“Beyond the golden sea of pineapple, Bukidnon holds its greatest secrets.”
the hiplife asia
Bukidnon. The name itself often conjures images of endless pineapple plantations stretching across rolling hills, a green and golden sea under a vast blue sky. While this is a quintessential part of the province’s charm, to truly know Bukidnon is to venture beyond its famous fruit. This landlocked province in Northern Mindanao is a treasure trove of natural wonders, a place where majestic mountains kiss the clouds, where cool, crisp air revitalizes the spirit, and where adventure awaits at every turn.
So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the heart of Bukidnon. Here are five breathtaking sights that prove there’s so much more to this province than meets the eye.
1. Dahilayan Adventure Park: An Adrenaline-Fueled Escape
Nestled high in the mountains of Manolo Fortich, Dahilayan Adventure Park offers a thrilling contrast to the province’s serene landscapes. Known as the longest dual zipline in Asia, the park’s main attraction will have you soaring above pine trees and lush greenery at exhilarating speeds. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Dahilayan is a playground for all ages, with a thrilling ropes course, a gravity-defying drop zone, and even a luge track that winds through the forest. The park’s cool climate and scenic surroundings make it the perfect place to release your inner adventurer and create unforgettable memories.
How to Visit:
- Getting There: From Cagayan de Oro City, you can hire a private van or a taxi, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Agora Terminal to Camp Philips in Manolo Fortich and then hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the park.
- Entrance Fee: The park charges a general entrance fee of around PHP 150 per person, while children 10 years and below have a reduced fee. Rides and activities have separate fees, with zipline packages starting from PHP 250.
- Do you need a guide? No, you do not need a guide for Dahilayan Adventure Park. Staff are readily available to assist with all the activities. Check out their site here!
2. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park: A Hiker’s Paradise
For those who seek a deeper connection with nature, the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park is a pilgrimage. As the ancestral domain of the Talaandig, Higaonon, and Bukidnon indigenous peoples, this protected area is more than just a hiking trail—it’s a spiritual journey. Home to some of the country’s most spectacular and highest peaks, including Mount Kitanglad and Mount Dulang-Dulang, the park boasts a rich biodiversity. Trekking through its dense mossy forests, you’ll encounter a world of unique flora and fauna, including the majestic Philippine Eagle. Reaching the summit rewards you with a panoramic view of the province, a humbling reminder of nature’s grandeur.
How to Visit:
- Getting There: The park’s main jump-off points are in Sumilao or Lantapan, Bukidnon. The easiest way is to take a bus from Cagayan de Oro or Davao City to Malaybalay City and then arrange for transport to the jump-off point.
- Fees & Permits: All visitors must secure a permit from the Office of Protected Area & Management Bureau (PAMB) in Malaybalay City at least 10 days before your visit. A minimal fee is charged for the permit. You will also have to pay a ritual fee to the local tribes as part of their customary law.
- Do you need a guide? Yes, a local guide is mandatory for hiking any of the peaks within the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park. This is for your safety and to ensure respect for the ancestral lands. Guides can be arranged through the PAMB office or a registered tour operator.
3. Lake Apo: A Serene Oasis
Tucked away in the quiet town of Guinoyoran, Lake Apo is a peaceful crater lake that offers a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Voted as one of the country’s cleanest lakes, its emerald-green waters reflect the surrounding hills and verdant trees, creating a picture-perfect scene. Visitors can rent a raft to paddle across the tranquil surface, fish for tilapia, or simply sit by the shore and soak in the serene atmosphere. Lake Apo is a place for quiet contemplation and appreciation of Bukidnon’s gentle beauty.
How to Visit:
- Getting There: From Valencia City, you can take a tricycle or a habal-habal directly to Lake Apo. If coming from Cagayan de Oro, take a bus to Valencia City and then proceed via tricycle or habal-habal.
- Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is affordable, typically around PHP 85 per person. There are additional fees for renting floating cottages or rafts.
- Do you need a guide? No, a guide is not required for a visit to Lake Apo. The area is well-maintained and easy to navigate on your own.
4. Communal Ranch: The New Zealand of the Philippines
Imagine vast, open grasslands where cattle graze freely, with mist-shrouded hills and cool breezes that transport you straight to the New Zealand countryside. This is the sight that awaits you at the Communal Ranch in Impasug-ong. A favorite among photographers and nature lovers, this sprawling landscape offers a sense of boundless freedom. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely drive, a picnic with a view, or simply to take in the spectacular, wide-open scenery that feels a world away from the tropical Philippines you know.
How to Visit:
- Getting There: From Cagayan de Oro, take a bus bound for Davao City and ask the conductor to drop you off at the Impasug-ong town proper. From there, you can hire a habal-habal to the ranch. It’s advisable to coordinate with the Impasug-ong Tourism Office beforehand.
- Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is approximately PHP 70 per person. Horseback riding and other activities have separate charges.
- Do you need a guide? No guide is required for general access, but a local habal-habal driver can act as a de-facto guide for your visit.
5. Kaamulan Park: A Glimpse into the Heart of Culture
Bukidnon is not just about natural beauty; it’s also rich in culture and heritage. Located in Malaybalay City, Kaamulan Park is the best place to witness this firsthand. The park is home to the annual Kaamulan Festival, a vibrant gathering of the province’s seven indigenous tribes. Even outside the festival season, the park offers a tranquil setting with traditional tribal houses, a lagoon, and towering trees. It’s a place to learn about the indigenous peoples’ traditions, their way of life, and the deep spiritual connection they have with the land.
How to Visit:
- Getting There: The park is located right in the heart of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the provincial capital. If you are already in the city, you can easily take a motorela (local tricycle) to the park. If you’re coming from another province, take a bus to Malaybalay City.
- Entrance Fee: The main park grounds are free to enter. If you visit the on-site mini zoo, there is a separate, very minimal fee.
- Do you need a guide? No, a guide is not necessary as the park is a public space and easy to explore on your own.
Rediscovering the Heart of Bukidnon
From the thrill of a zipline to the serenity of a mountain lake, Bukidnon invites you on a journey that reveals its true, multifaceted soul. It’s a place where every winding road leads to a new and stunning vista, proving that the greatest treasures are often found just beyond the familiar.
“Bukidnon reminds you that the greatest treasures are not beneath the earth, but on its surface, waiting for you to climb.”
the hiplife asia
You might wan’t to check this out if you’re planning to attend next year’s Davao Kadayawan Festival: Kadayawan: Your Guide to Davao’s Biggest Cultural Festival This August
