Naujan: Lake, Nature and Local Culture

Naujan brings together a wide range of travel interests: Naujan Lake and its wildlife, local culture, crafts, and several distinctive water and nature experiences. To plan your trip, you can first consider whether landscapes and wildlife observation, cultural impressions or activities are most important to you.

Lake, Wildlife and Protected Areas

Naujan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Oriental Mindoro and the fifth-largest lake in the Philippines. It stretches across four municipalities, including Naujan. The lake is home to numerous fish species as well as resident and migratory waterbirds. These comparisons put the lake in both a regional and national context; its wildlife adds a distinct natural dimension to this picture.

Buloc-Buloc Cove represents a different kind of aquatic environment: it is a 72-hectare marine protected area known as BuCoMaPA. Both a large freshwater lake and a protected marine area are therefore among the natural features that define Naujan.

Nearby, the Naujan Lake Boardwalk and bicycle lane runs along the edge of the lake in Batong Dalig, Socorro. According to the description, the area is suitable for walking, cycling and jogging. Birdwatching is also an activity at different locations: the lake is a habitat for waterbirds, while at Pungao Hot Spring it is described as an activity.

Culture and Crafts

Freshwater fish species take center stage at Naujan’s DABALISTIHIT Festival. Dalag, Banak, Banglis, Tilapia and Hito are represented through props and costumes in a street procession. The festival takes place on September 10. The connection between the fish species and their depiction in the procession gives the celebration a specific cultural focus.

The Dao Water Lily Mini Park showcases crafts and souvenirs made from dried water lilies. Visitors can also use a floating cottage there. The crafts and cottage offer two different reasons to visit: the works on display and the experience on the water.

Waterfalls and Special Experiences

Pungao Hot Spring is known as a spot for island hopping and birdwatching. The combination appeals to two different interests: activities around the islands and watching birds. The surroundings of Arangin Falls are used for picnics. This picnic option differs from Karacha Falls, where a rocky path leads farther uphill.

The stream below Karacha Falls is considered suitable for swimming. The description of Karacha Falls thus links the path uphill with the stream below, while at Arangin the focus is on picnicking in the surrounding area.

At 333 Steps, 333 steps lead to a hilltop altar where visitors make wishes. The steps and altar give this place a clearly defined destination and set it apart from the water and nature experiences.

This helps you choose accommodation based on your personal travel interests.

Discover more destinations: San Andres, Ferrol, Taytay, El Nido, Brooke's Point, San Fernando, Looc, Gloria.

For the wider travel overview: Mimaropa.