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.
Exploring Impasug-Ong
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.
Communal Ranch: a resemblance of Hobbiton
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.
CEDAR: Center for Development and Recreation
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.
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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! 🇵🇭
Wow, this is incredible! These forests and mountains amaze me. They are so green that I thought they were taken on a professional camera. I admire the beauty of the Philippine forests! I want to go to the Philippines one day!
Ohh..this made my heart so happy 😍
I only used my phone camera to take the photos, and I'm glad I was able to capture the beauty of the place. I hope you get to visit the Philippines someday, you'll definitely enjoy the landscapes. There are also great beaches and lakes, if you also love waters. 🤗What an adventure! Bukidnon is true to its name - so many mountains! It's an escape to the bustling city life indeed. Love CEDAR! It's so different indeed from the ranch. I think I like it better, especially if it's foggy or something, it's like a scene from a movie.
The hils, the waterfall, the jungle...Everything looks so fascinating. Superb capture
Oh yeah, I remember what my friend told me about that, bukid in Bisaya translates to mountain, which differs to the Tagalog meaning of bukid which is farm.
I'd super agree with you on the way CEDAR gave off that adventure/sci-fi vibe from movies!
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This was a total amazing place to be at. Too bad this was the last of your summer trips this year. I liked all the pictures especially the ones with the clouds. Just beautiful ✨
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🤗 I still have some travels planned this year and it may chance upon some bad weather, but it's okay, gotta take some risks 😉
Some risks are always fun and worth it in the end. I hope you enjoy these journeys and stay safe.
Whewww! Bukidnon is love. I so love Inpasugong and I love to be back here over and over sis. Have safe travels.
YES! We actually have a plan to go back and explore more of the place on the southern part + go hiking. If you have some places you can suggest in the area, share mo! ☺️
Wow que paisajes tan hermoso😱😱
Gracias, me alegra que te haya gustado 😀
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Never been to Bukidnon. Eto nakikita ko sa mga vlogs. ang ganda, sobra! <3
It's really a must-visit place! Uulit pa nga kami hahaha.
Ayee nakakainggit :D
Oh, you're brave (or crazy 😂) to go out at noon, so I'm glad that you survived 🙂
Fern salad sounds delicious! I will google to see if we have any edible ferns here too.
Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing!
Hahaha, it was really worth it, although I should have remembered to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day 😅 YES, the fern salad is really one of the best food I've tried, this is coming from someone who used to not like eating vegetables 😉
Niceee! This is still stuck in my to-go list. Hopefully next year I'd get to tick it off. 😁
Ohh, yeah, hope you get to visit the place soon. I wasn't able to add it here, but RotyPeaks is also one of the highlights of this trip. 😀