Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Bukidnon You Can Do Over a Short Visit | Motourismo

By Arabelle Jimenez

View of Lake Apo from the Barn and Garage guest house in Valencia, Bukidnon.

Bukidnon is a mecca for agriculture and adventure, and it should truly be in your travel bucket list.

Experience the colors of Northern Mindanao Region. Here are our top six choices that make Bukidnon stand out in NorthMin's tourism offers. You can do all in just 2-3 days. Ideal for the weekend, or short visit.

1. Pineapple Plantation

Hectares of pineapple plantation in Bukidnon.

Bukidnon is dubbed the pineapple country, and it is rightly so. Driving through thousands of hectares of pineapple plantation with the Mt. Kitanglad as a majestic background, the pineapple plantation in Bukidnon is one of the largest in the world, and the biggest in the Far East. Northern Mindanao stands out in the world as a mecca of pineapples, which can be harvested all-year round. It’s a thriving industry for importing and exporting of pineapples worldwide.

Pineapple for sale on the highway.

Aside from being awestruck by the endless plantation as far as your eyes could see, locals and visitors can actually buy and taste these sweet pineapples from street vendors along the national highway in Bukidnon. Stop to rest and admire the view while enjoying this tropical fruit.

2. Fern University

A rare collection of fern species are found at Fern University.

The Fern University lies within the campus of the 3,000-hectare Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Maramag, Bukidnon.  It is a research state university which was founded in 1910, and is one of the oldest premier universities in the southern Philippines. CMU is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as the Center of Excellence in the field of Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine and Biology; and Center of Development in Mathematics, Environmental Science and Teacher Education.

Fern walk inside the Central Mindanao University.

Be mesmerized by the thousands of fern species recorded by the academics and researchers from the Philippines and abroad. The very educational “fern walk” is a paradise for plant lovers and conservationists. Marvel at the rare species that can only be found at the Fern University.

3. Lake Apo

Lake Apo in Valencia City.

The breathtaking Lake Apo is a crater lake found in the city of Valencia. Amidst a backdrop of hills and plains, the area is located about 640 meters in elevation, and about 11 kilometers from the city. In the 1990’s, Lake Apo was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region. 

A picnic area by the Lake Apo.

Derived from the bisaya term apo, meaning elder or grandparent, legend has it that there was an old man living in the mountains who assaulted his granddaughter. He was punished by the mountain deities for his sins by flooding the area forming the lake. Scientifically, Lake Apo is a basin formed on an old volcanic cone that was later filled with rain water. 

4.  Abbey of the Transfiguration

The pyramid church structure on manicured lawns inside the Abbey grounds.

Known as the Bukidnon Monastery, the Abbey of the Transfiguration in the outskirts of Malaybalay City is one of the most visited religious communities in the Philippines.  Amidst a well-manicured lawn stands the pyramid structure of the church, which was made by the esteemed Leandro Locsin, National Artist for Architecture.

The Abbey Cafe has a beautiful view of the hills and rice fields.

Bukidnon’s Benedictine Monks run the abbey and it is where they live and pray for the souls of each person in the world. Visitors to the monastery can enjoy a magnificent view of Bukidnon’s mountain ranges, including the famous Mount Kitanglad.

The Abbey Cafe and Gift Shop.

Sip your coffee at the Abbey Café while taking in the view of a vast rice field, as well as local flowers and trees. It is important to note that the Monk’s Blend is coffee made from beans produced, grown, and processed by the Benedictine Monks themselves. 

5. Tagolwanen Women’s Weavers

Colorful hand-woven hats and other home items.

Bukidnon’s women artisans came together to create world-class home and leisure items made of “banig”. Bright and colorful hats, mats, baskets, blankets and other quality items are much-coveted in modern homes. 

Buying locally made products give livelihood to the weavers, and their artistry is recognized around the world. The colors of Northern Mindanao is well-represented by these products. 

High-quality hand-woven products.

The intricate designs and its practice of weaving is a cultural heritage innate to the Tagolwanen tribe. Living by the river near Malabalay City, the weavers uphold their traditions and continue the art of weaving from one generation to the next. 

6. Dahilayan Adventure Park

The entrance to the mountain resort and park.

Be transported to country side Europe or immerse yourself in adventure one can only find at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Northern Mindanao. 

Experience your wildest rides and take in the mountain’s fresh air. Located at Dahilayan Forest Park in the outskirts of Malaybalay City, the adventure park boasts of various zip lines that is considered to be one of the longest in Asia.

European themed park and rides inside Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Exciting rides are available for both kids and adults. An amusement theme park that merges with nature, as it is literally located in the middle of a lush forest in the mountainside. 

One of Asia's longest zip lines is found at Dahilayan Adventure Park. 

And if you plan to visit Budkidnon in the months of March and April, catch the colorful Kaamulan Festival. For a related article, click here. Here's a video of this year's Kaamulan street dancing.