THE VERTICAL BIVOUAC OF BUKIDNON: The First in the Philippines

It was 8:30 pm when I finally hit the finish line. Yes, I stepped on the final ledge 150 meters high after hours of ascending on a rock cliff. Overwhelmed. Fulfilled. My heart gradually returned to its normal beat. Midway, while swinging in the dark, the thought "What if the rope gives up?" happened to cross my mind.

BALISBISAN FALLS: Bukidnon's Hidden Wonderfall

 Balisbisan Falls in Impasugong, Bukidnon is a smaller version of Cotabato's Asik-asik Falls. Its water-sprouts are randomly spread in a 100-meter stretch of a curvy wall of Atugan Canyon. The main or prominent group of cascades amazingly sprout below the rocks vertically heaped on 90-degree wall. Other cascades randomly sprout on both of the verdant sides of the main cascades. The highest cascade is 15 feet high. The falls has no river source. In fact, it is a tributary to Atugan River lining below the wall. 

THE TOP 5 DAYHIKES IN BUKIDNON

Bukidnon is a great place for nature trekking due to its grand mountains and natural wonders. Trekkers looking for arduous routes can select from the major peaks included in the top 10 highest summits of the country. Dayhikers can also opt for the minor peaks and adventure sites trekkable for a day. Out of the 20 Must-Visit Destinations in Bukidnon, here are the top 5 dayhikes in the province I highly recommend to sweat the day out and get cooled down after.

I CAN EVEN ACCOMPANY YOU WHEN VISITING THESE PLACES... 

LAKE APO: A Quick Guide

   
Lake Apo in Sitio Lawa, Guinuyoran, Valencia City is a crater lake measuring 24 hectares with maximum depth of 26 meters. It is 11 km away from the Poblacion. Situated in 640 meters elevation, it is one of the cleanest lake in Region 10. 

RAFFLESIA: A Gigantic Pride Blooming in Bukidnon

Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a parasitic plant that periodically blooms in some parts of Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, there are recorded sightings of this organism in the mountainous areas of Laguna, Compostela Valley and Bukidnon. Rafflesia blooms 3 to 5 days and gets decomposed. The flower is also called "flesh flower" and "corpse flower" since it smells like a rotting flesh. In Lantapan, Bukidnon, it is commonly called "busaw", a native word for monster or aswang.

SUMALSAG CAVE: Spelunking and More

Sumalsag Cave is counted as one of the 5 recognized caves in Palaopao Range in the municipalities of Manolo Fortich and Sumilao in Bukidnon. Sumalsag Cave stretches to 1.04km long. Its usual caving route starts from Sitio Kilabong, Vista Villa, Sumilao and exits to Sitio Diamante, Dalirig, Manolo Fortich. 

I have heard Sumalsag Cave many times. Some say it's really beautiful. Some say it's truly adventurous. Some even say they have shed tears trekking in this cave. Challenging, indeed!

ALALUM FALLS: A BUKIDNON'S TOURIST SPOT ALONG THE HIGHWAY

Alalum Falls in Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon graces the provincial highway with its glorious 45-meter high cascades. The falls is visible to travelers and passers by. This is situated near the Municipal Hall. The local government established a viewing deck where locals and visitors can see the entirety of the falls. In addition, concrete stairs lead the adventurers down to the base of the falls.

LAKE NAPALIT and LAKE MATA

Top view of Lake Mata, Lake Napalit (far) and the tikog covered marsh in between

LAKE NAPALIT

Lake Napalit in Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, Bukidnon is a tectonic lake which has an area of around 36 hectares and an estimated depth of 80 feet. The lake is situated just outside the range of Mt. Kalatungan.

TREADING BUKIDNON'S TOURISM HIGHWAY

Bukidnon is full of tourist destinations, from the country's highest mountains, grand rivers, majestic waterfalls, long caves, unique living cultures and a lot more...

In fact, the highway itself is an exceptional treat to every passerby.

Join me in treading my province's tourism highway.... 

From CDO heading south…

In Manolo Fortich:

*Reload with the bestsellers of Pinutos sa Kanto, San Miguel