I enjoy going back to places I've already visited, especially when I get to experience them with new company. They say two trips to the same place are never the same and I couldn't agree more.
I always find myself coming back to Bukidnon again and again. There's something about this mountainous town in Mindanao that keeps pulling me in. My first visit was in 2023 with my friends, where I shared our experience through this travel series. This year, I had the chance to revisit with my workmates, and I remember feeling overly excited to return!
Our first day in Bukidnon was dedicated to exploring the Cowboy Town of Bukidnon: Impasug-ong. To make the most of the experience, we availed a day tour package from 4x4 Tours Impasug-ong.
Tourism Office
Upon arriving at Laguindingan Airport, we headed straight to the Tourism Office of Impasug-ong to meet 4x4 Tours. Our guide, Kuya Drew, was already there waiting for us, ready to kick off our adventure for the day!
It was also the perfect time to freshen up and take a leak, since we had a long day ahead of us. Our tour guide was patient enough to wait and made sure we were fully ready for the tour.
RotyPeaks
Our first destination was the farthest among all spots in the itinerary — Roty Peaks! Yes, I’ve been here before, but this place leaves me speechless every single time. It’s fascinating to see how it has changed over the past year, yet how some things have remained the same. What’s even more interesting is that we’re riding a 4x4 vehicle this time, unlike last time when we rode a motorcycle.
The mountains facing RotyPeaks are as beautiful as ever. This is why I’d return to this place anytime, no matter how rough the road to the peak may be.
We were able to take beautiful drone shots and videos, thanks to the package we availed of. Kudos to Kuya Drew — our driver, tour guide, and cameraman. As we were told, they’re really trained for this kind of work, and I must say, they’ve been trained well!
Mountains have a way of making me feel small in the best way. Like all the noise in my head doesn’t matter up there. It’s just me, the wind, and something way bigger than myself.
Pinaanan Bridge
On our way to the next destination, we crossed a scenic bridge and couldn’t resist stopping to snap some photos. This bridge, built to allow people to pass over the Pinaanan River, stands strong with its wooden structure, sturdy pillars, and weathered planks that tell stories of time.
The surroundings offered a picturesque view, playing a crucial role in connecting the rugged terrains of the area.
Pineapple Plantation
Nestled at the foot of RotyPeaks is a sprawling pineapple plantation that stretches as far as the eye can see. Bukidnon is truly blessed with fertile soil, allowing pineapples to thrive almost everywhere in the province. And here’s the twist: this isn’t even the renowned Del Monte Pineapple Plantation in Dahilayan. It’s another one entirely, adding to Bukidnon’s rich agricultural charm.
We were a bit unlucky not to see the pineapples, as they had already been harvested days before our visit. Nonetheless, the view itself made the trip worth it. I’m sure I’ll never come across anything like this back in my home province.
Communal Ranch
We were supposed to visit two more spots, but due to bad weather, we only made it to one, which is the Communal Ranch. So far, not much has changed here since my last visit in 2023. From this spot, you can take in the sweeping mountain ranges and stunning ridges of Bukidnon, including Mt. Kulago, which I’ve always dreamed of visiting.
To my delight, I also discovered my favorite dirty ice cream being sold at the entrance. I love how creamy it is, with a rich, real fruit flavor that really stands out. So far, nothing else has come close to beating its taste. And guess what? It’s only 50 pesos for 6 scoops! Totally worth it, right?
Overall, the trip was an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning views, hidden gems, and moments of pure joy. Despite the weather setbacks, every stop along the way reminded me of the beauty and charm that Bukidnon has to offer. From the breathtaking landscapes to the simple pleasures like indulging in my favorite ice cream, this adventure is one I’ll cherish for a long time. I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Hopefully, I’ll get to climb Mt. Kulago soon!
A big shoutout to 4x4 Tours Impasug-ong for making this a truly memorable experience.
Hello, in case you have not read my intro post, my name is Samantha. You may call me Sam for short. I am from Cebu, a beautiful island in the Philippines. I created this space in an attempt to put all the good things in one place, thus, my blog name @wholesamdiaries.
Let's connect! I'd be glad to discover more amazing people here. Thank you once again and see you around! ♡