Naujan: Lake, Waterfalls and Special Experiences

A visit to Naujan can revolve around very different themes: Naujan Lake is known for its scenery and wildlife, while waterfalls, a festival and individual activities offer other focal points. If you’re looking for hotels in Naujan, it helps to first consider which of these aspects matter most for your trip.

Naujan Lake: Comparing Sizes and Wildlife

Naujan Lake is the fifth-largest lake in the Philippines and also the largest freshwater lake in Oriental Mindoro. These size comparisons use different geographic scales: one refers to the Philippines, the other to Oriental Mindoro. The lake extends across four municipalities, including Naujan. It is home to numerous fish species as well as resident and migratory waterbirds. If nature and birdlife are important to you when choosing a destination, Naujan combines a regional perspective with a comparison on a wider scale.

Festival and Local Culture

The DABALISTIHIT Festival in the municipality of Naujan celebrates the freshwater fish species Dalag, Banak, Banglis, Tilapia and Hito. These species are represented with props and costumes in a street parade. The festival takes place on September 10. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the specific edition in advance. The fish species and their depiction in the parade give the festival its own cultural focus.

Waterfalls and Special Destinations

At Karacha Falls, the stream below the waterfalls is considered suitable for swimming; a rocky path leads further up to the falls. The area around Arangin Falls is used for picnics. At 333 Steps, 333 steps lead to an altar on the hilltop where visitors make wishes. The three destinations therefore have distinctly different focuses: the stream and rocky path at Karacha, the picnic area at Arangin, or the path to an altar at 333 Steps.

Pungao Hot Spring in Montelago, Naujan, is considered a place for island hopping and birdwatching. These are two distinct activities offered side by side. There are also different ways to connect with birdlife: Naujan Lake is home to resident and migratory waterbirds, while Pungao is regarded as a birdwatching spot. The lake is a habitat, while Pungao is associated with a named activity.

Buloc-Buloc Cove in Naujan is a 72-hectare marine protected area known as BuCoMaPA. Unlike the lake or waterfalls, its protected-area status is its defining feature; the 72-hectare area provides a specific size.

The Dao Water Lily Mini Park showcases handicrafts and souvenirs made from dried water lilies; visitors can also use a floating cottage there. The park offers two different aspects for visitors: the handicrafts and souvenirs on display, on the one hand, and use of the cottage on the other. This adds a creative theme to the selection alongside nature destinations.

A Nearby Destination

Near Naujan is the Naujan Lake Boardwalk and bicycle lane, located on the shore of Naujan Lake in Batong Dalig, Socorro. According to its description, the facility is suitable for walking, cycling and jogging. Here, the focus is on getting active along the lakeshore, while Naujan Lake itself is also described in terms of its size and the fish species and waterbirds that live there.

Discover more destinations: El Nido, Gloria, San Andres, Brooke's Point, San Fernando, Bulalacao, San Jose, San Vicente

For the broader travel overview: Mimaropa.