The Strato Volcano towering 1,565 masl in the Bicol Region is becoming one popular destination for mountaineers. Well known for its three Lakes, Rain Forest and a Summit that offers magnificent views. It is considered as one of the six most active volcanos in the Philippines, but growing up in my humble hometown; I’ve known him as a mighty warrior, whose love story was often told over school plays and colorful festival. . Mt Bulusan.
Getting to Sorsogon is a bit of a challenge, for one has to endure a 12 hour bus ride to experience the grandeur of Bulusan Volcano and its mystic Lakes. Mahaba na nga ang byahe tapos aakyat pa ng bulkan abaa extra challenge yun! Haha!
Here’s the story on how we survived an amazing climb with our proven ninja techniques.
A day before we climb Mt. Bulusan, we had a taste of Bicol’s spicy halo-halo overlooking the famous Mt. Mayon and the Cagsawa Ruins.
pramis maanghang yan 😀
After we had our lunch in Legazpi City, we negotiated a van to take us to Irosin Sorsogon, where a relaxing hot spring is waiting.
We spent the 1st night at San Mateo Hot Spring; it is located at the foot of Mt. Bulusan, making it as a perfect side trip after the climb. The entrance fee is P35.00 for a day trip and P45.00 if you will spend the night; however the pool is only until 12mn. Open Cottages can also be rented for P300.00 and above. If you want to stay overnight, air-conditioned rooms are available for P2000.00 with 2 beds and own bathroom, plus your entrance fee and amenities is free of charge.
We had the famous Laing and Bicol Express for dinner and indulged ourselves into a relaxing hot bath.. aaahhhhhhh! Tanggal sakit ng katawaaannn. Suuurrraaaappp! (habang si Ron ay bumabyahe pa).
The Zen-like calm technique was applied that night, while we satisfy ourselves in the heavenly spring. It is the ability to stay focus (focus sa hot spring) and not be stressed. For we know tomorrows hike will be tough, we need to recharge our chakra hahaha! Kaya ang mga side trip ay dapat talaga inuuna lalo na kung ito ayy hot spring 🙂
The next morning (climb proper) we hire a trike to take us to the town of Irosin where Ron will be waiting for us. We had Breakfast and bought some packed lunch and negotiated a trike to take our group to Bulusan Lake, where the jump off is located. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes which cost us P50.00 each.
We were greeted by the staff of WildBOARS, the group responsible in managing Bulusan Volcano Natural Park. We were told that sisters Kym and Kendi will join our hike, so while waiting for them we’ve arranged our things, checked our vital signs (Blood Pressure), signed a Waiver, met our guide and porter and had an early lunch.
Our hike will commence at 1130am. We were also briefed about Mt. Bulusan, the trails, the distance, water sources and the do’s and don’ts.
The emerald water of Bulusan Lake was so serene which makes it perfect for kayaking. Kaya naman hindi namin pinaligtas ito hahahaha 😀
Kayaks are available for rent for P50.00 (not sure if it’s per hour), but this facility is already free to use as part of the registration fee.
A ninja must be Weapon-savy. You must know what tools to use.. on this hike the first tool to use is the Kayak and its paddle. You would have to use this to get to the starting point of the climb, which is on the other end of the Lake. If you don’t want to flex your muscles yet you can ride a motorboat to take you. Kaya naman unlimited kayak ang ginawa namin hahaha! Muntik na pigsain ang mga liki-liki. Sagwan to the max ahaha! 😀
Another activity of this climb is the tree planting at the Ranger Station which we were able to reach at around 1:00 pm. We planted the sapling given to us (we even named them hahaha) and took the time to rest a little.
The Camouflage Technique was the most important of all. When Mother Nature calls you, your invisibility skills should be perfect, especially when you have to ‘plant the bomb’.. you know what I mean haha. This is the most used technique during our hike, from the ranger station to Aguingay Campsite.. halos lahat kami nagpaka invisible. Anyare sa mga ‘tyan naten?? haha!
The trails going to the campsite although a bit steep is manageable, ‘limatiks’ are also visible on some areas pero si Josh lang ang paborito nilang sipsipin 😀
A true Ninja must be Obedient and must follow the accurate ‘take five’ (minutes) rule. Ang five minutes ay five minutes.. hindi pwedeng i-extend lalo na sa energetic guide naming si Ate Virgie hahaha. ‘mga sir/mam five minutes na po.. tara na’ hahaha. And because of this we were able to reach Aguingay Campsite 940 masl at 330pm, sooner than expected.
The campsite was occasionally flooded during the rainy season thus it resembles a Lake at the foot of Mt. Bulusan and dries up during summer. It is surrounded by a tropical rainforest and lush vegetation, from here the summit of the volcano is visible. There is also a water source nearby and a hut (the guide and porter can sleep here) where you can prepare and cook food.
So we set up our tents, took more pictures, goofed around and laugh our hearts out with the mighty Bulusan.
Before the night falls the cooking show began with Chef Ron at ang mga misis na audience na hindi Makita. Ano-ano nga ulit ang mga klase ng mantika? Hahahhaa! We had pasta and Buffalo wings for dinner. Sowsyal ng bahagya hahahhaha!
The night was illuminated by the moon and we were embraced by Aguingay’s cold weather. It was 10pm when we call it a night.
We were awakened by strong winds.. parang saranggola ang tent namin. We had no choice but to get up. We found solace in a cup of coffee. It was already 3 am; we need to start our ascent. It will take approximately 3-4 hours hike on a steep terrain to get to the crater, so we did not waste any time.
Armed with our hydration pack, we began our hike. On the first part of the trail to the summit you will pass by the rain forest, the roots of the trees will help you as you climb your way up.
There’s no water source going up the crater, so make sure you have enough water with you. Once you are out of the forest, the next terrain is composed of cogon grass. As you ascend you will be able to see the entire Campsite and the Sharp Peak of Bulusan.
Out of trail food? Don’t worry, there’s a lot of wild strawberries as you continue your way to the summit. Yun eh kung hindi pa nahaha-harvest kagaya ng ginawa nila.. hahaha!
It was the most organized hike we had so far. From the jump off we were monitored by WildBOARS through a 2 way radio to make sure we’re okay. We were also informed about the summit’s condition which turned out to be cloudy.
We were not able to witness a magnificent view at the summit, but none the less it was still amazing. The boulders, the sulfuric environment, the fog.. it was extraordinary.
On a clear day a distant view of Mt. Mayon and the rest of Sorsogon can be seen, as well as the Blackbird Lake inside the crater. I may not be able to see all these on this hike, but I was able to set foot on an active volcano with the most awesome hiking friends.. and that is more than enough ❤
I conquered the Volcano who was once a silent witness to my childhood, and made a promise to go back to appreciate more of this mighty warrior.
After some ninja photo ops, we started to hike back to the campsite. Hindi na rin napigilan mag trail run kasi mga gutom na hahahaha.
After our breakfast-lunch in one we started the hike back to the jump off before 12 noon.
The walk back to Bulusan Lake consist of many happy trails.. happy trails nga ba Rache, Grace at Maam Krym?? Hahahaha. We made it to the Lake before 4pm.
Hiking with them is more than Awesome!
Mt. Bulusan is one of my favorite and happiest hikes. Experience it, you’ll not be disappointed.
Oh did I mentioned I climbed this volcano with my father who also became a ninja.. awesome right? And by the way, the Ninja Techniques can be applied in any order 😀
*Photo Credits to: Rache and WildBoars Phil. Thank you 🙂
How to Get There:
- Daily Bus Trips bound to Sorsogon are available at Cubao and Pasay Terminal. Travel time is 12 hours or more depending on the Bus hehehee.
- Bus fare can range from 300-500 (ordinary) and 700-1000 (aircon).
- You may take the buses bound directly to Irosin Sorsogon as this is the most convenient, or you may take buses bound to Bulan, Matnog, or Samar and ask the driver to drop you off the crossing in Irosin.
- From Irosin, you may take a trike up to Bulusan Lake; fare is P50.00 each.
- Alternatively, if you are coming from Legazpi, you may take a van bound to Sorsogon. Fare is around P80.00. Once in Sorsogon City, take a jeep bound to Bulusan or Irosin (not sure of the fare but it should not be more than P100.00).
Hiking Notes:
- It is important to schedule your climb at WildBoars Phil as they can only allow 20 climbers to hike Mt. Bulusan per day. You may email them at wildboarsphil@yahoo.com.
- Registration Fee is P350.00 (the proceeds will be explained in detail on the email they’ll be sending).
- Guide Fee is P500.00 per day (max of 5 pax per group). Porters Fee is P350.00 per day.
- The latest time you can hike from the jump off to Base Camp (Aguingay) is 2pm; it is advisable you’ll be in Bulusan Lake in the morning for briefing.
- Day hikes are possible in Bulusan however you wouldn’t want to miss the chance of a beautiful sunrise early in the morning at the summit/crater.
Additional Reminders from WildBoars:
(1.) Please bring an extra “Malong” with you since there is no closed CR at the campsite being Nature at its best.
(2.) Please be reminded also that “limatiks or blood leeches” are present in the trail, you might encounter a few without your knowing and adequate clothing protection should be considered as well as gloves.
(3.) We have a separate bathroom for males and females in Bulusan Lake area of which you can take a shower after your climb. The water used/supplied for the climber is from lake water as there is no electricity available.
(4.) To reduce trash and overall weight on your expedition, kindly remove all commercial packaging. Less packaging means less weight and less trash to carry when you return to Bulusan Lake area.
**Travel light. Plan ahead. Pack-in & Pack-out. Practice LNT Ethics**
**Keep Climbing** 🙂 🙂 🙂
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