This little paradise is blessed with the pristine beauty of nature adorned with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, falls, springs, and white sand beaches.
Where is it located?
The town of Bulusan is one of the many must-see destinations in Sorsogon. It is located at the south central part of Sorsogon Province. It is surrounded on the north by the Municipality of Barcelona, on the west by the active Bulusan Volcano and the Municipality of Irosin, on the south by the Municipality of Sta. Magdalena, and on the east by the Embocadero (San Bernardino Strait) which opens to the vast Pacific Ocean.
What is the highest peak in found in Sorsogon?
Mount Bulusan
Bulusan is home to the highest peak in Sorsogon – Mount Bulusan. This active volcano, which has an elevation of 5,077 feet above sea level, is the centerpiece of Bulusan Volcano National Park. At the foot of the mountain is the popular Bulusan Lake, a scenic crater lake surrounded by a dense green forest, which is encircled by a concrete pathway made for trekking. Its hot springs are San Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs, San Vicente Springs, Masacrot Springs and adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Homahan, Mt. Binitacan, Mt. Batuan, Mt. Calungalan, Mt. Calaunan, Mt. Tabon-Tabon, Mt. Juban, and Mt. Jormajan.
Another attraction is the Palogtok Falls. It is a small waterfall fills this man-made earthen swimming pool which can be reached after a 20-minute leisure walk through rolling hills carpeted with green grass, under a canopy of tall coconut trees.
In Mount Bulusan, feel the roaring sounds of owls and the presence of deers in daytime and be brightened by the sprinkling lights of fireflies at night. Experience a more challenging climb and encounter surprises with the presence of some of the rarest animals in the country.
What are the must-visit places in Bulusan?
The Bulusan Volcano National Park is a 3673-hectare rain forest surrounding Mount Bulusan. It is a wildlife sanctuary and a nature reserve featuring the volcano itself, the Bulusan Lake, and the two other mountains known as the Sharp Peak and Hormahan and Lake Aguingay. It covers a complex of primary and secondary forests, mystical lakes, rivers, falls natural springs.
Faro de Islote de San Bernardino is another tourist spot in Bulusan. Also known as the Parola, it is one of the few remaining Spanish-time lighthouses today. It was designed by Guillermo Brockman on October 15, 1891 and offers a stunning view of white sand beaches and clear waters. You can also see mainland Luzon and Samar islands from up there.
Another attraction is Porog Cave located in Porog, Bulusan. It is about 5 meters wide, 3 meters high and 30 meters long. It is believed to go all the way through the volcano, but no one has ever braved to go up to the deepest parts of it yet. A fearsome legendary giant bird called mampak is believed to be living here.
What are the famous historical sites in Bulusan?
St. James the Greater Parish is one of the four oldest churches in the Diocese of Sorsogon.
Points of interests in St. James the Greater Parish:
• The Belfry or Kampanaryo was erected separate from the church and is part of Punta Diamante. Like the walls, it is made of coral stones. It is the largest of the five towers in the complex.
• The Ascension Tower or the Dagitan is the newly built structure outside the murals used during early morning Easter Sunday celebration – when children performing as angels take off the veils of sorrow from Mother Mary. The celebration is known in the Philippines as salubong, reenacting the glorious meeting of Mother Mary and Jesus after the resurrection.
The Old Catholic Cemetery is another historical site in the place, considered the most expensive cemetery in the province. In 1809, when the governor of Albay ordered the construction of a town cemetery, Bulusan reported the highest construction cost (200 pesetas) in a display of its considerable wealth. Standing in the middle of the site is a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel.
Another attraction which is rich in historic past is the Boco Pass situated in Sitio Boco, San Francisco. Boco Pass witnessed the famous encounter between the Filipino guerillas headed by Col. Emeterio Funes and the American Forces (April 25, 1900). The battle, which resulted in the death of a comrade, moved the Americans to retaliation by burning the entire town including the church and rectory because they failed to capture Col. Funes.
What are other places of interests in Bulusan?
Palogtoc Falls in San Roque is a small waterfall surrounded by the refreshing green meadow planted with carabao grasses and low coconut palms. It is a man-made earthen swimming pool with kiosks of native construction scattered around the pool.
Another is the Bayugin Falls located between San Francisco and San Jose. It is surrounded by a forest. the falls is the source of the Bayugin River which eventually joins Paghasaan River as it flows into Bulusan River.
Masacrot Spring is a man-made earthen swimming pool with cool waters emanating from underground springs. It is also located in San Roque. It is one of the many outlets of Bulusan Volcano where water tastes like soda because of its sulfur content. According to some Bicol chroniclers, Malayan and Indian Maharajahs visited this place during the pre-Spanish period. This could be because of the healing value of the spring waters.
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Where should I stay?
The Villa Luisa Celeste Resort in Dancalan is a resort offering reasonable rates for the use of any of their amenities which include air-conditioned rooms or rooms with electric fans, a small swimming pool, a free-to-use kitchen, and a beach area just across the road. The place also accepts bookings for conferences, reunions, wedding receptions, and other social functions.
Another place is the Bartilet Lodging House in Dapdap located just across the Municipal Hall. This inn offers modest rooms with electric fans. The friendly Bartilet couple would just love to have you as their guest.
How is Bulusan's inland travel?
Bulusan is a very interesting place to visit. For land tours, you can either walk or ride on the tricycle. At a low rate, they can take you uphill and explore the area within 30 minutes and then drive you back downhill. Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are also available and can take you to the nearby towns of Irosin and Gubat. For sea tours, motorized bancas are available for rent in the Sabang/Mabuhay and Dancalan areas.
How to get there from Manila?
By Land
There are lots of buses in Manila that travelling in different province of Sorsogon that last for almost 14 hours. From Sorsogon going to Bulusan, you can ride an Irosin-bound jeepney from the terminal that cost 50php with a 1 hour travel time. From Irosin you can rent a tricycle that will take you to Bulusan.
By Air
By plane, you need to go first to Legazpi City. So, from Manila to Legazpi city is 45 minutes to 1 hour drive that cost around 1500php – 2,000php. From Legazpi city, you can take a tricycle going to the terminal of buses and vans going to different routes. One of them is going to Sorsogon City.