Mapanuepe Lake, Lake in Zambales, Philippines

Mapanuepe Lake is a body of water in Zambales, Philippines, formed when volcanic debris blocked a river. The lake now covers what was once a valley, with the old church steeple and a few rooftops still visible above the surface.

The lake was created in 1991 when the eruption of Mount Pinatubo sent lahars down the valley, damming the river. The water slowly rose and covered the village of Mapanuepe, leaving only the upper parts of the church and a few buildings visible.

Local families often come here to fish and to gather at the water's edge for picnics. The sight of the old church tower rising from the water is a familiar landmark that reminds people of the town that once stood there.

The lake is reached by a rough road that becomes muddy after rain, so a vehicle with good clearance is helpful. Once there, you can walk along the shore or take a small boat to see the submerged structures up close.

The lake is one of the few places where you can see a church steeple and the top of a school building sticking out of the water. The water level changes with the seasons, sometimes revealing more of the ruins and sometimes hiding them again.