Bukidnon’s mountain views are breathtaking, the food unforgettable, and the journey a challenge—but every moment is worth it. Curious how it all unfolded? Read my blog!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

November 03, 2024 (Sunday)
Batangas, Philippines

October 16-17 (date of travel)
Bukidnon, Philippines
Continuing my Mindanao adventures—here are my experiences from Dinagat, Marawi, and Iligan!

For a while now, I’ve been itching to explore Bukidnon, particularly to hike Mt. Dulang Dulang, the second highest mountain in the Philippines and a standout peak in the Kitanglad Mountain Range. Unfortunately, it was closed for specific reasons (link here). Still, my adventure in Bukidnon turned out to be absolutely amazing. It’s experiences like this that fuel my passion for discovering more of the Philippines. The beauty of Bukidnon is simply breathtaking—it feels like wandering through a living canvas, alive with vibrant colors and stunning landscapes at every turn.

Bukidnon, a landlocked province in the heart of Mindanao, stands out as a remarkable destination known for its stunning landscapes and agricultural bounty. Often dubbed the “Food Basket” of the region, it shares its northern border with Cagayan de Oro City and is celebrated for its fertile lands that yield a variety of crops. It is home to the 3 highest mountains in the Philippines – Mt. Dulang-Dulang, Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Kalatungan.

The province’s name, derived from the Visayan word “bukid,” meaning “mountain,” perfectly encapsulates its topography. However, Bukidnon is primarily characterized by its expansive rolling grasslands and a plateau that sits at an average elevation of 915 meters. This unique landscape features a harmonious blend of deep canyons, lush valleys, and wide plains, creating a picturesque environment that captivates both locals and travelers.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its natural beauty, the promise of agricultural exploration, or the warmth of its communities, Bukidnon offers a unique experience that encapsulates the essence of Mindanao. From its breathtaking vistas to its agricultural heart, this highland paradise invites you to discover its many wonders.

October 16, 2024 (Wednesday)
Bukidnon, Philippines

Accommodation – Haus Malibu
Location – Bonifacio Dr, Malaybalay, Bukidnon
PHP2,400 for 2 nights October 16-18

Haus Malibu is conveniently situated in the heart of Malaybalay, the capital of Bukidnon. I had a fantastic experience during my stay there! Instead of booking through Agoda, I decided to walk in, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. My room was spacious, with a comfortable bed and pillows that made for a great night’s sleep. It came equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a workspace, which was perfect for my needs.

The bathroom was impressively large, featuring both hot and cold showers. I absolutely love the hostels in Mindanao! The Wi-Fi was reliable, and they offered water refreshments for a small fee downstairs. Reception is open until midnight, and they even have a spa service where a masseur can come to your room for a full-body massage for just PHP 600.

While there’s no elevator, it wasn’t an issue at all—staff were always on hand to lend a helping hand with my luggage. Overall, it was a delightful stay!

Just a quick note: I ended up paying after I checked out because I completely forgot to settle my bill! They kindly called me to remind me—oops! 😂 So, make sure to bring cash with you, but if you prefer, they also accept Gcash payments.

Transportation: The Motorela is essentially a motorcycle version of the Philippine jeepney. Its design sets it apart from an ordinary tricycle; This unique vehicle combines traditional carriage aesthetics with modern motorized technology. Serving as the counterpart to tricycles, the Motorela is a primary means of inter-city public transportation in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. The cost is PHP11 to the center of Malaybalay

I’m really impressed by the expansive transportation system here and throughout Mindanao—it’s much larger compared to what you find in Luzon!

Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park
OPEN DAILY: Mondays – Sundays (Including Holidays)
8:00am – 5:00pm

After checking out from Win Min Inn hostel in Cagayan de Oro, Jingle picked me up, and we grabbed some takeaway breakfast from Jollibee before heading to Dahilayan Park for an adventure. We arrived around 8 AM but had to wait until 8:15 AM for the counters to open. I was primarily looking forward to the Razorback mountain ride, which cost PHP 400 for a single ride, and the buggy ride, which required a local driver’s license and was priced at PHP 1,400. Even though I didn’t have a driver’s license, they still let me take the buggy!

I enjoyed both rides so much that I can’t wait to experience them again on my next trip back to Bukidnon!

You can check my videos of the ride here.

Ricardo’s by Cucina Higala
Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Philippines
PHP400-1500

I absolutely love Cucina Higala, especially their branch in Bukidnon, which is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop that makes dining here even more relaxing. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Dahilayan, and it’s definitely my favorite restaurant in Bukidnon. After visiting the vast pineapple plantation in Fortich, I had to stop for an early lunch. I ordered humba, a specialty from CDO that I missed before. It holds a special place in my heart, as my dad used to cook it.

Humba features tender pork belly slow-cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, black peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and fermented black beans (tausi), sweetened with muscovado sugar. It often includes hard-boiled eggs and banana blossoms, making it a truly delicious dish!

You can find the video of the restaurant here

Lover’s Lane
Impasugong-ong Bukidnon
Free

After a satisfying lunch, I met Kuya Mark, the owner of the travel agency I booked for this trip. I took a few moments to enjoy the view at Lover’s Lane, framed by the mountains. I also stopped by a shop that sold various types of purple corn, and it was incredibly delicious! Just one of the unique experiences you can find only in Bukidnon.

Purple corn video here

Rotys Peak Ridge

RotyPeaks started as a hammock camping site for friends who shared a passion for the outdoors and hiking. Over time, it transformed into a commercial campsite, driven by the founders’ vision to support the Dumalaging community and Lumad residents by offering livelihood opportunities, such as transportation services to the area.

I took a habal-habal with my guide to get here. In local dialect, habal-habal refers to motorcycle taxis, meaning “sitting close to each other.” The ride was quite bumpy, and my knees really felt the strain during the 30-minute journey, especially since I’m not used to riding on rough roads. Honestly, this place seems ideal for those looking to capture Instagram-worthy shots. It would be a fun spot to visit with friends for a camping trip; they do have shower facilities, but there are no stores nearby, so bringing your own food is a good idea. Personally, I wouldn’t want to stay too long due to the limited amenities, especially since there are other wonderful glamping sites in Luzon that better match my preferences. I ended up staying for about 10-15 minutes.

Video here

Panimahawa Ridge

After Rotys Peak, I had to endure another rough road adventure for 30 minutes to be able to see Panimahawa Ridge, often referred to as the “Infectious Ridge,” is a popular tourist destination in Impasugong, Bukidnon. This hidden gem is sure to take your breath away once you reach the summit. The panoramic views offer a glimpse into the beauty of the province, and overnight camping is permitted at this stunning location.

I had such a lovely time in Panimahawa Ridge, although, I needed to hike quite a bit to get here. I was really tired and it was too hot at 1 in the afternoon but had lovely time at the top. The view was breathtaking! I definitely would love to go back here in the morning!

Video here.

Communal Ranch
Impasug-ong, Bukidnon


This communal ranch, owned and operated by the government, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. You can rent horses to wander the scenic trails while soaking in the natural beauty of the area. There’s also a cafeteria, though the menu offers only a few choices, which adds to the rustic charm of the place.

What truly captivated me, however, was the adventure that preceded my arrival. After a thrilling and somewhat bumpy 30-minute habal-habal ride, I was greeted by some of the most stunning landscapes I’ve ever encountered. The mountains loomed majestically around me, feeling so close that I could almost reach out and hug them. It was a surreal experience, as if I had stepped into a vibrant painting brought to life.

The vibrant hues of the landscape, combined with the fresh air and the sounds of nature, created a magical atmosphere. I found myself enchanted by the tranquility, making it a perfect spot for reflection and inspiration. I can easily see myself returning here to capture more moments. This place truly holds a special charm, and I can’t wait for my next visit!

Videos part 1 here and part 2 here

Cowboy Town
Impasug-ong, Bukidnon
PHP300-900

After an exhilarating day of adventure, I made my way to Cowboy Town for dinner. Known for serving some of the finest steaks in Bukidnon, the meal was incredibly delicious. They also provide Wi-Fi, so I managed to get some work done while enjoying my meal. Dining here was a real treat, and I truly believe Bukidnon offers some of the best steaks in the Philippines!

Mt. Kitanglad

I had planned to hike the next day, but by 7 PM, I was just heading out for dinner after a long, tiring day. Unlike my previous hiking experience, where my activities wrapped up by 3 PM and involved mainly photo ops, this time was different. I had to meet my team tonight for our trek the following day, and I wasn’t even sure if our accommodations had a shower. My guide mentioned it would be about an hour’s ride from Impasugong to the Datu’s place where we’d be staying. I cancelled my hike in Mt. Kitanglad.

I was eager to hike Mt. Dulang-Dulang, not just Kitanglad. Initially, I was disappointed when I learned that Dulang-Dulang was closed, but I convinced myself to use Kitanglad as an excuse to travel to Mindanao again. In hindsight, I should have trusted my instincts. I had already paid for the hike due to a last-minute cancellation, but I didn’t mind—my travels in other parts of Mindanao have been more rewarding than forcing myself to hike in challenging conditions without the right gear.

I plan to return to Bukidnon to tackle its three highest mountains in the future. For now, I’ll hold off on the hike until I can prepare better and ensure I’m well-rested. While it’s frustrating that Mt. Dulang-Dulang is closed, I still had the opportunity to enjoy some incredible adventures in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.

October 17, 2024 (Thursday)
Malaybalay, Bukidnon

After a wonderfully relaxing massage last night, I decided to take it easy today and explore the charming cafes around Malaybalay. I worked for a bit to tackle my growing to-do list, but I made sure it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of this vacation.

Bukidnon Brew Cafe
PHP200-400

Just a 10-minute walk from my hostel, I discovered this cafe after searching for the best spots on Google. I ordered the pork rib chili and an iced Americano, and it made for a delicious brunch, perfectly complemented by the rich Robusta coffee from Bukidnon. The cafe also offers Wi-Fi, making it a cozy place to work, and I would definitely love to linger longer next time. There was a power outage during my visit, but no worries—the cafe has a generator to keep things running smoothly.

Esquinita
PHP200-400

I found this restaurant while searching for the best spots in Malaybalay, and it had fantastic reviews on Google. When I arrived, I noticed a large crowd of high school and college students dining there, which might explain the rave reviews. For me, the food was decent—not the best, but satisfactory enough to satisfy my hunger. I ordered two dishes: buttered shrimp and tuna sinigang.

October 18, 2024 (Friday)
Bukidnon

Cafe sa Bukid
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
PHP200-400
Cash and gcash only

I made a last-minute decision to explore more of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. After some research, I set off with my guide, Kuya Mark, to this scenic cafe located about an hour and a half from the center of Malaybalay before heading to Cagayan de Oro.

I absolutely loved this two-story cafe! The view of Mt. Kalatungan was breathtaking. The service was quick, and I couldn’t resist trying their sayote and pineapple shake—I was pleasantly surprised by how well they paired together. I also sampled their cassava sour and cream, which was so flavorful that I had to bring some back to Manila. For my main dish, I ordered fried daing na bangus and felt incredibly satisfied while taking in the beautiful mountain and farm views.

They don’t have Wi-Fi, and you need to pay when you order. Additionally, guests are required to take off their shoes while dining to keep the place clean, and they have a clean outdoor restroom as well.

Video here

Mindamora Falls
PHP500 guide fee for group of 4 people
PHP200 ritual fee for group of 1-15 people

Straddling the boundary between Bukidnon and Iligan City is Mindamora Falls, the second highest waterfall in the Philippines at 870 feet (270 meters). Some refer to it as Bayug or Limunsudan. I absolutely loved the falls, although I only made it to the view deck. I decided against the trek down to the base this time, but I’ll definitely take that journey on my next visit.

To reach the view deck, there’s a bit of walking and hiking involved. I nearly slipped because I was wearing work sandals instead of proper trekking gear—my trekking sandals had broken while I was swimming in Iligan City, which was quite ironic!

Before starting the 15- to 20-minute trek to the view deck, a guide briefs you on what to expect. Once you arrive, there’s a brief five-minute ritual performed by the datu. During this ceremony, you offer coins as a gesture of respect, and the datu prays to the spirits believed to protect the land. It’s customary to honor these spirits while enjoying nature, and no video recording is allowed during the prayer. Although I didn’t fully understand what he said since it was in Visaya, I was grateful to witness this meaningful ritual in Mindanao.

To note: It’s best to rent a private vehicle going here as it’s a bit of a challenge to do this via commute.

Video of the falls here

Conclusion

I really love Bukidnon; it’s one of my favorite spots in Mindanao and holds a special place in my heart. Being here allows me to truly embrace the beauty of nature. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, with rolling hills, lush valleys, and stunning mountains that seem to go on forever.

Every visit feels like a warm welcome from the land itself, inviting me to explore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether I’m walking along scenic trails or just taking in the views, Bukidnon gives me a sense of calm and connection that I treasure.

It’s a place where I can escape the busy world and reconnect with nature. Bukidnon captivates me. I can’t wait for my next adventure in this amazing province!

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie