“Low budgets teach you to be resourceful. They also give you the freedom to discover that the best experiences are often the simplest ones.”
ANONYMOUS
Do you ever dream of feeling like a haciendero, the proud owner of a sprawling ranch? Or perhaps you’d like to experience the freedom of a wealthy man wandering through an open field, surrounded by jagged terrains and endless horizons?
That’s exactly how I felt as I wandered through the Communal Ranch, a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains. It was the perfect side trip from my DIY Dayhike at Mount Kulago. Let me tell you all about it.
I was fortunate to meet my guide for the day, Yanrey, who was refreshingly humble and never treated me like just another tourist. Our agreed guide fee for Mount Kulago included this bonus trip to the Communal Ranch, as it’s conveniently on the way to the campsite. I only needed to pay a 70-peso entrance fee, including the environmental fee (as of February 2024).
Communal Ranch is located in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. If you’re traveling by bus, simply ask to be dropped off at the Impasug-ong Integrated School. From there, you can take a habal-habal to the local tourism office. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to me, and I can connect you with my local contact to help arrange the necessary permits.
Here’s what you need to know about this place:
Though the air wasn’t exactly fresh, thanks to the humidity and the ranch’s location in the mountain’s embrace, the view more than made up for it. Imagine being in the middle of a cinematic landscape—it felt like I was inside a movie. In fact, Yanrey told me that this was the filming location for the 2008 movie Love Me Again, starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, back when it wasn’t yet a popular tourist spot. That day, I was lucky enough to almost have the place to myself.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living the rancher life, you can saddle up and try their horseback riding experience. While I didn’t find it particularly thrilling, it’s an option for 250 pesos per hour. Your guide will teach you the ropes, so you’ll be riding solo in no time.
For those driving in, parking fees are as follows:
- Car: 200 PHP
- Motorcycle: 100 PHP
There’s a canteen and comfort rooms available on-site for your convenience.
Now, let’s talk about the weather. It was hot and sticky—definitely not ideal for a long stay, especially if you’re not a fan of the heat. I only lasted about an hour before we decided to move on. My advice? Visit during cooler months, not the summer. I went towards the end of February, just as the Amihan season was winding down, and the heat was already starting to become unbearable.
To escape the heat, we took a detour to Cedar Falls, a refreshing spot I highly recommend. The entrance fee is just 20 pesos per person, and you can roam around the area at your leisure. The falls are managed by the LGU of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands—no scammers here! If you prefer a guided tour, you can hire one you just make sure to talk with the LGU personnel on duty.
The walk to the falls only takes about 15 minutes, crossing a bridge and passing through water sources and a serene swimming pool. As you approach, the roar of Cedar Falls fills the air, and you can feel the cool spring water surrounding you. The area is impeccably maintained, with trees that seem to have been preserved with care, and the place is incredibly clean, free from the usual crowds of tourists.
I spent a couple of hours here, soaking in the calm before heading back to catch the last bus to Cagayan de Oro at 4 PM.
What made this a LOW BUDGET? – This was just a side trip from my DIY Dayhike tour in Mount Kulago. You just have to find the right and a trustworthy local. Huge thanks to Yanrey, his friend and his Dad, Kuya Renante.
It was the perfect, chill adventure—unplanned, spontaneous, and unforgettable.
I’ve written this post as a snapshot of my experience, but I’ll update it when I have the chance to return. Bukidnon holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to come back soon!
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