Dexter PrieteThere is a unique kind of healing that only the great outdoors can provide. The gentle rustle of leaves, the stillness of a calm lake, and the refreshing breeze have a way of washing away the mental noise of a chaotic work week. If you are looking for an affordable place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your loved ones, a quiet day-tour sanctuary is waiting for you in Davao de Oro.
Owned by Nono Latonio and family, La Tonyo’s Lakeview is a 2.4-hectare property tucked inside the rolling landscapes of Magsaysay, Nabunturan. It offers a panoramic view of a wide lake surrounded by vibrant green hills and towering trees—proving that you don’t need to break the bank to experience pure countryside tranquility.
🏔️ Quick-Reference Visitor Checklist
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Magsaysay, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro |
| Entrance Fee | ₱30.00 per person |
| Property Size | 2.4 Hectares (Under continuous development) |
| Stay Policy | Strictly day-use only (No overnight stays) |
| Parking Situation | Side of the highway (As of mid-2026) |
| Core Amenities | Small cottages, native bamboo rafts (gakit), bamboo hammocks |
You can coordinate day visits, cottage reservations, or inquiries by calling their dedicated line at 0948 804 2234.
🌊 The Blueprint: From Agricultural SWIP to Eco-Destination
While the water feature looks entirely natural, the basin itself is a highly successful testament to local engineering. The lake is a man-made body of water initialized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Nabunturan under the Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) framework of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
[ Local River Source ] ──► [ La Tonyo's Landscape Intake View ] ──► [ SWIP Dam Control Gates ]
The system diverts local river water into a vast, fertile valley basin to manage irrigation before it passes through a structural dam that controls water levels on the opposite side. To understand how these agricultural layouts are designed, you can explore the official BSWM SWIP Project Overview or review the technical blueprints via the BSWM Small Water Impounding Project Documentation.
La Tonyo’s property occupies the prime landscape view of this setup—positioned right where the fresh river source flows into the main lake basin. Because the water is continuously flowing and clean, the family uses the area for sustainable aquaculture, where organic tilapias are actively fed, grown, and harvested.
🛶 Things to Do: Unwinding on a Budget
La Tonyo’s Lakeview is structured entirely around slow, peaceful day-trips. It is an ideal space to pack your baon, round up your family, and settle down for an afternoon of slow living:
- Ride a Traditional Gakit: For a small fee, you can hop onto a traditional bamboo raft (gakit) and glide across the glassy, mirror-like surface of the impounding lake.
- Lounge by the Water’s Edge: The property features native bamboo hammocks strung up under the shade of towering trees right at the water margin—perfect for watching the sky change colors as the late afternoon breeze rolls over the hills.
- Cottage Picnics: Small, rustic cottages dot the property lines, offering simple spaces where families can unpack food boxes, rest, and eat together comfortably.
- ⚠️ Remember the Curfew: Because there are no overnight stay facilities allowed on the grounds, make sure to maximize your day trip and pack up before twilight.
🏃♂️ The Logistics: The Trail Runner Connection
Getting to La Tonyo’s requires a tiny bit of legwork, which adds to its charm as a hidden countryside hideaway:
The Access Walk
As of mid-2026, there is no direct drive-in parking lot on the property lines for larger vehicles. Visitors park their cars or motorcycles securely on the side of the main highway. From there, you will embark on a short 250-meter down and uphill trek going to the lake. Along the path, you will pass by a few empty lots and abandoned houses before the trail opens up to reveal the majestic lakeside panorama.
The San Isidro Falls Gateway
Because of its unique layout and rolling terrain, this specific 250-meter access trail has become a popular waypoint for the local athletic community. Local trail runners frequently use the La Tonyo route as a staging ground or hydration checkpoint before pushing deeper into the backcountry toward the hidden waterfalls in neighboring San Isidro—a technical trek that takes another 3 kilometers of uphill pacing from the lake’s perimeter.
🚀 Plan Your Next Staging Point With Us
At Manakaay ug Bukid, we believe that reconnecting with nature shouldn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you are trail running through Nabunturan’s mountain systems or looking for a quiet ₱30 day-use escape to share a picnic with your family, explore our honest, field-tested guides to map out your next weekend escape safely.
