Bukidnon: A Land of Mountains and Rich Cultural Heritage
Bukidnon, a landlocked province in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines, is a place of unparalleled beauty. Its cool climate, breathtaking mountain ranges, vast plantations, and deep-rooted indigenous culture create a landscape that inspires and excites any traveler. The name “Bukidnon” comes from the Visayan word “bukid,” meaning mountain, fitting for a province nestled among the highlands. With its serene landscapes, vibrant festivals, and adventure-filled destinations, Bukidnon is a haven for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and cultural explorers alike.
The Top Tourist Attractions in Bukidnon:
- Dahilayan Adventure Park (Manolo Fortich) – Offers adrenaline-pumping activities like Asia’s longest dual zipline, rope courses, and a luge ride. Perfect for families and adventure enthusiasts.
- Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park – Home to Mount Dulang-Dulang (2nd highest mountain in the Philippines) and Mount Kitanglad. A favorite destination for hikers and mountaineers seeking challenging trails and panoramic views.
- Lake Apo (Valencia City) – A peaceful crater lake ideal for kayaking, bamboo raft rides, and picnicking. Surrounded by greenery, it’s a great spot for relaxation and nature photography.
- Monastery of the Transfiguration (Malaybalay City) – A serene Benedictine monastery with a unique pyramid-shaped church designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. Visitors can buy locally produced Monk’s Blend coffee and experience quiet reflection.
- Communal Ranch (Impasugong) – A 600+ hectare public ranch with stunning rolling hills often called “Marlboro Country.” Horseback riding and scenic views make it perfect for photo ops.
- Del Monte Pineapple Plantation (Manolo Fortich) – One of the world’s largest pineapple plantations. Visit the Del Monte Clubhouse for juicy steak, fresh pineapples, and a plantation tour.
- Kaamulan Park & Festival (Malaybalay City) – A cultural park and the venue for the Kaamulan Festival, which honors Bukidnon’s seven indigenous tribes. The festival features traditional dances, rituals, and colorful parades, offering a unique cultural experience that intrigues and makes you eager to explore more. It will leave you intrigued and keen to explore more.
- Bukidnon-Davao (BUDA) Highway Mountain Resorts – These are mountain resorts located in the highlands of the Municipality of Kitaotao, Bukidnon, that are perched on the mountain ridges of the area. These include mountain resorts as:
- Cinco Mountain Resort
- LUGAR Mountain Resort
- Blue Ridge Campsite
- Secret Forest Campsite Resort
- Salurayan Mountain View Resort
- The Camp at Sinuda
- Kavanah Haven Resort
- Kamanga Resort and Aventure Haven
- Secret Forest Campsite Resort
- Bato Bato Peak
- SeaClouds Mountain View Resort
- Loghouse 28 Mountain Resort
- Mergrande Mountain Resort
- Sinuda Breeze
- Casa Dasya Mountain House Resort
- Greek Hills Bukidnon
- MLTE Family Mountain Resort
- Alta Monte Resort
- El Cinco Farmville Resort Inc.
- Â Salug Heights Mountain Resort
- Da View
- DM’s Mountain View
How to Get to Bukidnon
Bukidnon does not have its airport, but it’s easily accessible via two nearby cities:Â
Option 1: Via Cagayan de Oro CityÂ
Travel by Air (Laguindingan Airport):
Fly: From Manila (NAIA) to Laguindingan Airport (CGY), approx. 1.5-hour flight.
Travel by Land:
Take a shuttle/taxi to Agora Bus Terminal, Cagayan de Oro. Ride a bus or van bound for Bukidnon (destinations like Malaybalay, Valencia, or Manolo Fortich).
Travel time: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the destination.
Option 2: Via Davao City
Travel by Air (Francisco Bangoy International Airport):
Fly: From Manila to Davao City (DVO), approx. 1.5-hour flight.
Travel by Land:
- Go to Ecoland Bus Terminal. Board a bus to Bukidnon (e.g., Valencia or Malaybalay).
- Travel time: 5 to 6 hours.
Alternative: Ferry & Land Trip
- Take a ferry from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City (usually takes around 33–40 hours).
- From the port, proceed to Agora Terminal and follow land travel as above.
Travel Tips
- The weather is cooler in Bukidnon, especially in elevated areas—pack light jackets.
- Check weather and road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
- Reserve accommodations in advance during festival seasons like Kaamulan (usually held March–April).