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!
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