50 Facts About Bulusan Volcano: Mystical Lake, Endangered Wildlife & More

Bulusan Volcano, located in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines, is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. With its rich history, fascinating legends, and diverse wildlife, there's no shortage of interesting facts to discover about this active volcano. In this article, we'll take a look at 50 fascinating facts about Bulusan Volcano, from its mystical lake to endangered wildlife.

50 Fascinating Facts About Bulusan Volcano: From Its Mystical Lake to Endangered Wildlife

Bulusan Volcano is an active volcano located in the province of Sorsogon on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
It is part of the Bicol Volcanic Arc, which includes other active volcanoes such as Mayon and Taal.
Bulusan is classified as a stratovolcano, which is a tall, conical volcano composed of layers of ash, lava, and other volcanic materials.
The volcano rises to an elevation of 1,565 meters (5,134 feet) above sea level.
The volcano has four craters, with the main crater located on the southeast side of the volcano.
The last known eruption of Bulusan occurred in 2020, with several phreatic explosions recorded in May and June.
Phreatic eruptions are characterized by the sudden release of steam and other gases, which can cause explosions and ashfall.
The first recorded eruption of Bulusan occurred in 1852, with subsequent eruptions recorded in 1853, 1886, 1895, 1918, 1933, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1978, 1994, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2020.
The 1918 eruption of Bulusan was one of the most destructive, with lahars (mudflows) causing significant damage to nearby towns and villages.
Bulusan is considered a potentially dangerous volcano, with an active monitoring system in place to detect any signs of increased volcanic activity.
The volcano is part of the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, which is a protected area covering over 3,600 hectares (8,895 acres) of forest and other natural habitats.
The natural park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the Philippine eagle and the Philippine tarsier.
The area around Bulusan Volcano is also known for its hot springs, which are a popular tourist attraction.
The hot springs are located near the town of Irosin and are believed to have therapeutic properties due to their high mineral content.
The indigenous people of Sorsogon, the Bicolanos, have several legends and myths associated with Bulusan Volcano.
According to one legend, the volcano is the home of a powerful deity named Gugurang, who is responsible for creating and shaping the world.
Another legend tells the story of a giant serpent that once lived inside the volcano, which was defeated by a brave warrior named Bulusan.
The name "Bulusan" is derived from the Bicolano word "busal," which means "to boil."
The volcano is also known as Mount Bulusan, although it is not the highest mountain in the area.
The surrounding landscape of Bulusan is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and rivers.
The area is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with several trails leading to the summit of the volcano and other scenic locations.
The town of Bulusan, located at the foot of the volcano, is a small, rural community known for its agricultural products such as rice, corn, and coconut.
The town is also known for its annual fiesta, which is celebrated in honor of the town's patron saint, St. James the Greater.
The fiesta is held every July and features a parade, street dancing, and other cultural activities.
Bulusan Church, also known as the St. James the Greater Parish Church, is a Baroque-style church built in the 18th century. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001.
The Bulusan Lake is another popular attraction in the area, located at the foot of the volcano. It is a crater lake with a diameter of 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) and a depth of about 75 meters (246 feet).
The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to several species of fish, including tilapia and catfish.
The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking, with several cottages and picnic areas available for visitors.
The lake is also believed to have mystical powers, with several legends and myths associated with it.
According to one legend, the lake is inhabited by a giant eel that protects the area from harm.
Another legend tells the story of a giant clam that lives in the lake, which can grant wishes to those who can catch it.
The Bulusan Lake is part of the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park and is protected by the government.
The natural park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Bayugin Falls and the San Benon Falls.
The Bayugin Falls is a three-tiered waterfall located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Bulusan. It is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, with several picnic areas and cottages available for visitors.
The San Benon Falls is a single-tiered waterfall located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the town of Bulusan. It is also a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, with several small pools at the base of the falls.
The natural park is also home to several species of wildlife, including the Philippine brown deer, the Philippine warty pig, and several species of birds.
The Philippine brown deer, also known as the Visayan spotted deer, is an endangered species of deer found only in the Philippines.
The Philippine warty pig is a wild pig species found only in the Philippines, known for its distinctive warts on its face.
The natural park is also home to several endemic species of birds, including the Philippine eagle, the Philippine trogon, and the Philippine hanging parrot.
The Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is one of the largest and rarest eagles in the world, found only in the Philippines.
The Philippine trogon, also known as the Haribon, is a colorful bird species found only in the Philippines.
The Philippine hanging parrot, also known as the Colasisi, is a small parrot species found only in the Philippines.
The natural park is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Agta and the Iraya.
The Agta are an indigenous group of people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. They are known for their hunting and gathering skills and their knowledge of the forest.
The Iraya are an indigenous group of people who have also lived in the area for thousands of years. They are known for their weaving skills and their traditional way of life.
The indigenous communities in the area are involved in the conservation and preservation of the natural park, working with the government and other organizations to protect the environment and their way of life.
The natural park is also a popular destination for ecotourism, with several tour operators offering hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities in the area.
Bulusan Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region around the Pacific Ocean where many active volcanoes and earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates.
The most recent eruption of Bulusan Volcano occurred in 2016, with a phreatic explosion that sent ash and steam up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) high. No casualties or damage to property were reported.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) monitors Bulusan Volcano and issues alerts and warnings to the public in case of increased volcanic activity.

From its majestic crater lake to its endangered wildlife, Bulusan Volcano is a natural wonder that continues to captivate locals and tourists alike. Whether you're an adventurer looking to explore the great outdoors, or a history buff interested in learning about the region's rich cultural heritage, Bulusan Volcano has something to offer everyone. We hope that these 50 fascinating facts have given you a glimpse into the incredible world of Bulusan Volcano and inspired you to discover more about this beautiful and unique destination.