Author: Eva Goyena
It’s not anymore new to my ears to hear reports that some governments caution its nationals against traveling to the Philippines, particularly Southern Mindanao where lawless elements operate. It’s indeed necessary to advice travelers to exercise diligence in coming to places where possible danger exists. But if you still find my country enticing, I would then show you the safest place you can visit sometime in the future---a hidden paradise, left untouched in the outskirt of Bicol Region.
Famed with its majestic Mayon Volcano and its many springs and lakes, the Bicol Region is yet again offering an extraordinary nature and eco-tourism potential. In this laid-back town of Manito, which is about 50 kilometers away from the Legaspi City (the capital of Albay), we had an easy hike to discover a boiling lake called “Nag-aso Boiling Lake” right on the mountain ridge. Nag-aso” is a Bicolano (local dialect) term for “steaming.” No tourists have gone there yet, only tourism officials and some local and national media.
Going there needs enough resistance to a long jeepney ride. From the Satellite Central Station in Legaspi City where the jeepneys embark passengers, one must be thankful because the more than 30-kilometer road going to the town of Manito is now either cemented or asphalted. But as you get off at the Manito town proper, brace yourself for another ride going to Barangay Nag-aso (the exact location of the lake, and obviously is where the lake got its name) through 15 kilometers of rough and bumpy roads. You must also be patient enough to wait for the ride because there are only about four jeepneys running from the town of Manito to Barangay Nag-aso. Nevertheless, the breathtaking rural view would never bore you during the long trip, and you would finally realize that it is also part of the treat.
Rural life is the most peaceful setting for me ---nipa huts, carabaos blocking our way, chickens crossing the roads, springs overflowing on the roadside---it’s really very nature! I couldn't keep my “ooohs” and “aaahs” while we passed by abundant farms, as well as wide uncultivated lands. We also came across villagers washing clothes and bathing in one of the five springs we saw. It was a refreshing sight, I felt like getting down and bathe, too. As we rose up the mountain what exhilarated me most was the wonderful view of the Albay Sea!
When we reached Barangay Nag-aso, we left the main road and readied our feet for the hike. We went up and down the mountainous terrain for about 30 minutes, passing through copious grass and trees, which I found ideal for soulful walks, and voila! Though the site of the lake was still blocked by trees I could see the steam coming out from it!
Nestled on wide unexploited acres of mountainous land beside the Albay Sea, the Manito Boiling Lake is a haven I opt to call a rugged retreat that challenged my body, amused my mind and rejuvenated my soul.
There is no structure built in there yet, even a bench. The branches of the old trees can serve as benches; or you can comfortably sit on the grass or squat on the rocks while amaze yourself with the phosphorous substance that gives it and the water an orange tint. It's remarkable that despite the water is 100 degrees Celsius hot, the lake is bordered by lush vegetation. It is also awesome to note that there are no dried leaves floating on the water though it’s impossible to presume that the leaves of the surrounding trees never fall. The water from the lake flows to the shore that is almost adjacent to it. The point where the hot water of the lake and the cold water from the shore meet makes a very stimulating warmth perfect for bathing.
After we adored the beauty of this unspoiled boiling lake, we strode off to the beach. It was already high noon but the shade of the verdant trees on the mountainside protected us from the sun. It’s the only place I’ve been where I found mountain, lake and sea in one single destination. And not only that! We also found living streams and two caves on the mountainside beside the beach!
The shore is best for swimming with its sandy and rocky beach, while the waves are ideal for kayaking and boating. Hiking and camping on the mountains are equally exciting, and cave exploration also awaits. Manito is indeed a promising tourist destination, though there’s no target date yet as to when it would be open for full-blown tourism. The Department of Tourism is by now laying out plans of developing and promoting the place as Bicol's show window in the country.
I hope that when development comes, this unspoiled paradise would not be sacrificed in exchange for the first class comfort and elegance that modern amenities would bring. It would be best if it remains a rugged retreat where visitors must be prepared for challenging outdoor living. Imagine roughing your way through the wilderness, yes, something like that. What do you think?
This "Nag-aso Boiling Lake" is not commercially available yet, but if you would contact the Department of Tourism of Region 5, they would be glad to give you more information and maybe guide you also through the destination.
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Eva Goyena is a content editor of DoubleSlashMedia.com, a web development company based in the Philippines. She also contributes for other websites like ncca.gov.ph, recto.net, jobsdb.com, nativeswish.com, and 2camels.com; and for some of the local broadsheet newspapers.
