Lake Apo in Valencia, Bukidnon is among my favorite places away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a popular destination in Mindanao, located in a hilly area in Brgy. Guinoyuran, about 11 kilometers from the city proper. Awarded as the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region in the late 1990s, this destination is perfect for a much-needed digital detox.

Tech-Free Paradise

In this time and age of digital media, "getting off the grid" can be a little difficult. Armed with a smart phone, we are almost always able to connect with everyone. Because we are constantly bombarded with information, it's almost a pure luxury to be with no phone calls or texts, no urgent emails, no social media posts.

Almost. Because there's Lake Apo.



Cellphone signal is spotty, and electricity is via solar panels. Yes, there are power banks and there may be data connection at some points, but when faced with such beauty and simplicity of life in Lake Apo, it's easy to let go, leave all your worries (at least for a little while), forget about tech, really get off the grid, and you know... just enjoy and fully immerse in God's wonderful creation.

D' Timeless Place

Minus all the distraction of technology, what do we do with all that 'free' time? Here are some ideas:

1. Watch the sunrise.
Take a photo. Or two. Or many. Or just take a time-lapse video.

2. Take time to commune with nature.
Inhale all the fresh air. Take in all the inspiration. Reflect about life.



3. Have breakfast in the floating cottage.



4. Swim in the lake.


5. Enjoy water sports / rides. 
Take the kayak or canoe to the edges of the lake. Or use the paddle boat.


6. For an adrenaline rush, take the jet ski!


7. Take a dip in the pool.



8. Enjoy your cup of coffee with a wonderful view.


9. Shoot your next cover photo.



10. Run around. Have fun.



11. Eat!
They serve awesome meals. Go ahead and eat; calories don't count when you're on break (or so we hope. :)


12. Gather around a bonfire.
Disconnect all the gadgets and connect with the people around you. Share stories. Catch up. Stargaze. Or sit still and stare at the moon.



A dozen things to do, and I'm not even done listing. You can go hiking or horseback riding. You can have time to read a book or write in your journal. Enjoy each other's company. Or you can catch up on sleep if you prefer. There are lots of things you can do. You'll never be bored in this timeless place.

Accommodation

The sleeping area is comfortable at Barn and Garage. There are three rooms (room 1 good for 4pax: 1 queen + 2 single beds; room 2 with double decks for 6pax; room 3 is good for 12 pax) with 2 common toilet and bath. They provide fresh linen, toiletries, and even slippers. They also have hot and lukewarm water and instant coffee readily available. Practically everything you ever need to have a comfortable stay.



Wi-Fi: This is a place for retreat and digital detox. No wi-fi signal here. Drop the gadgets and take in all the beautiful sights.

Travel Tip: Charge up all your cameras and phones. Bring power banks and extra batteries. Lake Apo is powered by solar panels; electricity is limited here. While there is often enough energy stored for adequate lighting at night, there may not be enough to power up your gadgets.

Rates and Fees

Day tour rate is at Php 3500/15 persons, inclusive of unlimited use of kayak, canoe, pedal boat, floating cottage, swimming pool, and horseback riding. 

How to Get There

• Private Vehicle: We took the route from Dologon, Maramag. 
• Commuting from Poblacion, Valencia City: Go to Panadero Bakeshoppe at Guinuyoran Road and take a habal-habal direct to Sitio Lawa, Guinuyoran, Valencia City. 
• Commuting from Dologon, Maramag: Take a habal-habal from Crossing Kisanday direct to Sitio Lawa. 

Contact

In Lake Apo, the food is great; sleeping area is comfortable; there are tons of activities to do; and the environment is simply wonderful. It is the perfect place to unplug from the world and relax. Don't take my word for it; check out other Lake Apo reviews on TripAdvisor.