The Majestic Mount Inayawan and Lake Nunungan of Lanao del Norte

Mt. Inayawan is a mountain range located in the heart of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte – the biggest municipality of the province in terms of its area. It stands with an astonishing height of 1,535 meters  (5,036 feet) above sea level. Alluringly, Mt. Inayawan is the heighest mountain in the province of Lanao del Norte. The mountain which also showcase a beautiful twin lake called Lake Nunungan offers the inhabitants a vast expanse of freshly abundant flora and fauna.

Lake Nunungan cradled by Mt. Inayawan

Mt. Inayawan summit - Photo: Eugene Villantes (DENR)

Mount Inayawan as viewed from Mount Agad-Agad, Iligan City

Mount Inayawan Range as viewed as far as Bukidnon highlands

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1344 declaring Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park as a protected area in a proposition to further preserved the natural resources of Nunungan,  as a protected area, the natural park is placed under the administrative control and monitoring of DENR.

Inayawan Mountain Range as viewed from Mt. Malindang

The vast expanse of Nunungan highlands as seen from Google Satellites

In Lanao del Norte, Mount Inayawan Range and Natural Park serves as the last forest mainstay and critical watershed area of its municipalities and people. Mount Inayawan Range covers an area of 3,986 hectares of which 3,120 hectares are protected and 866 hectares are buffer zone.

It is the only largest remaining rainforest of the province and its significance includes source of water suppy for irrigation and potable water to Kapatagan Valley, the rice granary of the province and the source of local food and medicine of the local populace who are confronting inaccessibility of the place and conflict.

Ideally, Mt. Inayawan is a promising sight for Ecotourism with a natural rainforest embellished with its biodiversity and wildlife enhanced by the Maranao settlers of the area.

Mount Inayawan has been labeled by some nature lovers and mountaineers alike as an extremely great site for regular climbs and adventure hikes.

Lake Nunungan

Lake Nunungan

Located 5,036 feet above sea level, Lake Nunungan is nestled in the Mount Inayawan Range and is one of the highest lakes in the country. The placid, crystal clear waters of Lake Nunungan is totally undisturbed.  Only just a passing wooden boat of a local resident can disrupt its serenity. The lake is composed of three different sizes that caters an abundant supply of cultured fresh water fish grown by the locals.

Lake Duminagat - The Hidden Treasure of Mount Malindang

Lake Duminagat is believed to be an ancient crater of an extinct volcano Mount Malindang. It is located between Barangay Lake Duminagat and Barangay Gandawan, which is part of the municipality of Don Victoriano province of Misamis Occidental. It is one of the favored destination to some local tourist especially mountain climbing enthusiast from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental and as far as Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Lake Duminagat is not so known until the early 2000’s when hiking clubs from Oroquieta and Ozamiz promoted the magnificent atmosphere the lake can afford to offer.

Lake Duminagat cuddled by the mountain mist.

Countless hiking aficionado are attracted by its natural wonders and pristine beauty brought by the fresh and cozy environment. It is situated at an elevation of 4,068 feet to 5,118 feet above sea level. Lake Duminagat characterizes the flora and fauna of the Zamboanga biogeographic region. 

The beautiful view of Lake Duminagat

The area that surrounds Lake Duminagat is inhabited by the Subanon people. They believed that the area is a dwelling place of the souls of their ancestors. The Subanon people are rumored to have extra ordinary healing power through their rituals and amulets. They don’t also allow fishing activities in the lake. There are also some tales that the lake is guarded by a fairy that cleans up falling dead leaves from the surrounding trees of mountain tops. 

Dwellings of the friendly Subanon people

Lake Duminagat is a small lake, with an area of 8.04 hectares, maximum depth of 20.95 m, water volume of 933,000 cu m, mean depth of 11.6 m, shoreline length of 1,060 m, and shoreline expansion of 1.054.  The lake maintained a vast diversity of indigenous shoreline fauna and flora.

Hikers clasp the beauty of Lake Duminagat

Lake Duminagat is favorable to mountain climbers as it is near to one of the highest peak of Mt. Malindang, the North Peak. Most of the hikers that visit the lake don’t miss the opportunity on climbing the highest peak of the Zamboanga peninsula. Though the peak doesn't offer a full 360 degree view of Mount Malindang Range but still you’ll enjoy the unique and unspoiled magnificence of the virgin forest.

Every Holy Week, noticeable amount of climbers and devotees visit Lake Duminagat for it is believed that the water from the lake can wash away their sins. This tradition was popular even before the pre-Hispanic times.