The Amazing Loch Lomond

The Amazing Loch Lomond

Many of us live in cities with all the crowds, stress, noise and dirt in the environment. Most probably we have not often come across nature, searched for it or even be one with it. But there is this marvelous place in central Scotland that will surely blow you away; a dream place for those wanting to escape from a boring and almost monotonous pace of city life.

With exuding natural beauty of a 24-mile-long freshwater lake interspersed with picturesque islands, diverse landscapes and medieval castles, all these existing components makes up the lovable loch that we call, the Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish “loch” lying on the Highland Boundary Fault, the boundary between the lowlands and highlands of Central Scotland. Measuring 27 and a half square miles, it is the largest single inland waterway in Great Britain (by surface area), the second largest lake in Scotland and most probably the most famous lake after Loch Ness. It is now part of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park and most spectacular visitor destination. The loch has 30 or more other islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. One of the loch's islands, Inchmurrin is the largest island in the British Isles, while Inchconnachan island is home to a colony of wallaby (marsupial), its young is known as “joey” just like many other marsupials.

The very name Loch Lomond depicts nothing but nature in perfection. The main tourist focus is on the western shore, around Balloch. This is the place to head for boat trips and home of the Maid of the Loch, an authentic paddle steamer and utterly unique venue for events and functions. Further, development is attracting large numbers of visitor like the this magnificent addition to the area, the Mull Railway, which will link Balloch and Loch Lomond Shores. Also on the western side are the villages of Arden, Tarbet and most northerly, Adlui. Arden boasts Scotland's most beautiful Youth Hostel. The most picturesque of the loch's villages is Luss on the west bank. Its streets are laid out in a linear pattern and were originally part of the planned estate village built by the Colquhouns. Recently restored, they present a pretty sight.

The loch is one of the country's premier boating and water sports venues. It is open to every kind of watercraft including kayaks, canoes, wind-surfers, jet skis, speedboats and cruisers. Having said all these, Loch Lomond presents the perfect retreat for the young, the old, the busy people who deserve to enjoy or get a life!
Lake Nakuru in Kenya Africa

Lake Nakuru in Kenya Africa

Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a bird watcher's paradise. A unique game-viewing venue and a notable spot for the Rothschild giraffe and home to the black and white rhinos. The lake is world-famous as the location of the “greatest bird spectacle on earth” by renowned ornithologist Roger Peterson, for its spectacular bird life particularly the myriads of flamingos that congregate the shallow soda lake together with tens of thousands of other bird species. Lake Nakuru is one of the world's première wildlife destinations.

Lake Nakuru was declared a national park in 1961 and covers 188 square kilometers of land of great ecological diversity - from lake water, woodland, bush grassland, to rocky ridges. It is the most accessible and most visited of the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley. The national park was created mainly to protect the flocks of flamingos and other species in the hills and plains around the lake. Its algae-soaked waters attract the millions of lesser flamingos and the greater flamingos in the park that turn the shores pink.

Apart from the spectacle of the flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park offers its visitors great wildlife - a special sighting at the park is a number of rare Rothschild giraffe, trans-located for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Moreover, Lake Nakuru National Park has recently expanded to include a large part of the savannahs to accommodate and provide a sanctuary for both white and the rare black rhino. The park boasts the most number of leopard per square kilometer than any park in Africa. Because of the park's proximity to nearby towns, the park is fenced to prevent the animals from wandering into town and most especially to keep the poachers out, not restricting the movement of wildlife. Nakuru officially became the shelter for protection for these endangered animals in 1987.

At the park, you will also see a healthy population of predators like lions and hyenas, black and white colobus monkeys, hippo and crocodiles, zebra and fish eagles, antelope and buffalo and large-sized python snakes that dwell the dense woodlands. The best vantage point to track the lake shore and watch huge flocks of feeding flamingos is from the Baboon Cliff. Other viewing spots are from Lion Hill and Out of Africa.

Thus, this lake offers one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sights. So if you are looking for the best possible wildlife photography opportunities, Lake Nakuru is the perfect place to be as animals are never out of sight. And if you still have the luxury of time, an overnight stay in here, will definitely complete your safari travel adventure.
Lake Garda in Italy

Lake Garda in Italy

“Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms.” Whoever said this must have seen wonders beyond what man can afford with his ingenuity. So when in Italy, stop and stare on the peaceful and breathtaking Alpine scenery reflecting in the still, delicate waters of Lake Garda.

Lake Garda or Lago di Garda or Benaco is the largest inland lake situated in a beautiful area in northern Italy between Venice and Milan and split among three regions: Lombardy on the western shore, Veneto on the eastern shore, and Trentino-Alto Adige on the northern shores. A lake that boasts more than 48 kilometers of beaches from north to south and a scenic view of the cue misty mountain tops and bright bursts of bougainvillea is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

The formation of Lake Garda dates back around 1.5 million years ago during the last Ice Age. When a large mound of glacier spilled on a flat land next to a valley and flowed down from the Brenta Dolomites and gouged through the valley. Once the glacier melted the fresh water, a lake was formed which we now know as Lake Garda.

The lake also has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda and nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio. The three other main islands are Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Sogno and Isola di Timelone, all further north near the east side.

As the largest of the lakes, Lake Garda offers much to see and do – including deep blue waters, green forests, towering mountains, and picturesque towns. Luxury hotels and resorts that cater to both local and foreign tourists, dot the shoreline of the lake as well. It should come to no surprise why this place is the most visited lakes in Italy. Moreover, Lake Garda is a true outdoor fitness center where all sorts of “active sports” can be enjoyed. Many tourists visit the lake for the extraordinary opportunities the lake offers on its waters and throughout the inland area. The clear waters of the lake is perfect for swimming in summer and many popular sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Malcesine, Riva, Gardone, Brenzone, Caprino Veronese and Spiazzi are also excellent for mountain-hiking and biking and Canyoning and other outdoor sports providing panoramic views of the area.

Finally, a visit to this region is a delight to the taste buds – pasta, fresh tomatoes, the highly aromatic Italian basil, and the most glorious olive oil completes the whole package of pleasure. Lake Garda is definitely one difficult place to beat.
Lake Atitlan Waterfront View in Panajachel

Lake Atitlan Waterfront View in Panajachel

Be overwhelmed by the stunning beauty of Guatemala's Lake Atitlan or Lago de Atitlán (in Spanish), the third biggest fresh water lake in Guatemala and the deepest in Central America. A large crystal clear body of water in an ancient volcanic caldera, a mile above sea level, and surrounded by three majestic and active volcanoes which make for a magnificent background and highlights the lake's winning beauty. A lake famously hailed by “Aldous Huxley” as “the most beautiful lake in the world. Indeed, it is recognized as the fifth most beautiful lake in the world and a great place to see.



Lake Atitlán is volcanic in origin. It is the result of a land collapse filling an enormous cavity formed in an eruption 84,000 years ago known as Los Chocoyos. The continuing volcanic activity in the region built three massive volcanoes in the caldera flanking the lake.



The tallest of the three is Volcán Atitlán which lies on the southern rim of the crater, dominating the stunning lake with which it shares its name. Atitlán is a Mayan word that means “the place where the rainbow gets its colors”. While Volcán San Pedro and Volcán Tolimán lie within the crater, San Pedro is the oldest of the three and probably the most photographed of all Guatemala's volcáns because of its beautiful cone. Volcán Tolimán is the youngest among them, which began growing after San Pedro stopped erupting. Atitlán's summit takes about eight “long” hours to ascend, but definitely all rewarding to be able to reach the top, overlooking one of the world's finest attraction and Guatemala's Pacific Coast.



Lake Atitlán is also known as the “land of the eternal spring”. The climate is mild, cool at night and warm during the day with the springtime weather all year round, makes for an ideal climate. But for most of the locals who live there year round, the rainy season is their favorite time of the year.



Lake Atitlán is further characterized by towns and indigenous villages of the Maya people. And Panajachel or Pana, for short is the jewel of the highlands. Nestled beside Lake Atitlán, in a volcanic archipelago, Panajachel gives you one of the best views of the lake. Although, there is no single, must-see view of the lake, a bit of a sense of adventure can be useful Experience several other vantage points from the towns surrounding the lake or from up high on the highway.



Lucky are those fortunate enough who have seen one of nature's gifts and be able to greet the sunrise and the glassy water of the beautiful Lake Atitlán.
Lake Bled - Slovenia

Lake Bled - Slovenia

Imagine a place with pristine blue-green water, a small castle perched on a steep cliff in a magical lush mountain setting and verdant forests that give it an atmosphere from a page in a fairy tale book– can this place be real or simply a figment of imagination? Well, believe it or not. There is such a place...



In the foothills of the Julian Alps and natural forests in northwestern Slovenia, adjoining the town of Bled, lies the enchanting Lake Bled. The only glacier lake in Slovenia with an island in the middle, Bled Island - the only natural island right in the heart of the lake, where the 15th century building known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary can be found. There is a medieval castle (Bled Castle) over 1000 years old stands above the lake. The temperature of the lake reaches up to 25°C in the summer and gets iced-covered in winter. The area is a popular tourist destination.



Every visitor to Bled is charmed by its fantastic range of views and its captivating alpine lake. Lake Bled boasts a beautiful lakeside setting for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquility and as well as sports will find here a multitude of opportunities. Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats, the castle treasures, the nearby ski pistes, mountain trails, hunting, fishing, the casino, congress facilities – are just some of the activities and attractions that Bled offers. In Bled, it is customary to climb the 99 steps to the charming medieval chapel and ring the wishing bell in the hope to make one's dream come true.



In the surrounding countryside of Bled, there is also a wealth of activities on offer --- If you are feeling adventurous, you might like to try rafting, canyoning, para-gliding or ballooning, or any number of other outdoor pursuits. Bled is also the cradle of golf in Slovenia and golfers from around the world adores its stunning courses. The latest addition to the array of facilities available in Bled is the Živa Wellness Centre at the Golf Hotel, which offers divine relaxation in its thermal swimming pools, saunas and beauty salons. Moreover, take a bite of the must-try delicious 'Kreme Schnitte' or custard cakes available in many of the lakeside cafés, as you stroll around the beautiful shore of Lake Bled.



While the lake is characterized by features close to that of a fairy tale, it is “no sleeping beauty”. In essence, lovely, exciting, bewitching, and regal is what it is!
Lake Annecy – France

Lake Annecy – France

Among the many places of interest known to man, The Great Lake Annecy, certainly deserves to be on the list. Situated in a picturesque setting in the Haute-Savoie region in the eastern part of France. This second biggest lake in France is among the “popular” destination for swimmers and water sport adventures.



Back in the years past the 1950's, Lake Annecy was once an “ugly duckling”. The lake was used as a place where surrounding communities used to drop their used and dirty waters. Thereby, the lake was almost condemned to remain unhealthy forever. But on 1957, upon the joint efforts initiated by Dr. Servettaz and Charles Bosson (Mayor of Annecy then), the SILA (Inter-municipal Union for Lake Annecy) was created. A main sewer linking all the villages was built so that all water released into the lake is treated and checked. Today, the water of Lake Annecy is bacteriologically drinkable and notable fish populations have been restored. At present day, the lake is hailed as Europe's “cleanest lake”. The resulting fresh and clean water of Lake Annecy have become a home to activities all year round.


The gorgeous Lake Annecy provides the centerpiece for the wooded wonderland flanked in alpine, snow-capped mountains. With mountains - Mont Semnoz and Entrevernes on the east bank, Mont Veyrier Dents de Lanfon and Tournette on the west bank, provides that stunning backdrop that enhances the overall ambience of this part of the land.



When at Lake Annecy, there are far better ways of spending your time than gazing over the clear water and admirable landscapes for a quiet meditation. Lake Annecy offers the enjoyment of life. The artful design of the lake and nearby mountains make it favorable for a great range of leisure and outdoor activities.



Lake Annecy provides a wide variety of activities for lovers of the outdoors including kayaking, para-sailing, lake sailing and boating of all sorts. There are five rowing clubs spread around the Lake – which offers training for competition and high level practice or simply just for fun. Although, lake fishing is the most popular activity in the area. Summertime on the lake includes all the usual activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, swimming and diving. First class ski resorts in the mountains nearby Lake Annecy offer winter sports at very affordable prices.


Unlike other French and Italian lakes, Lake Annecy has never been famous for water activities...until recent years. Thus, what was once an “ugly duckling” is an ugly duckling no more. The beauty of Lake Annecy does not only reflect what the eyes can see, she is an exceptional beauty because she is respected and cared for by the people.
Crater Lake – Oregon, USA

Crater Lake – Oregon, USA

This is Crater Lake, South Central Oregon, USA. An abounding beauty of nature on the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range, 160 kilometers east of the Pacific Coast. Best known for its intense and indescribable deep blue color, water clarity, depth and grand design. Crater Lake earned the title of the number one most beautiful lake in the world; with exceptional features being the deepest lake in the United States, the seventh deepest lake in the world and the largest known eruption from Cascade Range volcanoes.

Before Crater Lake became what it is today, a cluster of ancient volcanoes called Mount Mazama dominated the landscape. The caldera was formed around 7,700 years ago after a large volcanic explosion destroyed Mt. Mazama. The 2,500 to 3,500 feet mountain peak fell into the volcano's partially emptied neck and magma chamber, that led to the formation of a new crater, known as Crater Lake. But before it got its new name, Crater Lake was formerly known as Blue Lake or Lake Majesty.

The name “Crater Lake” was coined by James Sutton, editor of the Oregon Sentinel in Jacksonville, in 1869 for its beautiful and symmetrical crater. But the world greatly owes its gratefulness to William Gladstone Steel, for devoting more than 30 years of his life promoting and establishing the park known as Crater Lake National Park, featuring the blue gem of the Oregon, Crater Lake. In 1902, President Roosevelt signed legislation making Crater Lake and its surrounding 180,000 acres as America's 6th National Park -- the only National Park in Oregon.

Lying in the waters at the west end of Crater Lake is a small volcanic island known as Wizard Island which is a cone of the new volcano which projects 755 feet above the average surface of the lake. The Wizard Island is the cinder cone that formed in Crater Lake. However, there is a second island. It's called the Merriam Cone. The Merriam Cone is another cinder cone located on the northeast part of the lake. Its surface features and lack of a crater (compared to the Wizard Island) suggest that it formed under water.

The last recorded eruption of Crater Lake was about 2290 BC +/- 300 years, it is considered dormant. And although it has been dormant for 5,000 years, geologists do expect it to reawaken someday.

Volcanoes in general can be exciting and fascinating, but also very dangerous. With all its superlative qualities, the sight of Crater lake will take your breath away... but also beware a “calm beauty” with a violent volcanic past.
Lake Matheson - New Zealand

Lake Matheson - New Zealand

Sitting in the middle of a farmland of cows and sheep, six kilometers west of Fox Glacier township, in the West Coast region of the South Island, lies New Zealand's most famous photograph stop, Lake Matheson. A small lake that earned its fame not for its dark brown waters. Not for its west coast rain forest. Not even for the abundance of water birds and other wildlife. But famous for the reflected mirror-like images of the twin peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in its dark waters.

This ancient lake was formed about 14,000 years ago, when the Fox Glacier retreated towards the sea and carved a slight depression in the landscape that eventually became filled with water. The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown. The discoloring effect of the water is caused by the natural leaching of organic matter from the native forest floor surrounding the lake. So on a calm day, the dark hue of the water creates the ideal reflective surface, while the participation of the surrounding forest gives the lake shelter, context and protection from the wind providing a smooth surface to produce a perfect natural mirror. Set against the backdrop of the perfectly positioned Mount Cook (or Aoraki in Maori) and Mount Tasman to reflect in the glassy lake, Lake Matheson ultimately earned itself another name, the “Mirror Lake”, which appropriately describes what it is stands for.

Visitors from around the world have come to the lake to enjoy the reflected view of the Southern Alps. Year after year, it never failed to attract more people (travelers/passers-by), especially photographers, to stop, film, photograph to get dozens of amazing vistas of this jewel in New Zealand's scenic crown.

There are two particular designated 'perfect' spot for reflection photos around the lake, the Jetty View Point and the Reflection Island. Visiting just after dawn when the water often sits incredibly still and during the afternoon sunset is the most ideal time to take a picture. Offering infinite photo opportunities, it truly is a “photographer's paradise”- you just can't get enough of her.

So they say, and so do I, nature successfully joined the right elements to create one of the most stunning and iconic views in New Zealand. While Google will give you the numerous search results of this lake, still, the best way to achieve a meaningful experience of such a magnificent lake is to see it “up close and personal”.
Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort

Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort

The weather in the Philippines is hot almost throughout the year because of its tropical climate. Hence, Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort offers the best getaway for tourists who wanted to cool off, enjoy a great view of nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city life. There are a lot in store for visitors with full amenities to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.

Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort is another nature resort that is situated along Eden and Bayabas in the district of Toril, wherein another famous nature resort, Eden Nature Park, is located. Travel time to Lolengs could take up between 45 minutes to one hour, depending whether you are commuting or taking a private vehicle. For commuters, you can take a jeepney or taxi towards Toril District. If you are taking the jeepney, get off the main road and there are motorcycles that you can take to get to the resort.

The entrance fee to Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort is very affordable at only PhP 50. Children below the age of 3 can get free entrance to the resort as well as use the swimming pool free of charge. For regular guests, you have to pay only a cheap PhP 50 for the use of swimming pool. They do accept walk-in guests to the resort but you can also make reservations if you plan on holding functions and other events at the resort, such as wedding, team building activities, or retreats, among others.

The resort is actually man-made, which was designed to rebuild a natural atmosphere with Benguet-like pine trees and canopy forests. The terraces on the resort were built on a mountain slope and several pine seedlings were planted there. When they grew, it provided a secondary forest that helped to offer a refreshing backdrop to the sights and attractions at this nature resort.

There are also several facilities that visitors can avail of, giving them plenty of things to do during their stay. As mentioned above, there is a swimming pool that is made up of cold spring water, which offers a relaxing dip to cool you off in the hot summer days. There is also a wide playground for kids to run around and play on the outside. And for sports enthusiasts, you can spend your time at the tennis or basketball courts. If you want to go boating or fishing, there is a corresponding rate on your rental of the boat, depending on the number of people joining this boating trip. The boating trip will cost PhP 50 for 2 persons, PhP 100 for 4 persons, and PhP 150 for 6 persons.

Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort also have their own restaurant, Maia's Cafe Restaurant, wherein you can order local delicacies and enjoy great meals during your stay. For those holding functions or retreats in the resort, they offer catering services to accommodate your dining needs.

The accommodations at this nature resort is also affordable. The prices of their rooms for overnight stay approximately range from PhP 2,000 to PhP 5,000, wherein their rooms can accommodate 2 persons or as much as 24 persons.

If you want to be close to nature and be away from the fast paced lifestyle of the city, Lolengs Mountain Spring Resort is a perfect destination for the ultimate R & R. They have several recreational facilities and comfortable accommodations to suit your unique needs. Nonetheless, all of these you can avail of at an affordable rate.
Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake might just be the most beautiful and scenic lakes in the entire world. It is part of the Canadian Rockies and is part of the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The lake is formed in between the Waputik Range valley, which means it is situated right between the Peyto Peak, Mount Jimmy Simpson, and Caldron Peak. This glacier-fed lake is best known amongst tourists for its beautiful turquoise color that also changes along with the season. Thus, you have something to look forward to, regardless of which season you decide to visit. The lake is named after a famous trail guide and trapper in Banff, who is Bill Peyto.

The Peyto Lake is fed by the Peyto Creek, wherein waters come from the Peyto Glacier and Caldron Lake. The lake is very easy to access from the Icefields Parkway wherein you must follow a paved trail that is approximately a 10-minute drive to get there. There are also parking spots provided in the spot, although you can only be accommodated in the low level parking. The lake itself sits at an altitude of 1860 meters.

The short, paved trail from Bow Summit will offer you with the most breathtaking view that your eye could bear witness to. The months of June to early July will produce a dark blue color in the lake as soon as the summer season kicks off and the nearby glaciers begin to melt. As summer continues to progress, the glaciers continue to melt and the melted water will make its way into the delta and lake. Thus, the lake is filled with ground-rock debris that is also known as “rock flour”. These fine particles are suspended in the surface of the lake's water.

Many have this false misconception that the mineral contained in the rock flour is responsible for producing the unique color in the lake. However, it is actually a reflection from the light spectrum that produces that blue-green color on the lake as the light shines on these particles. This is responsible for the changing of colors on the lake as the season changes over time. Because of this natural wonder, the lake is an ideal sightseeing spot for tourists who come to the park.

For those traveling to Peyto Lake from other countries, there are several choices of accommodation within the area. Some of the popular hotels available to choose from include Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise, Fairmont Chateau Hotel Lake Louise, and the Lake Louise Inn. These accommodation choices are equipped with various facilities and amenities to ensure a relaxing stay while you enjoy the sights at Peyto Lake.