Valencia in Bukidnon is something else. This province is home to lush green forests wherever you go and it seems like it has no end. The stunning landscapes you’ll see are ones that will leave a mark on you. It also has a lot of exciting activities and it’s a great place to get to know more about the abundant and unique culture of Mindanao and see how it differs from certain parts of the country.
Flying into Bukidnon is impossible. An option that you can take is to fly into Cagayan de Oro and head to Bukidnon by car or bus. Airstrips are available and in use in the city, but it may cost more because these are often chartered flights.
You can also travel by sea, but it also docks in Cagayan de Oro. This might take longer, but if you’re not in a rush then opt for this because it’s the cheaper option too.
Exploring Valencia is similar to most parts of the Philippines. Cities are often smaller so getting to places by walking is possible. If you’d rather not then a bus can take you around the city as well as jeeps and tricycles in the area.
Traveling to Bukidnon might take a while given how there’s no way to get there directly unless you opt to take a chartered flight. But it’s definitely worth the trip. If you’re heading to Valencia, it goes without saying that this trip would be an escape from city life. It’s a quiet place that’s not as lively as Manila, but if there’s anything, you won’t run out of things to see and do. This place is heaven for mountaineers and for people who love seeing stunning landscapes.
Among the first things that people visit is Lake Apo. This lake is a beautiful one, especially when paired with the backdrop of the hillside. You can take a dip in this lake and there’s nothing to worry about because it’s the cleanest one in the country. You can also have a picnic in this area and just pass the time.
If you like exploring caves then Kasanayan Cave is a good place to see. It has a river inside and big stalactites that are just a short distance from the entrance of the cave. If you like hiking or trekking, you have different locations to choose from. You have the Kitanglad Mountain Range and Mt. Dulang-Dulang (the 2nd highest peak in the Philippines).
Swimming is also another activity you can do. Bukidnon is rich in waterfalls and among the places you can go to is Alalum Falls, Dimadungawan Falls, and Sagumata Falls. Both are amazing places you can take a dip in.
You can also visit around March when the Kaamulan Festival is held. It celebrates the customs and traditions of the different indigenous tribes you can find in Bukidnon. It differs every year. Sometimes it’s a celebration of marriage, thanksgiving or the datuship.
For those of you who like adrenaline-inducing trips then the Dahilayan Adventure Park is for you. You’ll find the longest dual zipline in Asia here at a length of 840 metres. This gives you a breathtaking view of the treetops as a bonus. Other attractions are canopy gliders, power ropes, and a base jump which is the highest in the Philippines.
There aren’t a lot of restaurants in Valencia. If anything, these are often lutong bahay style restaurants that would surely offer the authenticity most travelers are looking for. Places you can go to is Inday’s Kamalig that has a lot of grilled dishes. Manna & Quail Food House is also a great spot that has a lot of options. They have good coffee that you can have along with unique dishes like pesto pork chops and tomato vodka spaghetti.
The nightlife in Bukidnon is pretty simple. There aren’t any fancy clubs to go to, but there are bars where you can drink in with your friends. KTV bars are also in the area if you want a crazier night out.
Finding a place to stay in isn’t difficult. You can find hotels in the city that are simple and affordable. If there’s anything, because of how small the city is everything would just be a stone’s throw away.
Total Accommodation | 7 Properties |
Popular Area | Poblacion |
Popular Hotel | Kekehyu Business Hotel, Double M Hotel |
Popular Landmark | Valencia City Gymnasium and Cultural Center, Roy's Bistro |