Which lake southeast of Metro Manila is the largest lake in the Philippines?

Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines.

The shallow freshwater lake lies on Luzon southeast of Metro Manila, between Laguna and Rizal provinces. Its area is commonly reported at roughly 911 to 949 square kilometres, depending on measurement conditions and definitions. The lake is shaped somewhat like a crow’s foot and contains Talim Island, its largest island.

Laguna de Bay drains westward through the Pasig River into Manila Bay. It is an important source of freshwater fish and supports fisheries, agriculture, domestic use, and the livelihoods of communities around its shores. Its average depth is only about 2.8 metres, although the deepest parts reach roughly 20 metres.

The name means “Lagoon of Bay,” referring to the lakeside town of Bay in Laguna Province, not to an English-language bay. Spanish laguna can mean a freshwater lake, which is why “Laguna Lake” is also used, though that phrasing can be confusing.

Naujan Lake and Lake Lanao are major Philippine lakes, but neither is larger. Taal Lake is also famous, yet its volcanic setting and smaller surface area make it a different record-holder.