Hidden Treasure in Barcelona Ruins of Presidencia Old Stone Building

In front the church of Saint Joseph Parish is the old ruin building structure associated with the century long ago facing the Pacific Ocean and Gubat Bay. It also had a tunnel leading to the church of Barcelona ( Saint Joseph Parish Church) across the street but was closed during my visit and a nice seawall where someone could enjoy and relax in a while. This area are serves as children's playground and local's park & recreational activities. As posted at the place where the ruins located " This old building ruins , over One Hundred Thirty Eight (138) years old was practically made of stone, sea corals and lime, simultaneously constructed with the " La Presidencia" in 1874 during the Spanish period. The building was originally intended as a school building for the children of the " ilustrados" or the wealthy Spanish conquistadores and very few Filipinos with Spanish heritage and connections. During the old Spanish colonial, the poor and common Filipino folks or the " Indios" were not allowed and accepted in this school before. " From the town of Barcelona, I opted jeepney going to the town of Gubat - a jump off point going to Paguiraran Island Beach & Rock Lagoon. 

Barcelona in Sorsogon: Old Church Saint Joseph Parish

Next Stop: Commonly known as Barcelona Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon. About 30 minutes away from Bulusan Lake Nature Park. The church was preserved from years ago and well-maintained with it's uniqueness &  historical colonial inspired architecture. I rode a jeepney from the highway of Bulusan Lake Nature Park, you just got to love the ambiance along the countryside of the province. When traveling within the whole towns of Sorsogon, most efficient and accessible way to travel is by tricycle and jeepney (one of their common public transportation). For religious folks, the place is real solemn with the great interior design inside the church and the walls are made of coral stones which are part of the original structure. It is very picturesque fascade and the church is so charming & fascinating old colonial structure. I'am probably recommend this place to visit where you can include in your itinerary.   I really love to see old churches in the Philippines that are still alive. 

How to Get to Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon By Commute

Going to Bulusan Lake at Bulusan Bulusan Volcano Nature and Park:

There are a lot of buses coming from Manila bound to Sorsogon located at the terminal of Cubao, Pasay and Alabang. Travel time is around 12-13 hours depending on traffic condition etc. Fare is Php 600-800 for ordinary and aircon buses. Or by air via Legaspi City Airport from Manila, they have a daily flights via Philippine Airlines & Cebu Pacific Air. Check out promo for a lesser airlines fee & ticket booking. From there take a van or bus that goes to Sorsogon City which travel you 2 hours or less. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Sorsogon Jeepney Terminal going to Irosin for shorter travel. Then from the town proper take a jeepney going to Bulusan. Travel time is 30-45 minutes. These jeepney passes through the highway of  Bulusan Volcano Nature & Park, just make sure you get there by 3pm or so as this is supposedly the last trip going to Bulusan Town. For a budget traveler like me, I walked towards the concrete road going to the lake for about 15-20 minutes which I'm not able to see those tricyle or jeepney going inside the park. Here's the updated entrance & parking rates: 

Adult Entrance fee - Php 20 per day & Elderly/Children fee - Php 15 per day.

Vehicle Paking Fees for those who have there own vehicle & car - Motorcycles - Php 5 / Tricycles - Php 10 / Cars or SUV - Php15 / Vans or Jeepneys - Php 20 & Truck or Buses - Php 25.

Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines

Kayaking at Bulusan Lake Nature Park & Resort in Sorsogon Province

This province in the Phillipines is not one of the list for everyone's must-visit place. There is so many unspoiled beaches, old churches & rivers or lakes and one of those is the  Bulusan Lake which belongs to Bulusan Volcano & Mountain which is located at the southern most part Luzon. The lake is green because of the reflection of many trees surrounding it. It was an awesome trip around the lake is very calming and relaxing ambiance. Rental for kayak is Php 200 pesos per hour  Also, you can do paddling and canoes where guests can rent to tour approximately 27 hectare lake. There are plenty of interesting flora and fauna that can be observed in the whole area and can encountered several species of wild birds, butterfly or even snakes probably because of the lake's rich natural resources and well-preserved animals & plants as well. No worries about the long stay here because there are a lot of accommodations in Irosin. There are many other places to explore in the Province of Sorsogon. Check out my blog post soon.  

The Adventurous Trek at Bulusan Lake Nature Park in Sorsogon

It was a great day for me just trekking towards the way going to the main crater of the lake which I did not expect to see such a serene like this & a wonderful place to unwind. Whether you are a thrill seeker, nature lover or simply looking for a quiet place to relax and collect memory by yourself. But remember not to swim in the water for you will not know what is under because the water is green and full of algae. You can also do hike up in the mountain if you like to see the whole view of the lake. I also admire how the place is being conserved and protected by the government of Sorsogon that can experience by both locals & tourists. You can rent boats to roamed around the lake, kayaking and tripaddling as I call it. They also have gazebo and shed cottages within the area where you can have your lunch or snack. So be prepared for the beauty that nature has to offer and I'am highly recommend to local and international tourists because the place is worthy coming back and forth. 

Sorsogon: Bulusan Crystal Spring Resort And Farm

It's a quick lay-over at Bulusan Crystal Spring Resort & Farm located beside the main gate of Bulucan Volcano Nature Park, National Highway, Barangay San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon Province. The water of the swimming pools contain mineral water from Bulusan mountains with a great backdrop of greenery of trees & plants around the resort. This eco-resort is one of nature oriented resort in Bicol Region because of limited usage of water & natural resources, it's also a sort of backpackers style class and you'll found it impressive. The place is like communing with the natures and you will surely create a moment worth posting via social media, so please dont come here if you have no dslr or mobile phone with camera to have your "selfie" done. Cottages & rooms is available in the resort. Reminders to all the guest & visitor during your stay in the resort. Please dispose garbage properly in waste can, Fishing and feeding the fish are not allowed, No picking of fruits and destruction of plants and wildlife & management will not be responsible for lost belongings.