CEDAR: A Destination That Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List When in Bukidnon

What is CEDAR?

CEDAR is an acronym for Center for Ecological Development and Research. It is located along the national highway of barangay Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. It is an eco-park and a reforestation project developed and managed by the government agencies namely – the LGU of Impasug-ong and the DENR.

It offers numerous outdoor activities such as swimming, river trekking, trail hiking, camping and of course, waterfalls hopping and waterfalls jumping. 

The entrance fee is only 10 pesos; you’ll pay this upon arriving and registering at the main entrance and no other fees necessary.

My Travel Diary 

I’m an adventure junkie but seriously I have never seen this trip coming. It was on the 3^rd day of November 2015 when my Bukidnon-based friend, Jorge Lagumbay Jr., who at the same time brought me to Lake Apo last summer, told me that he will be going on a new adventure at CEDAR on the weekend with his high school batch mates and upon hearing it I was like, “Holy Grail! I’m clueless about CEDAR but I want to go there so bad!” So, there I voluntarily invited myself (ha-ha! Sorry Jorge) and went to Malaybalay City over the weekend and the rest was truly epic!

At the entrance of CEDAR, tall and slender Mahogany trees welcomed us beautifully as they lined up on both sides of a placidly unpaved road – absent-mindedly making us feel like we’re entering the Garden of Eden.

At the main entrance

Upon arriving and making sure that the vehicles were parked well, we immediately registered and paid 10 pesos for the entrance fee of the entire eco-park and a reforestation project area. Then prayed and asked for guidance before leaving the main entrance.

After walking about 5-minutes, we first reached a man-made spring swimming pool, 6ft deep and based on my observation it wasn’t regularly maintained but still with crystal clear water though.

Next, we crossed a bamboo bridge and continued our trek until we reach the top of Natigbasan Falls but we did not stop there because according to our tour guide, we need to visit Gantungan Falls first and then pass by at the bottom of Natigbasan Falls, so we followed them.

Going to Gantungan Falls really need an extra care considering the fact that we need to pass on green vegetation and a path so narrow, slippery and steep. 

And finally, we reached our first destination – the Gantungan Falls!

It also requires swimming and entering into a cavern which actually fired us up to move closer to the falls and took a lot of photos! :’)

Then continued our river trekking until we reached Natigbasan Falls, the second main waterfall which is relatively close to the first one! 

Unfortunately, we were not able to get close at the base of the waterfall because the stones are so slippery and pointed that we can’t simply take the risk.

Instead, we happily stared at the view and took photos of it!

After Natigbasan Falls, we thought we will directly go to Dila Falls, the third and last main waterfall of CEDAR but it didn’t happened. Our tour guide brought us to a cliff, more like a-not-so-tall waterfall which unexpectedly where I enjoyed the most and spent the longest time. I enjoyed it the most simply because it was my first time doing a cliff diving or a waterfall jumping and played enough with the waterfall.

CEDAR: Hiking, waterfalls hopping, swimming, river trekking, cliff diving/waterfalls jumping and almost getting lost by the way! Haha #‎thexuixuiWay

CEDAR, Center for Ecological Development and Recreation,Impaltuao, Impasugong, Bukidnon is also a perfect place for neophytes in waterfall jumping! ‪#‎thexuixuiWay

The one that’s always left behind to take random photos, #thexuixuiWay :P

I enjoyed it the most simply because it was my first time doing a cliff diving or a waterfall jumping and played enough with the waterfall.

On the other hand, Dila Falls, the third and last waterfall was quite afar from the first two falls we have visited that it took us not less than 20minutes trek to reach the top of it. 

This is at the top of Dila Falls!

Then, we took photos and went back to the man-made swimming pool where we ate our lunch. By the way, I also learned that the three waterfalls are not in series, they came from different river sources –how surprising! 

How to get there

Via Cagayan De OroCity

1.       Private Car

§  Bound directly to Barangay Impalutao, Impasug-ong Bukidnon… the same road as going to Malaybalay City but nearer

§  Upon arriving at the said Barangay, just ask the local for the directions to CEDAR. It is not actually a big problem since it is just along the national highway which is very easy to locate.

§  This will take you almost 2 hours.

2.     Public Bus

§  Take a bus from Agora, Bus Terminal bound to Valencia City

§  Just tell the conductor or driver to drop you by at CEDAR

§  Travel time is about 2 to 2.5 hours and the fair for air-conditioned buses is 135 pesos (regular) and 115 pesos (students)

Via Malaybalay City

1.       Private Car

§  Bound directly to Barangay Impalutao, Impasug-ong Bukidnon… the same road as going to Cagayan De Oro City

§  Upon arriving at the said Barangay, just ask the local for the directions to CEDAR. It is just along the national highway which is very easy to locate.

§  This will take you 20-25 minutes.

2.     Public Bus

§  Take a bus from Malaybalay City, Bus Terminal bound to CDO

§  Just tell the conductor or driver to drop you by at CEDAR

§  Travel time is about 25-30 minutes and the fair for air-conditioned buses is around 25 pesos.

Looking for a tour guide?

Just contact me, I’ll recommend you to the best I’ve ever known or simply call the number 0926-820-2868!

Side Trip – Nasuli Freshwater Spring Lagoon: A Quick Look

This spring is about 30-45minutes ride away from CEDAR. It is approximately 15 ft deep with icy cold water even during noon time. This is absolutely an off-the-track destination, 20 pesos is the entrance fee and for me, the place has really a potential to be a first class destination of Bukidnon if it will be renovated and beautified. 

What can I say about CEDAR?

To be honest, the three waterfalls of CEDAR are not jaw-droppers and majestic as compared to the other waterfalls I have visited but my entire experienced was incomparable – with two main reasons why…

First, it’s because I saw how CEDAR has successfully preserved the astonishing natural wonders of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon! I truly felt like I was in a forest way back 1800’s.

Second is that, I think CEDAR is also a perfect place for neophytes in river trekking and waterfall jumping/cliff diving which I enjoyed the most and if I will be given another chance, I’d love to go back there again!

Been there already? How was your experience? Let me know in the comment section or message me on Facebook www.facebook.com/marklowillalmedaa 

TO THE MYSTERIOUS LAKE APO OF VALENCIA CITY BUKIDNON

TO THE MYSTERIOUS LAKE APO

OF VALENCIA CITY BUKIDNON

According to Wikipedia.org, Lake Apo is a crater lake in Barangay Guinoyoran in the City of Valencia in Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines. It is located in a hilly area about 640 metres (2,100 ft) in elevation, about 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) WSW of the city poblacion (town center).

Lake Apo was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region (Region X) in the late 1990s. The green body of water has an estimated area of 24 hectares (59 acres) with maximum depths reaching up to 26 m (85 ft).

No entrance fee for this tourist attraction yet, all you have to do is to rent the small bamboo raft with a cottage where you can relax, dine and unwind while crossing the lake.

What can I say about Lake Apo?

                The place is so quiet and the view is pretty amazing, it was truly a breathtaking view. The water of the lake is very clear and you can tell to yourself that, it gave justice of being the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region.

‪            #‎LakeApo: Another ‪#‎Bukidnon wonder at Guinoyuran, Valencia City. It's a perfect place for family bonding, dating and simply unwinding but then again please take extra care if you go swimming because the lake is just too mysterious that you might ended up Missing! Like what happened during my first visit last March 29, 2015, unfortunately there were 2 teen agers were drowned after trying to cross the lake using a small bamboo raft and their bodies were recovered only after 3 days.

                          Therefore, as a piece of advice, it will be good if you will wear life savers if you go swimming. 

                                         

How to get there?

To be honest, we were almost lost since there was no single signage along the road to this lake, so if you are bringing your own car just like what we did, all you can do is to task the locals along the road regarding the directions. If you don’t have private cars, it’s also possible to do “Pakyawan” of ‘Habal-Habal” from either Maramag City or Valencia City as staring point.

From Maramag or Valencia, it will take you almost an hour to reach the destination, however since you will ask some locals regarding the direction; it will surely take you more than an hour. So, if it’s possible, the best thing to do is to accompany someone who already knows the way to Lake Apo.

BUKIDNON’S BEST HOMEGROWN RESTAURANTS

                Of course, it’s a bit tiring traveling a long way and even after swimming in the lake so if you want to experience eating the best local food of Bukidnon, I recommend you to try these local restaurants;

            First is the Roadhouse Cafe along Sayre Highway, Valencia City. This is the first Roadhouse café before branching out at SM City and Centrio Mall in Cagayan De Oro. They were a bit expensive but surely it's worth your pay. Click here for more – Roadhouse Cafe.

At Rancher's Steakhouse

               Second is the Rancher’s Steakhouse located along Diversion Road Malaybalay City. It is a rodeo-themed steakhouse which serves mostly Western Cuisine with Malaybalay City touch of course. I recommend you to try their extra big burger good for 5-6 persons for 500 pesos. It’s worth your pay!

        Lastly, if you want some sweets and pasta and explore more delicious food, you can try Le Café, Home of the Best Pasta Dishes of Bukidnon located along Fortich Street Malaybalay City, in front the city Plaza and church.

Been there already? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments section or message me on Facebook! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marklowillalmedaa

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE

PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON

Bukidnon is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Malaybalay City.  The name "Bukidnon" means "highlander" or "mountain dweller". It is considered to be the food basket of Mindanao. It is the major producer of rice, corn, pineapple, bananas and sugarcane in the region. It is the home of Mount Dulang-dulang, the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,938 m located in Kitanglad Mountain Range.

                

                Now, if you are planning to visit the province, you should not miss these tourist attractions in your itinerary or simply in your bucket list…

1. KAAMULAN FESTIVAL

Kaamulan Festival is an ethnic cultural festival held annually in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon in the Philippines from the second half of February to March 10, and the anniversary date of the foundation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917. It is held to celebrate the culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups—Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon—that originally inhabit the province. It is the only ethnic festival in the Philippines. Kaamulan comes from the Binukid word “amul” meaning to gather. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaamulan)

                                                               (I do not own these photos!)

                Actually, I haven't experience this festival yet I am hoping that maybe next year I will! It’s really hard especially that you should be the one to adjust your schedule in order to experience this; you cannot just go there anytime and experience this! :P

2. DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK

                    This is the most popular tourist attraction in the province of Bukidnon. It is located in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich and you can contact them directly through mobile phones using this number 0917 622 3204. You can check my blog for this by just simply clicking the list below;

1.       Dahilayan Adventure Park – Dahilayan Gardens and Resort

2.       Dahilayan AdventurePark – Forest Park

3.      Dahilayan AdventurePark – PINE GROVE MOUNTAIN LODGE

3.  Lake Apo

Lake Apo is a crater lake in Barangay Guinoyoran in the City of Valencia in Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines. It is located in a hilly area about 640 metres (2,100 ft) in elevation, about 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) WSW of the city poblacion (town center).

Lake Apo was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region (Region X) in the late 1990s. The green body of water has an estimated area of 24 hectares (59 acres) with maximum depths reaching up to 26 m (85 ft). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaamulan).

You can check my blog post and view more exclusive photos of Lake Apo by clicking the link below: Tayo na sa Lake Apo!

4.The Monastery of Transfiguration

The 25-year old Monastery of Transfiguration on San Jose hill is made of heavy lime blocks, designed by National Artist for architecture Leandro Locsin. The first Filipino Abbot, Fr. Eduardo Africa and former Malaybalay bishop Gaudencio Rosales inaugurated it on August 6, 1983.

"The monastery is a pyramid-like structure designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin (same guy who designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines). It has a huge rock at center serving as the altar. "

You can check my blog post and view more exclusive photos of the Monastery of Transfiguration by clicking the link below: Boosting My Spiritual Energy at the Monastery of Transfiguration

5.  DEL MONTE PINEAPPLE PLANTATION

Camp Phillips is a community situated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and the home of Del Monte Pineapple Plantation.

The first pineapple plantation of the Far East was in Manolo Fortich when Del Monte [then Philippine Packing Corporation] in Bukidnon began in 1926 (p. 73 BUKIDNON: The Philippine Frontier) The 5,000 hectares plantation is located in Camp Phillips, Barangay Agusan Canyon where scenic view of Mt. Kitanglad can be seen far beyond the vast and lush landscape of pineapple plantation which fruits are exported to different countries like the United States, Japan and European and Middle Eastern Countries. (http://manolofortich.com.ph/del-monte-pineapple-plantation/ )

You can check my blog post and view more exclusive photos of the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation by clicking the link below: Tayo na sa Pinyahan!

    Being a landlocked province, Bukidnon is truly a haven for outdoor eco-adventure enthusiasts and also has a rich cultural heritage and tradition. The province has something to offer that’s worth your time and money.

       If you also love eating and want to know where to dine the best, you can read my next blog about my latest 3 days and 2 nights strolling in Malaybalay City. There, I will feature some of the best homegrown restaurants in the province that will surely make your mouth watery. It’s more fun in Bukidnon! 

                                    

Been there already? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments section or message me on Facebook! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marklowillalmedaa