Clean, Green & Serene (Bulusan Lake)

Seeing Bulusan Lake, surrounded by lush green foliage that's reflected on the lake, is a welcome change from the dirty murky waters of Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake. It's free from fishpens too owing to its deliberate preservation as a natural park.

kayaks and waterbikes for rent; visitors who try the

water activities are required to put on life vests that

the park provides

We went there on a quick stopover from Matnog, Sorsogon. The lake which is of course in Bulusan, Sorsogon sits at about 1,500 meters above sea level in a forested area adjacent to Bulusan Volcano. Going up there involves negotiating sharp, narrow and blind curves, through over reaching foliage of the surrounding forest.

I have this thing about strange places. While passing through the countless bends en route to Bulusan Lake, I asked myself what if there is a red-eyed dragon spewing fire in the next bend? Or what if there is a humongous python with long flapping wings waiting to devour us in ambush in the next turn? Well, I know it's simply insane. The driver and the other van passengers though had a good laugh with me on these thoughts.

At any rate, overall, it is a convenient drive up the lake. A winding concrete road led us all the way up to the lakeside. And there's a huge parking at the entrance. There is no need to walk up a mile or so unlike in Lake Pandin, San Pablo City.

Park attendants said that the lake is about 16 hectares in size and 29 meters at its deepest. There is not much to do except a couple of water sports activities for a fee - kayak and waterbike for about PHP500 an hour. Picnics can also be held there.

 Only the kids tried out the kayak. I didn't, imagining that there might be a devil in the deep green water of the lake. I was again full of what ifs - what if there is a giant octopus or squid or whatever its freshwater counterpart is that would drag the kayak paddlers down the lake and never to be found again? Or what if the water suddenly turns into a giant whirlpool, makes dizzying turns and takes the kayak and the paddlers into the deep nothingness of an abyss?


Anyway, the tranquil lake and the forest cover around it are sights to behold, relaxing and pleasing to the eyes. There is obviously nothing much like it in or near the city (i.e. Manila). I hope it remains forever clean, green and serene for visitors to see.

the kayak and the paddlers provide an interesting photo op as they cut

through the placid waters of the lake leaving behind a trail of ripples