Uacon Lake

Philippines , Philippines

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Uacon Lake is a saltwater lake located in Candelaria, Zambales, in Central Luzon, Philippines, renowned as the cleanest inland body of water in Central Luzon. The 112-hectare lake is nestled at the foot of the Zambales Range on the east and lies along the coastline of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), with its cold, clear water coming from the Zambales mountains. It is connected to the sea by a 2-kilometer-long river that empties into the West Philippine Sea. The lake's raw beauty, serenity, and lush greenery from surrounding mountains and mangrove forests make it an instant tourist attraction, earning it the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award for cleanliness. The local villagers of Uacon maintain the lake's cleanliness by ensuring tourists do not dirty the water, and no major developments have been built there to preserve its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a 30 to 45-minute boat ride on the lake, with Pantalan Paradise on the eastern side offering close views of mangrove patches and birdwatching opportunities. The lake is also suitable for dragon boat and kayaking competitions, and it can be easily viewed from the national highway, just a few steps from the main road. Besides being a tourist destination, Uacon Lake serves as a source of livelihood for fishermen in Candelaria.