New Zealand of the Philippines

Dubbed as New Zealand of the Philippines, Mapanuepe Lake is located in a quiet town of San Marcelino in Zambales. The lake was created after the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 where two rivers in Mapanuepe Valley were blocked by the molten lava and lahar flow. What remained of the then thriving town in the valley is a is the peaceful and blue colored lake. The entire town is now submerged in water, with only the steeple of Bojaoen church, serving as the sole reminder of the town. This quiet and peaceful lake, with tall pine trees and lush green, is ideal for picnics and camping. You can also opt to take a Banca ride in the placid waters. Adding to the mystic, it is also said that this freshwater lake associated with a myriad of supernaturalism, from stories of mermaids said to be lurking in the lake, to other mystical creatures. #urbanexplorer #naturalwonders #nature #picnics #camping #campingglamping #philippines