Competing with Mayon for attention, lake finds its role

CONTESTANTS frantically row their bamboo rafts during a “balsa” (bamboo raft) race to promote tourism in Sumlang Lake during festivities last year. MARC ALVIC ESPLANA/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

CAMALIG, Albay—A lily-covered “mess” was how residents described Sumlang Lake in Barangay Sumlang here three years ago.

While Mayon Volcano serves as a backdrop for the village, the community that the volcano outshines has been unappreciated for its rustic scenes. That is until residents decided to clean and clear the lake of debris.

Now, the 14-hectare Sumlang Lake is among the top tourism destinations in Albay, attracting a steady stream of visitors seeking an unobstructed view of Mayon.

Felipe Napa, Sumlang village chief, said “we discovered the potential of the lake” when a “bayanihan” was held for all villagers to render service by cleaning the lake and removing water lilies that had blocked it.

Sumlang made a name when the village held its first “balsa” (bamboo raft) race in 2014.

Napa said to attract more tourists, “we came up with innovations” that included decorating rafts and placing a couch, made of abaca, on some.

Napa said visitors loved the indigenous design and used this for photo opportunity, especially if Mayon is in full view on a clear day.

The lake is only 300 meters from the national highway and can be reached after a 5-minute drive from the town proper.

Tourism officer Jed Villanueva said more tourists flocked to the area when the local tourism office promoted the lake on the social networking site, Facebook.

“The tourist influx was overwhelming,” he said.

On weekdays, Villanueva said, 200 to 300 people visit the lake per day. On weekends, the number goes up to 500, he added.

Villanueva said more than 50,000 tourists visited the lake this year.

With a natural backdrop provided by Mayon, the lake has become a favorite setting for movies and TV shows, Villanueva said.