Volcano Tripping: Mount Bulusan

I have decided to include the Everest Base Camp trek in my bucket list. However, my previous hikes reminded me that I am not physically fit and I have no stamina (although I must say that I have improved since my Pinatubo trip). And so, when my friend Bill invited me for a hike on the active volcano, Mount Bulusan, situated in the province of Sorsogon in the Bicol Region, I jumped at the chance to develop my hiking skills.

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

It was the first time I carried a full pack of 12 kilos, which was 25% of my weight. I had already started collecting (i.e., borrowing) hiking gear. My dad had lent me his 45+10L Deuter bag, his REI 3-season Chrysalis UL tent and one of his trekking poles. He also bought me a Merrell trekking shoes (my first sports shoes in 10 years) and this was the first time I got to use it. My sister lent me her head lamp. And the only thing I bought was a 2L hydration pack. 

Bill and his friends planned the entire trip. All I did was show up with my stuff and followed their lead. We took the deluxe Peñafrancia bus, with comfortable reclining seats to Sorsogon, which made the 12-hour bus ride relatively restful. From Sorsogon, we hired a tricycle to bring us to Bulusan Volcano Natural Park. The Bulusan Park has the most organized trail I’ve been to—the registration included a blood pressure check-up, they provide you with a brief orientation, and they limit the number of hikers to 20 per day.

Bulusan Lake

To get to the trail, we kayaked across the Bulusan Lake. The trail to the base camp was shaded by trees but it was humid.  I trotted with my 12-kilo backpack, frequently stopping to catch my breath while Bill patiently waited for me. At about 2/3 of the way—with approximately 2 km left to base camp, I had to give up my bag (reluctantly) to a porter since it was already getting dark. I was quite disappointed but soon, it was already twilight and the trail was getting steeper to the point that I was glad I wasn’t bringing my bag. I made it to camp after 5 hours (Note: It took Bill’s friends about 2 hours)

The crater at the summit

We started hiking to the summit at 3 AM. The others were already at the summit before 5 AM. I think I arrived at around 6:30 AM. I literally crawled going up and slid going down—on purpose. The ascent was continuously steep (and I mean really steep), I was struggling all the way up. I must’ve looked so pitiful that when we came across other hikers, they were cheering me on. When we finally reached the summit, my exhaustion left me incapable of showing emotion but the view was breathtaking.  The summit or crater area was cool and windy. On one side, you can see Mt. Mayon from a distance.

View of Mayon Volcano from the summit

The Mt. Bulusan hike was by far the most strenuous activity I’ve ever done in my twenties.  Through this experience, I concluded that:
1) I was nowhere near ready to trek to Everest Base Camp—my level of physical fitness was appalling.
2) I needed to hike some more to build my muscles and cardio. On the other hand, maybe I should skip Mt. Apo and Mt. Kota Kinabalu and go straight to EBC. Wish me luck!
3) I will NEVER again bring a pack 25% of my body weight. This was the last time I’d carry a 45 liter backpack. Next time, I'll stick with 32-36 L and sleep in someone else's tent. 

 

Expenses:

Category	PHP
Transportation	3,210.00
Bus	2,600.00
Local Transportation (tricycle, taxi, jeep)	610.00
Food	184.00
Fees and Guides	654.00
Others	330.00
Tip	330.00
Total	4,378.00

See Detailed Expenses