THE 20 MUST-VISIT TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN BUKIDNON

Bukidnon is well endowed with natural scenic spots. Its vast land area possesses diverse tourist spots, both natural and manmade. Bukidnon is best visited not only during summer season but all year round. Whether you are an outdoorsy person or just a mere vacationist, here are the 20 tourist destinations in my home province I recommend.  

MOUNTAINS

Mt. Kitanglad

The fourth highest mountain in the country is the most famous peak in Bukidnon. Towering at 2,899 meters ASL, this ASEAN Heritage site possesses a stunning landscape and magnificent view of its neighboring peaks.  The easiest jump-off is in Sitio Intavas, La Fortuna, Impasugong.

For booking, climb permit and other info, please PM “daffy daffodil” on Facebook

HAIRY, ITCHY, SLIPPERY AND SLIMY: My Trail Encounters

HAIRY and SLIPPERY. First, you might be some kind of a nervous. When you get used to it, there's a different kind of awesome feeling.  ITCHY and SLIMY. Yes, I have encountered such along my way. Some are even venomous and stinging.

We are just passersby on the trails. The forests are inhabited by creatures, which others might think yucky, yet for me, wonderful and lovely.

THE UNDERGROUND CEMETERY OF LAGUNA

The Underground Cemetery of Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna was built in 1845 intended to be the final resting place of Spanish friars, elite Catholics and prominent citizens. It is a circular cemetery occupying a 1-hectare property. The cemetery, built under the supervision of Fr. Vicente Velloc, has a chapel and underground crypt below it. It has 276 niches, mostly on the sides of the both walls. It was declared a historical landmark in 1973.

EPOL FALLS: A Curtain in the Woods

EPOL Mountain Spring Resort in Epol, Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City is just a 300 meter trek from the national highway. The main falls--- EPOL FALLS is around 20 feet high. Its mountain cool, gentle cascades curtain down the limy rock. Locals say the falls is a 5-series cascades with names such as Tourist, Jordan, Epol and two more. According to sources, EPOL is an acronym for EVERLASTING POWER OF LOVE.    

SOIL PAINTING IN BUKIDNON

A soil painting portrait of me and my wife--- artwork by John Estrada.

SOIL PAINTING is only heard to have existed in Bukidnon. One of the most popular soil painters of the province is the tribal singer and artist Waway Saway. A member of the Talaandig tribe in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, Waway also popularized the song ES GALI (Hey, Dude). According to him, Bukidnon is a home to original and authentic soil painters, besides, Bukidnon artists have wide consciousness about visual art. Waway even initiated events showcasing Bukidnon's beauty through soil painting, eyeing Bukidnon as "Soil Painting Capital of the World." 

A GLIMPSE OF MY 2014 JOURNEY

2014 is my year. Indeed, it is. I had the chance to further explore my beloved home province, BUKIDNON. I conquered new peaks, trekked new waterfalls and spelunked new caves. 2014 also marks the beginning of my lifelong journey--- a journey with somebody who's become a part of me. Excitingly, the year is also the arrival of my future trek buddy.

Here's a glimpse of my 20 most remarkable journeys of 2014.

1. TREK TO MIGKARAMAGAN FALLS
A lazy Saturday led me to the foot of Mt. Kalatungan in my hometown. It was almost noon when I reached the place. I planned to visit Lisihan Falls but my guide insisted to visit the unknown Migkaramagan Falls instead. Ignorant of both, I followed where he led me. He also took me to Anikap Falls where a cavern hides beneath the cascades of a roaring water from the mountains.

WHY SAGADA KEEPS ME COMING BACK

SAGADA, Mountain Province is my favorite vacation destination. Since my first visit in 2011, I vowed to myself to visit the place every year. Sagada is truly worth coming back. No wonder foreigners and locals throng in this small adventure filled town everyday of the year.