Maguindanao — Lake Buluan Birdwatching Safari

Tucked between Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat in south-central Mindanao, Lake Buluan is the third-largest lake on the island, a 61-square-kilometer expanse of calm fresh water rich with life. This full-day birdwatching safari sends you out by boat across the lake's open water and reedy fringes in search of the abundant waterbirds that make this one of the region's premier birding destinations.

The lake and the wetlands around it host a remarkable cast of herons and egrets, including the great, intermediate, little, and cattle egrets, the grey and purple herons, the Javan pond heron, plus bitterns, night herons, the white-breasted waterhen, and the barred rail. These birds shuttle between Lake Buluan and the neighboring Liguasan Marsh and Lake Sebu to feed, so a patient morning on the water can yield a long species list.

Beyond the birds, the lake is a working freshwater fishery famed for its tilapia and home to indigenous Teduray and Lambangian fishers who still ply its waters in handmade pumpboats. Gliding past their gill nets and fish traps, you will experience both the wildlife and the traditional lake culture of Mindanao's interior in one immersive day.