We started the day with no clear itinerary. We just took the southern route, and when our tummies rumbled lunch, we turned left and headed for one of the natural pools at the foot of Mount Bulusan. After two hours of prying the kids away from the water, we decided to go up Bulusan Lake.
The lake is one of Sorsogon’s major attractions. Perpetually green presumably because of algae, the lake is surrounded by secondary-growth trees that contribute to an even greener landscape.
Green is, in fact, everywhere. On the two-kilometer ascent to the lake, lush foliage provides a canopy that almost blocks out the sun. Erosion has carved out the hillsides, and to the right there are gigantic ferns and vines tenaciously clinging to the sides. All in varying shades of green, of course.
Bulusan Lake is one of two lakes in the 3,672-hectare Bulusan Volcano National Park (BVNP). It rises 635 meters above sea level and is almost halfway up Bulusan Volcano, which has an elevation of 1,559 meters. From up here, you can hear birdsongs, chirps and the occasional rattlesnake. A hawk circled up above when we were there.
Over the years, tourist-friendly activities have been introduced along the perimeter of the lake. Kayaks, boats and water bikes are there for those who have limited time to explore the lake. For the more adventurous, guided eco treks along the inner and outer crater are also being offered for P150 and P250 per head.
Despite these, and despite the carloads of visitors that flock to Bulusan, the lake has managed to preserve a certain sense of serenity. Timelines and deadlines are set aside here, and it is enough to sit still and take in the green, great majesty of Bulusan Lake.
Other majestic from-above posts are here. Oh, and here’s a photo taken from above in our first stop, Nature Park in Irosin.
