The Ultimate Bukidnon Travel Guide – My FAVORITE Province

So you want to visit Bukidnon…

But as you start planning, you quickly realize just how HUGE this province is (it’s the 3rd largest in the Philippines). 

Not only that, but there seems to be an ENDLESS number of tourist spots to visit, and they’re all spread out across this massive chunk of land. 

If this is you, I’ve got you!

I’ve spent two FULL weeks exploring this province. And in this article, I’m going to share everything I learned about this province. 

In this complete Bukidnon travel guide, I’ll go over:

• Fun facts about Bukidnon
• How to get to Bukidnon 
• How to get around the province 
• A Bukidnon travel map of all the main zones
• Where to stay
• What to do, and
• Some frequently asked questions about Bukidnon

There’s SO much to cover, so let’s jump right in! 

Travel Facts About Bukidnon

Before I jump into the details, let me get you excited with what Bukidnon has to offer! 

Bukidnon Travel Facts #1: Bukidnon is a Hiker’s Paradise

My hiker’s heart was BURSTING with joy while I was here. 

There are SO many hikes you can go on in Bukidnon. From super easy, intermediate level, all the way to major multi-day climbs. 

Plus, the views you get from Bukidnon’s mountains are unlike any other in the Philippines!

From the rolling hills of Mt. Kulago and the power of Mindamora Falls, to the sea of clouds in Mt. Kitanglad and the mossy forests of Mt. Dulang-Dulang, Bukidnon has it all. 

I firmly believe that EVERY hiker must visit this province. 

If you haven’t, are you even a hiker at all???

Bukidnon Travel Facts #2: But It Also Has Something For Everyone

Okay…

But what about those of you who think hiking is too tiresome?

Should you skip Bukidnon?

Absolutely NOT. 

Because aside from the hikes, there are many cool spots where you can enjoy the beauty of this province without breaking a sweat. 

You can still enjoy the breathtaking views of Bukidnon’s mountains without actually climbing them. 

I still say you should at least try a beginner-friendly hike, but spots like Roty Peaks, the Communal Ranch, and Dahilayan Forest Park are perfect for people who just want a chill vacation. 

Bukidnon Travel Facts #3: Bukidnon is 100% Safe

Every time someone asks me if Bukidnon is safe, I secretly want to laugh. 

OF COURSE IT’S SAFE. 

It’s as safe as you’ll get in the Philippines. 

Yes, Bukidnon is in Mindanao. And if you’re a foreigner, your government might have some travel warnings about visiting Mindanao. 

However, those are exaggerated (fun fact: Siargao is also in Mindanao). 

The truth is, Bukidnon is FAR away from the parts of Mindanao that are sketchy. 

Of course, don’t be stupid and climb an uncharted mountain by yourself. If you don’t do anything crazy, there’s really no difference between Bukidnon and other parts of the Philippines. 

Bukidnon Travel Facts #4: But the Roads Are Sometimes Awful

My only complaint for Bukidnon as a solo traveler who likes renting a motorbike and exploring by himself is…

The roads. 

I’m talking specifically about the roads in the Impasug-Ong area, which is the main tourist zone. 

For spots like Roty Peaks, Panimahawa Ridge, and even the Communal Ranch, you may want to hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) instead of driving there yourself. 

That said, there are a lot of other great spots that have good roads leading up to them. 

Just be careful about the Impasug-Ong ones. Maybe ask someone if your scooter can climb up before giving it a go, because the roads are sometimes terrible. 

How to Get to Bukidnon From Anywhere in the Philippines

There is NO running airport in Bukidnon. 

There’s also no seaport since it’s a landlocked province. 

The two main entry points to Bukidnon are Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City or Davao City. 

CDO is the main entrance since it’s closer to Impasug-Ong (main tourist zone), but Davao is also a good option if you’re exploring the southern side of Bukidnon. 

Both CDO and Davao have airports and seaports that you can fly into from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and other major airports. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines all fly here. 

Once you get to one of these cities, here’s how to get to Bukidnon! 

How to Get to Bukidnon From Cagayan de Oro

By Air: 

• Fly into Laguindang Airport (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or Air Asia)
• Take a van/taxi to the Agora Bus Terminal 
• Ride a southbound bus to Bukidnon

*Note: all Davao-bound buses from CDO pass through Bukidnon, so you can just hop into one of those!

By Sea: 

• Ride a ferry to Cagayan de Oro Port (2Go, Cokaliong, Trans Asia, etc)
• Ride a tricycle to the Agora Bus Terminal 
• Ride a southbound bus to Bukidnon

How to Get to Bukidnon From Davao City

• Fly into Francisco Bangoy Airport (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or Air Asia)
• Take a taxi to Ecoland Terminal
• Ride a northbound bus to Bukidnon!

*Note: all Cagayan-bound buses from Davao pass through Bukidnon, so you can just hop into one of those! 

How to Get Around Bukidnon

As I said, getting around Bukidnon can be a challenge. 

But with a little planning, it can be done!

Renting a Motorbike

There are a few places you can rent a motorbike in and around Bukidnon. 

First, you can find several rental shops in Cagayan de Oro and Davao, and just drive all the way to Bukidnon. 

In fact, I rented a bike from Spencer’s Motorbike Rental in CDO when I visited Mindamora Falls. 

Also, there are a few shops in Bukidnon itself (in Malaybalay and Maramag). 

In Maramag, I rented from Rimi’s Motorbike Rent to visit Lake Apo. Their FB page looks a bit outdated, but I was able to rent from them just fine. 

In Malaybalay, you can rent from JCars Scooter Rental. (Disclaimer! I haven’t rented from there, but I’d say their Facebook page looks legitimate.) 

However! Beware of people posting Bukidnon motorbike rentals on Facebook! I almost got scammed by this guy:

Good thing I listened to my instincts, did more research into their page, and found out it was super fishy! (The motorbike pictures he sent me was actually from Manila!)

Getting a Habal-Habal Tour

If you don’t want to drive around yourself, you can always get a habal-habal tour. 

Habal-habals can take you to a lot of Bukidnon’s tourist spots for around PHP1,000 – PHP3,000 (depending on which spots you want to visit and your haggling skills). 

Where do you find these drivers? 

• You can contact my driver, Amar Dialong, on Facebook. 

• You can ask your accommodation. They should have contacts for drivers. 

• Several drivers offer tours on Facebook, just look them up! There are also some groups (like this one) where a lot of drivers hang out. Just be sure to screen your driver/tour guide before you pay them anything!

• Finally, you can also just head to the Impasug-Ong Tourism Office, and the people there can assist you in finding a driver. 

Busses, Vans, and Jeepneys

If you need to travel longer distances, there are lots of buses, vans, and jeepneys that can take you there. 

Just about every town in Bukidnon has a transport terminal where you can find these rides. 

Tricycles

In towns, there are many tricycles that you can ride for short distances. 

There are no hail-down taxis in Bukidnon, so tricycles are the main way for people to get around in shorter distances. 

Bukidnon Travel Map (Where to go in Bukidnon)

Travel map coming soon! For now, here are the main travel zones in Bukidnon!

Like I said before, Bukidnon is a HUGE province. 

Even if you spend more than two weeks in the province like I did, you won’t be able to visit everything. 

That’s why, if you’re short on time, here are the main areas travelers head to: 

Impasug-Ong

Impasug-Ong is the main tourist zone of Bukidnon. 

If you can only visit ONE place in Bukidnon, this would be it. 

Most of the popular spots are in this small but madly beautiful town. Spots like: 

• Communal Ranch
• RotyPeaks
• Mt. Kulago
• CEDAR Falls
• Panimahawa Ridge

And more! 

Some of those are mini hikes, while others are viewpoints. 

Impasug-Ong is also a great base to go on major, multi-day hikes in the Mt. Kitanglad Range!

Dahilayan

While Impasug-Ong has the most tourist spots, Dahilayan has arguably the most popular one. 

Dahilayan is a small Barangay on Mt. Kitanglad’s base that has uber popular theme parks. 

There are also plenty of restaurants and places to stay around here, and the views here are super beautiful as well. 

A lot of people visit both Impasug-Ong and Dahilayan. 

Malaybalay

Malaybalay is the capital city of Bukidnon. 

That said, only a small portion of Malaybalay is urbanized — the rest is once again mountains and open roads. 

Malaybalay’s spots aren’t as popular as Impasug-Ong’s, but they’re definitely just as beautiful! 

If you’re looking to go a bit off the beaten path, doing some of Malaybalay’s mini hikes is worth it! 

Other Towns

If I had to write about all the towns in Bukidnon, this list would go on forever. But here’s a quick rundown of some of the other popular towns: 

• Talakag – Found on the west side of Bukidnon, Talakag is famous for Mindamora Falls, which is said to be the 2nd tallest waterfall in the Philippines. 

• Manolo Fortich – Manolo Fortich is quite close to Cagayan de Oro City. It’s also where you’ll find the Del Monte pineapple plantation, where you can taste the sweetest pineapples and drink milk from cows that fed on pineapples (making the milk sweet). 

• Valencia – Valencia is another city with lovely outskirts. Here you’ll find Lake Apo, one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been to

• Maramag – While there’s not much to do in Maramag itself, this town is a great jump-off for major hikes in the Mt. Kalatungan Range.

• Kitao-tao – Kitao-tao is a super scenic mountain town that’s quite close to Davao City. The mountain roads here are breathtaking, and it’s always a good idea to stop over, eat some Binaki, and enjoy the view of Bukidnon’s valleys. 

Where to Stay in Bukidnon

The main parts of Bukidnon where tourists stay are Impasug-Ong, Dahilayan, and Malaybalay. 

Of course, you can find plenty of places to stay in Valencia City, Maramag, or other parts. But I’m going to focus on the most popular parts. 

Where to Stay in Impasug-Ong

• Cowboys Inn – Conveniently located near Impasugong’s must-see destinations. The Inn has spacious rooms with air conditioning and/or an electric fan.
• Roty Peaks Ridge Camp – A campsite for those who love the outdoors. Great views and wonderful accommodation that will make your stay worthwhile.
• B&E HOMESTAY – This homestay is close to tourist destinations. You can cook and wash your clothes, and the staff are very friendly.

Where to Stay In/Near Dahilayan

• Dahilayan Forest Camp – At the foot of Mt. Kitanglad, this forest park is a great escape for your family and friends. Spacious and cozy rooms and a place full of fun activities.
• The Kumaykay River Home – Accommodation includes air conditioning, internet, heating, complimentary tea, and car park.
• Dahilayan Modern Bungalow – Perfect for big groups. The place is spacious and has an amazing view.

Where to Stay in Malaybalay

• YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME – Located in a gated subdivision, perfect for long or short stays. Parking for your vehicle is also available.
• Maila’s Lodging House – Conveniently located near the marketplace. Facilities include free Wifi, free parking, hot and cold showers, and a garden outside.
• Malaybalay Air’bnb Travellers Inn – Relax and enjoy your trip in this traveller’s inn. You’ll get all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

What to do in Bukidnon — 6 Things You Need to Try

Now for the fun part!

What can you actually do and see in Bukidnon? 

Here’s some fun stuff for both hikers and non-hikers! 

Things to do in Bukidnon #1: Go on a Minor Hike

Okay…

I know not all of you are hikers, but hear me out…

If there’s ANY place to try hiking, Bukidnon is it. 

There are SO MANY beautiful mountains and waterfalls here that aren’t difficult to climb! 

Some of my favorites for beginners include:

Mt. Kulago (Impasug-Ong) — One of Bukidnon’s most iconic mountains! You can see Mt. Kulago from a bunch of Bukidnon’s tourist spots, but nothing compares to actually climbing it yourself! That said, it is slightly more challenging to climb than the others I’ve listed so far. Climbing takes about 2 – 3 hours, but it’s SUPER worth it!

Panimahawa Ridge (Impasug-Ong) — A 15-30 minute climb, where you can already witness a sea of clouds. There are also lots of friendly cows up here. 

Mt. Capistrano (Malaybalay) — This mountain has super unique views! Mt. Capistrano is a rock that juts almost 90 degrees out of Bukidnon’s valleys. The climb here is VERY steep, but it only takes about an hour to get to the top, where you get super rewarding views. 

Mt. Kiamo (Malaybalay) — Have you ever seen pitcher plants in real life? Well, Mt. Kiamo is one of the best places to do so! Close to the top of this mountain, you’ll find an abundance of pitcher plant species that look straight out of another world. Getting to the peak here takes 2-3 hours, so be ready for it. The good news is that at the base of Mt. Kiamo, you’ll find Sabangan Campsite (which I’ll talk more about in a bit). 

Those are just some of the most famous minor hikes in Bukidnon. But there’s actually a LOT more. Look up Mt. Palaopao, Musuan Peak, or Kaanibungan Ridge if you want to learn more!

Things to do in Bukidnon #2: Enjoy the Unique Views

For non-hikers, there are many great spots in Bukidnon where you can just take in the lovely views. 

Some of the most famous include: 

Communal Ranch (Impasug-Ong) — This is another iconic Bukidnon tourist spot. Communal Ranch is government-owned land where local ranchers can take their cows to graze. What makes this place so special is the little lake in the middle of the ranch, with Mt. Kulago’s grassy peak towering in the background; it’s a picture-perfect view! 

Roty Peaks Ridge Camp (Impasug-Ong) — Once again, you can see Mt. Kulago from up here. But instead of giving you a view from below, Roty Peaks gives you a view from above! Roty Peaks also has cabins, tents, a rope swing, a view deck, and many other picturesque spots.

Del Monte Pineapple Plantation (Manolo Fortich) — Ever wonder what it’s like to stand on a field of pineapples? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get in the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation. There’s no specific spot to visit here, but just stop by the road, head to the fields, and you’ll be amazed at how far the pineapples go. You can also head to the Del Monte Clubhouse restaurant to try the sweet pineapples and milk from cows that ate pineapple (thereby making the milk sweeter!). 

Lake Apo (Valencia) — Arguably the most peaceful place I’ve ever been to is Lake Apo on the outskirts of Valencia City! There’s not a lot to do here aside from sitting down and enjoying nature, but it’s worth the trip if you ask me. You can also ride a raft to the middle of the lake, or head to the cafe right beside the lake. 

Kaamulan Park (Malaybalay) — A nice park in the middle of Malaybalay City. There are lots of pine trees here, a small creek flowing through the park, and vendors selling dirty ice cream. You can also ride a horse or jog around the park. All in all, it’s not spectacular, but it’s a nice place to spend a lazy afternoon. 

Things to do in Bukidnon #3: Visit Some Waterfalls

Aside from the minor hikes, there are also a bunch of waterfalls that you can visit in Bukidnon!

These waterfalls are SO refreshing to swim in (and they’re all relatively easy to get to!). 

CEDAR Falls (Impasug-Ong) — There are three waterfalls in CEDAR: Natigbasan, Gantungan, and Dila. Natigbasan and Gantungan only take about 15 minutes to get to, while Dila Falls takes around an hour. If you’re short on time, the first two are already super worth a visit. But if you have more time, why not visit all three?

Mindamora Falls (Talakag) — Found in Talakag (which is closer to Cagayan de Oro City than to Impasug-Ong), Mindamora Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in the Philippines! Getting here requires a 45-minute to 1-hour trek down slippery rocks. You can also climb to the top of the waterfalls to get an awesome view! 

Other Waterfalls — There are plenty of other waterfalls scattered across Bukidnon, such as Alalum Falls in Sumilao or Sagumata Falls in Valencia. I haven’t been to these, but I’ve heard they’re also nice and refreshing! 

Things to do in Bukidnon #4: Camp Under the Stars

If you want the full Bukidnon experience, you should spend at least one night camping in the mountains. 

There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars in the cold mountain air after a long day exploring. 

Some of the campsites I’ve visited are: 

Sabangan Campsite (Malaybalay) — Sabangan Campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites I’ve been to. Here you get lovely views of the green rolling hills of  Bukidnon, with a refreshing river running right beside the campsite. The trek (it’s actually just a walk) here only takes about 30 minutes. You can also opt to climb Mt. Kiamo from here, which takes about 3 hours to reach the top. 

Roty Peaks Ridge Camp (Impasug-Ong) — Okay… I know I already mentioned this up there, but Roty Peaks really is one of my ultimate must-visit spots in Bukidnon. You can bring your own tent, or you can rent a tent there for PHP300. You can bring your own food or have the locals cook for you. Also, Roty Peaks makes a good jump-off for climbing Mt. Kulago (I stayed in Roty Peaks, climbed Mt. Kulago before sunrise, then went back to Roty Peaks)

Other Campsites — There are SO MANY campsites in Bukidnon. Some of the ones I’ve heard of are Cowboy’s Camp in Libona (near CDO), CEDAR campsite in Impasug-Ong, and Pineridge in Malaybalay. 

Things to do in Bukidnon #5: Visit Dahilayan!

Alright, so I had to make one point for this alone, because it’s quite different from everything else Bukidnon has to offer! 

There are two main theme parks here, Dahilayan Forest Park and Dahilayan Adventure Park. 

Dahilayan Adventure Park is a theme park with a bunch of exhilarating rides. They have zip lines, a rope tower, base jumping, and a few other adrenaline-pumping activities. 

Dahilayan Forest Park is a resort with rooms, restaurants, and a bunch of activities. Here you can ride an ATV or buggy, pass a hanging bridge, ride bumper boats or go-karts, or play minigolf. There are more things to do here, but they’re not as heart-stopping as the Adventure Park. 

I’d say the most iconic ride here is the Razorback Mountain Coaster at the Adventure Park, which is a monorail that takes you through Dahilayan’s gorgeous pine trees. 

All in all, Dahilayan is probably the most touristic part of Bukidnon. But if that’s your thing, then go for it! 

Things to do in Bukidnon #6: Go on a MAJOR Hike!

Last but not least… go on a MAJOR hike!

Okay… this is NOT for everybody. 

You do need to be fit to be able to complete a multi-day hike here in Bukidnon. 

But if you’re up for it, Bukidnon has some of the best mountains in the Philippines to explore!

The major hikes here are: 

Mt. Kitanglad — The 4th tallest mountain in the Philippines! Mt. Kitanglad is unique for two reasons: one, it has metal stairs leading up the mountain. And two, there’s a bunk house at the top (so you don’t have to freeze out in your tent.) Summiting Mt. Kitanglad takes about 4-6 hours, and most people spend one night at the summit before heading down

Mt. Dulang-Dulang — The 2nd-tallest mountain in the Philippines! I haven’t been able to climb this mountain yet, because it hasn’t reopened in a while. However, I’m told that the mossy forests of this mountain are the best in the Philippines. Climbing Mt. Dulang-Dulang usually takes 2 – 3 days. 

KD2M — KD2M stands for Kitanglad, Dulang-Dulang, and Maagnaw (the 8th tallest). These three mountains are all part of the same mountain range, so some brave hikers traverse these three in one trip! KD2M hikes usually take 4 days to complete, and I’m told it’s one of the most challenging hikes in the country (I’m so doing this when Dulang-Dulang reopens!)

Mt. Kalatungan — The 5th tallest mountain in the Philippines! Another one I haven’t been able to climb yet (it closed right on the WEEK I was about the climb!) 

Mt. Kilakiron — Not the tallest, but definitely one of the most untouched trails I’ve ever been on! Mt. Kilakiron is part of the Kalatungan Range, and here you’ll find super steep trails, a waterfall deep in the jungle, and a lovely view of the Mt. Kitanglad Range across the valley. Most hikes here are only 2 days, but be ready because it’s a HARD climb! 

Sample 3-Day 2-Night (3D2N) Bukidnon Itinerary

When I visited Bukidnon, I didn’t have an itinerary. 

I spent 2 weeks in the province, so I could go around at my leisure. 

However!

If you’re short on time, I recommend picking the spots you want to visit and building an itinerary from there. 

You can also head to the Impasug-Ong tourism office and find a driver to take you to all the noteworthy spots. These guys are very used to creating custom tours for visitors. Plus, you’ll need a habal-habal driver to visit the spots with bad roads. 

Still not sure where you want to visit? Here are two ways to spend 3 days and 2 nights in the province!

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling Bukidnon

Before I go, here are some frequently asked questions about Bukidnon! 

What’s the best time to visit Bukidnon?

Not summer! 

During the hottest months, April-May, the grass dies and the usually lush mountains turn brown. You can still enjoy Bukidnon during this time, of course, but it’s not quite as striking as it usually is. 

I visited in August, when the hills were bursting green, but there wasn’t too much rain. 

Does Bukidnon have an airport?

No. 

There is currently a new airport under construction in Don Carlos, Bukidnon. However, I’m not sure how long it’ll take before we start seeing commercial flights into Bukidnon!

What is the nearest airport to Bukidnon?

The closest airport to Bukidnon is Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro. Most travelers heading to Bukidnon land here before taking a van or bus into the province. 

Alternatively, you can also fly into Francisco Bangoy Airport in Davao City if you’re planning to visit the southern side of Bukidnon. 

Do I need a tour to visit Bukidnon?

No. 

However, some spots like ROTY Peaks, Panimahawa Ridge, and Communal Ranch don’t have good roads leading up to them. 

You’ll either need a 4×4 vehicle or an off-road motorbike to reach them on your own. That’s why I recommend getting a habal-habal tour for these spots. 

What language is spoken in Bukidnon?

Bisaya (Cebuano) is the common language in Bukidnon. 

However, there are many local languages mixed in. Most people here can also speak Tagalog and English for visitors! 

How long should I stay in Bukidnon?

Give yourself at least 3 days to explore Bukidnon! 

You can see most of the highlights of the province in three days. You can also spend two days in Bukidnon and one day in Cagayan de Oro, going whitewater rafting. 

That said, if you can stay longer, I’d definitely go for it! 

What is Bukidnon known for?

Mountains! 

Fun fact: the word “Bukid” means “Mountain” in Bisaya. It’s no surprise, then, that this province is ALL about mountains!

Conclusion – Ready to Visit Bukidnon?

Bukidnon is hands-down my FAVORITE province in the Philippines!

No, it doesn’t have white-sand beaches, but there’s something very special about the mountains here that keeps me coming back. 

If you’re planning to visit, I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip!

I’ll also write a Bukidnon tourist spots article soon, which goes over the spots in more detail (so you can pick and choose which ones are worth seeing!). 

Other than that, thank you for reading!

– Manoling