Have You Seen This ‘Purple Road’ in Sorsogon?

Every July to August, Sorsogon turns into a purple paradise as Banaba trees along the road to Bulusan Lake burst into bloom. Known as the “purple road,” this seasonal spectacle has become one of Bicol’s most Instagram-worthy natural attractions.

Just a few weeks ago, sunflowers around Mount Mayon in Bicol made rounds on social media — almost everybody loved them. Now, here come “purple Bulusan Lake flowers”. Found in the same Luzon region as the famed volcano, these vibrant blooms were captured by Sorsogon native Glenn Belarmino, and instantly caught the eyes of Filipinos online.

According to the 32-year-old agriculturist and photographer, who spotted the flowers conveniently from his home in Barangay San Roque, Sorsogon, the flowers come from Banaba trees that line the nearly one-kilometre road leading to Bulusan Lake. They are usually seen during this time of the year when the Banaba flowers are in bloom.

Purple Road to Bulusan Lake.Blooming Banaba trees…. Lagerstroemia speciosafollow ⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️instagram.com/glennb__

Posted by Glenn Olayres Belarmino on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

“Actually common na talaga ito sa akin. Nakikita ito every year from mid-July to the whole month of August kasi ‘yun ang season ng full bloom ng mga Banaba trees,” Glenn told TripZilla. “May pa-confetti pero totoong bulaklak talaga habang naglalakad ka sa tree tunnel papuntang Bulusan Lake.

[Actually, this is a common sighting for me. The flowers are seen from mid-July to the whole month of August because this is the season of blooming for Banaba trees. They may seem like confetti, but they’re simply fallen flowers that you’d see along a tree tunnel going to Bulusan Lake.]

Unsurprisingly, social media users were quick to express their admiration for the purple Bulusan Lake flowers. “Very inspiring, sana ay maraming gumaya at magtanim ng Banaba,” commented one user. [Very inspiring, I hope more people follow and plant Banaba trees.] Some expressed their local pride, comparing it to floral attractions in other countries. “Kung may Sakura flowers sa Japan, may Banaba flowers sa Bulusan Lake,” another user said. [If Japan has Sakura flowers, Bulusan Lake has Banaba flowers.]

Also called Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Banaba trees are found throughout South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They can grow as high as 30 metres and are sometimes locally used for its medical benefits, according to Haribon Foundation. But for nature lovers like Glenn, their bright purple flowers are enough reason to admire these gorgeous flowering trees.

Also read: Bicolano Traveller Shows the Underrated Beauty of Sorsogon

How you can witness the purple Bulusan Lake flowers

Bulusan Lake and its surrounding areas have since reopened to travellers, with ongoing efforts to improve facilities for visitors. The scenic road leading to the lake, where the Banaba trees are found, remains a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.

When travel restrictions relax, one can witness the purple Bulusan Lake flowers by first heading to Sorsogon City. Bus companies from Metro Manila offer regular direct journeys (approximately 12 hours) to Sorsogon’s provincial capital. One can also fly into Legazpi City then take a commuter van or bus going to the same city.

Once in Sorsogon City, you can reach Bulusan Lake either by jeepney and tricycle connections or by hiring private transport. Travel usually takes under an hour from the city proper, making it an easy side trip for nature lovers.

Aside from these purple Bulusan Lake flowers, one can also enjoy other natural attractions in the vicinity, from homegrown plants and wildlife to views of the distant Bulusan beaches. As always, Glenn reminds future visitors to be respectful of the area. “Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints,” Glenn reminds. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the flowers responsibly and help preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

The quotes above have been edited for grammar, clarity, and flow. All images courtesy of Glenn Belarmino.