The Magnificent Taal Lake

“What humbugs we are, who pretend to live for Beauty, and never see the Dawn” by Logan Pearsall Smith. In the world where we live in, our way of life has been made simpler and more convenient with the existence of the Internet and modern technology in general. But one great disadvantage that it brings to us is the undeniable fact that it gradually makes us lose physical interaction with nature and other people as well. I feel one needs to begin to look beyond the confines of our homes, workplaces, and cities that we adore for us to see the beauty that lies on the other side of the earth. Like this dangerous yet ecstatic vision in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon, Philippines known as Taal Lake.

A vista of Taal Lake, formely known as Bonbon Lake, can be enjoyed from many surrounding locations like, Mt. Maculot, Balete, San Nicolas, Batangas and a lot more. But the “Tagaytay-Taal Ridge” in Tagaytay City is the most preferred vantage point, both for foreign and local tourists alike, to enjoy a safer and a sweeping view of the lake.

Taal Lake is the deepest and the third largest lake in the Philippines and also famous for being the home where the world's smallest but most active volcanoes lie in its waters, called Taal Volcano. Making it to the list of lakes from all corners of the world possessing “all the right extremes” showcasing nature at its most spectacular, as the fourth most beautiful lake in the world.

Moreover, Taal Lake is the crater of a crater of an island. Near the center of Taal Lake is Volcano Island that has a small lake that holds a small island called the Vulcan Point. And if you need further explanation - Taal Lake is the world's largest lake on an island in a lake on an island that has its own small island within. Whew! Amazing right?

Furthermore, Taal Volcano will be equally worth mentioning being an integral part of Taal Lake. Taal Volcano has had 33 recorded eruptions since its first known outburst in 1572. Its most catastrophic eruption occurred in 1754 and 1911. Making the whole region surrounding Taal at considerable volcanic risk any time any day. That is why it has been declared as a permanent danger zone. And a joint effort from the Department of Tourism, PHIVOLCS and other local units have been closely monitoring Taal Volcano's activities to make sure significant development will be immediately relayed to the traveling public and “exploring fans” as well.

Yet despite Taal's obvious dangerous attributes, it has maintained its reputation as one of the Philippines major tourist attractions and photographed views. It surely have won the hearts of nature lovers, travelers and sightseers who came from far and near witness a uniquely intriguing natural wonder.

Lake Nakuru in Kenya Africa

Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a bird watcher's paradise. A unique game-viewing venue and a notable spot for the Rothschild giraffe and home to the black and white rhinos. The lake is world-famous as the location of the “greatest bird spectacle on earth” by renowned ornithologist Roger Peterson, for its spectacular bird life particularly the myriads of flamingos that congregate the shallow soda lake together with tens of thousands of other bird species. Lake Nakuru is one of the world's première wildlife destinations.

Lake Nakuru was declared a national park in 1961 and covers 188 square kilometers of land of great ecological diversity - from lake water, woodland, bush grassland, to rocky ridges. It is the most accessible and most visited of the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley. The national park was created mainly to protect the flocks of flamingos and other species in the hills and plains around the lake. Its algae-soaked waters attract the millions of lesser flamingos and the greater flamingos in the park that turn the shores pink.

Apart from the spectacle of the flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park offers its visitors great wildlife - a special sighting at the park is a number of rare Rothschild giraffe, trans-located for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Moreover, Lake Nakuru National Park has recently expanded to include a large part of the savannahs to accommodate and provide a sanctuary for both white and the rare black rhino. The park boasts the most number of leopard per square kilometer than any park in Africa. Because of the park's proximity to nearby towns, the park is fenced to prevent the animals from wandering into town and most especially to keep the poachers out, not restricting the movement of wildlife. Nakuru officially became the shelter for protection for these endangered animals in 1987.

At the park, you will also see a healthy population of predators like lions and hyenas, black and white colobus monkeys, hippo and crocodiles, zebra and fish eagles, antelope and buffalo and large-sized python snakes that dwell the dense woodlands. The best vantage point to track the lake shore and watch huge flocks of feeding flamingos is from the Baboon Cliff. Other viewing spots are from Lion Hill and Out of Africa.

Thus, this lake offers one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sights. So if you are looking for the best possible wildlife photography opportunities, Lake Nakuru is the perfect place to be as animals are never out of sight. And if you still have the luxury of time, an overnight stay in here, will definitely complete your safari travel adventure.

Lake Bled - Slovenia

Imagine a place with pristine blue-green water, a small castle perched on a steep cliff in a magical lush mountain setting and verdant forests that give it an atmosphere from a page in a fairy tale book– can this place be real or simply a figment of imagination? Well, believe it or not. There is such a place...



In the foothills of the Julian Alps and natural forests in northwestern Slovenia, adjoining the town of Bled, lies the enchanting Lake Bled. The only glacier lake in Slovenia with an island in the middle, Bled Island - the only natural island right in the heart of the lake, where the 15th century building known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary can be found. There is a medieval castle (Bled Castle) over 1000 years old stands above the lake. The temperature of the lake reaches up to 25°C in the summer and gets iced-covered in winter. The area is a popular tourist destination.



Every visitor to Bled is charmed by its fantastic range of views and its captivating alpine lake. Lake Bled boasts a beautiful lakeside setting for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquility and as well as sports will find here a multitude of opportunities. Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats, the castle treasures, the nearby ski pistes, mountain trails, hunting, fishing, the casino, congress facilities – are just some of the activities and attractions that Bled offers. In Bled, it is customary to climb the 99 steps to the charming medieval chapel and ring the wishing bell in the hope to make one's dream come true.



In the surrounding countryside of Bled, there is also a wealth of activities on offer --- If you are feeling adventurous, you might like to try rafting, canyoning, para-gliding or ballooning, or any number of other outdoor pursuits. Bled is also the cradle of golf in Slovenia and golfers from around the world adores its stunning courses. The latest addition to the array of facilities available in Bled is the Živa Wellness Centre at the Golf Hotel, which offers divine relaxation in its thermal swimming pools, saunas and beauty salons. Moreover, take a bite of the must-try delicious 'Kreme Schnitte' or custard cakes available in many of the lakeside cafés, as you stroll around the beautiful shore of Lake Bled.



While the lake is characterized by features close to that of a fairy tale, it is “no sleeping beauty”. In essence, lovely, exciting, bewitching, and regal is what it is!

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake might just be the most beautiful and scenic lakes in the entire world. It is part of the Canadian Rockies and is part of the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The lake is formed in between the Waputik Range valley, which means it is situated right between the Peyto Peak, Mount Jimmy Simpson, and Caldron Peak. This glacier-fed lake is best known amongst tourists for its beautiful turquoise color that also changes along with the season. Thus, you have something to look forward to, regardless of which season you decide to visit. The lake is named after a famous trail guide and trapper in Banff, who is Bill Peyto.

The Peyto Lake is fed by the Peyto Creek, wherein waters come from the Peyto Glacier and Caldron Lake. The lake is very easy to access from the Icefields Parkway wherein you must follow a paved trail that is approximately a 10-minute drive to get there. There are also parking spots provided in the spot, although you can only be accommodated in the low level parking. The lake itself sits at an altitude of 1860 meters.

The short, paved trail from Bow Summit will offer you with the most breathtaking view that your eye could bear witness to. The months of June to early July will produce a dark blue color in the lake as soon as the summer season kicks off and the nearby glaciers begin to melt. As summer continues to progress, the glaciers continue to melt and the melted water will make its way into the delta and lake. Thus, the lake is filled with ground-rock debris that is also known as “rock flour”. These fine particles are suspended in the surface of the lake's water.

Many have this false misconception that the mineral contained in the rock flour is responsible for producing the unique color in the lake. However, it is actually a reflection from the light spectrum that produces that blue-green color on the lake as the light shines on these particles. This is responsible for the changing of colors on the lake as the season changes over time. Because of this natural wonder, the lake is an ideal sightseeing spot for tourists who come to the park.

For those traveling to Peyto Lake from other countries, there are several choices of accommodation within the area. Some of the popular hotels available to choose from include Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise, Fairmont Chateau Hotel Lake Louise, and the Lake Louise Inn. These accommodation choices are equipped with various facilities and amenities to ensure a relaxing stay while you enjoy the sights at Peyto Lake.