Lake Caliraya (Lumban)
Philippines /
Southern Tagalog /
Longos /
Lumban
World
/ Philippines
/ Southern Tagalog
/ Longos
World / Philippines / Laguna / Lumban
lake, resort, manmade lake, water supply treatment plant
Lake Caliraya is a man-made lake situated in the towns of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan in Laguna province, Philippines.
History
Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Engineer Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreating Americans to prevent use by Invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans placed the Largemouth Bass in the lake. Through the years, the lake remains the most popular bass fishing spot in the country. It was 'discovered' in the early 70's by Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. Property value increased dramatically, more so when the main road was upgraded to concrete and the hydroelectric plant refurbished. Caliraya became a high class neighborhood of vacation homes on the lake, similar to those in western countries, for the rich and famous. An example is the De Padua vacation home, built in 1974. That was until the 1980s, when Lake Caliraya's surroundings were occupied by the New People's Army, affecting tourism and development. Nevertheless, since 1985 there has been major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts, golf courses and country clubs. Caliraya to this day is a haven for the rich and the elite, with activities including large mouth bass fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating in general, golf, camping, and other sporting and outdoor activities. Property values remain high, and a new generation of developments, private and commercial, is on the rise.
Jetskiing in Lake Caliraya
Geography and Geological Phenomenon
Lake Caliraya is situated approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, and is perched high in the Sierra Madre. The lake experiences cool climate all year round. Lake Caliraya's soil has been surrounded by geologic phenomenon. The lake's bottom, as well as the surrounding hills, are characterized by having a rocky and reddish topsoil. Another phenomenon is about the lake's floor. People cannot step into the lake's bottom or floor, since it has been reported to suck people down, as it has a very soft bottom. Still well known with the residents of the lake's surroundings is the presence of certain areas in the lake that are well-known also to have sucked boats down. [This is a typical Filipino unfounded superstition]. Winds are blowing in Lake Caliraya from the beginning of September up to late May.
Lake Caliraya as seen from Cavinti, Laguna
Lake Surroundings and Islands
The lake's surroundings has been compared to various North American resorts, as suggested by the abundance of pine trees, cool climate, and verdant trees. Also, numerous islands of various shapes and sizes have been formed during the flooding of the lake. All are unnamed. The biggest island is approximately as big as Rizal Park, while the smallest is about 1 square meter often submerged during high water. This tiny island can be viewed from Lagos del Sol Resort
History
Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Engineer Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreating Americans to prevent use by Invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans placed the Largemouth Bass in the lake. Through the years, the lake remains the most popular bass fishing spot in the country. It was 'discovered' in the early 70's by Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. Property value increased dramatically, more so when the main road was upgraded to concrete and the hydroelectric plant refurbished. Caliraya became a high class neighborhood of vacation homes on the lake, similar to those in western countries, for the rich and famous. An example is the De Padua vacation home, built in 1974. That was until the 1980s, when Lake Caliraya's surroundings were occupied by the New People's Army, affecting tourism and development. Nevertheless, since 1985 there has been major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts, golf courses and country clubs. Caliraya to this day is a haven for the rich and the elite, with activities including large mouth bass fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating in general, golf, camping, and other sporting and outdoor activities. Property values remain high, and a new generation of developments, private and commercial, is on the rise.
Jetskiing in Lake Caliraya
Geography and Geological Phenomenon
Lake Caliraya is situated approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, and is perched high in the Sierra Madre. The lake experiences cool climate all year round. Lake Caliraya's soil has been surrounded by geologic phenomenon. The lake's bottom, as well as the surrounding hills, are characterized by having a rocky and reddish topsoil. Another phenomenon is about the lake's floor. People cannot step into the lake's bottom or floor, since it has been reported to suck people down, as it has a very soft bottom. Still well known with the residents of the lake's surroundings is the presence of certain areas in the lake that are well-known also to have sucked boats down. [This is a typical Filipino unfounded superstition]. Winds are blowing in Lake Caliraya from the beginning of September up to late May.
Lake Caliraya as seen from Cavinti, Laguna
Lake Surroundings and Islands
The lake's surroundings has been compared to various North American resorts, as suggested by the abundance of pine trees, cool climate, and verdant trees. Also, numerous islands of various shapes and sizes have been formed during the flooding of the lake. All are unnamed. The biggest island is approximately as big as Rizal Park, while the smallest is about 1 square meter often submerged during high water. This tiny island can be viewed from Lagos del Sol Resort
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Caliraya
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 14°17'57"N 121°31'58"E
- Lumot Lake 3.2 km
- Umboy, Sta. Cruz, Laguna 14 km
- Kaliwa Dam Project 36 km
- Laguna de Bay 58 km
- Taal Crater Lake 66 km
- Taal Lake 68 km
- La Mesa Dam and Reservoir 70 km
- Angat Reservoir and Hydroelectric Power Plant (Hilltop) 92 km
- Angat Lake 97 km
- Pantabangan Resevoir 185 km
- The Hamptoms 1.9 km
- Sierra Lakes Subdivision 2 km
- Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm 2.4 km
- CEL ph 1 2.7 km
- Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club 3 km
- CEL ph 7. (peak pointe) 3.4 km
- Kalayaan Power Plant Penstock Area 5.5 km
- Poblacion (Lumban Town Proper) 7.5 km
- Laguna 21 km
- Quezon Province 57 km
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