2025 Bukidnon DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)

Bukidnon is one of those places I never thought would leave such a lasting impression on me. It was only recently that I finally set foot here, and I must say—it was a kind of delayed gratification I never saw coming. Back then, Dahilayan was the only place people talked about, but after the pandemic, more and more hidden gems started to unfold, proving that Bukidnon is so much more than just one destination. I wandered, got lost in its beauty, and felt completely in awe. The next thing I know, it’s a place I could not stop talking about to people. Traveling solo and DIY made the experience even more special—it was far beyond what I expected. If you’re planning to explore this breathtaking province, here’s a Bukidnon DIY travel guide to help you make the most of your adventure!

About Bukidnon

Nestled in the heart of Northern Mindanao, Bukidnon is a breathtaking province known for its rolling hills, vast plateaus, and towering peaks. The name “Bukidnon” comes from the Bisaya word bukid, meaning “mountain,” and the suffix -non, which signifies belonging—making Bukidnon the “people of the mountains.” True to its name, this landlocked province is a paradise for those who seek adventure and a peaceful respite in the nature. It shares borders with Cagayan de Oro to the north, North Cotabato and Davao City to the south, Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte to the east, and Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur to the west.

Beyond its awe-striking landscapes, Bukidnon is home to some of the Philippines’ highest peaks, including Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, making it a dream destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. What sets Bukidnon apart is not just its natural wonders but also its cool climate, lush pine forests, and rich indigenous culture.

Language and People

Bukidnon is a melting pot of cultures, with its people belonging to seven distinct indigenous tribes. Despite their diversity, most locals speak Bisaya (Cebuano) and Tagalog, and many are also fluent in English—making it easy for travelers to connect with its people.

Best Time to Visit Bukidnon

An aerial, morning view of Impasug-Ong Communal Ranch

For the best experience, plan your trip between March and April. The weather is generally dry and the skies are clear—perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor adventures. While Bukidnon is not frequently hit by typhoons, the wet season often brings thick clouds that can obscure its scenic mountain views.

This season is also the most festive time to visit, as Kaamulan Festival takes place. This month-long celebration brings together the province’s seven tribes in a spectacular showcase of culture, tradition, and heritage. It is quite a time to witness colorful street dances, tribal performances, and various competitions where locals proudly don their indigenous costumes, sharing their rich history with visitors.

My Bukidnon DIY Travel Experience

I embarked on a solo DIY Bukidnon trip, leaving it up to fate to decide how long I would stay, as I kept my options open. My research warned me that public transportation could be quite a challenge, especially when hopping from one tourist spot to another—most of which, by the way, are located on the outskirts of town. So, I reached out to a local guide who could take me around.

On a glorified habal-habal ride, I explored Impasug-Ong with Kuya Roger Nuneza, who turned out to be not only incredibly kind but also a skilled drone pilot! For solo travelers, a habal-habal is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to get around. Since heading to Dahilayan would have meant dealing with multiple transfers, I decided to charter Kuya Roger’s habal-habal straight to my next destination. From there, I could easily take a bao-bao (small multicab) to explore the area, with fares starting at just ₱30.00.

Getting to, Around and Away

How to Get There

Manila to Bukidnon

There are no direct flights from Manila to Bukidnon. The nearest airport is in Laguindingan (CDO). Hence, you should book a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laguindingan International Airport.
Upon arriving at Laguindingan Airport, hop on a van bound for Agora Terminal in Cagayan de Oro City.
From Agora Terminal, board a bus heading to Davao City. Let the bus conductor know that you’ll be getting off at Impasugong. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Depending on your itinerary, you can either alight at the Impasugong Tourism Office or in Manolo Fortich—both serve as great starting points for your Bukidnon DIY adventure!

Davao City to Bukidnon

From anywhere in the city, make your way to Ecoland Bus terminal.
Hop on a bus going to Cagayan de Oro city. Tell the conductor to drop you off Impasug-Ong tourism. The trip may take about 5 – 6 hours.
Alight at Impasug-Ong Tourism office

Getting Around

Choosing the right mode of transportation can make your Bukidnon DIY trip smoother and more enjoyable. Plan ahead and pick the one that suits your adventure best.

Bus – The most budget-friendly and widely accessible way to travel to and around Bukidnon. Buses operate between major towns and are available at terminals and along highways.
Vans – If you’re after a faster and more convenient ride between towns, vans are a great option. For bigger groups, renting a van for tours is highly recommended.
Habal-Habal – The cheapest and quickest way to reach Bukidnon’s tourist spots, especially those in remote areas. Rates range from ₱700 to ₱1,800, depending on the destinations you want to visit.
4×4 Vehicle – Ideal for small groups (4 to 6 people) looking for a more comfortable and hassle-free way to explore. A full-day tour around Impasugong starts at ₱7,000.
Motorella (Rella) / Tricycle – The go-to public transport in Dahilayan, perfect for short distances. Fares start at ₱30 per ride.

Places to Visit

Impasug-Ong Communal Ranch – Dubbed the “Marlboro Country of the Philippines,” this vast ranch offers scenic landscapes, horseback riding, and a taste of Bukidnon’s cowboy culture.

Mt. Kitanglad – One of the highest peaks in the Philippines, this mountain is a dream for seasoned hikers. It’s home to rich biodiversity, including the rare Philippine Eagle.

Mt. Dulang-Dulang – The second-highest mountain in the country and a favorite among mountaineers. Its mossy forests and mystical landscapes make the challenging trek worth it.

Mt. Kulago – A lesser-known but equally stunning peak, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path hiking experience in Bukidnon.

Paminahawa Ridge – A beginnner-friendly, stunning sunrise trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of rolling hills and a dreamy sea of clouds.

Roty Peaks – A hidden gem for non-hikers! The ridge provides an unspoiled view of Bukidnon’s highlands.

Lover’s Lane – A romantic spot in Impasug-Ong, perfect for couples or anyone who wants to enjoy a serene nature walk with breathtaking mountain views.

Panaanan Bridge – A picturesque hanging bridge offering stunning views of the surrounding forests and rivers—great for quick photo ops!

Dahilayan Forest Park – A family-friendly nature park with scenic picnic spots, playgrounds, and fun rides like ATV trails and Forest Luge.

Dahilayan Adventure Park – Home to Asia’s longest dual zipline, 120-feet dropzone and the famous pine ridge razor back, this park is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies looking for heart-pounding outdoor adventures.

Manolo Fortich Pineapple Plantation – Bukidnon is famous for its pineapples, and this vast plantation in Manolo Fortich offers a scenic drive through endless rows of pineapple fields.

Where to Stay

For my 3-day Bukidnon DIY adventure, I spent one night in Impasug-ong and two nights in Dahilayan—both offering different but equally cozy stays.

One of the top recommended places to stay in Bukidnon is Roty Peaks. They offer various accommodations from tents (Php 300.00) to exclusive cabin (Php 6,000.00). f you’re looking for budget-friendly stays in downtown areas, local tour guides can also help you find hidden gems—just like the one I stayed in during my trip.

During my trip in Dahilayan, I stayed in BHL Tourist Inn. For only Php 1,000.00 a night, I got a non-airconditioned room to myself with a private bathroom. With temperatures dropping to 16°C to 18°C at night, air-conditioning isn’t really necessary. Plus, the inn has an in-house restaurant—perfect for a hassle-free and relaxing stay after a day of exploring.

Sample 2-Day Bukidnon DIY Itinerary

Day 0: Cagayan de Oro to Impasug-Ong

7:00 PM – Agora Bus Terminal to Impasug-Ong
9:00 PM – Late Check in

Day 1: Impasug-Ong

3:30 AM – Rise and Shine
4:00 AM – ETD to Paminahawa Ridge (may be optional if not into hiking)
5:00 AM – Sunrise at Paminahawa Ridge
8:30 AM – Grab light breakfast along the way
9:00 AM – Impasug-Ong Communal Ranch (first destination at 6:00 AM if not going to Paminahawa)
12:00 NN – Lunch
1:00 PM – ETD to Roty Peaks
2:00 PM – Roty Peaks
4:00 PM – Bridge
5:00 PM – Lover’s Lane
6:30 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Back to Accommodation

NOTE: You may opt to divide the places to visit in 2 days for a less exhausting trip. If to be done in two days, it would be best if you’d stay in Roty Peaks for the night. Sunrise is much better than visiting it at around noon time.

You may also opt to remove Paminahawa Ridge if you’re not into hiking. You may proceed to Communal Ranch and start your day at 6:00 AM.

Day 2: Manolo Fortich (Dahilayan)

5:00 AM – Rise and Shine
6:00 AM – Early Check out and ETD for Dahilayan
7:30 AM – Manolo Fortich Pineapple Plantation
9:00 AM – Early check in
9:30 AM – Dahilayan Adventure/ Forest Park/ Brunch
12:00 NN – Lunch
5:00 PM – Back to accommodation
6:00 PM – Dinner

[Optional] Day 3: Dahilayan & Home bound

7:00 AM – Rise and Shine/ Breakfast
9:00 AM – Alpine Village
11:00 AM – Check out
12:00 NN – lunch
1:00 PM – ETD for Camp Philips
1:30 PM/ 2:00 PM – Camp Philips
3:00 PM – Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City

If you wish to go back to Cagayan de Oro right after your Dahilayan trip, you may take the Magnum Express from Dahilayan Forest Park at 4:30 PM. If not, you may take a van from Camp Philips going to Limketkai. Vans leave every 30 minutes whether filled with passengers or not. Fare is at Php 80.00 and this takes an hour.

Bao-bao (tricycle/ tuktuk) or habal from downtown to Forest and Adventure Park is at Php 30.00 per person. From downtown to Camp Philips however is from Php 250.00 to Php 300.00/ trip.

Sample 2-Day Bukidnon DIY Budget

Day 0: Cagayan de Oro to Impasug-Ong
Bus to Impasug-Ong	Php 145.00
Day 1: Impasug-Ong
Impasug-Ong Communal Ranch Entrance fee	Php 70.00
Environmental fee (Roty Peaks)	Php 20.00
Roty Peaks Entrance Fee	Php 300.00
Accommodation	Php 500.00
Food	Php 500.00
Habal ride	Php 1,800.00 (inclusive of drone shots)
Impasugong to Dahilayan transportation	Php 700.00
DAY 1 (Impasug-Ong) TOTAL	Php 4,035.00
Day 2: Manolo Fortich (Dahilayan)
Dahilayan Adventure Park Entrance Fee	Php 100.00
Dahilayan Forest Park Entrance Fee	Php 150.00
Rides (Forest luge, Rainbow slide, Drop Zone, Razorback & Python Zipline)	Php 2,550.00
Food	Php 1,000.00
Accommodation	Php 1,000.00
Bao-bao to Camp Philips	Php 250.00
Van to Cagayan de Oro	80.00
Day 2 (Dahilayan) TOTAL	Php 5,130.00
GRAND TOTAL	Php 9,165.00

Bukidnon DIY Practical Travel Tips

Start your day early. This means less crowd and less heat from the sun. Expect fog and rain showers late in the afternoon in Dahilayan. It is located at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad.
Wear sunscreen at all times.
G-cash is widely accepted around Impasug-Ong and Dahilayan. However, it is still best to bring more than enough cash as there are no banks and ATM available around.
Bring extra layers for your Dahilayan trip. It can get cold especially in the afternoon and evening.

Bukidnon DIY Important Contacts

Impasug-Ong Tourism Center

Impasug-Ong Tourism Facebook Page
Address: Sayre Highway, Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon, Impasugong, Philippines
Email: lgu.impasugongtourism@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 953 542 6299

Impasug-Ong Tour Guide: Kuya Roger Nuneza

Other Places to Visit in Mindanao:

2025 Bukidnon DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)