By:
Pobreng Kamper
Lake Mapanuepe is one of the newest tourist destinations in the Zambales province which is situated in Barangay Aglao, San Marcelino municipality. Many local tourists called this Lake Mapanuepe the New Zealand of the Zambales because the view is very akin to those vast green pastures and lush green grass found in New Zealand. In addition, the area is surrounded by hills and towering pine trees. Lake Mapanuepe has a size of more than 500 hectares and a depth of 20 meters.
According to its past history, Lake Mapanuepe was formed from the destructive explosion of Mt. Pinatubo in the year 1991. The lahar coming from the volcanic eruption blocks all exit points of water going down the Mapanuepe Valley in Barangay Aglao and Barangay Buhawen as well as the river. As a result, the rising waters submerged the Mapanuepe Valley and Lake Mapanuepe comes into existence. It was said that all structures in the two barangays were sunk during the violent eruption and only the sunken Bojaoen church’s huge metal cross can be seen in the middle of the lake.
As of today, Lake Mapanuepe is one of the emerging tourist spots in Zambales province. It is a perfect place for family outings and lazy camping. However, going there will not be easy but it’s totally worth it. The rough road trail going there is around 4 to 5 kilometers starting from the Zambales Mega Dike. Even so, if you are looking for a perfect place to relax then Lake Mapanuepe is a special place for you because you don’t need to trek it’s just chill camping.
I had the pleasure of visiting Mapanuepe Lake recently on an off-roading adventure and it did not disappoint! The lake itself is stunningly beautiful with crystal clear waters and stunning views all around. The off-road terrain was challenging but manageable - even for a first timer like me. It was an unforgettable experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a unique outdoor adventure!
Reminders when visiting:
1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for an off road terrain. You will encounter uneven terrain, uneven slopes, streams and puddles of water. We encountered vans and sedans that got stuck, overheated forcing their way into and out of the lake. For your safety, just visit the place via boat from the other side, but beware, there are so many fees you need to pay.
2. If going off road, make sure you have a good tourist guide. Ours was a good spotter who looked for easier routes and avoiding those with cars who got stuck. Once he got to know our vehicle, he even gave us a challenging route on the way home
A very serene place to camp at. Surrounded by mountains and bounded by a river. You can really feel that you are with nature.
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life lies a serene haven, the Mapanuepe Lake. My recent camping experience there was nothing short of extraordinary. The campsite itself was a picturesque wonderland, surrounded by lush forests and scenic trails begging to be explored. We pitched our tents in a spacious and well-maintained area, each site offering just the right amount of privacy while still fostering a sense of community among fellow campers. I wholeheartedly recommend this not so hidden gem.
