I woke up to my alarm at 5 AM, as our call time for today’s itinerary was set for 6 AM. Today is my birthday, November 17, and it’s my first time celebrating it away from home and on my own. It’s something new, and the feeling is both exciting and a bit surreal.
The service arrived right on time at 6 AM, and our first stop was Communal Ranch, a place we couldn’t visit the day before due to rain. This was also where we’d set up our picnic for the drone shots.
The drive to Communal Ranch from my accommodation took only about 10-15 minutes. When we arrived, there were already a lot of people. Even the road leading to the ranch was picturesque, especially with the sunrise lighting up the landscape. The place itself was even more beautiful. It’s easy to see why it’s called the “New Zealand of the Philippines”—the cool weather and lush scenery are very reminiscent of the country. There’s even a large lake, adding to the charm.
The entrance fee is Php 70.00 per person, and you can rent a cowboy hat for just Php 50.00. We brought along the picnic mat, basket, and my takeout breakfast to make the setup feel more authentic. I sat on the picnic cloth to eat while the drone captured the incredible views from above. It was really hot, but the beauty of the place made it all worth it.
After finishing breakfast, we took some photos and shot video footage with the drone to capture the full beauty of the area. Simply taking pictures didn’t do the place justice, so I highly recommend opting for a package that includes drone shots to truly make the most of your experience. (See the short clip below made by my tour coordinator).
Once we were done with the photos, I went horseback riding. The fee varies depending on the horse owner; mine charged Php 250.00. We rode along the cliffside, which was a bit nerve-wracking as the horse was a bit restless. I was worried it might suddenly leap off the edge, but thankfully, it didn’t!
The experience at Communal Ranch was unforgettable! Now I completely understand why people say you can’t leave Bukidnon without visiting this place—it truly is the highlight of the trip.
After visiting Communal Ranch, we headed to CEDAR, where the stunning waterfalls are located. The drive was around 10-15 minutes, and here’s a breakdown of the expenses: Entrance fee: Php 70.00, Environmental fee: Php 30.00, Aqua shoes rental: Php 50.00, Life vest rental: Php 50.00, and Tour guide fee: Php 300.00.
My tour guide was quite talkative, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He shared interesting stories along the way, adding to the lively atmosphere. I was informed that we’d be visiting two waterfalls, though the water was murky due to heavy rain the day before. The water we waded through was brown, but it was still an adventure. The tour involves crossing a river, so you’re guaranteed to get wet—at one point, the water reached up to my neck.
We took photos at both waterfalls, and the cascades were incredibly powerful. It felt amazing to stand where the water crashed down—it was like getting a natural back massage! The sensation was both refreshing and relaxing.
The tour was quick, lasting about 1.5 hours, as I kept a fast pace. I learned that there are actually three waterfalls, but most tours only visit two because the third one is farther and takes up more time.
After CEDAR, we visited the Monastery of Transfiguration. The place was so peaceful, with a cool breeze and the sun shining brightly. We happened to arrive during a mass held by the seminarians, and after their service, we took some pictures. I felt incredibly blessed when we had a conversation with a priest, and when my driver mentioned it was my birthday, the priest wished me a happy birthday. It was such a heartwarming moment. Being in the monastery and receiving that blessing made me feel light and peaceful. I also lit a candle and made a wish as we toured the area.
Next, we went to Pine Ridge, which had an entrance fee of Php 50.00. The ambiance there reminded me of Camp John Hay in Baguio, with plenty of pine trees and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. There’s a coffee shop where you can grab a drink and relax. To reach the top of the hill, we had to climb concrete steps. We didn’t make it all the way up because the heat was intense, so we took a short break instead. The place is ideal for unwinding, perfect for a sound trip or simply relaxing in nature.
After visiting Pine Ridge, we went to Alalum Falls. There’s no entrance fee, and it’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Bukidnon. The walk to get there was tiring, as you have to descend concrete steps to reach the falls. It was exhausting, but definitely worth it. The falls were stunning, and I made sure to take some photos to capture the breathtaking view.
Afterward, we stopped at the Panika Tourism Center, where they had displays of traditional native headdresses from the town. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a great photo because the sunlight created shadows, making it look like the displays didn’t have heads.
That was our last stop for the day, so I headed back to my accommodation to rest. Around 6 PM, I was picked up again for dinner at Cowboy Town. The restaurant had a wonderful ambiance, and it’s quite popular in the area. I ordered sizzling lasagna, and it was delicious with a generous serving. I highly recommend dining here when you’re in Bukidnon.
Highlights:
• Communal Ranch truly lives up to being the “New Zealand of the Philippines”
• Drone shots are essential to capture the full beauty of the place
• Experience the natural massage from the waterfalls at Cedar
• Take a moment to pray at the Monastery of Transfiguration
• Be ready for a hike to Pine Ridge and Alalum Falls
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at Cowboy Town
