Yambo Lake — Attraction in San Pablo

A memorable place. this is where our love story started. It was November 3, 2023. when a close friend of mine Edwin asked me and our other friends to come here to celebrate Patricia's his daugther birthday.

there were only 3 of us who came that night. Me, my friend Art & Leb. we were the closest amongst friends. Kababata so to speak.

It was 8PM when we got there, we thought we were lost at first coz the road to the lake was really dark we miss a turn.

there's not much lamppost on the streets. I remember Leb even told me she wanted to go back coz it was pretty dark & scary. but i Just shrug it off by saying I won't let anything happen to all of us.

when we got there we parked my Van in a pay parking just outside the Lake. an overnight fee cost us P100.00, we're supposed to pay for the environmental fee of I think P20.00 but the Tanod waive it since we got there late.

There were several people who've already pitched their tent when we got there. a group of Gen-Z and a couple of Millenials.

the younger people were a few meters away from us, they were drinking and merrymaking. playing music and eating. just really having a good time, but I don't know how to put it, the sound didn't bother us that much, it's like the ground absorbs the noise.

then we went on our own business and catching up as usual. poured on our favorite Poison, Alfonso. love the beef pulutan that was prepared and grilled liempo is the best.

That night while we were drinking, I always caught her looking at me and every time I do, she'll just turn her head and look someplace else.

2AM. Edwin, Leb and I were the only people standing. I do admit that at the time I'm a bit tipsy and I can also say the same thing with Leb, she kept on yawning.

Edwin told me that we can sleep on the air bed. I was looking at Leb like I wanted her approval if I can sleep there with her. she just nodded.

the sky was so clear, no clouds just stars and since it's a Ber months it was really windy and cold, cuddle weather, perfect.

Leb and I lay down, we looked at the sky, talking, saying how happy she was happy that it didn't rain that night. I was Just listening to what she's saying.

it was really cold that night, lay on my side, turn my back on Leb. then i started to feel her hand reaching out to mine. she said she's cold. I took her hand, placed it in my chest, making her hug me. then she placed her leg on top mine and started to hug me tight. it must be the wind?

there's something about Yambo lake. the calm, serene & romantic vibe. made me give in to the feeling.

I turn around and hugged Leb. she looked at me for a good 5 seconds then we kissed.

The rest was history.

I love Yambo lake.

Leb & I are planning to go here...

Basic amenities, but there's toilet facilities already;-) A donation box takes care of the place's upkeep, there is no entrance fee. You can take your car till the road meets the lake's banks. A sari-sari store would take care of your basic food, the house right next to it serves yummy, piping hot buffalo noodles! If you have plans of coming here might as well avail of set lunch and rafting (call them first so they can arrange your food). The locals in the area serve you in the thatched roof bamboo raft.

If you come schooldays it will be best as there's no one there. If you've time in your hands it is best to read a book, ride on your own on the solo rafts or go fishing. You can bring packed lunch too if you want, just tip when you leave. Saturdays could be busy with local tourists.

Best to bring kids, and pets too. They've floaters for rent, just sad that they took away the kayaks last yr - they say that not enough tourists are renting them out.

I think this is better than pandin lake; from just the convenience of bringing your car till the lakeside. Just be careful of the narrow and slippery road. Buy fruits n vegetables in season when you see some here. It is so cheap!

Best for a day trip. Go early morning, swim or hike, have lunch. You can go to nearby Bunga falls too, probably 15mins away by car.

I just love this place. Get to talk with the locals. They'd be more than...

We've spent our first Sunday in this place and we enjoyed every bit of it. We drove for about 3 hours going to this place and we didn't know what to expect but it was a pleasant surprise.

We had a nice lunch prepared for us while we toured around the lake on a raft, which was a new experience for me. Most of the food they served were from the lake itself (the tilapia and freshwater shrimp) or harvested around the area (like the fern salad). It was a good day for a swim but none of us were prepared. Most of us were wearing jeans and sneakers (lol). We just tried the 'swing' made with a used tire tied to a branch of a huge tree (you'll understand what it's for when you see it for yourself). It was an exhilarating experience. We're definitely going back in summer, if chances will allow. It's a nice place to visit if you're into immersing yourself in nature. It felt good to finally breathe some fresh air after being holed-up for too long because of the travel restrictions.

I also appreciate how kind the tourist guides were and they were really mindful of maintaining the cleanliness of the lake. Safety protocols were also observed.

Tip: Don't go here without packing swim wear......