About Four Mystical Lakes
The Four Mystical Lakes are a group of four high-altitude freshwater lakes — Tabeyo, Ambulalakao, Letep-Ngapos, and Incolos — located in Barangay Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet, within the Cordillera mountains. Situated at over 2,000 meters elevation, they are known for their pristine waters, pine forests, and grassland surroundings. The lakes are culturally significant to the Ibaloi people and are a major trekking destination inside the Mount Pulag National Park landscape.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a remote mountain trek through pine forests, mossy forests and grasslands to reach four separate crater-like lakes at high elevation. The lakes are surrounded by natural vegetation and offer calm waters reflecting the surrounding slopes. Access is only on foot via guided trails from the Ballay jump-off. There are no commercial developments at the lakes themselves; the experience is focused on hiking, nature observation, and photography in a quiet, undeveloped natural setting.
Key highlights
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Cluster of four distinct high-altitude lakes: Tabeyo, Ambulalakao, Letep-Ngapos and Incolos
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Located at over 2,000 meters elevation in Barangay Ballay, Kabayan
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Scenic trek through pine forests, grasslands and mossy forest within Mount Pulag National Park
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Pristine freshwater lakes with reflective waters and mountain backdrop
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Cultural importance to the Ibaloi community of Kabayan
Culture & Context
The lakes are regarded as sacred and culturally important to the Ibaloi people of Kabayan, traditionally associated with local beliefs and community stewardship of the highland landscape.
Route
| By road | From Baguio City, take Halsema Highway to Kabayan town proper then to Barangay Ballay jump-off point via local road; from jump-off, lakes are accessible only by trekking with a guide |
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| By public transport |