Bula is a first-class municipality in Camarines Sur and one of the historic towns of the Rinconada area. The Camarines Sur Provincial Government identifies Bula as having been established in 1578. It covers approximately 167.64 square kilometers and is primarily agricultural, with rice, wheat, coconut, and corn among its major products.
According to the municipality's historical account, Bula was one of the first four mission towns established in Camarines Sur. The municipality's name is traditionally associated with “bula,” meaning bamboo splits, based on a local historical legend involving Spanish explorers and residents who were splitting bamboo. The municipality's official history states that although the settlement was founded earlier, 1578 is used as the historical date associated with the Christianization of its people.
Today, Bula's cultural identity is strongly connected to bamboo, agriculture, local delicacies, and the Kawayan Festival. The municipality has also developed Bula Masarig Engineered Bamboo, a local enterprise producing bamboo furniture, fixtures, and novelty products.
