Lake Caliraya

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Lake Caliraya
image_lake = Lake_Caliraya_zoom.jpg
caption_lake = Landsat photo
image_bathymetry =
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type = artificial lake
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = Philippines
location = Laguna and Quezon
length = 8 km
width = 3 km
area =
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residence_time =
shore = 30 km
elevation = 300 m
islands =
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Lake Caliraya is a man-made lake situated in the towns of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan in Laguna province, Philippines.

History

Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Engineer Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreating Americans to prevent use by Invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans placed the Largemouth Bass in the lake. Through the years, the lake remains the most popular bass fishing spot in the country. It was 'discovered' in the early 70's by Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. Property value increased dramatically, more so when the main road was upgraded to concrete and the hydroelectric plant refurbished. Caliraya became a high class neighborhood of vacation homes on the lake, similar to those in western countries, for the rich and famous. An example is the De Padua vacation home, built in 1974. That was until the 1980s, when Lake Caliraya's surroundings were occupied by the New People's Army, affecting tourism and development. Nevertheless, since 1985 there has been major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts, golf courses and country clubs. Caliraya to this day is a haven for the rich and the elite, with activities including large mouth bass fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating in general, golf, camping, and other sporting and outdoor activities. Property values remain high, and a new generation of developments, private and commercial, is on the rise.

Geography and Geological Phenomenon

Lake Caliraya is situated approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, and is perched high in the Sierra Madre. The lake experiences cool climate all year round. Lake Caliraya's soil has been surrounded by geologic phenomenon. The lake's bottom, as well as the surrounding hills, are characterized by having a rocky and reddish topsoil. Another phenomenon is about the lake's floor. People cannot step into the lake's bottom or floor, since it has been reported to suck people down, as it has a very soft bottom. Still well known with the residents of the lake's surroundings is the presence of certain areas in the lake that are well-known also to have sucked boats down. [This is a typical Filipino unfounded superstition] . Winds are blowing in Lake Caliraya from the beginning of September up to late May.

Lake Surroundings and Islands

The lake's surroundings has been compared to various North American resorts, as suggested by the abundance of pine trees, cool climate, and verdant trees. Also, numerous islands of various shapes and sizes have been formed during the flooding of the lake. All are unnamed. The biggest island is approximately as big as Rizal Park, while the smallest is about 1 square meter often submerged during high water. This tiny island can be viewed from Lagos del Sol Resort.

Resorts

Lake Caliraya is well-known as the Bass fishing capital of the Philippines and a windsurfing haven for Manilans.
*CaliRana Resort: Bgy. East Talaungan, Cavinti, Laguna. Facing Cavinti town (Direction of east).
*Lake Caliraya Country Club: Bgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).
*Caliraya Re-Creation Center: Bgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).
*Caliraya Hilltop: Bgy. Caliraya, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Cavinti town (Direction of south).
*Lagos del Sol: Bgy. Kanluran Talaongan Cavinti, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).