Cogon Eco Park is located in the barangay of Cogon in the beautiful City of Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte. It started as a reforestation project in 1952, covering 344 hectares of land and forest.
The beautiful nature of this eco park is very popular tourists destination. It is a nice vacation spot for families and friends who want to spend worthwhile time together. This is also the perfect location for those who want thrilling outdoor activities such as camping, trekking and mountain climbing.
As a vast forest, Cogon Eco Park has various kinds of trees. The most popular species of trees are Acacia, Mahogany and Narra. Of course, you shouldn't miss the Cogon trees – it's the park's namesake after all! For tree huggers, you will surely enjoy pointing at different trees and guessing their names, some of which are Duguan, Tianong, Lumbayao, Yemane, Narig, Yemane, Nato, Lauan and Teak.
The Office and Building
The office supervise the entrance of tourists to Cogon Eco Park. Staff members warmly welcome people who want to experience the Cogon Jungle Adventure. The building features a stunning pond and garden. Before entering the park, you will already be amazed with its mini zoo composed of exotic species like snakes, hawks, boars, eagles, doves, peacocks, monitors lizards and exotic birds endemic to the area.
Astonishing Nature
The Cogon Jungle Adventure is your ultimate nature experience. You will feel closer to the environment. You might think it's just in stories but you will hear the whisper of the trees and the gentle touch of the wind. Trekking along the forest trails is refreshing and rejuvenating indeed!
Subanen Village
The historical and cultural village of Subanen has its replica inside Cogon Eco Park. It has real tribesmen living in the area sporting their colourful native costume and performing their traditional dance of Subanen. They also perform ritual dances for tourists who visit their location. Subanen women will also show you the art of basket weaving using Nito vines.
The Subanen people are very hospitable, kind, and gentle. They don't shy away from tourists. In fact, you can interact with them and have a first-hand experience of how they live. They love their culture and will go to great lengths to preserve it.
The government in Dipolog City works hand in hand with different ecological groups to improve the features of Cogon Eco Park. Presently, the addition of picnic cottages, Subanen Valley and the special information center is already laid out to attract more tourists and guests who would like to visit the park. Until now, further progress is being made with the help of tree-planting projects and cooperation of the local residents.
Cogon Eco Park is truly bustling with nature's wonders!
How to get there
From Manila, you can take a flight going to Dipolog City. From there you can ride jeep or tricycle going to Satellite Market Bus Terminal, Dipolog City. From the terminal you can ride a bus/jeep/truck bound or that will pass “Diwan” or “Cogon” Dipolog City. “Pagadian City” bound buses also travel via this route. Ask the conductor/driver to drop you at the COGON Eco park entrance near the highway. Look for a sign “WELCOME TO COGON ECO PARK” along the highway.
There are separate ramp road as ENTRANCE and EXIT that is 50 meters apart. Distance is 42 KM from the main city and travel time is 48 minutes.