Just like any new adventure, it’s always advisable to take in the beauty of Bukidnon slowly. This is what this Bukidnon Day Tour Itinerary is about. It covers only the basics but you will end the day fulfilled and happy. Your eyes will be filled with wonder and your mind with cherished memories.
04:00 AM: Call Time. Start Travel to Impasug-Ong
This Bukidnon Itinerary is ideal for people coming from Cagayan De Oro as Impasug-Ong is just a 2-hour bus ride from this city. You can also start the trip earlier since buses are available 24/7 from Agora Terminal. If you’re from Davao then it’s highly recommended to start the trip as early as 2 AM.
06:00 AM: ETA Impasug-Ong. Ride to Communal Ranch & Lover’s Lane.
You can get off at the junction leading to Impasug-Ong town center and hire a motorcycle rider to take you to Communal Ranch and Lover’s Lane. The trip should set you back ₱300 for a two-way ride but some drivers might charge you more. The Communal Ranch is heaven for breathtaking views but it’s a hell hole in the hours past 8 AM. It’s best visited early morning or late afternoon.
Communal Ranch pretty much has nothing more to offer other than breathtaking views. You can try horse riding and observe the livestock being herded to the pastures to maximize your time there. Just spend an hour or two at most to take photos and shoot videos then ride your way back, dropping by Lover’s Lane for a quick photo.
08:00 AM: Breakfast at Cowboy Town
One of the things I love about Bukidnon is the wide array of restaurants that serve high-quality and delicious food at reasonable prices. After starting the day with a great view, I think it’s only appropriate to spend the next hour having a sumptuous breakfast. In Impasug-Ong, there’s only one restaurant that fits the bill: Cowboy Town. This American rodeo-themed restaurant has good food and a nice ambiance to keep the momentum going.
09:00 AM: Chase Waterfalls in CEDAR
In the province of Bukidnon, there are numerous stunning waterfalls, some of which are still inaccessible. Fortunately, three of these waterfalls are located within CEDAR and can be easily accessed with the help of their skilled tour guides. The nearest one is Natigbasan Falls, characterized by its rocky terrain. Next is Gantungan Falls, known for its curtain-like cascades and emerald pool. The farthest is Dila Falls, which is also the highest among the three.
11:00 AM: Kaamulan Park & Kaamulan Zoo
Don’t forget to take some time to explore the city of Malaybalay, the province’s capital. Kaamulan Park in the city is a refreshing sight, surrounded by pine trees and filled with the scent of pine in the air. You should also consider a quick visit to Kaamulan Zoo to see some exotic wildlife from different parts of the world.
Noon NN: Lunch at Totsy’s
We’re all about tasting the flavors of Bukidnon in this itinerary. While there are a lot of local restaurants around Malaybalay, my pick goes to Totsy’s for lunch. This restaurant near Malaybalay’s City Hall has a good ambiance and serves all-day breakfast meals, cakes and pastries, rice bowls, and yummy desserts. Their food tastes delicious and comes in big portions so it’s a value for money guaranteed.
01:00 PM: Quick Stop in Malaybalay City Hall
One of the most beautiful city halls I found in the Philippines is Malaybalay. There is something about it being atop a hill and its facade painted white all over that’s captivating. It’s a commanding site that always captures my attention whenever I pass it. It exudes power and dominance as well as elegance and sophistication all the same time.
02:00 PM: Refreshing Dip in Nasuli Spring
Aside from waterfalls, Bukidnon also prides itself on the abundance of natural cold springs scattered everywhere within the province. One of the best ones I found was Nasuli Spring. Here, you will be mesmerized by its pool filled with cold turquoise clear water and surrounded by lush vegetation and decade-old trees. The resort is also intricately landscaped, making every corner snap-worthy.
04:00 PM: Coffee, Floating Cottages, & Sunset at Lake Apo
There is no better way to end the day than in Lake Apo, afloat on a lake in one of their cottages while sipping a good cup of coffee at sunset. Believe it or not, this place has got to be one of the best sunset spots out there. The collision of colors in the sky reflected by the lake on a good afternoon is just magical. Add in the tranquility of dusk and you will have one heck of a moment to cherish for the rest of your days.
06:00 PM: Dinner at Villa Tuna
If you love tuna then you’ll be happy to know that Villa Tuna, one of the popular restaurant chains in Mindanao is available to serve you in Valencia. Dig into their delicious offerings that include grilled panga/belly, kinilaw, tuna dynamite, tuna Bicol express, tuna adobo, and many other mouthwatering dishes. And did I say their halo-halo and mais con yelo are heaven? With a spoonful of perfectly smooth-shaven ice and creaminess melting in your mouth every time, only a few can beat that.
