Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center
Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour
After our short stopover at Casiguran Settlement, we again boarded our coaster for the hour-long, 3.4 km. drive to Bulusan Lake in Bulusan town. This would be my second visit to the lake, the first over ten years ago (June 26, 2012). Upon arrival, I was surprised by how much the park has improved since my first visit.
Check out “Casiguran Settlement” and “Eco-Friendly Kayaking at Lake Bulusan”
The new facilities include a 1,002.5-square meter, Php60 million Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center to cater to tourists, with a road network and parking area. Inaugurated, after a massive two-year restoration and rehabilitation, last March 5, 2022 by then Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Bulusan Mayor Michael Guysayko (with DOT Regional Director Herbie Aguas , DENR Bicol Director Francisco Milla, Jr. and other officials in attendance), it is accredited by the Department of Tourism as a Tourism Recreation Center.
The author (left) on an E-jeep
The center has a registration booth, an alfresco coffee shop and a restaurant called Sagurong Restaurant, a spa massage spa, and a souvenir shop where one can buy pasalubong including local arts and crafts.
Lake Bulusan
Our coaster as well as other private vehicles are not allowed to enter the park so, from the Ecotourism Center, we all boarded e-jeeps (there are three available) that took us to the entrance to Bulusan Volcano National Park (dubbed as the “Switzerland of the Orient”), a 3,672-hectare protected landscape located at an elevation of 635 m. on the southeast flank of Mount Bulusan, an active stratovolcano, where Bulusan Lake, a small. Round crater lake, is nestled within.
For those who prefer to walk, the lake is a 20-30-min. hike. The natural park is also home to the Bulusan Eco-Adventours, which was launched coinciding with the blessing and inauguration of the tourism center.
Single and tandem kayaks for rent
The lake remained as peaceful and beautiful as I remembered it to be. Aside from Lake Bulusan, the park also covers Lakes(Aguingay (where water accumulates during the rainy season) and Blackbird (found at the mountain’s crater) and its rainforests are home to endemic flora and fauna.
The upper view deck
Flora include the Forestia philippensis, Pinanga insignis and the newly discovered Schefflina bulusanicum (an aquatic plant) and Pronephrium bulusanicum (a type of fern); jade vine (Stronglylodon macrobothrys); ground orchids (Phojus tankervillea); tall, centuries-old tindalo (Afzeliarrhomboidea) trees and mountain agoho (Casuarina rumphiana).
Food bar and dining hall
Fauna found here include the Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Fairy Bluebird, Philippine Warty Pig, South Luzon Cloud Rat Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Philippine Frogmouth, etc.).
Imelda and I all suited up and ready to go kayaking….. (photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)
Multipurpose facilities were built near Bulusan Lake. They include a food bar or dining area with comfort rooms and ramps, waiting shed, souvenir shop, ticket booth and queue sheds. However, its main feature was an upper view deck overlooking the lake which offers an overview of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
On our way…. ((photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)
Bulusan Lake was still a sight to behold. This emerald-green, still lake spans 16 hectares and is 33 m. deep. As in the past, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the lake is to take a boat ride on the emerald green water.
Meeting up with a local fisherman
While the others enjoyed the surrounding from the park’s viewing deck, I geared up and rented kayak. Five others rented a boat paddled by a guide. Joining me at my two-seater kayak was fellow senior citizen Ms. Maria Imelda Favi. It was a tiring yet peaceful activity as we paddled our way around the lake, admiring the scenic and lush view of the surrounding rainforest. In the middle of the lake, we met up with a local fishing for tilapia on his banca. Check out our kayaking video here.
Paddle boating at the lake (photo: Ms. Joan April Chang)
Aside from boat riding, you can also try fishing and stand up paddleboarding. You can also take a leisurely walk along the perimeter of the lake where the guides can help in pointing out interesting flora and fauna.
Bulusan Lake Ecotourism Center: Brgy. San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon. Mobile number: (090) 505-0988. Facebook: www.facebook.com/bulusanlake and www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.
Admission: Php50 (adults), Php25 (student or Bulusan resident with valid ID) and free (senior citizen and PWD with valid ID). Environmental fee: Php10. Shuttle service: Php35. Eco-guides fee: Php150/hr. Massage: Php250. Paddling guide for kayak and stand up paddleboading: Php100. Trekking: Php10/pax. Boating: Php00 for five pax, inclusive of two paddlers.
Parking fees: Php20 (motorcycles), Php30 (tricycle), Php50 (cars/SUV), Php60 (jeepney/coaster), Php70 (truck) and Php150 (bus)
How to Get There: Bulusan is located 557.3 kms. (a 13-hr. drive via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 44.5 kms. (a 55-min. drive) via the Junction Abuyog-Gubat-Ariman Rd., from Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, ride a jeep bound for Bulusan (1 hour). Then charter a tricycle to Bulusan Lake (about 15-20 minutes).
Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph. Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.
Bulusan Municipal Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.
Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon. Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb). Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.