Sumlang Lake

Introduction

Sumlang Lake is a fourteen-hectare lake located in the municipality of Camalig in Albay province, which offers tourists a soothing atmosphere. It used to be just a quiet area that was filled with lilies at every angle, but now it’s a cool eco-tourism spot where locals and tourists can enjoy Bicol’s beauty and culture. Sumlang Lake is known for its limpid water and a view of the perfect reflection of the famous Mayon Volcano on a sunny day. 

According to its history, the waters of Sumlang Lake were murky and covered with thick water lilies during the 2000s. However, residents in the village saw its elegance and potential to become a good spot for travelers in Albay. Everything changed in 2014 when the local community, with the help of local government, came together in the spirit of communal unity and effort to clean and restore the 14-hectare lake. After clearing away the dense water lilies and debris, the lake’s natural beauty finally came to light, revealing its incredible potential. The quiet lake, which had been overlooked for decades, made an uproar, and it didn’t take long to become a tourist attraction as photos and stories of the restored lake reached different media outlets. Sumlang Lake quickly became a favorite spot for visitors wanting to enjoy stunning views of Mayon Volcano from a peaceful setting. Today, Sumlang Lake stands as one of the must-see tourist attractions in the municipality of Camalig that has an awesome view of Mayon Volcano. Additionally, it’s an ideal destination for bamboo raft rides, aqua biking, kayaking, fishing, photoshoot spots, dining, and gatherings. So if you’re looking for a quiet place with a unique view, Sumlang Lake in Camalig might just be your next stop in Albay.

Name: Sumlang Lake
Location: Barangay Sumlang, Camalig, Albay, Philippines
Features: lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and scenic view of Mayon Volcano

My trip to Sumlang Lake

It was Tuesday late in the morning when we arrived at Sumlang Lake. The first thing I noticed was that the lake is surrounded by art installations, local food stalls, giant bamboo chairs, garden paths, and floating huts, making it a great stop for families who just want to simply relax. Also, I was captivated by its mirror-like waters and a spectacular view of the iconic Mayon Volcano. It’s an Instagrammable spot and a very nice place. While exploring the place and looking at the beautiful view of Mayon Volcano, I enjoyed the fresh breezes and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

A few moments later, I saw one tourist flying his DJI drone camera in the sky. I think it’s a great way to capture exquisite photos of the whole surroundings in Sumlang Lake. What I love about this place is how it exudes a sense of peace and serenity throughout the whole lake. In addition, there are a lot of fun activities that can be done here. If I want something more active, I can try kayaking or aqua biking to explore the calm waters of the lake, feel the wind, and enjoy the scenery from a different angle. If I want to relax, I can take a bamboo raft ride with a skilled raft guide and enjoy a peaceful ride across the calm waters while soaking in the beautiful views of Mayon Volcano, rural scenery of coconut, banana, and fruit tree plantations as well as rice fields, water lilies, grazing cows, and occasional roosting cattle egrets. Furthermore, I can simply be in the open fields or rent the floating cottage and enjoy the view of the lake and nature. 

Definitely, this is not the usual crowded tourist spot. The atmosphere here is calm, peaceful, and laid-back, making it a great destination for solo travelers, couples, families, friends, and groups seeking quiet days surrounded by nature. To be honest, it’s very nice to stay here even though Mayon Volcano is partly hidden, yet the serene view of Sumlang Lake remains calming and relaxing. Without a doubt, I have an incredible time soaking in the fresh air with panoramic views of Albay’s natural beauty and exploring the outdoors, and this place fosters a genuine connection with nature, encouraging both the young and young at heart to appreciate the beauty around them. Meanwhile, culture enthusiasts like me can also immerse in local traditions through weaving demonstrations and traditional Bicolano food tastings, making it both fun and enriching.

Then one of the locals here told me that in the past decades, there have been carabaos who would swim and bathe in the lake amidst an abundance of water lilies. However, as of now, it cannot be denied that it has been upgraded and is regarded as a tourist attraction in Albay where you can enjoy the view of the gorgeous Mayon Volcano. Then we have our late lunch at Socorro’s Lakeside restaurant and grille and we try some delicious local delicacies like pinagat and Bicol express. The restaurant served a generous amount of salmon belly, not just thin slices, but real hearty portions. Pinagat and inulukan are quite similar; the main difference is that inulukan has crab meat inside. The crispy Bicol express is tasty, and the crispiness is just right. Anyway, after exploring Sumlang Lake for several hours, we headed to the well-known 7-Eleven branch located in Barangay Salugan, Camalig to see the Mayon Volcano from a different spot.

How to Go to Sumlang Lake

Option 1:

From Peñaranda Park in Legazpi City, ride a jeep with a signboard of Camalig or Guinobatan and tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at Albay Agri Ethno Eco Village. Then from there, walk for seven minutes towards Sumlang Lake, or you can ride a tricylce. Note: Sumlang Lake is only 300 meters from the national highway. 

Option 2:

Open your Waze App or Google Maps and pin Sumlang Lake / Nature Funtraventure. From Legazpi City, drive south via Maharlika Highway (AH26) to Camalig. After passing Camalig town proper, just follow the signs leading to Barangay Sumlang.

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee in Sumlang Lake is 100 pesos per head. Note: For children 8 years old up to 12 years old, the entrance fee is 60 pesos, while senior citizens and PWD have an entrance fee of 84 pesos.
  
  
• Sumlang Lake operating hours are daily from 8 am up to 8 pm. 
  
  
• The parking fee for a four-wheel vehicle is 20 pesos. On the other hand, the parking fee for a two or three-wheel vehicle is 10 pesos.
  
  
• For water activities, the tri-bike is 300 pesos per unit, the balsa tour is 80 pesos per person, and kayaking and aqua bike is 100 pesos per person, which is good for three minutes. Meanwhile, for land activities, the big go kart is 150 pesos per person and the small go kart is 100 pesos per person good for three minutes.
  
  
• Always follow the rules and regulations in the area. Do not litter and respect the environment, and do not pick up plants.
  
  
• Guests may also explore the Artisan Village for handcrafted abaca products and stop by Nappa Food & Crafts Pasalubong Center to purchase local souvenirs and delicacies.
  
  
• You can visit the nearby well-known 7-Eleven branch located just beside the Phoenix Gas Station on By-Pass Road in Barangay Salugan, Camalig to capture stunning photos of world-famous Mayon Volcano. Note: If you’re coming from Legazpi City, ride a jeep with a signage of Polangui and tell the driver to drop you at the 7-Eleven branch on By-Pass Road in Camalig. The jeepney fare is 35 pesos and the estimated travel time is around 30 to 35 minutes depending on the traffic. 
  
  
• Last but not least, the best time to visit Sumlang Lake is early in the morning or late afternoon during the summer season, which starts in April up to May. During these months, visitors have a better chance of enjoying clear skies and a stunning, unobstructed view of Mayon Volcano mirrored on the calm waters of the lake.
  
  
  

There you have it, nature lovers. Embarking on a nature trip to the lakes of Albay is akin to stepping into a realm of exceptional beauty and quietude. Thanks for patiently reading my travel blog.