. If in case you intend to host a picnic in the area, bring as much food for the planned day since there are no food stalls in the area.

I would also like to inform everyone that swimming is never allowed in the lake premises.

Narrow roads are an addition to those wanting for a trail run or a bike ride.

How to get here?
Take a bus bound to Kibawe, Kalilangan, Dumulog, or Tacurong then de-board at Don Carlos Bus Terminal. Then take a tricycle, about 8 pesos per passenger.

Tips before going to the lake;
- Bring food for the day.
- Try bringing a hammock if anyone wants to read under the tree branches.
- Bring a bike for some leisure ride.
- Bring Frisbee.

SNAPSHOTS | A ride to Lake Manlamonay, Don Carlos, Bukidnon

Lake Manlamonoy

Lake Manlamonay is an infamous lake located at about seven kilometers away from the Sayre Highway, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. While being surrounded by coconut trees and a sugarcane field, it is actually a lake that provides agri-fishing for the people living nearby.

The moment I had the chance to see this lake upclose and personal. It was soul-inviting as the sun was setting down. It threw away my exhaustion, delivering me towards serenity even for just a moment.

My bike resting beside the lake.

Getting here can be done in the form of habal-habal. But since this is me, I opted to travel short distances on my mountain bike leaving Maramag at around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I was able to reach home by six - contented with the picture I got.

If anyone wishes to visit the small lake, please bear in mind that, like its Lake Pinamaloy brother, this one isn't suitable for swimming. Picnic is also not advisable since farm animals' are common within the premises.

Acknowledgement:
Thanks to blogger Earl Bolivar of Bukidnon Photo Journal. His Lake Manlamonay article actually informed me of its existence. Read his article here.