Last June 7-8, the Loyola Mountaineers climbed Bulusan Mountain, one of the most active volcanoes in Luzon. Situated in Sorsogon in Bicol Province (and because of its volcanic nature), Bulusan is abundant with various flora and fauna (we saw, in no particular order, a couple snakes, bugs the size of birds, metallic blue flies, a colourful bird with a huge bill, mangroves stuck in dry soil, etc. — wow, I should connect more with my inner biologist, heh), making this one of the most interesting climbs I’ve had thus far.
I never really liked trekking in rainforests, but this one is definitely an exception. There was something invigorating about 4 AM treks and realizing — on the way down, with the sun up — how absolutely treacherous the path was, and how amazing it feels to have been able to achieve it all.
(It was also really nice seeing Mayon volcano from the peak.)
Three hours nalang, doe.
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P.S. I made this a video instead of a text entry (perhaps I will do so more often from now on, especially when it comes to climbing), because (my) words simply cannot do the mountains justice. That is, of course, not a final arrangement. Seeing as how I’m a severely stubborn person, I’m probably always going to write about them, too.
P.P.S. Thank you, Loyola Mountaineers, for this and more, but especially because you have given the chance to let me taste the heavens.
P.P.P.S. I just got my ID number in law school, this month is just too full of surprises. I’m terrified about what may lay ahead, but hey, leaps of faith and all sorts of things, right? 🙂
Of perpetual finds 
Nice! I am both amazed and a bit envious at the same time. Bulusan looks so amazing! What I especially loved about this post is that video docu and the music used! 🙂 Keep on climbing and see you on the trails! 🙂
Oh, it is! The view at the peak left me speechless (odd for someone who has all sorts of words for all sorts of things, heh). We were lucky to have been graced with beautiful weather, too! Apparently the weather isn’t that forgiving for most parts of the year.
You, too! See you! I can’t wait to climb again! Haha it’s been too long in my opinion.
Hi Ms.Joy… i was browising the net re: bulusan trek and i happen to read your blog. I am a traveler and would like to experience it first hand. If you can just help me with bits of info re climbs and all.. i will truly surely appreciate it… i even searched you up at facebook. 🙂 im really interested. Thanks lets keep posted. I wanted to do the bulusan climb this year. Prepare for pulag next summer. Thanks.. zcheeko here
Hi! Our TL’s not currently available, but she used this facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bulusan-Volcano-Mountaineering/506270826052650 for help. They’ll equip you with all the necessary things/info you’ll need prior to the climb!
Basics, though.
Estimated budget is 3,500/pax for 12 climbers.
If there are more than 12 of you, I recommend taking the bus so it’ll be cheaper, but the van was just enough to accommodate all 12 of us.
Trekking time is 4-5 hours on the first day and 2-3 hours on the second! 🙂
Good luck!
Oh, and enjoy both Bulusan and Pulag!