As what i've said in my introductory post. I love travelling. It is one of my stress reliever, well, I think most of us likely. So this time let me share to you my travel adventure in Bukidnon.
Bukidnon is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao Region. The name "Bukidnon" means "highlander" or "mountain dweller" because this place has many mountains including Mt. Dulang Dulang, the 2nd highest mountain in the country and many more. But the one that caught our attention was the Panimahawa Ridge because of it's luminous skies at night and it's sea of clouds at day. A very picturesque place to be.
Since this mountain has been very famous in social media, I together with my boyfriend and friends decides to go and witness how truly beautiful it is. Panimahawa Ridge is located at Barangay Impalutao, Impasugong Bukidnon.
How to get there ?
The first thing we did was to find a local travel and tours that would bring us there and through the use of social media, Facebook specifically, we found a cheap and trusted travel and tours. Its good for only Php 800.00 roundtrip. It is Rohan Travel and Tours owned by Mr. and Mrs. Capistrano.
This is their itinerary for the Panimahawa Trek and they have side trips too. How awesome!
Meeting place, things to bring upon trekking and how to avail for the tour are below.
Since we are from Davao, we have started our trip the night before the day of our trek. Around 9 pm we have arrived at our meeting place because we should be at the Ant farm, the place where the trek would start probably by 2 or 3 am in the morning so that we can be able to catch up the rising of sun. The estimated time of travel is about 4 hours. See map below.
Hiking to the ridge is being organized by Ant Farm. After registering our names in the logbook and paying the entrance and guide fee. It cost Php 300.00, our group was provided with two local guides. Our hike started at about 2:30 am. With headlamps and flashlight illuminating our path, we caught up with other groups just as we were about to descend along a narrow path. It was a long and gradual downhill which leads down to Dila River. A makeshift bamboo bridge connects us to the other side where the steep climb began. For a relatively easy hike, the ascending portion is probably the most difficult part of the trail.
Finally, after a 2 and a half hours of trekking we've arrived at the peak by 4 am. Still, so early for the sunrise. So we've seated for a while, feel the breeze of the cold air, and watched the lights from the houses afar while waiting for the sun to come.
(
Morning came and taa daaa ... the beauty of Panimahawa Ridge
This is our group :)
The SUNRISE ! whoaa
JUST LOVEEEE :D
Going back down is not that easy. You have to hold back your feet because of the slippery and steepness of the ridge. Again, we go back to the same path for about 2hrs and enjoyed the trail.
We arrived at the Ant Farm by 7 am in the morning. All of us was so tired and hungry but then it was all worth it. A SUCCESS for us.
THE SIDETRIPS
And since, we still have side trips to go. After resting for a while, we look for a place to eat and then jump off to our next destination which is the Cedar where the 4 falls are hidden. It is somewhere in Barangay Impalutao, Impasugong also not far from the Panimahawa Ridge.
Upon entering CEDAR, you will be amazed by the Cedar trees sorrounding along the path. The place is just so refreshing because of its cold ambiance. There will be an entrance fee for Php 20.00 only and Php 100.00 for the four falls with tour guide.
So this is it, we are now heading to the falls. For adventurers like us, trekking has not yet ended. An adventurer would never settle just watching the falls. It's no time to go home unless he's had enough playing with them. So waterfalling is just about to begin. Its Another 1km trek down to the falls. A very slippery and steep one.
At last, we did it ! First stop, GANTUNGAN FALLS . wohooo !
Second Stop, NATIGBASAN FALLS. Another jaw dropping view. Just WOW !
Sadly, we didn't make it to the 3rd and 4th falls due to tiredness and difficulty of the trek so we just head back to Cedar. Seeing and feeling the cold water of the 2 falls mention was already enough for us. Anyway there's always a next time for us to go back.
Our last spot is the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Situated on a hill in the village of San Jose away from the noisy crowd is a place where one can find refuge and seek peace.Home of the Benedictine monks, the Monastery of the Transfiguration has been a top destination for pilgrims during Holy Week in the province of Bukidnon.
Here's a video of our adventure in youtube. Please see the link.
So that's it ! A day full of Adventure for us, a one of a kind experience. Bukidnon is a one of the place you must visit. There are still a lot of beautiful spots in there. If ever you'll go to Davao, Philippines. This is a good place to go. Surely ! :) I will be ending up here. Until my next adventure guys. See ya ;)
Please upvote, follow, comment or re-steem my post.
Your friend,
Bhev 😊