The name of Lake Balinsasayao is the Spanish transcription of Cebuanobalinsasayaw meaning "swiftlet." The name of its "twin", Lake Danao, is derived from Cebuano danaw meaning "lake."[3]
The lakes are situated northwest of a narrow mountain ridge, in a caldera formed by four mountains: Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Guintabon Dome to the west.[5] A normal fault separates Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao while and another fault, the Amlan, is about 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) west of Danao. Four geologic faults also intersect the southern edge of Lake Danao, whose water level is lower than that of Balinsasayao.[6]
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) manages tourist activities in the natural park. The bureau allows, sightseeing, mountain trekking, camping, birdwatching, paddle boating in Lake Balinsasayao. The natural park has a concrete view deck, umbrella cottages, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, restrooms, and a visitor center.[9]
Conserving the natural park's flora and fauna is a continuing struggle as surrounding forests are exploited for timber and charcoal production. The uncontrolled cutting of timber by slash-and-burn farmers or kaingineros is reducing the inflow of water to the lakes and causing a fall in water levels. Also, since the lakes are situated near Energy Development Corporation (EDC)'s Southern Negros Geothermal Field in Valencia, the forest surrounding the lakes are under threat from constant geothermal drilling. A co-management plan for geothermal preservation has been drafted by the DENR-PENRO, EDC, and the local governments of Valencia and Sibulan.[10][11]
^ abcdBalilia, Winnievir (13 January 2009). "Lake Balinsasayao". Society of the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
^ ab"Proclamation No. 414". Declaring Balinsasayao Twin Lakes located in the Municipalities of Valencia, Sibulan and San Jose, Province of Negros Oriental as a Protected Area pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 (NIPAS Act Of 1992) and shall be known as Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. The Official Gazette. 21 November 2000. Retrieved 4 September 2015.