What Are the Water Forms of the Philippines?

By Staff WriterLast Updated Mar 31, 2020 10:00:47 PM ET

There are several different types of natural water forms within and around the Philippines, including channels, swamps, straits, gulfs, seas, bays, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Being an archipelago, the country's coastline would measure roughly 10,847 miles if laid end-to-end.

The Philippines is bordered by Babuyan Channel to the north, the South China Sea to the west and the Celebes Sea to the south. Its eastern coast faces the Pacific Ocean.

Several inland rivers and lakes within the islands have also been formed by various geological activities.

Rivers: The longest and largest river in the Philippines is the Cagayan River in Northern Luzon. Following in size are the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the Agusan River respectively, both found in Mindanao. Other notably large rivers include the Bicol, Angat Pampanga, Pasig and Agno rivers in Luzon. The most famous river amongst tourist is the Palawan underground river.
Lakes: The heart-shaped Laguna de Bay is the most popular; it is also the largest lake in the Philippines and the second largest inland fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia. Other popular lakes include Lake Taal, Buhi, Bulusan, Naujan, Mainit and Lanao.
Waterfalls: The waterfalls in the Philippines play a very important role in the country's economy by generating power; they also serve as tourist attraction sites. The highest waterfall is the two-tiered Limunsudan Falls found in Barangay Bonbonon. It is closely followed by Maria Cristina Falls. The most famed waterfall in the Philippines is Pagsanjan Falls located in Laguna.