Comprised of 22 municipalities and two major cities, the province of Bukidnon is home to at least 1.3 million residents. This landlocked plateau is located in the North of Mindanao and is a major producer of corn, rice and vegetables. Also known to be the food basket of Mindanao, Bukidnon also boasts of majestic mountains, the huge Del Monte pineapple and sugarcane plantations and numerous beautiful spots that are definitely worth visiting.
What to do while in Bukidnon?
1. Visit Dahilayan
Dahilayan is only about an hour and a half drive from the Laguindingan International Airport (in Misamis Oriental). This beautiful spot is gaining popularity among tourists for many reasons—it is a perfect getaway for those who are stressed out by the busyness of city life. Dahilayan offers its guests a peaceful and quite holiday. On top of that, Asia’s longest dual zipline is found in Dahilayan Adventure Park. Visitors could also have the opportunity to traverse through some of Bukidnon’s hilly terrains, experience the thrill of bungee jumping or just enjoy a quiet picnic with the family under the trees. To have a more meaningful time at Dahilayan, it would be best to stay for at least a night or two at Dahilayan Gardens and Resort.
On the way to Dahilayan, one could go through the Del Monte pineapple plantation. It’s like going through a sea of pineapples—a beautiful sight, one you don’t get to enjoy elsewhere. The sunset in Dahilayan is also spectacular. Did I forget to mention that you need to bring a thick jacket if you’re planning to stay in Dahilayan for a night? Because of its elevated location, Dahilayan could get so cold anytime of the day.

2.  Have Fun at Kampo Juan
Kampo Juan is actually just a few kilometers from Dahilayan. Located in Barangay Diklum, Manolo Fortich, Kampo Juan also offers its guests the thrill of ziplining. But what sets it apart is that you would get to ride an anicycle—a bicycle on a cable hanging 100 feet on a ravine and at an expanse of 600 feet. This heart-stopping experience has made Kampo Juan one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province.
3.  Street Dance at the Kaamulan Festival
The Kaamulan Festival showcases the seven tribes in Bukidnon.  Every February of each year, a street dance competition happens in the main streets of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon’s capital. It would be one rich cultural experience for those who are not from Bukidnon. The province’s interesting cultural heritage, the vibrant colors of the tribes and the rhythm of the gongs and indigenous drums and a taste of Bukidnon’s delicacies would be enough reasons for you to come back to Kaamulan year after year.
4.  Swim in Bukidnon’s Finest Resorts
Central Bukidnon is where many of Bukidnon’s finest resorts are located. Here are the most frequently visited ones:  Waig Resort, RR Family Resort, MGM and Edlimar Spring Resort.  RR and MGM have rooms for guests to stay for the night. At affordable prices, you could get to enjoy peace and quiet, and an unforgettable holiday with friends or family. The fact that you will be swimming on pools with naturally flowing water is something you don’t get to enjoy in most resorts—something that’s distinctly Bukidnon!
5.  Relax at Lake Apo
Lake Apo is awarded as the second cleanest lake in the entire Philippines.  Believed to be a crater of a dormant volcano, this placid lake is breathtaking. It has floating cottages that would take you from one end to another. Lake Apo is definitely worth checking out—the road going there is quite bumpy but mind you, going through Bukidnon’s rough roads would even make your Bukidnon experience more unforgettable!

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Text and Photos by Raya Gregorio