Bukidnon’s cool climate, pine forests, and wide-open highlands make it perfect for a day tour. If you’ve only got one day, this route hits three of the province’s most iconic spots: wide ranchlands, adrenaline-packed rides, and a peaceful crater lake. Here’s how to do it.
Total travel time: ∼5-6 hours driving, so we started early at 1:00 AM from Davao City.
First spot: Communal Ranch, Impasugong (Maramag)
Start slow, breathe deep. Communal Ranch sits in Maramag and feels like a giant green postcard. Think rolling hills, grazing horses, and that classic Bukidnon fog rolling over the fields. You can take photos at the viewpoint,the landscape really does look like New Zealand with its endless green slopes. horseback riding if you’re up for it, grab fresh milk + pastillas at the ranch store. It’s quiet in the morning so perfect for resetting your head before the adrenaline hits.
Best time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM when the fog still hugs the hills and it’s not yet hot.
Known as the “Communal Ranch” or Impasugong Ranch, this 642-hectare government-owned ranch is your first taste of Bukidnon’s highland charm.
Tips: Wear a jacket. Mornings are 18-22°C.
We left in Communal Ranch around 9am and had a quick breakfast at Kulit Restaurant along Bukidnon road before heading to next destination at Dahilayan Adventures.
Second Spot : Dahilayan Adventure Park, Manolo Fortich
Best time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, before afternoon rain sets in.
About 1 hour from Impasugong, Dahilayan is where you get your adrenaline fix at 4,000 ft above sea level. Dahilayan is the “Asia’s longest dual zipline” park, but there’s more than that.
Must-try rides:
1. Asia’s Longest Dual Zipline – 840m long, 4,700 ft elevation. You’ll “fly” over pine trees and a canyon at 60-80kph.
2. Dropzone – 120-ft free fall into a man-made lake. Not for the faint-hearted.
3. Python Roller Zip – Combination of roller coaster + zipline.
4. ATV or Buggy – If you prefer ground adventure.
5. Razorback - an extreme thrill ride
We really wanted to try the Zipline 840m but due to weight issues with me and Jay we decided tried the Razorback instead. If you're feeling adventurous, you can whiz down the monorail at up to 40 mph. If you prefer a more leisurely ride, you can apply the brakes at any time and enjoy the lush greenery of the Dahilayan mountains to the full during the ride. In addition, during the descent you pass some curves and waves that make the descent even more varied and exciting. Pero naa jud nag palpitate and cause traffic along the way lol. Medyo bitin ang ride pero masaya. We were not able to captures those moments kasi bawal mag video.
For non-thrill seekers: The park has a luge, hanging bridge, and flower gardens. The pine forest alone is worth the trip.
Lunch: Eat at the park’s Pinegrove Cafe or bring packed lunch. Lechon and sinuglaw are popular at nearby eateries along the Dahilayan highway.
Third Spot 3: Lake Apo, Valencia City
Best time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM for golden hour and sunset.
From Dahilayan, it’s a 1.5-2 hr drive south to Lake Apo in Barangay Guinoyoran. This bowl-shaped crater lake is 24 hectares of clear, green water surrounded by hilly terrain. It’s a crater lake with deep blue-green water and Mount Apo looming behind it.
What to do:
• Bamboo rafting – Rent a balsa for P300/hr and have someone paddle you around. Bring snacks and enjoy it picnic-style on the raft.
• Quiet time – Unlike other tourist lakes, Lake Apo is still peaceful. No jet skis, no loud music. Just birds, breeze, and water.
• Photo op at the view deck – The lake’s crater shape is best seen from the elevated cottages.
We left Lake Apo past 5PM and we reached Davao City around 8:30PM.
What to Bring
• Jacket or hoodie – Bukidnon is 20-25°C, colder at dawn
• Extra shirt – you’ll sweat on rides or get misted at Lake Apo
• Closed shoes – for ranch and Dahilayan
• Cash – most spots don’t take GCash or cards yet
• Power bank – for all the photos and videos
• Motion sickness meds – roads are winding
Why this route works: You start with chill scenery, peak with adrenaline at midday when you have the most energy, then wind down with a quiet lake before the long drive home. It’s the classic “Bukidnon trilogy” for a reason.
THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR JAY MONTEJO.
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