Date of Travel: November 15-19, 2024
Airline: Cebu Pacific Air
Airfare: Php 2,025.56
For my birthday this year, I decided to treat myself to a solo adventure and booked a private tour package with Layud CDO & Bukidnon Package Tours. I found them through a recommendation from a friend who had also traveled solo with them. The best part? Their packages are budget-friendly, making them perfect for solo travelers like me.
If you’re planning a trip and want a hassle-free experience, I highly recommend reaching out to Ms. Lavern Paday at 09352311253. She’s very accommodating and will help tailor the perfect tour for you. You can also check out their Facebook page for more information and options.
I scheduled my trip from November 15–19 for a 5-day, 4-night getaway. My flight from Manila International Airport departed around 7 PM, and I landed at Laguindingan Airport by 8:30 PM.
Upon arrival, I was picked up by a shuttle that took me to my accommodation, Torres Traveler’s Inn, just a quick 5-minute drive from the airport. I stayed on the second floor in a cozy room—perfect for solo travelers. The space was comfortable, clean, and just what I needed after a long day of travel.
Since it was already late, I skipped dinner (though there were foods available in the Inn) and just bought water to stay hydrated. I coordinated with my tour guide to finalize my itinerary for the next day. My pickup was scheduled for 7 AM, so I made sure to rest and recharge for the exciting day ahead.
The next morning, I headed downstairs around 6:40 AM to check if breakfast was ready—I was already starving! It wasn’t quite ready yet as they were just starting to cook. I ordered Bangsilog for ₱150, and by the time my ride arrived shortly after 7 AM, I had finished my meal. My driver, Kuya Jong, also grabbed a quick breakfast before we officially started our journey to Bukidnon.
I learned that Laguindingan and Cagayan de Oro are part of Misamis Oriental, while Bukidnon is an entirely different province. On the way, Kuya Jong asked if I was a Catholic. When I said yes, he offered to stop by the Divine Mercy Shrine, which I happily agreed to—it was the perfect opportunity to give thanks for my safe flight.
We reached the shrine and paid a ₱30 parking fee. At the entrance, I noticed they offered long skirts and shawls for those wearing sleeveless tops or short skirts. Since I was in a sleeveless dress, I borrowed both and dropped a donation in the box.
The shrine was vast and peaceful. I spent a moment praying inside the church, soaking in the serene atmosphere before exploring and taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. It was such a meaningful stop to start the day.
After our visit, we picked up Sir Bryan, my tour guide, from the coordinator’s house. He joined us for the day since we needed drone shots for the tour. Before heading to Rotypeaks, I was taken to my accommodation to change clothes—it was an A-space, and I was thrilled to be the very first guest to stay in their newly built space (photo below).
For the trek to Rotypeaks, I wore long sleeves and pants, as I’d be riding a habal-habal (motorcycle) up the mountain. Along the way, we stopped to pay a ₱10 wristband fee, an ₱50 environmental fee, and a ₱300 registration fee at the peak.
The drive up was a real adventure—bumpy roads and intense heat made it a bit challenging. I highly recommend bringing a cap or anything to shield yourself from the sun. Unfortunately, I only had sunglasses, and the heat was a bit overwhelming. The ride took about 45 minutes to an hour, but once we reached the peak, all the effort was so worth it.
The views were absolutely breathtaking—it’s no wonder they call Rotypeaks the “New Zealand of the Philippines.” The rolling green hills, fresh air, and panoramic landscapes left me speechless. There were several photo spots to capture the stunning scenery, and despite the crowd, the area was spacious enough to enjoy the views. There were even restrooms available at the top.
On our way down, we passed through a vast pineapple plantation and couldn’t resist stopping for pictures. I learned that pineapples take about 11 months to mature and bear fruit. They can be harvested twice before the plants need to be replaced, which means new plants are cultivated every two years. Seeing the endless rows of pineapples and learning about their growth cycle was such a fascinating experience.
Despite the heat and the bumpy ride, the journey to Rotypeaks was one for the books. The awe-inspiring views and the chance to connect with nature made every challenge worthwhile. If you’re planning to visit Bukidnon, make sure Rotypeaks is on your list—it’s an unforgettable experience that truly showcases the beauty of the Philippines.
After our adventure at Rotypeaks, we headed back to my accommodation, where Sir Bryan was waiting. By this time, I was starving, so we immediately went to grab lunch at a budget-friendly place owned by his friend called The Gardens. Their specialty is chicken, and I tried their newest dish—a unique chicken recipe with yogurt sauce—for only ₱110. It was absolutely delicious and satisfying, giving me the energy I needed for more exploring.
Our next destination was Lover’s Lane, an open area with benches perfect for strolling or relaxing. As the name suggests, it’s probably a favorite spot for couples! While Sir Bryan prepared for a drone shot, I wandered around the area. He mentioned it’s a great spot for jogging in the mornings because of the cool weather and minimal traffic. I couldn’t help but wish I had brought my jogging gear.
After Lover’s Lane, we planned to visit Communal Ranch for more drone shots, but a sudden downpour forced us to change our plans. Instead, we went to the Impasug-ong Flower Farm.
The farm was enchanting, showcasing a variety of flowers, including vibrant African daisies, poinsettias, and chrysanthemums in different colors and sizes. It felt like walking through a rainbow-filled garden! Sir Bryan guided me around, and it was such a joy to see the beauty of these blooms up close.
We also passed by a strawberry farm where you can pick fresh strawberries. Unfortunately, the place was closed as Sir Bryan’s friend wasn’t around. While I didn’t get to experience it, it’s definitely something to look forward to if you visit Bukidnon.
Before calling it a day, I was told to try binaki, a must-try Bukidnon delicacy. Of course, I didn’t want to miss out! I bought one for ₱30 to take out since I was already quite tired.
Binaki is a steamed corn cake wrapped in corn husks. It’s sweet, soft, and incredibly flavorful—a perfect snack after a long day of exploring. If you’re visiting Bukidnon, don’t leave without trying this local treat!
