Here is another emerging local tourist destination in our province named Zambales. The local tourist is very eager to explore every single place in our region; the reason why they discovered a far piece of land, a paradise and a "New Zealand" " as they called was found and become famous on social media.
One of the place's highlights is the beauty that emerges from "Mapanuepe Lake". The lake was formed identically right after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the year 1991. According to the owner, before Mount Pinatubo erupted, this land used to be a farm. But after the explosion, the whole place was submerged in water. The "Mapanuepe Lake" was formed after "lahar", or the lava from the volcano; lava blocked the drainage of the Mapanuepe River. The Mapanuepe Lake was located at the merging of the Marella and Mapanupee Lake Rivers that became the Santo Tomas River.
When you visit the place, you can also see the steeple of Santa Barbara church protruding out of the lake as proof of the one-existing village.
It's been so long since I have longed to see the famous San Marcelino Zambales land, which was called the "New Zealand of Zambales" because of its lush landscape, when my colleagues at work asked to go to the place, I said Yes with no hesitation because I would finally get a chance to see the site with my own eyes.
There are two ways to get there:
You need to coordinate with the Zambales Provincial Tourism Officer for safer coordination in going to Mapanuepe Lake. The land route is not searchable via Goodge Maps, so a tour guide will guide you to lead the way to the lake. A 4x4 or off-road vehicles are ideal for getting to the place quickly.
Visitors can opt to take a boat ride. You need to coordinate with the people in-charge in Mapanuepe Lake View Deck in Brgy. Aglao, San Marcelino Zambales. The boat ride is about 10$ for five people. Life vests are provided for safety, ad it will take you less than 10 minutes to get there.
As we got to the place, I was amazed because its most scenic part was the campgrounds. It is a lush scenery dotted with tall pine trees with green grass painting a picture of the view. According to the land owner, the pine trees were not planted but naturally grew after the new landscape in Mapanuepe's Lake environs was formed.
You can find tranquility, a peaceful place, by just looking at the God-given wonders of this place. You can experience many things and activities with your friends and loved ones here.
Here are some:
Experience the calming scenery of nature.
The beauty of the place, especially the stunning Mapanuepe Lake, will have you gasping for more air. The gorgeous view of the mountains visibly sits across the lake. The mountain was reflected beautifully in the lake. The lake was ideal for unplugging and unwinding because the place was surrounded by breathtaking nature and blanketed with the stars in the sky on a chilly and cold night.
The place offers you a beautiful campsite.
The land was perfect for camping. It can offer you a great experience of nature's simple treasure by pitching a tent. This place is excellent for bonding with colleagues, friends, and family. You can enjoy every moment by talking and having food while surrounded by the fresh air from the trees and the cold breeze from the lake.
Here, you can hear the sound of laughter from the people you love in this solace-like place that will make you relaxed and relieved and enjoy the moment to the fullest.
But it is not advisable to swim in the lake because it was discovered that the lake contains concentrations of mercury from an abandoned copper mine. Those who want a bath may walk further down a freshwater stream.
The place is also perfect for lovers who want to hang out and find peace at the same time. It can offer an ideal date, giving you a great conversation alongside the lake.
Enjoy the boat riding!
You can also experience a boat riding across the lake and get the chance to look nearer the Sunken Church for about 6$ per hour. You can go to the peak of the church cross and take some photos.
You can also enjoy some leisure activities such as riding a vehicle or bicycle and walking to capture the place's beauty. You can also play some sports like badminton and volleyball.
I am so glad to have a chance to take some beautiful photos here for a remembrance that I finally have the moment to discover the beauty of the New Zealand of Zambales with my own eyes.
With the majestic beauty of the place, you can feel the mental inertia that allows you to savor every moment without hesitation and guilt. The place will enable you to rest, relax, and have time to reflect for a while and sense the joy it brings.
Never let yourself take away the peaceful escape that Zambales has to offer you. If you want to free your mind, try exploring the beautiful places in Zambales, Philippines!
This is Teacherlynlyn, and I hope you enjoyed the place.
Thank you so much, and see you in my next blog!