How do I get to the Twin Lakes from Dumaguete?
Short answer
The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are about 25 km from Dumaguete via Sibulan and San Jose, but the last stretch is a steep, rough uphill road, so the trip usually takes an hour to an hour and a half. There is no regular public transport to the gate.
A private vehicle handles the climb comfortably and waits while you walk the viewpoint and paddle the lake. By public transport you would bus to San Jose and hire a habal-habal up the rough road.
Step by step: Dumaguete to Twin Lakes
- 1Drive towards San Jose
Head north-west from Dumaguete through Sibulan towards the San Jose turn-off for the lakes.
- 2Climb the access road
The final stretch is steep and rough; a private car or sturdy vehicle makes it comfortable.
- 3Reach the Twin Lakes gate
Pay the park entry at the gate, then walk to the viewpoint over both lakes.
- 4Paddle and return
Hire a kayak or paddle boat on the lake, then your driver takes you back down.
Ways to travel, compared
- Private transfer (what we arrange)~1-1.5 hrs
A private car up to the Twin Lakes gate, handling the steep final road, with a waiting driver. Fixed price, request a quote.
- Bus + habal-habal (public)~1.5 hrs+
Bus or jeepney to San Jose, then a habal-habal up the rough road. Cheapest, but slower and less comfortable, especially in the wet.
Dumaguete to Twin Lakes: FAQs
Why does the Twin Lakes trip take so long for only 25 km?
The final uphill access road is steep and rough, which slows the last stretch considerably, so the 25 km usually takes an hour to an hour and a half. A private car handles it comfortably.
Is there public transport to the lakes?
There is no regular public route to the gate. Most visitors come by private vehicle or hire a habal-habal from San Jose for the final climb. A private car is the simplest and most comfortable way up.