Encompassing the mountain forests and lakes. The prominent features of the park are the twin crater lakes called Balinsasayao and Danao. The former lake is about 830 meters above sea level while the latter lake 840 meters above sa level. The crater were found during the Pleistocene Period when Negros Island was forming together the island of Panay, Masbate and Cebu. Years of rain and stream deposits filled up the craters with water resulting in the two lakes. A narrow ridge separates the lakes. The lakes are surrounded by the dome-shaped Mt. Guintabon in the east and by the higher conical-shape Mt. Guinsayawan in west.

The Kabalin-an Pond is a stream-fed pond located beside the Visitors Center. It is a shallow pond overgrown with trees. The species of tree that grows in the pond is called Salic tetrasperma

It is one of the few non-mangrove species that grow in water.

The Balinsasayao crater Lake is the first of the two lakes you see upon reaching the end of the road (also visible from the restaurant balcony). It has a surface area of 76 hectares and is about twice as large as the Danao Lake, The lakeside is generally steep and form part of the crater walls that plunge to depths of up to 90 meter.

The lakes are inhabited by at least three species of introduced freshwater fish while the forest are inhabited by 184 species of terrestrial vertebrates. Noteworthy are the native (endemic) Tarictic Hornbills and Visayas Warty Pig. The animals live in the surrounding forest and are sometimes seen feeding close to the lakes

Forest trees (180 species) dominate the vegetation growing around the lakes They include the endemic Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis) and Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis). In addition to this, fruit-bearing and flower plants grow in the area. They include the Ground Orchid, Spathoglottis plicata, and Wild Strawberry, Fragaria vesea. These two shrubs are sometimes found growing around the trails. Ferns (Pteridophyta) are also common in the park. They come in many sizes and shapes. They include the Giant Tree Fern, Cyatea sp. and bush-size edible "pako" fern, Asplenium esculentum.

From Dumaguete you can ride a PUJ (Public Utility Jeep) going to Amlan and get off at the juncture in La-laan in San Jose. Fare is 15php and may take just 15 minutes. From there hire a motorcycle for 300php round trip per pax or you can contact Kuya Preaciano on his handphone 09169916103 / 09359916103.

From San Jose juncture, there is just one concrete road leading to the lakes. The roads are paved but the ascent can be very steep. There are sections where you will encounter blind curves so be extra careful with your driving. You will pass by 2 small villages before you reach the registration point where you will have to pay entrance. From there the lakes are just a few minutes away.

When we reached the place, you had to walk some more steps down to get to the body of water - Lake Balinsasayao. And if you are planning to visit its twin lake, you can either take a boat for 250php per hour good for 7 pax or take a trekking going to equally breathtaking Lake Danao. On the top of the mountain, there is a viewing deck where you can see the majestic and serene view of both lakes.

THINGS TO DO

• Paddling Boating (250php per hour good for 7 pax)
• Kayaking (150php per hour good for 2 pax)
• Fishing
• Snorkel or Diving (need to sign a waiver form)

The Twin Lakes is also the habitat of many birds and animals, some of which are also rare. As much as possible, take a motor bike that does not have a loud muffler to avoid distraction to the wild life.

Local : 30php

Tourist : 50php