January 05-06, 2013. It’s my first ever long trip with Rocky and his childhood friends and neighbors, Beryl Luna, John Peddy Duran, Engr. Arnold Sorondo (he’s the one who planned this by the way, as his treat to his friends), the Micabalo sisters Ana Ziela(an-an), Ana Flor(eep), Ahlona Jean(ajen) and her boyfie, Carlwen Bongcales. T'was a very looooong, winding, stressful yet fun-filled trip to Bukidnon. Definitely one of my best travel/vacay experiences. Dahilayan Adventure is a must-see attraction! So this post would be not just to share our escapade, but also for everyone out there who wants to know the details- expenses, travel time, tips and such. Let’s start with the most practical and essential thing: budget. The average expense would be Php10,000 for two persons, this includes your meals, fuel if you’ll be traveling by land from Davao because that was our route (Davao-Bukidnon via Buda), souvenirs, and hotel if you don’t have a relative to spend the night with but you get to enjoy all the rides you want.
This is a long post so as a summary of the essentials for those in a hurry, travel time is usually 8-9 hours so it’s really best and advisable to spend 2-3 days there. If you don’t have a place or relative’s house to stay, Dahilayan has Pinegrove Lodge (it’s a bit expensive though, ranging from Php3,000 to Php7,000). You can also put up your camp tent at the Dahilayan Gardens however I was not able to inquire about their rates. Or you may also opt for the lodge near the park which is much cheaper (Php1,800 lowest price) or you can go to Cagayan De Oro for more choices of hotels or inns and roam around the city as a side trip. And for a full blast experience with no time wasted, it’s best and recommended to go in the park early in the morning. Dahilayan Adventure Park opens 8:00 am.
For the full detailed experience, read on fellas..
Day 01
We parted from Maco around 5:15 am. We brought food (all cooked/prepared by Rocky), water and some ointments/herbal oils for those who have travel nausea or seasickness (ahemm!*cough*Rocky*cough*Eep*Ajen). Arriving Davao at around 6:00, we had to go to Ate Malit’s house in Catalunan Grande to pick up the camera and fueled the car full tank for the long trip. So that would be around 6:30 when we finally depart the city. We stopped by and took our breakfast in just alongside the highway road of Marilog District.
(L-R) Beryl, Carlwen, Ajen, Me and Eep after having breakfast alongside Marilog Road District. Nobody cared to take pictures while eating because everybody's too hungry and lazy to take out the camera.
When going to Bukidnon via Buda, there is this ‘quarantinas’ in Lorega, Kitaotao, Bukidnon - a brief stop for all travelers wherein they have to get out of their cars and step onto the small black pavement. It is a quarantine stop and has stations located to all possible gateways to the Food Basket of Mindanao. I don’t know if it’s just a tradition, their culture, or if it’s medically or scientifically tested. But what I know is that it prevents any disease or bacteria to enter the province from people going in, through a foot bath (well not merely washing of the feet but just stepping on that pavement).
Just can’t resist to stop over. This was not the quarantinas but this was just few of the many breathtaking mountain overviews that you get to see along the road to Bukidnon.
The road along Buda National Highway at that time was under construction, so we had several stops waiting for the cars in the other lane to pass by the only lane available. Residents in the area will sell some goods but you may not avail. Just a tip: They sell this binaki – a steamed cake made of grated young corn with powdered milk, baking powder and sugar mixed with water. I thought it tasted sweet like a cassava cake because it looked like one but it’s not. I did not take a bite but Ajen said it was just blant and nothing else. Well we have different tastes though but my Nanay once told me it is a known delicacy of Northern Mindanao and was originally a homemade dessert in Bukidnon.
Now back on our trip, we knew that Dahilayan Adventure Park is located at Manolo Fortich but nobody knew the exact direction how to get there (from Davao). But thanks to the car's GPS, Beryl's map and my classmate's help (thanks Klyde!). We thought Manolo Fortich is in the center of Bukidnon but no, it was just then that we found out that it is the last municipality going to Cagayan De Oro (so..that was why the map direction in Dahilayan’s website is only showing the one from CDO, because it’s the shortest via land). It’s fun traveling to a place you haven’t gone to but as long as you know how to read, you can surely arrive to where your destination is.
Quick stops at Buda Highway
So these are the places (the barangays and municipalities) we passed through: Calinan -> Marilog District -> Arakan -> Kibawe -> Kitaotao -> Don Carlos -> Quezon -> Maramag -> Central Mindanao University -> Valencia City -> Malaybalay City -> Impalutao -> Kisolon -> San Vicente -> Dalirig -> Ticala -> Manolo Fortich. Our excitement went HIGH as we saw the sign saying Manolo Fortich, but as a tip for first-timers, don’t get much excited- because Brgy. Alae (the gateway to Dahilayan) is at the tip, the very last place before entering CDO. So when you see the first signboard of Alae, you still have about 15 minute ride to get to the brgy. proper or the main junction (And again don’t get too excited yet because you still have a 40-45minute ride to Dahilayan). From there, you may ask some town folks or watch out for a diversion in the left side (so that’s the driver’s side) and take that route. There are also public transportation available from Alae to Dahilayan.You know you’re going the right way when you pass by Alae Elementary School, Artajo Village, Damilag, Camp Philips (through their soccer field to your right), through the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation, Mampayag, the-i-forgot-the-name-of-the-barangay and voila! Dahilayan is finally reached! And the place is just so breathtaking!
(L-R) Ajen, Me, An-an, Engr. Olot, Eep and Beryl at the park signage 
Finally! (L-R clockwise) above: Rocky, Carlwen, Olot, Eep, Me, An-an, Peddy, Ajen and Beryl
Goofing around the entrance
Rocky and his new found bestfriend meets him at the entrance.
The very main reason why we want to go to Dahilayan is for us to be able to ride the Asia’s longest zipline but we were so astonished with the place that we immediately took out our cameras. We arrived there at almost 2:00 pm (yeah, that was a loooooooong ride because of the short stops we took, just asking folks for directions). We were very very much hungry when we finally arrived so we rented a gazebo for Php200 and had our very late lunch.
Me at the Gazebo :) Carlwen bloats after lunch
Eep poses as An-an takes the shot
To give you a view of the place, Dahilayan is divided into three tourist attractions. I don’t know if they have different owners but they are somewhat linked, to give tourists the best amenities to enjoy their visit. Dahilayan Adventure Park is the one which administers the extreme activities – the ZipZone area. Second is the Forest Park, located just adjacent to the Zipzone, is the more child-friendly spot as it has a playground, man-sized animal structures, Zorb, buggy ride, and has more cottages and grounds for picnics. The third one is a bit far from the two mentioned spots but it’s the first one you see upon entering the vicinity – it’s the Dahilayan Gardens. It’s on top of a mountain and with its pavilion, the place is perfect for picnics, events, and gatherings, or if you just want to have a “me” time.
Before trying out the zipline, we roamed around the area and took pictures first.
For the complete list of photos: click here!
As we’re about to ride the zipline around 4:30 pm, heavy rain with thunderstorm occurred so we weren't able to. That’s another tip readers! It’s best to go there early in the morning, cause it usually rains there every afternoon. It lasted for about an hour and when it subsided, we just decided to take the rides early tomorrow when everyone’s refreshed, energized and not exhausted from the long ride, with the ticket stubs kept of course.
For us to rest our weary bodies and sleepy heads, we brought camp tents – oops! this was the original plan. However, the Micabalo sisters already contacted their uncle, who’s living at Artajo Village in Brgy. Alae (just few minutes away from the park) and we spent the night in their home. So there we went, we even met their cute and cuddly apo (sorry baby I forgot your name) and the rest of the family.
so kyooooooot, isn't he?
They were so hospitable, gave us a very warm welcome and even treated us for dinner and breakfast the morning after (oh im still craving for the bulad, and yes the pineapple!). The accommodation was just oh so great!
Breakfast at the Micabalos. (L-R) Ate Marian, Ante, Peddy, Rocky, Me, Beryl, Carlwen, Olot, Ajen, An-an and Uncle Edmund
GOODNIGHT GUYS!
Guess who? hehe
Peddy, so damn tired from the looooong trip
Day 02
As early as 3:00 am, we were all awoke, and took our turns for bath shower, as Eep and Peddy went out in a bit to find a church and attend mass (It was the celebration of 3 kings). We went back to Dahilayan Adventure Park, arrived at around 7:00 am and each one of us was more than excited for the rides.
Here's a complete list of the ZipZone rides with prices/packages with their descriptions:
1. The Asia’s longest dual cable zipline, 840M or at the 4500ft level of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park is Php500 per person. You can have a partner where you are both pushed together to zoom through the rainforest canopy at 60-80kph (but usually you won’t approach the landing area together, because of the wind and/or of your position, either of you may land first). You will be transported with their 4WD Safari Cruiser to a launch tower at 4500 ASL and the crew will of course give you instructions and the necessary precautions. You may bring your camera or phones, they’ll take care of it.
Rocky seems praying for a safe trip here. Nakakalula kase yung taas and the landing area seems far pa!
Me at the landing area, feeling fulfilled!
Fly like a bird!
2. The second choice for Zipline is the 320M + 150M dual zipline –all in one. This is the usual zip ride that most zipline spots offer, you just sit and hold the rope attached from the cable as you ride. You can again ride this one with a partner or you can also do it alone. This is for Php250 per person.
Now for their promo package, if you want to experience these two rides, you can avail of their “all-rides package” for only Php600 per person. So this consists of the number 1 and 2 rides.
Us, in the second set of Zipride
Thanks for this pic, Weak!
No sweat! :P
3. Dropzone.
This is yet the most extreme activity I have ever done in my whole life. Good for
Php500 per person but if you have a partner, it’s down to
Php750 per pair. Only me and Rocky tried this and I swear this is soooo not for the weak hearted ones.
It was only when we arrived at the activity area that we totally understood what’s exactly gonna happen.
Positioned the same as the 840M zip ride but this time just beside and held each other’s arms, we were pulled up a 120ft guyed tower.
The looks on the scaredy cats' faces!
Ready for take-off?
As we reached the very top, the crew counted to 3, and as per instruction, Rocky pulled out the ripcord on his waist and oh-i-think-we’re-gonna-die, all out scream was all we did as we were dropped, freefall into a manmade lake (which was dry at that time).
The nakakaheart-attack FreeFall
My grip on Rocky was so much tight and we were so much afraid, the adrenaline rush cannot be explained that we thought we’re going to puke, pass out or something. And not just that, our yells were never-ending as we were swayed back and forth still high above the ground. So after the free fall, because of the weight the rope that carries us will surely swing - an additional extreme adrenaline pumping pendulum swing! I felt as if my stomach is lifted every time it swings, it’s as if my innards become my outards (as the pirate from Ice Age 4 said to Sid). But when the paced slowed, we were both enjoying the moment and even posed for the camera.
The another nakakaheart-attack na pendulum swing!
We Conquered!
YAHOO! :D
At natapos rin!
4. They also have the Flying Lizard. It’s like a metal bicycle put on top of a wire that’s attached to the pine trees. It's a canopy glider that moves through trees, crawls along vines and zips between tree trunks while you pedal along the high wire. It’s only for Php250 but we did not try it.
5. The last extreme thing you can do there is their Rope Course challenge. It's a 12-stage high and low obstacle course for only Php250.
**Note: The prices indicated were of course at the time we went there. It may have changed as of this time so it’s best if you’d visit their site for the updated prices and to book for reservations.
From the breathtaking ziprides to the adrenaline-stomach-pumping swing, we took our last shots of photo souvenirs, grabbed some foodie for merienda and went on board again for home.
Mission ACCOMPLISHED! YEHEY! ^.^
Sa Pine Trees after the rides
Yehey, kompleto mi diri!
Another complete picture! ;)
We departed from Bukidnon at past 11:00 am, took a lunch stop at a carenderia at Manolo Fortich and headed home, then safely arrived at around 9:00 pm.
The overall trip and experience was more than satisfactory and gratifying. We had so much fun that words can’t even fully describe and express it! Plus, we even got free certificates for each ride!
Here's one sample:
Thank you Ate Malit for lending us your hi-def DSLR Nikon camera and Thank you to Engr. Arnold Sorondo- we wouldn't be able to experience those extreme rides and go to places without you. Such a kind-hearted and generous person. We owe you big time ner! Thank you to Suaybaguio Family in Artajo Village for the great accommodation and of course Thank you Lord God because it was successful and we went home safe and sound and full of pamaol. Hahaha! I'm so proud of myself for not having a heart attack during the 1 minute dropzone freefall and sky swing ride on 120 feet level with Rocky. It was the best ride and the most extreme thing I've done so far! Mission accomplished to all of us for conquering the 840M, 320M and 150M Zipline rides, including the scary thunderstorms, heavy rains with lightning that we went through. I really had fun. To the next trip guys! :)
