No, this is not a Hollywood set for a Jurassic Park sequel. Welcome to Lake Agco. This boiling mud lake is located some 4,200 feet above sea level, on the foot of Mt. Apo. Around the lake are fumaroles emiting steam, giving a smell of rotten eggs around the place.
Lake Agco is reachable by a 45 minute uphill habal-habal ride. The motorbike trip was an adventure in itself. We were amazed by how the driver was able to maintain balance to the motorbike while rushing through the roughroad. As we ascended the slope of Mt. Apo, we admired the endless banana plantations along the road and savored the clean and cool air blowing on our face. Finally as we entered the protected area of the Mt. Apo Natral Park, we were amazed by the dense forest.
The boiling mud lake itself is not safe for swimming but Lake Agco is surrounded by a number of resorts with facilities including swimming pools, mud pools, natural sauna, and hot tubs. Accommodation is also available for visitors who wish to spend the night in the eco-park. Entrance fee to the Lake Agco Eco-Park is only Php10.00.
the boiling mud lake
During the time of our visit, the concreting of the road leading to Lake Agco is already nearing completion. Once completed, it will be more accessible to private vehicles and the travel time will be greatly shortened.
| How to get there: from Davao City: At the Davao Overland Transport Terminal, take the Weena bus bound for Kidapawan or Cotabato. Tell the conductor to drop you off in front of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) church building in Kidapawan City. The bus will make a 15min stop at Digos City, Davao del Sur to drop-off and pick-up passengers. Fare is Php165.00 and travel time is ~2hrs. Continue reading below from Kidapawan City (city proper): Take the habal-habal (bound for Barangay Ilumavis) at the waiting shed besdie the INC church building (right side). Tell the driver that you wish to go to Lake Agco. Fare is Php85.00 per person. If you don't wish to wait for other passengers, you can negotiate a special (solo passanger) trip with the driver. Travel time is 45mins. Some drivers may agree on a return trip deal. | How to get back: to Kidapawan City (city proper): Take the habal-habal motorbike parked at the entrance of the eco-park. Tell the driver to bring you to the national highway. Fare is Php85.00 per person. Special (solo passenger) trip may be arranged with the driver if you don't wish to wait for another passenger. Travel time is 45mins. to Davao City: Follow the instruction above, but tell the driver to bring you to the Kidapawan Overland Transport Terminal. Take the Weena bus bound for Davao. The bus will make a 15min stop at Digos City, Davao del Sur to drop-off and pick-up passengers. Fare is Php165.00 and travel time is ~2hrs.Get off at the Davao Overland Transport Terminal. |
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