Bukidnon is a province in the Philippines located in Northern Mindanao. Despite being the third largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction behind Palawan and Isabela, this province remains still a bit off the tourist radar. Many travelers have yet to explore the province’s amazing attractions.
This landlocked province is bordered by Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. For those based in Manila, the easiest way to get there is by land travel coming from flights from Davao City or Cagayan de Oro. I love how everything is so green and natural here.
Prior to my visit here last year, the only thing I knew about Bukidnon was that they had a lot of pineapples. But I soon discovered that the province is an amazing destination for outdoor adventurers. It has some unique adventures that you can’t find anywhere else in the Philippines.
My main reason for visiting was to try out this extreme adventure called Vertical Bivouac, kind of like camping overnight on a cliff. But while I was there, I got to tag along with new friends James and Donna from Adventure Technology (AdTech) on a road trip from Bukidnon to Cagayan de Oro. I wouldn’t have been able to visit all the spots mentioned below if not for them.
There’s lots to discover in this province framed by mountain ranges and forest reserves. From the cool climate and rugged mountains, plateaus, canyons, waterfalls, springs, vast pineapple plantations, Bukidnon has a lot of hidden natural wonders. Here are just a few of the bucketlist-worthy adventures that await.
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Cool off at Dahilayan Adventure Park
If your entry point is Cagayan de Oro, one of the nearest attractions in Bukidnon is Dahilayan Adventure Park, located 4,700 feet ASL on the foot of Kitangland Mountain Range in Manolo Fortich. The whole area offers an extreme playground for adrenaline-junkies.
Dahilayan enjoys cooler temperatures, and the whole place feels very reminiscent of Baguio of the old. The eco-park contains rides and and attractions suitable for adventurous kids and adults of all ages. You can try their Dual Zipline and Drop Zone amidst scenic mountain views. You can also roll around the terrain inside a zorb or zip around on an ATV. You can stay overnight at Dahilayan Forest Park Resort.
Ride a Skybike at Kampo Juan
Another great eco-destination in Bukidnon is Kampo Juan in Barangay Dicklum. Here, you can cross a hanging bridge which spans 360 feet across the ravine and 200 feet above the river, try out the various zip line rides or go rappelling. The highlight is the Anicycle or zipbike, where you get to ride a bicycle suspended on a cable hanging 100 feet on a ravine and expanse the length of 600 feet.
Kampo Juan also contains a 6-hectare farm area where organic crops are cultivated, an an eco-lodge making this a good spot for those who want to experience country living.
Bike, camp or go horseback riding at Kaamulan Park
Malaybalay is the “Eco-Tourism and cultural heritage Capital of Northern Mindanao.” The best spot to visit here is Kaamulan Park, a haven for nature lovers that hosts private visitors, summer camps and even weddings.
The 500-hectare tree park has a wide expanse of greens including pine tree forests that welcome visitors. Locals come here to jog, take walks, bike, go camping or have picnics under the trees. Horseback riding is also offered for tourists.
Chase waterfalls
There are a lot of waterfalls you can visit in Bukidnon, but for those who don’t have time to go on long hikes to get there, you can spot a tall one easily from the highway. Alalum Falls in Sumilao is a 147 feet-high cascade located right by the Sayre highway connecting Bukidnon to Cagayan de Oro.
This particular waterfall is fed by an extensive network of natural spring, brooks and streams from high up in the mountains, coming together in a leisurely pace before the water gracefully flows downwards in a breathtaking spectacle.
Go for a Hike or Swim at CEDAR
The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (shortened to CEDAR) is a reforestation project in the town of Impasug-ong. This natural site is ideal for hiking, nature trekking and waterfalls hopping, as it contains at least 3 waterfalls you hike to.
Gantungan Falls is roughly 720 meters from the jump-off, Nagtibasan Falls is 780 meters away and Dila Falls is 960 meters away. The site also contains natural spring pools where you can cool off.
Go bamboo rafting at Lake Apo
One of the most peaceful spots in the province is Lake Apo, a crater lake in Barangay Guinoyoran in the city of Valencia. Located in a hilly area about 11 kilometers from the town center, this picturesque lake has been dubbed the cleanest and greenest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao.
Find your own spot to commune with nature on the wooden rafts or bamboo cottages along the lake. Lake Apo is popular with locals and nature-trippers for picnics and rafting because of the serene view.
Cross the Atugan Bridge
Atugan Bridge in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon once held the distinction of being the tallest bridge in the country before being overtaken by Agas-Agas bridge in Southern Leyte. Measuring 215 feet high and with a length of 0.23 kilometres, this bridge offers a very scenic view of the Atugan Canyon and river below. You can stopover here along the Sayre Highway, a portion of the Philippine national highway that traverses the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and North Cotabato.
Go Rock Climbing in Kiokong
The Kiokong Eco-Tourism Project in San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon is a site where you can get access to several extreme adventures including white rock walls for rock climbing, rappelling and bouldering.
AdTech is planning lots of exciting new developments in the area, including vertical camping and a Via Ferrata, so this site should definitely be on your radar of places to visit.
Within the site is a small but picturesque Blue Water Cave pool, which is a popular swimming hole for locals. This is a great place to take a dip after an afternoon of rock climbing.
Go Rapelling over the Pulangi River
Right beside the Kiokong site is a river ideal for other outdoor and water sports, including water tubing, kayaking and water rafting. You can also try rappelling off the bridge right over the Pulangi river!
Spend the night on a Cliff
My favorite and the most extreme activity I’ve done in Bukidnon is spending the night on a cliff. For those who want to take their outdoor adventures to greater heights, the Vertical Bivouac extreme adventure in Bukidnon is one of the most amazing camping experiences you can try in the country.
This unique extreme adventure involves ascending by SRT (single rope technique) for 3-4 hours to reach a two-meter wide cliff ledge 400 feet above the ground and sleeping right there while tethered to a safety harness right under the stars. You wake up to a view of mist-covered mountains before rappelling down from the rock surface.
This is currently the only activity of its kind of the Philippines. It’s operated by Adventure Technology Outfitters (AdTech), a private tour operator based in Bukidnon that specializes in selling safety equipment, so you know you’re in good hands.
There’s lots more to discover in the province of Bukidnon. I can’t wait to go back and try out the new activities that are being developed.