ABOVE: Tadlac Lake in Los Baños, Laguna, is surrounded by greenery and nearby homes, with a lakeside resort along its shore and Mount Makiling in the background.
- Los Baños, Laguna
Tucked away in Barangay Tadlac, Los Baños, Alligator Lake (or Tadlac Lake) offers a quiet, reflective escape from the usual tourist paths. This volcanic crater lake combines serene landscapes, geological intrigue, and local folklore, making it a subtle yet captivating destination for travelers and photographers alike. From gentle waters framed by Mount Makiling to occasional natural phenomena like langal, the lake invites visitors to witness both beauty and science in one tranquil setting.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Alligator Lake with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Alligator Lake. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Tadlac’s Hidden Crater: A Serene Escape
Tucked into Barangay Tadlac in Los Baños, Alligator Lake stands apart from Laguna’s more bustling attractions. While many flock to the town’s famed hot springs, this volcanic crater lake offers a quiet retreat where travelers can pause, listen, and photograph the calm waters stretching beneath the slopes of Mount Makiling. Its modest size — approximately 22.7 hectares, 650 meters long and 503 meters wide — belies the depth of its story, both geologically and culturally.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: Tadlac Lake in Los Baños, Laguna, is surrounded by greenery and nearby homes, with a lakeside resort along its shore and Mount Makiling in the background.
Legends in Laguna: Why They Call It Alligator Lake
Despite its imposing name, there have never been alligators in the area. Historical tales speak of crocodiles that once roamed these waters, inspiring the lake’s moniker. Locals also refer to it as Crocodile Lake or even Enchanted Lake, names that hint at folklore and mystery woven into the town’s identity. Photographers find the lake especially compelling for capturing reflections, subtle ripples, and the light of early mornings or late afternoons.
When the Lake Breathes: Langal and Life Beneath the Surface
One of Alligator Lake’s most fascinating features is hidden below the surface. During the cooler months — usually December through February — the lake experiences langal, a natural overturn where trapped carbon dioxide rises and oxygen levels shift. Historically, this has led to periodic fish kills, a reminder of the delicate balance of crater ecosystems. The lake was once oligotrophic, with remarkably clear waters that could almost be consumed directly. After aquaculture booms in the late 20th century disrupted this balance, the lake slowly recovered following a major fish kill in 1999.
Walking Along Tadlac: What You’ll See and Hear
Visitors to Alligator Lake are treated to more than a geological curiosity. The eastern shore hosts a small park where one can picnic, photograph, or simply absorb the gentle sounds of birds and wind across the water. Hikers, environmental students, and artists often gather here to sketch or study the lake’s ecology. For those coming from Metro Manila, it’s a 1.5- to 2-hour drive, with a modest environmental fee supporting local upkeep. While swimming is discouraged due to depth and safety, the lake’s natural ambiance remains its main attraction.
ABOVE: A person is fishing at Tadlac Lake (also known as Alligator Lake) in Laguna, holding a rod and reel, with a hillside behind them and buildings along the shore.
ABOVE: A person is fishing at Tadlac Lake (also known as Alligator Lake) in Laguna, holding a rod and reel, with a hillside behind them and buildings along the shore.
ABOVE: Tadlac Lake (Alligator Lake) in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, is a deep blue lake bordered by green hills, residential areas, and aquaculture facilities.
ABOVE: Tadlac Lake (Alligator Lake) in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, is a deep blue lake bordered by green hills, residential areas, and aquaculture facilities.
Nearby Lakeside Experiences and Leisure
Although Alligator Lake itself is low-key, nearby resorts such as Laresio Lakeside Resort & Spa provide water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, cliff jumping, and ziplines. These offerings create a balance of adventure and reflection, allowing visitors to enjoy Laguna’s nature without compromising the lake’s tranquil character.
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Why This Quiet Crater Resonates
Alligator Lake captivates because it is authentically itself — a place where geology, folklore, and quiet human activity intersect. For travelers and photographers, it offers a different lens on Laguna: one less crowded, yet rich with story, reflection, and environmental intrigue. By highlighting understated beauty and ecological rhythms, the lake reminds visitors that some of the province’s most compelling experiences are those found off the beaten path.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
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