Lake Sebu: A Journey Of Dreams, Detours, And Discoveries

Ever had a dream that just won’t fade away? That kind of dream that sneaks into your thoughts out of nowhere, making you wonder if you’ll have the chance to live it? That was Lake Sebu, Philippines for me. 

For years, I have daydreamed of exploring its stunning waterfalls, rolling hills, and mesmerizing lakes. I imagined wearing hand-woven T’boli clothing and soaking up its unique culture. Even though I’ve been to other places and conquered the tallest mountains in the Philippines, that dream never left.

After several failed attempts and years of waiting, I finally made it to this heavenly and postcard-perfect municipality. Standing in front of the Lake Sebu welcome sign, I realized my dream was coming true. 

My heart raced with excitement, knowing I was about to live a story and script that I had been writing inside my head for years. 

Then, suddenly, a couple of questions popped into my mind.

Is Lake Sebu worth the wait?

Will I do it again, and chase my other dreams?

Well, I was about to get answers to these questions. 

My Lake Sebu, Philippines adventure 

09:36 AM: 7 Falls, Lake Sebu

Hikong Alo, the first waterfall of the iconic 7 Falls In Lake Sebu, was mesmerizing. 

And it felt surreal to stand in front of a 35-foot waterfall that I only saw in pixels.

Not only was the scenery spectacular but there were also rainbows forming at the waterfall.

My niece, friend, and I spent a lot of time admiring the view and snapping pictures of this natural wonder. 

We were even the last ones in the group to leave the waterfall because we just couldn’t resist its beauty. 

From Hikong Alo, we took a short walk to the base of the zipline rides at 7 Falls, Lake Sebu.

We were so pumped up to experience this insanely fun zipline ride and capture our experience using my Insta 360 camera.

Unfortunately, there was only one Insta 360 camera, and only 2 people were allowed per ride.

There were action cameras for rent at this site, but the price was a little steep.

And besides, nothing captures this kind of experience quite like an Insta 360 camera. 

I looked at my niece’s face, and she wasn’t in the mood for action. 

As I’ve mentioned in my Mount Napulak blog, she’s a bit moody, and she has a lot to learn about facing adversities.

We could have given up and said “f*ck it, let’s move on to the next stop of our Lake Sebu day trip.”

 But we’re battled-tested people, and we don’t give up that easily.

After talking to the Lake Sebu zipline operators, we found a creative solution.

First, our friend would take the 2 zipline rides and capture her experience using our Insta 360 camera.

Afterward, she’d take a motorcycle ride, and hand over the camera to us.

While not the fastest and most convenient solution, it’s at least cheaper than renting a camera.

And we did just that.

With a little push from the guides, we soared over the enchanting waterfalls of Lake Sebu on an exhilarating ride.

And guess what?

It was even better than what I’d dreamed of.

We were in awe, as we admired the misty breathtaking waterfalls and gorgeous rainbows.

There was nothing quite like it.

Words don’t do justice to its beauty. 

I’ve conquered Mount Apo, and experienced the magical sunrise in Mount Pulag. 

And this experience was just as memorable as those adventures.

The best part?

Even though we were just in the middle of the zipline ride, I felt all my stress and worries melting away.

As I soared through the sky on that zipline, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: complete freedom. 

I was like a bird freely soaring over the majestic landscapes of Lake Sebu.

And like a bird, I felt so free. 

Free from everyone’s bullsh*t.

Free from other’s opinions. 

And free from stress and anxiety. 

I was weightless, free from all the expectations and judgments of the world. 

The zipline ride wasn’t just an adrenaline rush but was a reminder of why I keep chasing these adventures. 

I travel and explore the world not for anyone else. 

It’s all for me. 

No one sees the sleepless nights or the quiet struggles I had to go through to chase my goals.

No one understands the loneliness that comes with chasing those dreams. 

And no one knows the daily pressures I face to succeed and thrive in today’s world.

That’s why I reward myself with soul-satisfying adventures almost every month.

Travel is my reward, my escape, and I’ve earned every bit of it.

And the best part is, there are so many valuable lessons you’ll learn when traveling.

Moments later, we completed the first zipline and went on to the next one.

We had finished both zip lines, despite the setbacks

Then, I shared some golden words of wisdom with my niece about travel and inconveniences. 

Here’s the thing.

Travel isn’t just about glamorous photos and epic views. 

It’s about the journey, the unpredictability, and the challenges that come with it. 

The zipline ride wasn’t perfect because of the camera situation.

But so what? 

That’s life. 

If everything went according to plan, would it even be an adventure? 

I’ve learned that the best stories are the ones where things go wrong, and you have to roll with the punches.

Remember what happened to me on Mount Kalatungan?

I also reminded her that nothing, from minor hiccups to major pain-in-the-ass inconveniences, can stop us from doing the things we love. 

Because if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to get it or make it happen. 

And Lake Sebu was more than worth it.

Not even a canceled trip or flight delay can stop me from visiting Lake Sebu.

The night before our Lake Sebu trip: Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Here we go again. 

It seems like every time I plan to go on a trip to Lake Sebu, something goes wrong.

Earlier this year, I booked a multi-day Soccsksargen trip that includes stops at Lake Sebu and the Pink Mosque.

Unfortunately, that trip was canceled because the landslides in other areas in Mindanao prevented the other joiners from participating in our tour.

Then, weeks ago, I picked the wrong date to fly to Davao City from Cebu.

This time, there was yet another roadblock on our way to Lake Sebu: a thunderstorm.

It was a thunderstorm so strong that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport had to pause all operating flights.

Was I worried?

Did it bother me?

Sh*t no.

I remained calm, and stoic, and talked to my friend and niece while waiting for our flight to resume.

I only focus on things that I can control, and thunderstorms are forces of nature that are beyond my control.

And if the flight got canceled, I still wouldn’t give up on my dream of visiting Lake Sebu.

It only meant that it wasn’t the perfect time to see Lake Sebu.

Or maybe the Universe had other plans for us that weekend.

Moments later, the airplane’s captain announced that we’d resume our flight to Davao City.

With everything set and ready, I wouldn’t let this opportunity go.

Opportunities don’t come your way too often.

If you have the chance to do something you want to do, do it now.

Don’t let it slip.

You may never have that opportunity again.

And this may be my last and only chance to chase my dream of exploring Lake Sebu.

06:24 AM: Punta Isla, Lake Sebu

We arrived pretty early at Punta Isla Lake Resort.

That means we’ll have the opportunity to experience all of the resort’s activities.

And I was planning to do it all, including wearing the traditional T’boli clothing.

As I’ve said, this may be my only chance to visit Lake Sebu. 

After snapping pictures of the resort’s colorful mural, we stepped inside the resort and were amazed by the view of the tranquil lake.

The lake was calling to us as if reminding us that every moment here counted. 

And in that quiet moment of reflection, something hit me. 

You see.

We often wait for the perfect time and the perfect moment to do the things we dream about. 

But the truth is, there’s no such thing as the perfect time.

So, when life gives you opportunities, take them. 

You don’t wait for everything to fall perfectly into place because time doesn’t wait. 

Whether it’s a zipline ride or a life-changing climb, you have to take the leap while you can. 

Tomorrow isn’t promised, and the longer we wait, the more likely those dreams will slip away. 

And I wasn’t about to let that happen to me.

Despite the setbacks and sleepless nights, I was ready to try all the available activities in Lake Sebu for that trip.

The thing is, it’s better to embrace the imperfections of your experience than spend your days regretting the things you didn’t do.

Lake Sebu was a reminder of that. 

I had spent years daydreaming about this place. 

And here I was at Punta Isla Lake Resort, living the dream I held onto for about a decade. 

So, do what makes your soul happy now. 

Because sometimes, later never becomes a reality.

The coffee gets cold…later.

Your dark hair turns to gray…later.

The excitement fades…later. 

And later, the thrill becomes a distant memory, and you wonder why you didn’t jump when you had the chance.

Remember, life doesn’t pause for you. 

It moves constantly. 

And if you keep waiting, you might be left with what-ifs and the should-haves.

Moments later, our driver or guide instructed us to take a boat tour of the lake and islets.

I didn’t know there was a boat tour at Punta Isla, Lake Sebu.

I thought it was known for its views and a place where you could learn more about the T’boli culture.

And I wasn’t about to pass up on the chance to take this boat tour.

So, we hopped on the boat, and listened to our charming guide, as she shared information about the lakes and islets.

We also discovered that these lakes are ridiculously deep.

Suddenly, it reminded me of a script I made recently: Mantaga (mythical giant freshwater squid).

I have no experience in filmmaking, and I don’t have a degree in writing scripts.

But this was another opportunity for me to learn something, and uncover new skills.

It will be a crazy and imperfect ride, but I’m not passing it up for the world.

Soon, we arrived at the docking area of the resort, and we resumed our activities.

My niece, friend, and I wore traditional T’Boli costumes and posed in the different areas within the resort.

I know I look ridiculous.

But who cares?

I won’t be this young, crazy, and open-minded again. Maybe later, I’ll turn into the Grinch, a sugar daddy, or a serious businessman.

We lived in the moment and enjoyed every second of our experience at Punta Isla Lake Resort.

It’s hundreds of miles from home.

And it takes a flight, and a long butt-numbing ride to get to the resort from our home.

So, we’ll take our time, and enjoy it.

Afterward, we went back to our van and took a short ride to the next stop of our Lake Sebu day trip: 7 Falls.

02:30 PM: SG Farm to Davao

We spent a couple of hours exploring SG Farm in General Santos City.

It wasn’t the highlight of our day trip, but it was a nice icing on the cake.

We, then, went to our van and took the long and bumpy ride to Davao City.

On the way to Davao City, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey it took to get here. 

I’ve learned that life doesn’t hand you the perfect moment on a silver platter. 

You have to take it, even if things aren’t perfect, even if there are obstacles in your way.

We always think there’s time. 

Time to chase our dreams. 

Time to heal. 

Time to figure things out. 

But as I watched the sun slowly go down, I knew that time doesn’t wait for anyone.

So, I made a promise to myself. 

No more waiting for the stars to align. 

If something stirs my soul, I’ll do it now. 

Even if the journey is tough. 

Even if it feels impossible.

I chased my dream to visit Lake Sebu, and even with its imperfections, it was absolutely worth it.

05:00 AM: On our way to Lake Sebu 

It wasn’t easy to get to where I am now. 

And I’m not just talking about the drive from Davao City to Lake Sebu. 

Years ago, I hit rock bottom, both in life and in my career. 

I lost some loved ones, and my bank account was empty. 

The only thing I had left was my perseverance. 

I knew the road ahead would be long and tough, but deep down, I believed I could make it if I just kept pushing.

I worked hard, honed my craft, and slowly, I pulled myself out of that dark place. 

I began to thrive, and that’s when I realized life is fleeting. 

These opportunities and moments don’t come around twice. 

That’s why I’ve decided to embrace every second of this phase of my life.

As we had breakfast and continued our journey to Lake Sebu, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. 

The struggles and mistakes I made weren’t setbacks.

They were the spices that made this journey more meaningful and satisfying.

These days, it seems like everyone is looking for shortcuts and quick ways to earn money. 

Influencers push online gambling, and people are drawn to it, thinking it’s the quick fix to their financial problems. 

The art of perseverance feels lost. 

But as I watched the sunrise on the horizon, I knew better. 

One day, we’ll rise again. 

Every day offers new opportunities to grow and to become better. 

You just have to grab them while you can.

And when we finally arrived at the welcome sign of Lake Sebu, a thought suddenly came to mind. 

I’m still chasing my dreams. And as long as I’ve got time, I’m going to keep chasing them.

Sample Lake Sebu day trip itinerary from Davao 

• 2 AM: ETD from Davao
• 6 AM: ETA in Lake Sebu 
• 6 to 7 AM: Breakfast
• 8 to 11 AM: Punta Isla 
• 11 AM: T’boli Museum 
• 12 PM: Lunch
• 1 to 2 PM: Seven Falls
• 3 PM: ETD from Lake Sebu 
• 4 PM: SG Farm 
• 8 PM: ETA in Davao

What is Lake Sebu known for?

Lake Sebu is one of the most important watersheds in the Philippines and is a major irrigation provider to South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. It’s also known for its natural wonders, eco-tourism, and Ubo and T’boli tribes.

How many hours from Lake Sebu to Davao City?

The trip from Lake Sebu to Davao City takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours.

What is the closest airport to Lake Sebu?

The closest airport to Lake Sebu is GES (General Santos Airport), which is around 47 kilometers away. DVO (Davao) is about 144.3 kilometers. I prefer Davao since it has multiple flights daily, and air travel is cheaper.

How to get to Lake Sebu?

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Lake Sebu is to join an organized tour. If you’re traveling from Davao, I recommend Footprints Travel Services.