-Edgar Allan Poe-
How fortunate we were to see before our eyes the two wonderful and alluring lakes; the Biga Pit and the quiet and peaceful Lake Bensis, during our quick escapade in the remote and mountainous province of Toledo, Cebu City.
Hi Hive! This is your virtual travel attendant for today's adventure, 
THE TRANQUIL LAKE BENSIS
This large brilliantly green lake lay in the middle of the quiet valley of Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy Sinsin, Toledo, Cebu. The window clear lake is also called Lake Pinggaon because of where it is located. The lake is said to be the Hidden gem of Toledo, discovered by campers, trekkers, and travelers looking for a serene and quiet paradise to escape temporarily the bustling life.
This beautiful lake is a large and deep freshwater lake.The lake is simply breathtaking on its way. I say, it's the SIMPLEST LAKE, A VIRGIN, UNTOUCHED tourist attraction I've ever been to. I felt pride in how the locals can preserve and protect its beauty. There were no decorations nor enhancements added to the lake (well except for the floating cottage which of course didn't cause any harm to the lake). Everything is pure and natural like a young maiden who has no make-up on. And this a nature should be.
Finding this Hidden Gem was easier for us to do, not because of the Google Map but because this lake was just a few kilometers away from the man-made BIGA PIT that we went to (which I published on my previous blog). The road going to lake Bensis though not concrete was open and accessible by a motorbike. After a few minutes of travel on the winding road, we finally reached our destination.
The lake has a breathtaking backdrop, the lush mountains, and the trees that surrounded it. Looking at the lake one could imagine how deep it is because of its very dark green color.
The local kid I talked to, told us that there are plenty of fishes underneath such as the Tilapia fish. He offered to catch us some fish which cost 120.00Php per kilo. I'd love to try the fish however we were not able to bring extra cash with us that time because my ATM bank that day was unfortunately offline. (Lesson learned: Whenever you travel far away from home always bring extra cash with you, do not rely on your ATM Card, again DO NOT solely RELY on it, and BRING EXTRA CASH WITH YOU). So I politely rejected the kid's offer. He could have earned extra income. Huhu.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE BENSIS?
1. CAMPING
This peaceful lake secretly lying in the middle of the valleys and lush mountains have become the home for campers since its discovery. Three years ago until now, campers and mountaineers flock to the lake to destress and indulge their selves in nature.
There are no restaurants near the lake, only the small house of the lake's caretaker and the few floating cottages made of bamboo. Camping on the lake, the bonfire, the natural and beautiful sounds of the insects at night, the warmth of the ground, the fresh air, the stars in the sky, and the very quiet village would be a very great camping experience!
2.MOUNTAINEERING AND TREKKING
Lake Bensis Trail has become famous to mountaineers and trekkers for the past 3 years. Many mountains set foot to trek and hike along the mountains of Toledo going down to Lake Bensis. Most of the hikers are from Cebu City taking via Tabunok Road. Some of the campers too, hiked so they could reach the Lake.
If you are from the city, how recharging and energizing it would be to leave the busy life and noise of the city once in a while and walk along with mother nature. Just make sure to bring all the necessities like water and extra clothes, and some food. Looking at the beautiful lake, the long trek is all worth it.
3.SIGHTSEEING
Surely, sightseers and travelers have always had a fulfilling adventure just by simply looking and staring at the view.
The peaceful lake, the lush sceneries, and the quietness of the whole place feel like mother nature is hugging and sheltering you.
Sitting on the floating bamboo cottage and watching the placid lake provides a soothing experience- A peace of mind one needs.
How to get to Lake Bensis?
📍From Cebu City, ride a jeepney or a Taxi going to Tabunok Market. From there, negotiate a Habal-habal driver (private motorbike), and tell the driver to drop you off at Lake Bendis, Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy. Sinsin, Toledo City, Cebu.
Reminder: Negotiate first the cost of the fare before you enjoy the ride.
📍For private vehicles, via motorbike is the easiest and the fastest mobile in reaching the lake. Head to Toledo, and ask the locals where is Sitio Pinggaon, Brgy. Sinsin. Some parts of the road are not a 4-wheel vehicle-friendwhichthat is why the motorbike is the most convenient to ride.
The stunning view of the lake on top.
Some of the damaged woods at the roadside due to typhoon Odette.
What to Bring?
-Make sure to bring food and water as there are no available convenient stores near the lake.
-Bring extra money if you want to buy and grill some fish fresh from the lake.
-For campers, Check and bring all the camping gears you need.
-Fully-charged mobile phones and cameras.
-Leave no trace.
And if you forget to bring something, don't worry, this active and always prepared local kid will run an errand for you. He loves staying at the lake to the point of skipping his classes at school. He is also the best photographer you could hire!
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY.
1.THE MAN-MADE FOREST. The man-made forest of Toledo is protected by the (DENR) Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
2.THE WATERFALLS. The waterfalls along the street of Toledo. This waterfall is just beside the street!
End of virtual tour!
That's it Hive! Thank you for reading this far. Have a blast!.