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THE
ECOLOGICAL TOURIST ZONE
Bulusan
is now officially an ecological tourist zone by virtue
of a law passed in circa 1996. It was done through the efforts
of then Congressman Bonifacio H. Gillego, with the support of
the local government and of Buluseños. Just this summer of
2001, ISLA: The Advocacy Channel, visited the
town and took some photo and video shots documenting its
beautiful scenery, its culture, and its people.
After
more than 370 years of existence, Bulusan had also established
for itself a rightful niche in Philippine history. Her people's
continued struggle for or against different forces &
principles helped much in the formation of Bulusan's
distinct historical character.
Personally,
the Webmaster strongly believes in the potential of Bulusan to
be a well-known tourist destination. However, Buluseños should
know the proper way of doing tourism-related business in the
area. A high set of moral values should be maintained by
everybody, natives and tourists alike.
Indeed,
Bulusan has much to offer. The following are just some of the
many wonders awaiting prospective visitors and homecoming Buluseños:
AGINGAY
FESTIVAL
This
is basically a street-dancing festival that showcases the
ancient legend of Bulusan's two lakes -- Bulusan and Agingay.
Held every 24th of July, high school students dressed in their
own version of abaca fineries make their way around the town
with their choreographed steps, while drums made of bamboo
keep rhythm with the occasional horn-like sound of the budyong
(a large kind of sea shell).
The
event ends with cultural presentations at the Bulusan Central
School Auditorium where the participating schools try to outdo
each other with their respective interpretations of the said
legend. A prize awaits the school with the best presentation.
The
festival is actually slated within the week-long fiesta
celebration (usually from 19th to 26th of July --feast day is
July 25). Several other activities planned by the Bulusan
Tourism Council are also in the offing so your visit will surely
be worth your while. And, guess what? Dining would never be a
problem during the festival because Bulusan is a town
where visitors, invited or not, are treated to their hosts'
sumptuous fiesta meals. It is said that the moment a
person steps into the yard of a Buluseño home, he/she is
already reserved a plate in the family's dining table. A family
member or a hired fiesta help makes the rounds once in a while
and performs headcounts to ensure that there is enough food and
drinks for everybody. Guests may even hop from one home to
another --practically doing that "eat-all-you-can"
thing. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is actually invited.
So
much so that first-time visitors are always amazed with the
generosity & hospitality of the Buluseños.
ECOLOGICAL
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
| |
|
Bulusan
Volcano |
|
|
|
|
Location |
some
sitios and barrios in the towns of Bulusan, Irosin,
Juban, Casiguran, Gubat, & Barcelona |
|
Details |
Described
by Feodor Jagor as resembling Mt. Vesuvius of Italy,
this volcano rises to an elevation of 1,560 meters above
sea level. Its Bulusan-side maintains a
3-hour trail from Bulusan Lake. Attractions
include diverse species of flora and fauna.
Sulfuric potable water can be obtained from the inactive
crater of the volcano. |
|
Recommendation/s |
mountain
climbing, botanical/zoological research* |
|
|
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Bulusan
Lake |
|
|
|
|
Location |
San
Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon; 1.8 kms from crossing at San
Roque, 6 kms from Bulusan proper, 9 kms from Irosin proper |
|
Details |
The
area around this lake has been dubbed as Switzerland
of the Orient because of the cool climate and the
lush forest that surrounds it. The crater lake is situated
635 m (2084 ft) above sea level, or halfway to the peak of
the volcano. It has a circumference of 2.6 kms and has a
total area of 16.43 hectares. A paved walkway called Lovers'
Lane surrounds the legendary lake which is central to
Sorsoganon myth and lore. |
|
Recommendation/s |
perfect
for horse-back riding, hiking, kayaking, and aqua biking |
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Bulusan
Volcano National Park |
|
|
|
Location |
some
sitos and barrios in the towns of Bulusan, Irosin, Juban,
Casiguran,Gubat, & Barcelona |
|
Details |
One
of the earliest national parks in the country. It
was declared by Proc. 811 on June 7, 1935. This
park, which covers an area of 3, 763 hectares, also includes Bulusan Volcano, Agingay Lake, and Bulusan Lake.
It is now one of the Key Conservation Sites in the
Philippines according to the Haribon Foundation. A
recent brochure from the Department of Tourism also
mentions it as one of the four (4) most popular national
parks in the country. |
|
Recommendation/s |
mountain
climbing, botanical/zoological research, rest &
relaxation* |
|
|
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Agingay
Lake |
|
|
|
Location |
San
Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
As
wide as Bulusan Lake, this lake during rainy months
becomes a sandy flat land covered with edible ferns and
tall grasses (talahib) during the dry season.
Ideal touch base before, during, & after the ascent to the volcano.
Possible presence of potable water source at the fringes. |
|
Recommendation/s |
mountain
climbing, possible camping grounds during dry months* |
|
|
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Masacrot
Spring |
|
|
|
Location |
San
Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon; 8 kms from Bulusan proper, 7 kms
from Irosin proper |
|
Details |
This
is one of the many outlets of Bulusan Volcano. Its water
tastes like soda because of its sulfur content. What
started out as a small bath-tub size receptacle of gushing
spring water is now a large natural swimming pool. Trees,
bamboos, and shrubs above a lawn of carabao grasses
filter the noise and the dust from the main road 50 meters
away. According to some Bicol chroniclers, Malayan and
Indian Maharajahs visited this place during the
pre-Spanish period. This could be because of the
therapeutic value of the spring waters. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming,
picnics |
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Mapaso
Spring |
|
|
|
Location |
Buhang,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Bulusan being situated at the foot of an active volcano
has numerous hot and cold springs. This one is also
frequented by many for its therapeutic value. Not to
be confused with another spring of the same name located
in the Municipality of Irosin. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming |
|
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Bugas
Spring |
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|
Location |
Madlawon,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Named
as such because of the white-colored rice-like tiny stones
around it, this spring has water coming out from the mouth
of a very small cave-like earth formation. Folks living
nearby claim that during certain times, the water coming
out from the spring has bits of charcoal in it, as if some
people (or enchanted creatures) live inside the small cave
and are actually cooking dinner, using wood for fuel.
Visitors are advised not to comment on things, at least
orally, while within the vicinity, for the place is said
to be engkantado (enchanted). Stories include a
vision of a Spanish galleon entering the very small
cave opening. Despite
the stories, the waters are very cool and taste so
refreshingly good. |
|
Recommendation/s |
hiking
to and from the site |
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Palugtok
Falls |
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|
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|
Location |
San
Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon; 8 kms from Bulusan proper, 7 kms
from Irosin proper |
|
Details |
150
meters away from the main road, the site is approched
through the refreshing green of a meadow planted with
carabao grasses and low coconut palms. The falls itself
has its own pool, hewn out of natural rock. Kiosks of
native construction are scattered around the pool. The
waters taste like those at Masacrot. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming,
picnics |
|
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Bayugin
Falls |
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|
Location |
between
San Francisco and San Jose(U), Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Surrounded by a forest, this falls is the source of the
Bayugin River which eventually joins Paghasaan River as it
flows into Bulusan River. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming |
|
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Dancalan
Beach Resort |
|
|
|
Location |
Dancalan,
Bulusan, Sorsogon; 1 km northwest of Bulusan proper |
|
Details |
Developed
by the Philippine Tourism Authority, it is the most popular
of all the beaches in town. It has several kiosks &
barbeque pits, changing rooms, rest rooms, and a dancing
pavilion also utilized as a canteen. During summer, people
from neighboring towns especially from landlocked Irosin, come in different sorts of vehicles
to enjoy the waters and the sun. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming
in nearby sea, snorkeling, sun bathing, picnics |
|
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Calatrava
Beach Resort |
|
|
|
Location |
Porog,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
A
private beach recently-developed in Barangay Porog, with a
small island near the shore. The
island was named after one of local actress Vilma Santos' earliest films, Virgins
of Calatrava. The film was shot almost entirely in
the island. Some natives were even said to have been hired
as extras. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming
in nearby sea, snorkeling, sun bathing, picnics |
|
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Riroan
Beach |
|
|
|
Location |
Catorse
Puno, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
The
sea waves are great for surfing. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming,
surfing |
|
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Miliga-Biga
Beach |
|
|
|
Location |
Catorse
Puno, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Claimed
to be an enchanted place. The sea waves are great
for surfing. |
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming,
surfing, picnics |
|
|
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Bulusan
River |
|
|
|
Location |
Bulusan,
Sorsogon
|
|
Details |
Probably
the cleanest and clearest river in
the province today, it was recipient of the 2002 "Gawad
ng Pangulo sa Kapaligiran" for Category B in the
Bicol Region. Before the water system was developed in the
1980s locals used to go here especially on Saturdays to
do their laundry and for their bathing. Mothers and young
womenfolk would be exchanging news while the kids and the
young men would be over the other side, competing with one
another. At times, they would bring their lunch with them
and eat them by the refreshing waters. Today, the river is
still that clean and clear but sad to say, visitors are no
longer that much as compared to the old times.
|
|
Recommendation/s |
swimming,
picnics
|
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Taricpao
Cave |
|
|
|
Location |
at
Sabang Point, Bulusan, Sorsogon -- on the way to Bulusan
Lake
|
|
Details |
small
cave
|
|
Recommendation/s |
cave
exploration
|
|
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Capangihan
Cave |
|
|
|
Location |
San
Francisco, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Located
on a hilly area |
|
Recommendation/s |
cave
exploration |
|
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Porog
Cave |
|
|
|
Location |
Porog,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
It
is about 5 meters wide, 3 meters high, and 30 meters long.
It is believed to go all the way through the volcano, with
its other end at another cave, also called Porog Cave,
this time in the town of Casiguran. A fearsome legendary
giant bird called mampak is believed to be living
here. |
|
Recommendation/s |
cave
exploration |
|
|
|
*Since
Bulusan Volcano is an active one, it is best to consult with the
Provincial Tourism Office first before planning any trek. Best
time to plan mountain climbing activities is during the summer
months when the soil is less slippery and Agingay valley (a lake
during wet months) can be used as campsite.
HISTORICAL
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
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|
|
Punta
Diamante |
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|
|
Location |
Dapdap,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Bulusan
has the most number of baluartes de piedra (stone
watch towers) in present-day Sorsogon Province. These
towers date back to as early as 1760. The natives of
Bulusan as well as those of neighboring towns used to seek
refuge within the walls of this fortress whenever the
pirates were around and wrecking havoc upon the villagers.
Today,
the same walls with its towers enclose the church complex
of the Parish of St. James the Greater. |
|
Recommendation/s |
visita
yglesia (church
visit) -- See the thick-walled fortress. Check out the
ruins behind the new church. Foundation of the old church
still visible at all sides. Climb up the belfry and see a
commanding view of the sea, the lighthouse approximately 7
miles across
it, several Samar islands, the poblacion (town
proper), rice fields, the hills, and Bulusan
Volcano. Try to read the inscriptions on those old bells
up there -- they actually date way back before 1894. |
|
|
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Spanish-era
watch towers (baluartes) |
|
|
|
Location |
1
near Dapdap & 1 at Tawog, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Built
as defense measure against the Moro pirates who once
frequented these coasts. Thick-walled like those at Punta
diamante. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit -- Enjoy the walk to the baluarte near
Dapdap. |
|
|
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Old
Catholic Cemetery |
|
|
|
Location |
Sabang,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
This
was once the most expensive cemetery in the province.
In 1809, when the governor of Albay ordered the
construction of a town cemetery outside the poblacion of
each of its towns, Bulusan reported the highest
construction cost (200 pesetas), in a display of
its considerable wealth. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit -- Though some families are now inhabiting the
area, there are still those thick stone walls, similar to
those in Punta Diamante. A chapel dedicated to St.
Michael the Archangel stands in the middle of the site. |
|
|
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Faro
de Islote de San Bernardino |
|
|
|
Location |
Islote
de San Bernardino |
|
Details |
Simply
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,
its final design & specifications were finished.
Its tower was already in operation as of December
30, 1896. Offers white-sand beaches, clear waters, and a
breathtaking view of mainland Luzon and Samar islands. |
|
Recommendation/s |
island
hopping** |
|
**Caution
should be made on & before undertaking any sea journey
to the island, as San Bernardino Strait's waters are quite
rough.
|
|
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Boco
Pass |
|
|
|
Location |
Sitio
Boco, San Francisco, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Site
of the famous encounter between the Filipino guerillas
headed by Col. Emeterio Funes, and the American
Forces (April 25, 1900). This battle, which resulted in the
death of a comrade, coupled with the failure to capture
Col. Funes -- moved the Americans to retaliation by
burning the entire town including the church &
rectory. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit --Then you can proceed to Bayugin Falls. |
|
|
|
Site
of the Present Bulusan Cultural & Sports
Center |
|
|
|
Location |
Looban,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Originally
the site of the town's casa tribunal which later
housed the Bulusan Central School (1903). A building
called Gabaldon used to stand in the place where
the new civic center now stands. During WW II,
Gabaldon also served as a garrison for the Japanese
Imperial Army. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit -- Summer basketball tournaments, benefit dances,
programs, concerts, theatrical shows, general civic
activities are usually held here. |
|
|
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Site
of the Present Barangay San Rafael (Licod) |
|
|
|
Location |
San
Rafael, Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Previously
named Inarado, this was where the first Catholic
mass was held in Bulusan (1630 or earlier). It was the original town
site of Bulusan. Many antique articles were dug up in some
areas around here. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit-- Check out the view in the uphill climb from
Barangay Sabang. |
|
|
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Site
of the Newly-Refurbished Municipal Auditorium |
|
|
|
Location |
Central,
Bulusan, Sorsogon |
|
Details |
Its
eastern side occupies the site of what was up to just
recently (advent of 2003), the old municipal
building. Built in 1927, it was probably the
second oldest remaining of its kind in the province (next to that in
Bulan which was built in 1917) before its demolition.
Its use was reduced in its last years to that of housing
the Municipal Jail, the Post & Telegraph offices,
and the Trial Court. Pictures of the old municipio
are available at one of our gallery pages. |
|
Recommendation/s |
site
visit --The new municipal building is just to the right.
You can make a courtesy call to the leaders of the town
& see how they run it. Mail those postcards at the
post office, or search for supplies at the town market
just behind it. |
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AVAILABLE
UTILITIES
Power:
SORECO I
Water:
Bulusan Rural Waterworks & Sanitation Association, Inc.
Cable
TV: Bulusan Cable TV (GMA 7, ABS-CBN 2, RPN9, IBC 13, Lakbay TV,
CNN, MTV, Cinema 1)
Landline
Calling Stations (both located in Brgy. Central, just across the
town market):
1.
Digitel No.:
6
356 311 1028
2.
RCPI Nos.:
6
356 196 4467
6
356 196 4468
(The
new RCPI is under the management of GenTech Enterprises;
facilitates NDD & IDD calls, CP to RCPI incoming calls, and
fax services - at comparably cheaper prices and an equal, if not
better, quality of service.)
Internet
access (under GenTech Enterprises)
*
128kbps connection; operational as of February 23, 2004
Cellular
Site: Smart/Talk & Text (operational as of January 15, 2004)
& Globe/TM
*
Smart Talk calling & texting center (under GenTech
Enterprises)
-
24 x 7 service
BOOKING
OFFICES
Bulusan
Travel & Tours Corp.
Rm.
4, 2/F Gateway Bldg., Taft Avenue, Pasay City, Philippines
Tel.
Nos. (632) 831-0363/551-4887
Fax
(632) 551-6040
-
Ms. Luz Z. Gamba (President)
Air
Philippines (Legaspi-Manila)
Elavil
Bus (Pasay/Cubao)
GETTING
THERE
By
Air-Land
Nearest
airport is in Legazpi City. From there, you can either hire a
private vehicle or ride a bus bound to Sorsogon City, then
transfer on a jeepney bound to Gubat, and finally another one
bound to Bulusan.
Travel
time estimates:
|
Manila
- Legazpi (by plane)
|
=
50 minutes
|
|
Legazpi
- Sorsogon
|
=
1 hour
|
|
Sorsogon
- Gubat
|
=
1 hour
|
|
Gubat
- Bulusan
|
=
1 hour
|
By
Land
If
you're in Metro Manila, you can always board one of those
south-bound buses along EDSA and in Araneta Center in Cubao, although not
all of them has direct trips to Bulusan. As of last
update, only two bus lines are plying the route to
this lovely town. Mega Lines has a single daily
aircon trip to Bulusan and vice-versa. The
other bus company is the Elavil Trans - and you can catch
their buses both at the Araneta Center & along EDSA near
Philtranco/Tramo. Trip takes about 14 hours via the new Quirino
Highway.
If
you can't get on either of the above-mentioned buses, you can
always board any of the Sorsogon City-bound buses, including
those of Philtranco & Gold Lines, with terminals along
EDSA. The Araneta Center terminal also offers many other
Sorsogon City-bound buses. Upon arrival in Sorsogon City, take a
Gubat-bound jeepney. Trip will take roughly an hour. You
will find many Bulusan-bound jeepneys in Gubat. Board one,
sit back, relax, & just enjoy the passing scenery -- Bulusan is but an hour
away.
GETTING
AROUND
For
your Bulusan land tours, you can either walk on foot, or board
one of those tricycles roaring around the town. Going to
Bulusan Lake? There's no problem with that. You can
make a round-trip arrangement with any of our friendly tricycle
drivers. At a reasonable rate, they can take you there,
give you about 30 minutes to explore the area, & then drive
you back downhill -- or you can negotiate on a new
trip.
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.
WHERE
TO STAY
Villa
Luisa Celeste Resort -- Dancalan, Bulusan, Sorsogon
A
resort offering reasonable rates for the use of any of their
amenities which include air-conditioned rooms, rooms w/ electric
fan, a small swimming pool, a free-to-use kitchen, and a
beach area just across the road. Also accepts bookings for
conferences, reunions, wedding receptions, and other social
functions.
Bartilet
Lodging House -- Dapdap, Bulusan, Sorsogon
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.
Abedyl
Karaoke Bar --
Sabang, Bulusan, Sorsogon
This
establishment does not offer lodging services. It is perfect
though if you're the type who likes to lighten up once in a
while. Sing to your heart's content with their videoke
while having your favorite drink.
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