Location of Bukidnon in the Philippines (map from Wikipedia).
Visiting Bukidnon has never crossed my mind. I thought it was just a boring place, with nothing to see, except for Dole’s and Del Monte’s pineapple plantations. Well, my one-day side trip totally changed my view of this gem of central Mindanao.
Getting There
There is no airport in Bukidnon. To get here, you have to come from either Cagayan de Oro City or Davao. In our case, we came from CDO, where we rode a Rural bus at the Agora Bus Terminal. The fare from CDO to Malaybalay City (one of the key city of Bukidnon) is 150 Php/person (3 USD). The trip lasted for two hours.
On the way to Bukidnon I missed the roadside sceneries because I was having a fever and a bad stomach. I just slept during the entire journey. But I was able made up for this on our way back to CDO. The road going to Bukidnon reminds me of Baguio’s zigzag road, but more! The mountain sceneries are spectacular, ten times beautiful than Baguio’s.
Well, just try to be calm while inside the bus. The drivers of the Rural Bus drives like maniac! I mean, they don’t even slow down in steep curves. It was like a roller-coaster ride! You will not be able to sleep because you will be constantly pulled on either of your sides due to centrifugal force. Plus, things are falling overhead, from bottled drinks, boxes and biscuits!
Malaybalay City
Although considered as a city, I can say that it is laid-back and calm. The hustle and bustle and pollution of a city (e.g. Manila) is non-existent! The city is surrounded by mountains and trees, like it was smacked at the center of a forest. Being a nature lover, I was really delighted! The temperature is also much cooler than CDO. According to my friend, it is much cooler during the rainy season.
Getting Around
Our day tour of Bukidnon was memorable because of our friend and guide Daphne. It pays to have a local with you because everything is easier, especially in negotiating and inquiring.
First time riding the habal-habal!
The main modes of transportation are the buses, multicabs and habal-habal (single motorcycle). It was our first time to ride habal-habal, so our experiences here were quite unforgettable!
Monastery of Transfiguration
I’m not a catholic, but I would like to see this church due to its unique architecture. Going away from conventional church design, it is shape like a pyramid. Another thing that made me curious is the fact that it was designed by the late Leandro Locsin, a national artist for architecture.
On the way to the monastery… nice eh?!
This place is like a treasure: you have to exert effort to see it. Well, to get here you have to ride a multicab from the city proper to San Jose, which is about 10 minutes away. Disembark at the San Jose Day Care, where the habal-habal terminal is also located. A habal-habal ride is the only way to reach the monastery. The fare is 30 Php/person (less than 1 USD).
On our way to the monastery, we were greeted with vast fields of corn, then by gently rolling hills, pine trees and mountains. We felt that we were out of the country! The air was just fresh and pure.
Don’t miss a photo op!
Spectacular!
Even from afar, the pyramid roof of the church is distinct. Then we finally reach it, and my expectations we’re met. If I were a catholic I’ll probably consider holding my wedding here. Another, the view from the church’s backyard was magnificent! I especially love the view of the mountains. I told my friend that what is missing is the snow to cap the mountains, and it will be like somewhere in Europe! The surrounding was so quiet and peaceful, a nice place to meditate.
Must “buys”: piniato (peanut brittle), roasted peanuts and coffee
The monastery is run by the Benedictine monks, so to help them, it is must to drop by their souvenir shop. The “best-buys” would be their coffee and roasted peanuts, which are grown by the monks themselves.
Valencia City
This city is about 30 minutes from Malaybalay City. To get here, the fastest way to ride a bus, fare is 20 Php/person. If you have a lot of time, you can opt to take the multicab instead. You can just wait for a bus or multicab in San Jose, near the habal-habal terminal.
Valencia’s public market…
The main reason why we went to Valencia City is to see Lake Apo. But before going there, you can eat snack or lunch at the mall near Valencia Bus Terminal.
Lake Apo
To reach Lake Apo, catch a multicab going to Dologon at the public market. I forgot how much is the fare but it is below 20 Php. On the way you will pass by one of the best university in the country, the Central Mindanao State University. Also, watch out for the hat-shaped Mt. Musuan. I was able to take a snap shot of this mountain while inside the moving multi-cab. At Dologon, ride a habal-habal to reach Lake Apo.
Hat-shaped Mt. Musuan
Habal-habal again!
I hope there’s no lake monster here ha ha ha!
Honestly, it was my first time to see a “real” lake, which is unpolluted. The place is so placid with its emerald water. There are several huts floating where you can sit and marvel at the lake for free! If you want to go far and see the other side, you can rent a small hut for 200 Php (4 USD).
Going back to CDO
Catch a Rural bus at the Valencia Bus Terminal. Fare is 200 Php (4 USD).
To view my Cagayan de Oro post, click here.
Simple joy of childhood
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DISCLAIMER: Prices may go up, establishments may go bankrupt. It is recommended that you also check or research about the fares, fees and prices for your own convenience. The author of this blog is not connected with any of the hotels, resorts or establishments mentioned.
Exchange rate during the time of travel: 1 USD = 47 Php.
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