Dubbed as the "South Summer Capital of the Philippines", the city of Malaybalay fastly became one of the premier tourist destinations in Bukidnon. Malaybalay, the capital and administrative center of the province of Bukidnon, is well known for its exceptional places that offer moments of adventure and leisure. Come as I discover this wonderful place that will nurture our minds on how rich and blessed the province of Bukidnon is.
Tagbalaybalay kay – Malaybalay…
When Spanish explorers came to the central portion of the province in the late 18th century, they inquired the children playing at the lower part of the spring. The soldiers asked in Spanish what the name of the place is. The innocent children who did not understand Spanish thought that they were asked what they were doing. So they replied “Tagbalaybalay kay” (we are playing house). The soldiers thought that the name of the place was Malaybalay. So in the Spanish record, the name Malaybalay stuck about approximately in the years 1820-1840.
It was formerly part of the province of Misamis Oriental as a municipal district in the late 19th century. When the special province of Agusan and its sub-province (Bukidnon) was created in 1907, Malaybalay was designated as the capital of Bukidnon. It was then formally established as a municipality on October 19, 1907 and was created into a city on February 11, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act 8490.
Tourism in Malaybalay
Most of the notable sites in Bukidnon, historical or cultural, are located in the city of Malaybalay. Listed below are some of its proudest attractions that enthrall visitors throughout the year.
Perched up on a hill in Barangay San Jose of Malaybalay City, the Monastery of Transfiguration is a magnificent work of art by the country’s national artist for architecture Leandro Locsin, considered as his magnum opus. The Monastery of Transfiguration offers a tranquil place where one enjoys the profound serenity and beauty of nature while relating to the spiritual world. A visage of the beautiful mountains and vast rice fields surrounding it, and the euphoria from the sight of local flowers allowed to grow around this landmark simply makes even a short visit to this quaint chapel a truly unforgettable experience.
- Nasuli Spring
The spring has crystal blue waters deep enough for diving and swimming. It also serves as picnic grounds for families bonding together or a place of refuge and recollection.
- Bukidnon Forests Inc.,(BFI) Industrial Tree Plantation
This 39,000-hectare reforestation project (21,000 hectares of which are plantable) demonstrates the compatibility of nature with economic objectives. Funded with the assistance of the New Zealand government under the auspices of DENR, the project has been operational since 1990. The City of Malaybalay and the municipalities of Impasugong, Manolo Fortich and Malitbog are the areas covered by the plantation. Its 5-hectare nursery is capable of producing 5.2 million fast-growing seedlings every year.
- Kaamulan Grounds
With its vast expanse of green foliage and cool air, Kaamulan Park is one of the perfect getaways to commune with nature. The hilly terrain of the park surrounded with natural wonders makes it an ideal place for picnics and quiet moments with family and friends. Kaamulan Park is a 500-hectare tree park consisiting of educational, scientific, and heritage parks. Abound with pine trees, the park is also a sanctuary for a diverse variety of flora that will definitely leave a positive mark on the environment.
- Carmelite Monastery
A sanctuary for those who seek serenity and peace, the Carmelite Sister’s Monastery is a place for retreat and prayer. The refreshing air, well-kept flower gardens and a beautiful view of some mountains in this part of the City of Malaybalay makes the place ideal for quiet moments to ponder and take a breather from a busy life. It is located at Pal-ing, Barangay Kalasungay; some 5 kms from the city proper bound to the south.
- Mt. Capistrano
Famous as the evacuation area in the historic World War II, this mountain is characterized by its unique rock formations and challenging caves. Nature trekkers and mountain climbers find a good spot at the top of this rocky mountain, albeit rough and sharp, to see a vista of Bukidnon’s grandeur as it offers a free panoramic view of the nearby mountains and the acres of rice and cornfields from the lands down under. Located at Barangay Managok, it is 18 kms away from the City of Malaybalay proper bound south.
- Roxas Monument
A Historical Park which principal feature is the monument of the Philippine’s first president of the independent Republic, Manuel Roxas. History has it that President Roxas hid secretly in the old school, now known as Casisang Elementary School, after escaping from Japanese Imperial Army at the height of World War II on his way to Australia. The monument was erected in honor of President Roxas’ brief stay as well as to remember the WWII prisoners of war. The Roxas Monument is located at Casisang, City of Malaybalay; a few minutes ride going South from the city proper.
- Dalwangan Centennial Marker
This is the spot identified to be where the Northern and Southern Army of the US Air Force linked in World War II. The centennial marker is erected at Barangay Dalwangan, City of Malaybalay.
- San Isidro Cathedral, Bukidnon
San Isidro Labrador, also known as San Isidro Cathedral, is the diocese of Malaybalay that was erected in April 25, 1969 as a territorial prelature and became a full diocese in November 15, 1982. Located in front of Malaybalay City Central Park, San Isidro Cathedral has regular masses early in the morning and late in the afternoon and several masses on Sundays.
Notable Events
- Malaybalay City Charter Day
Taking place every March 22 annually, the date is declared as a special working holiday through Republic Act 8813 as a commemoration of Malaybalay's anniversary as a chartered city in the country. Different events are lined up by the City to enable residents and visitors to come and experience the City's charter day activities.
- Malaybalay City Fiesta
Taking place every May 15 in honor of the City's patron saint, Saint Isidro Labrador, the patron of agricultural workers, labourers and livestock. The City fiesta is a 2-day event starting May 14, a day before the Fiesta, wherein residents actively prepares for the festivities, up to Fiesta day proper (May 15).
Going there
By Air: Although there are public & private air-strips in Bukidnon, there are no commercial flights going directly to the province. The nearest airport is the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, catering domestic flights from the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From Cagayan de Oro, a travel by land must be taken to reach Bukidnon.
By Land: Taking the bus is one of the convenient ways to reach Bukidnon by land. About 104 kilometers road distance from Cagayan de Oro and that is approximately one hour and a half land travel straight to the capital city of Bukidnon, Malaybalay. The capital city could also be reached from Davao City via Salawagan Quezon Bukidnon and that is about 208 kilometers with an estimated time travel of three and a half hours. Other public transportation is also available, like public utility jeepneys and vans for hire.
By Sea: Since Bukidnon is a landlocked province, sea transportation is generally through its closest port, the Port of Cagayan de Oro City then takes the transportation by land to reach the cities and municipalities in Bukidnon. Several ferry services are available connecting Cagayan de Oro City to seaports in the cities of Cebu, Manila, Bohol and other ports in Luzon and Visayas..
Accommodations:
- GV Hotel Bukidnon - Sayre, National Highway Valencia City, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines
- Dahilayan Forest Park - Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines