Bulusan Volcano National Park Trekking — Sorsogon

Bulusan Volcano is the lesser-known giant of Bicol — an active stratovolcano in Sorsogon province rising 1,565 metres above sea level, surrounded by one of the most biodiverse national parks in the Philippines. Unlike Mayon, which is active and closely monitored, Bulusan's national park encompasses a rich ecosystem of old-growth rainforest, volcanic crater lakes, and geothermal hot springs that make it one of Luzon's finest trekking destinations.

The main trekking route passes through dense rainforest alive with Philippine hornbills, Bulusan flying lizards (found only in this park), and endemic orchids growing on ancient tree ferns. The trail climbs to the Bulusan Lake — a crater lake at 600m elevation ringed by volcanic cliffs and reflecting the sky through gaps in the canopy — and continues to the volcanic fumarole fields where steam rises from cracks in the earth amid a landscape of sulphur-stained rock and brightly coloured mineral deposits.

The tour includes a post-trek soak at the Barcelona Hot Springs, where natural geothermal pools of 38-42°C sit in a forested valley beside a cold stream. The contrasting temperatures of the volcanic pool and the cold stream make it an extraordinary natural spa experience.