Exploring the Mountain Views of the South ⏤ Bukidnon, Ph 🇵🇭

The first, and what it looks like to be the last of my summer trips this year, was last April. It was a weekend getaway to the southern part of the Philippines --Bukidnon Province. This was a trip in which I didn’t have to plan for anything, I was so grateful to have our friend with us who worked there for three years. And even more happy to visit the place she called home for the last three years. Bukidnon was easy to love, to someone like me who loves mountain ranges and quiet and slow neighborhoods.

The places we visited were situated quite far from each other, we (“my friend”) strategically planned our itinerary so we could maximize our time in Bukidnon. Part of the tourist experience was riding habal-habal or motorbikes, it’s a usual mode of transportation in Bukidnon, but the off-road routes made it unique to the place. Fear didn’t get the best of me because I was already captivated by the mountain range views during our rides. Our friendly habal drivers also made it easier for us to enjoy the experience rather than think about how dangerous the trails are.

There are so many places to explore in Impasug-Ong but we have to limit it to the Communal Ranch and CEDAR. Aside from motorbikes, a three-wheeled bike which resembles a miniature jeepney is one of the modes of transportation used in the area. This reflects the locals' way of improvising vehicles that can accommodate loads of people or stuff as there are only few shopping markets in the province. Our average travel time from places to places was around 40 minutes, for a place with no traffic jams, we did cover a lot of kilometers, but even the commute felt so relaxing.

I know for a fact that the Philippines has beautiful and exceptional landscapes, but still, I wasn’t prepared to see how splendid the nature looks like in its most raw form ⏤untouched and just simply appreciated.

The landscape of New Zealand is famously known as a scene taken out from Hobbiton, the lush valley of Middle Earth where little hobbits enjoyed their tea parties and celebrations. I didn't know that somewhere south of the Philippines also offers this beautiful scenery. Even though we went there in the most ill-timed hour of the day (it was noon! and we have to constantly pray for clouds to give us a little shade from the sun 🌞), we still got to see the undeniable beauty of the ranch. There were only a few things to do in the area such as horseback riding, doing photoshoots (a lot of people go here for their wedding engagement shoots!), and just simply enjoying the view.

After our visit to the communal ranch, we went to CEDAR to have our very late lunch meal. We again hopped on the motorbikes and enjoyed the bit of drizzle while going to our destination. It was sooo much fun to feel the rain and wind on your face while riding the motorbike! The CEDAR looks completely different from the Communal Ranch, suddenly we were transported to what looks like in the middle of a rainforest. There were towering trees along the entrance lane and the buzzing sound of nature (the insects and birds) welcomed us.

We tried the food that are difficult to source in the city, we had native chicken and pako or fern salad for our lunch. The soup warmed our stomachs, which was perfect because we were set for a surprised easy hike to see the waterfalls in the CEDAR.

It was my first time walking on trails late in the afternoon and right after the rain, it was a bit slippery but we braved the adventure. It was surreal! As we walk, I felt smaller and smaller as we see tree trunks that could be hugged by three people, I felt a little bit scared as the trail becomes narrower and alongside were ravines. I could hear the gush of the river down the trail and probably from the waterfalls. We only reached one of the waterfalls, our guide suggested that we go back already since it was already dark and it looked lie heavy rain is about to pour again.

It was a great day filled with awe as we soaked in the beauty of nature. I was thankful that I get to see places like these, how it makes me proud that far from the bustling cities and roads lined with cars, there are hidden gems waiting to be experienced. There's just so much to see in this beautiful country ⏤ Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan, Mahal Kong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭