Lake Danao is considered as Ormoc City’s main natural attraction. This violin-shaped lake on the mountains of Ormoc was previously named Lake Imelda but was changed to Lake Danao Natural Park afterwards. It is covering an area of 148 hectares and is about 700 meters above sea level. The lake that also includes the Amandawin mountain range is 18 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City, half an hour drive along the Milagro – Lake Danao and San Pablo – Tongonan roads.
According to experts, this lake is volcanic in origin like the popular Taal Lake in Tagaytay City. It is a depression produced by the Leyte Central Fault, an active fault passing through the lake area in N-S direction. Most rock formations that surrounds the lake are andesitic volcanic rocks. At more or less 700 meters above sea level, Lake Danao lies on an altitude similar to Tagaytay, making the area cooler than the average Philippine temperature.
HOW TO GET THERE
Via Boat/Fast craft from Cebu City. If you are from Cebu City, you will have to travel to Ormoc City via slow boat for P430/head or fast craft for P800/head. There are 4 companies operating from Cebu City to Ormoc: Cebu Ferries, Weesam Express, Super Shuttle Ferry, Roble Shipping, Supercat.2Go Travels, Lite Shipping, Ocean Jet with a total of more or less 35 trips per week:
Going to Lake Danao from Ormoc City Proper. You will witness the serene and beauty of the lake by traveling for about 30 minutes to one hour from the city proper. A terminal for jeepneys and multicabs bound for Barangay Lake Danao can be found near Ormoc City Public Market, just across Ormoc City Port. If you want more fun and adventure, you may also opt to ride a habal-habal from Ormoc City. The fare is from P25 – P40 pesos.
Adventure in Leyte, Philippines 