CEDAR: ANOTHER BUKIDNON'S WEEKEND GETAWAY

 

CEDAR, Center for Ecological Development and Recreation, in Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon is another adventure spot in the province. It is situated just beside the highway. It is equipped with a very cool manmade swimming pool, sourcing from the natural springs surrounding the area. CEDAR is also a reforestation project site of the tribe-dominated town of Impasugong. It has a camping site, venue, basketball court and picnic amenities

Upon entering the area, trees and a shade of green grace the pathway.

One of the impressive buildings

A hall used for seminars and any other functions

The camping site

The giant spider web

The very simple swimming pool

The footbridge crossed by trekkers looking for adventure

 
THE ADVENTURE...

CEDAR has four major falls- Gantungan, Natigbasan, Makabayot and Dila, which can be trekked in less than an hour. These falls are not in series, meaning each comes from a different river source except for Makabayot, which is a product of both Gantungan and Natigbasan.

Top view of NATIGBASAN FALLS. Upon the first minutes of trekking,
a howling sound implies a big fall. If you are brave enough,
you can go down and follow the river and get closer to the top of the falls.

GANTUNGAN FALLS

GANTUNGAN FALLS. A footbridge is built above its river source

Top View of Gantungan Falls

Gantungan River makes the falls

The foot bridge to be crossed over Gantungan River for more adventure

NATIGBASAN FALLS

Around ten minutes of trekking, the front view of Natigbasan Falls catches everyone in awe

MAKABAYOT FALLS

A difficult downsloping trail between Natigbasan and Dila leads to Makabayot Falls

Makabayot Falls is just 15 feet high

DILA FALLS

A trail will lead you to the top of DILA FALLS

Another trail will bring you to view the falls from below

You can get closer to see Dila Falls in its full glory

You have to do backtrail after communing with the falls

FURTHER ADVENTURE...


For adventurers, trekking has not yet ended. An adventurer would never settle just watching the falls. It's no time to go home unless he's had enough playing with them. So waterfalling is just about to begin...

A not-so-clear trail leads down to the river

A dry bag is very essential. This will save your gadgets and may serve as your life saver

Going close to the base of Gantungan Falls requires swimming since the water is really high

A cavern formation further excites the trekker to move closer

Gantungan Falls shot inside the cavern

 

Rivertrekking the way down will lead you to see Natigbasan Falls in its full glory

The cool water is really irresistible

One can even get right down the falls

Beside the falls is a soothing, bubbling waters where you can dip in

Going further below Natigbasab Falls is Makabayot Falls, whic is suitable for diving or jumping

Upon going back, you can rinse yourself and drink from a clear spring

OTHERS...

River trekking in a complete safety gears is highly recommended

Natigbasan Falls

Bouldering in Fatigbasan Falls

Being an adventurer from this part of the country, I have gone to CEDAR countless times but going back to the place always excites me. I know I haven't had enough of it yet. For sure, there are still lots of spots in CEDAR I haven't yet explored.
 
HOW TO GET THERE:

From Malaybalay City, take a bus bound to CDO. A 30-minute travel will take you to Brgy. Impalutao, Impasugong. Right beside the highway, a CEDAR sign board is clearly visible. From there, just hike around 1 km to reach all the major waterfalls.

From CDO, travel time to Impalutao takes about 2 hours by bus.