Lake Buhi
Lake Volcanic Philippine lake famous for tiny sinarapan fish
In Camarines Sur, Lake Buhi attracts boat tours and anglers chasing sinarapan, the tiny endemic fish. Visitors sample fresh lake catch, watch waterbirds and use the lake as a base for nearby Mount Asog hikes and hot spring dips.
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Lake Buhi is a freshwater lake in the municipality of Buhi, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is notable for its ecological and cultural significance to the local community.
The lake is used for small-scale fishing, boat trips and birdwatching; it is especially important for anglers targeting the tiny endemic sinarapan. Local visitors also use the lake for transport between lakeside settlements and for subsistence fishing.
The lake sits within a volcanic and hilly part of Camarines Sur and has long been part of the local subsistence economy; its fisheries and shoreline communities have shaped local practices over many decades. Conservation attention has focused on protecting endemic species in recent years.
Geographically the lake lies in the town of Buhi on the Bicol Peninsula, in southern Luzon. It is a local landmark within Camarines Sur and serves as the municipal centre’s inland water body.
- Sinarapan (tiny fish): Home to the sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), the world's smallest commercially harvested fish, which is a local culinary and conservation focus.
- Local recreation: Located within the municipality of Buhi, the lake is a focal point for local boating and freshwater angling.
How to Get to Lake Buhi #
By road: Buhi is accessible from Naga City (roughly 1-2 hours by car depending on route). Local jeepneys and buses serve the town; arrange a boatman locally for crossings.
Tips for Visiting Lake Buhi #
- Seek out sinarapan (the tiny coffee-grounds-sized fish) in local markets-only available in limited seasons and a gastronomic curiosity.
- Use a local boatman to cross the lake safely; weather can change suddenly.
- Combine with a trip to nearby Buhi town to visit local churches and markets.
Best Time to Visit Lake Buhi #
Dry season provides more dependable boating conditions and better chances to see local fishing activity.
Weather & Climate near Lake Buhi #
Lake Buhi's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2872 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (251 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (340 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (427 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (404 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
