Bukidnon is a land where people live alongside nature, and this is shown in the way the locals take care of their environment. The CEDAR Eco-Tourism Site of Bukidnon is a proponent in the effort to protect the environment while giving access to the public to enjoy recreation and research activities outdoors.
Located in Barangay Impalutao, Impasugong, this reforestation project, called The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR), also dubbed as an “Eco-tourism Site in the Heart of Bukidnon,” is becoming well-known as a recreation and amusement park this side of Mindanao.
Declared a protected area, this reforestation project has been managed by the government since 1912. CEDAR is currently jointly managed and developed as an eco-tourism site by the Local Government of Impasugong (LGU-Impasugong) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). CEDAR is approximately 300 meters away from the national highway of Barangay Impalutao.
CEDAR has a total land area of approximately 1,703 hectares with an elevation ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level. Diverse flora and fauna thrive in the area. Approximately 373 hectares is covered with a combination of manmade and natural forest while a large area comprises Mount Kibuwa which is generally grassland in nature being highly ultramaphic with chromite mineral deposits underneath the soil. In the area exists a 100-hectare rattan plantation. Hundreds of thousands of white lawaan trees and giant bamboos are also thrive in the forest.
Points of Interest at CEDAR:
Waterfalls
Trekking underneath the forest following an access trail would lead nature lovers to the beautiful forest and into five waterfalls: the major cascades include Gantungan, Natigbasan and Dila natural waterfalls. Towering trees silently stand guard as one walks on its serene, unpaved foothpath of relatively flat terrain. From the CEDAR center, Gantungan Falls is a walking distance of approximately 720 meters; Natigbasan is 780 meters and Dila at approximately 960 meters. These falls are blessed with pleasantly cool waters and a breathtaking display of granite rock and boulders.
Swimming Pool
It has pristine, cool and crystal waters free-flowing towards a six-foot deep swimming pool.
Camping Site
Underneath the forest is a good venue for camping. The air is fresh and free from pollution, peaceful and relaxing.
Horse Back Riding
Horses for horseback-riding are available in the area on-call at a very reasonable price.
Mountain Climbing
Experience mountain climbing passing through a trail uphill towards the peak of Mt. Kibuwa with an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level. At the peak, one can enjoy the panoramic view surrounding the mountain including that of Mt. Kitanglad which is on the opposite side of Mt. Kibuwa.
Conducting Research
Students and researchers can conduct studies and research about the different flora and fauna inside the center. One of the biggest walking sticks, a kind of an insect, can be found inside the project.
How to get there:
To get to Bukidnon, one must travel by land from Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental Province. Most local airlines have daily flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. Bukidnon is about two hours away by land from Cagayan de Oro City. Local bus companies in Cagayan de Oro operate routes to Bukidnon.
Accommodations:
• GV Hotel Bukidnon - Sayre, National Highway Valencia City, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines
• Dahilayan Forest Park - Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines