Our Bukidnon Trip 2023: Why You Should Visit Bukidnon?
Bukidnon is a province located in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It is home to the Lumad tribes and is considered the food basket of Mindanao. Bukidnon offers a lot of scenic views, diverse cultures, adventure, and food that you cannot get enough of.
My friends and I recently decided to visit Bukidnon, and in this article, I am going to share with you our personal experiences from the places we’ve been to the event you certainly don’t want to miss! Here are a few of the reasons why you should visit Bukidnon, too!
Places We’ve Been To
Bukidnon has many wonderful places to visit, each with its own unique charm and beauty. During our recent trip, my friends and I were able to explore different spots that made our trip memorable. Here are some of the places we’ve been to:
Katihan Eco Park
Katihan Eco Park is the newest tourist attraction and spot in Bukidnon. This place has been creating a buzz not just on social media but even among locals of Bukidnon. It is located in Brgy. Kibalibag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
From the city proper of Malaybalay, going to Katihan Eco Park takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour ride. In our case, it took us 2 hours or more because we got lost! We highly recommend being vigilant with the road signs. Take your time driving, and don’t drive too fast as you may miss important landmarks (some signs are too small to spot on).
How to get there?
You may go there in your private vehicle or ride a “habal-habal” or local motorcycle. If you are commuting, the fare is PHP 300 for 2 pax for a one-way ride.
If you are going with your private vehicle, make sure that your vehicle has higher ground clearance as you will need to cross the Can-ayan river which is about half a meter depth in low tide.
Directions to note
From Malaybalay City’s main highway, make a turn at Claro Recto St. or look for Pine Hills Hotel, then turn left at the crossing road.
Then, look for a checkpoint sign. This is where we had a hard time because the so-called “check-point sign” was pushed by the side road. Instead, look for the sign of GOLDEN CONE as theirs are much bigger in size. Golden Cone and Katihan share the same road, but Katihan Eco Park is way farther than the Golden Cone.
Then, you will have to pay an environmental fee of PHP 30 in the Big Rock area on the way to Katihan Eco Park. The entrance fee is PHP 100 per person. Cottages may range from PHP 300 to PHP 1000. For the day tour, you are not required to book ahead, but if you are planning for an overnight stay, here are their rates as of the date of this writing:
Kubo is PHP 2500 good for 2 pax
The cabin is PHP 2500 good for 2 pax
Family Cabin is PHP 7000 good for 10 pax at maximum
Bamboo House is PHP 3500 for 2 pax and a maximum of 4 pax
Sheltered Camp is PHP 4500 good for up to 15 pax
For open camping, PHP 250 per person
For car camping, PHP 2000 per car
For photoshoot sessions like prenup weddings, birthdays, and other events, PHP 7500 photoshoot with 2 cabins good for 8 pax
Watch a video for a more comprehensive guide!
Malaybalay Mini Zoo
After visiting Katihan Eco Park, we went to Malaybalay Mini Zoo located at the provincial building in Malaybalay. The zoo opens at 2 PM. We arrived there at around 12 NN or 1 PM, so we decided to take a picnic outside as we wait.
The entrance fee at the mini zoo is PHP 20 for each person and you can enjoy unlimited time looking around with wild animals such as tigers, birds, monkeys, peacocks, deer, snakes, crocodiles, and more!
Lover’s Lane
Located in Valencia City, Lover’s Lane is a scenic spot overlooking the mountains. It’s a perfect place for couples to enjoy the sunset and spend some quality time together. Lover’s Lane is also a popular location for photoshoots because of its beautiful scenery.
Coming here at Lover’s Lane won’t cost you anything as there is no fee required. There are also benches around so you can sit and relax when you stop by.
Watch a video for a more comprehensive guide!
Communal Ranch
Communal Ranch is located in Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon. It’s a ranch that offers horseback riding, ATV rides, and camping. You can also witness the marvellous view of the mountain ranges surrounding the area.
Recommended time to visit here is before sunrise, around 5 AM to 7 AM to witness the beautiful sea of clouds! You may also come around sunset time from 4 PM to 6 PM, depending on what time the sunset is.
Watch a video for a more comprehensive guide!
CEDAR (Center for Ecological Development and Recreation)
CEDAR is a recreational park located in the town of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. It features a wide range of activities such as trekking, camping, and rappelling. The park also has three waterfalls namely:
Dila Falls
Natigbasan Falls
Gantungan Falls
As a waterfalls lover myself, I didn’t miss this chance to visit this park! After our morning adventure in Communal Ranch, we had a short stop for our breakfast around 8 AM. After that, we headed to our waterfalls trekking!
The entrance fee is PHP 40 per person. They also have a man-made swimming pool here where you can chill after the tiring trek. You may also bring your tent and camp by the riverside and enjoy the nature views.
Watch a video for a more comprehensive guide!
Events You Should Not Miss!
Bukidnon, known as the land of the lumads, has a rich culture and history that is waiting for you to discover. While visiting this beautiful province, be sure to check out these exciting events that you shouldn’t miss:
Kaamulan Festival
Dubbed as the most authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines, Kaamulan Festival is celebrated every March. It is the biggest gathering of Bukidnon’s seven tribes, showcasing their rich culture and tradition. The festival highlights the vibrant colours of costumes, compelling music, and dances, making it a feast for the senses.
Lantapan Pineapple Festival
Every October, the town of Lantapan celebrates its world-renowned pineapples with the Lantapan Pineapple Festival. The festival is a showcase of the town’s agricultural production, which includes not just pineapples but also other crops like rice, corn, and vegetables. Food enthusiasts will also enjoy a wide array of mouth-watering pineapple-based dishes.
Valencia City’s Charter Day
Valencia City’s Charter Day celebration happens every 12th of January. It is a day of thanksgiving for the city’s growth and the recognition of its identity and culture. The festival includes a civic parade that showcases the city’s history, products, achievements, and promising potential.
Foods and Delicacies of Bukidnon
Bukidnon, the food basket of Mindanao, is known for its sweet pineapples and rice production. But this province has more delicacies and dishes to offer. Here are some must-try foods when visiting Bukidnon:
Binaki
Binaki is a steamed glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and is perfect as a snack. It is widely available in the market and souvenir shops.
Tantulas
Tantulas is a locally grown root vegetables that can be fried as chips. It is a tasty snack and a healthy alternative to commercial chips.
Hinabol
Hinabol is a rice dish with chicken, ginger, and coconut milk. It is a popular dish among the lumads and has a unique taste that will surely delight your taste buds.
Pineapple Delicacies
Aside from the sweet pineapples, Bukidnon offers different kinds of pineapple-based delicacies such as pineapple jam, pineapple tart, and pineapple wine. These are perfect as pasalubong (souvenirs) for your loved ones back home.
Visit Bukidnon Now!
Our Bukidnon adventure was a memorable experience filled with fun and adventure. The province has so much to offer, and these are just some of the places we’ve been to that made our trip unforgettable. Bukidnon may be a lesser-known tourist spot in the Philippines, but its beauty and charm are something that everyone should experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post about Bukidnon. I hope that it has inspired you to consider visiting this beautiful province and explore all that it has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Bukidnon has something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to witness its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and vibrant festivals. Happy travels!
