Bulusan Lake surrounds the foothills of Mount Bulusan Volcano, located in the municipality of Bulusan, Sorsogon province, Bicol Region. Mount Bulusan, which has erupted at least 15 times since 1885, is considered the 4th most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon Volcanos; and is the highest peak in Sorsogon.

On 23-October-2016, Rappler reported that a phreatic eruption of the volcano –exhibited by explosions of water, steam, rock, and ash– produced an ash column 2.5 kilometers high. On 24-August-2018, Wysily S. Ala for the Philippine Information Agency stated that the popular site had later been closed following Mount Bulusan’s steam-driven phreatic eruption on 5-June-2017. In its bulletin, PHILVOLCS said that since then, Mount Bulusan’s upper slope has deflated and the occurrence of volcanic earthquakes has declined, signs that it would be safe again to carry out human activities in the park’s tourist area. With the reopening of the park, visitors to the tourist site would be able to marvel at the mountain’s peak, which stands at 1,559 meters above sea level with a base area of about 400 square kilometers. Only a 4 km radius permanent danger zone is marked from the summit, and other buffer zones 4km–10km also from the summit, because sudden phreatic expulsions might take place, but it is safe outside that perimeter.

Binaday, Amarga, Barrameda, and Bonagua, mentioned in “Amphibians and Reptiles in the vicinity of Bulusan Lake, Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Sorsogon, Philippines,” Philippine Journal of Science (September, 2017) that a preliminary inventory of amphibians and reptiles was done in the vicinity of Bulusan Lake. In the study, 26 species were documented. The documentation of species cited 8 frogs, 10 lizards, and 8 snakes. The survey features the first record of the Blunthead Slug-eating Snake (Aplopeltura Boa) from Luzon Island; as well as the Philippine Pit Viper (Trimeresurus Flavomaculatus). A new species of a white-iris Northern Temple Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus Subannulatus) was also recorded.

Michael B. Jaucian reports in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 11-February-2018 that aside from being known as a “Volcano Town,” Bulusan is a popular destination for nature lovers, especially trekkers. Different species of trees surround the 16.43 hectare Bulusan Lake, the main attraction inside the 3,672 hectare Bulusan Volcano Natural Park.

Two endemic plant species, Prenephrium bulusantum (a fern) and Schefflera bulusanicum (an evergreen tree), are present in the area, including wild orchids and giant ferns.

Bulusan Lake, the main attraction inside Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, is a developed tourist site with a trail around its 2- kilometer circumference, and boating facilities on its 33-meter deep waters. Bulusan Lake’s ambiance of scenic tranquility brought about by its deep emerald green waters, surrounded by wondrously lush flora and fauna from its surrounding rainforest makes the lake a worthwhile tourist destination.

Kayaking is a popular sport among tourists who visit Bulusan Lake. Waterfalls and springs can be found in the lush rainforest surrounding Bulusan Lake. Hiking and crossing the hanging bridge are commonly done in this vicinity. There are 21 species of freshwater fish, of which 15 species are endemic to Bulusan Lake, and 6 are introduced from outside the lake. The Dusky Sleeper (Eleotris Fusca), Jungle Perch (Kuhlia Rupestris), and Spotfin River Goby (Awaous Occelaris) are examples of endemic fish. Tilapia stands out only because of its huge stock. Most marine life in Bulusan Lake grow to enormous proportions because of the lake’s rich and well-preserved natural resources.

Bulusan Lake is now part of the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, of which rainforests surround the Bulusan Volcano. This forest land was proclaimed a National Park by virtue of Proclamation No. 811 on 7-June-1935, and then under the NIPAS ACT, was reclassified by DENR as a Natural Park on 27-November-2000.

References:

• Rappler Newsletter, 23-October-2016.
• Binaday, Jake Wilson; Amarga, Ace Kevin; Barrameda, Ernesto S, Jr; and Bonagua, Bobet Jan. “Amphibians and Reptiles in the vicinity of Bulusan  Lake, Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Sorsogon, Philippines.” Philippine Journal of Science, September, 2017
• Jaucian, Michael B. Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11-February-2018 issue.
• Ala, Wysily S. Philippine Information Agency Magazine, 24-August-2018.