Here's why Misamis Occidental's sacred Lake Duminagat is a must-visit

Lake Duminagat in Misamis Occidental is said to be sacred and magical. Situated at the very mouth of Mt. Malindang, Lake Duminagat is known not only for it's healing powers, but also the sacred and spiritual feeling it gives its visitors. 

It's yet another must-visit destination in Misamis Occidental, and below we tell you why.

1. Getting there is as beautiful as being there

Although the journey to Lake Duminagat in the Municipal of Don Victoriano is long and rocky, it's most definitely worth it.

The winding roads give the perfect view of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, a proclaimed ASEAN heritage park as big as  53,000 hectares.

Locals pride themselves in this, and the fact that Misamis Occidental is a green province.

You'll have to both trek and ride a habal-habal just to get to the place but at just P700, you'll have a ride and a tour guide with you the entire day.

2. Some say it has healing powers

As wide as eight hectares, Lake Duminagat is known to be the crater of Mt. Malindang, an inactive volcano.

Because not a lot of people flock to Lake Duminagat, it's really quiet and peaceful. Surrounded by trees and nature, you'll really feel as if you've stepped right in the middle of your spiritual journey.

The water itself is known to possess healing powers.

Locals say its the water and the wood floating in the lake that possess this power and once you dip anything in the lake, it won't rot anymore.

3. The Subanon tribe lives right nearby

The Subanon tribe, the original inhabitants of the province, lives near the lake. The tribe's eldest member — a 107-year-old woman, shares her parents became the unofficial caretaker of the lake. "Kaming mga anak nila ang pina-iwanan dito," she told the Biyahe ni Drew crew.

She warned, however, that tourists should always be respectful to nature and the tribe, and refrain from making to much noise. — Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News