Why You Need to Visit Bukidnon Before the New Airport Opens in 2026
There is a golden rule in travel that the best creators know by heart: Go before the direct flights start.
Right now, Bukidnon is a "rite of passage" destination. To get there, you have to earn it. It requires a winding, scenic, 2-3 hour drive from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) or a longer road trip from Davao. This barrier to entry has done something magical—it has preserved the province’s charm, kept the crowds manageable, and maintained a vibe that feels genuinely unexplored.
But the clock is ticking.
The Don Carlos Airport (Bukidnon Airport) is targeted to begin commercial operations in 2026. Once those gates open, this highland province will be just a quick plane ride away from Manila. The secret will officially be out.
Here is why you need to experience the "Highland Paradise" of the South now—while it still feels like your own private discovery.
The Vibe: "The New Baguio" (Minus the Traffic)
Imagine the pine trees, the cool mountain breeze, and the fog-kissed mornings of Baguio, but replace the gridlock traffic with wide-open highways and rolling green ridges.
Bukidnon is known as the Food Basket of Mindanao, but aesthetically, it feels like the American West meets New Zealand. It’s cowboy country—rodeo culture is real here, the steak is fresh, and the landscape is vast. It offers a kind of spaciousness that is becoming impossible to find in other highland destinations.
The 4 Pillars of the Bukidnon Experience
1. The "New Zealand" of the Philippines
If you have seen those viral drone shots of emerald-green hills that look like The Shire, they were likely taken at the Communal Ranch in Impasug-ong.
The Shot: A single paved road winding through cinematically perfect, rolling green mountains.
The Experience: This is the only government-owned ranch in the Philippines that feels this cinematic. You can go horseback riding, take cowboy-style photos, or simply sit by the lake.
2. Glamping That Rivals Tagaytay
Bukidnon has quietly become the glamping capital of the South. The cool weather makes it perfect for outdoor sleeping without the humidity.
Top Pick: Taglucop Strawberry Hills (Kitaotao).
Why Go: This isn't just a tent; it's luxury. They offer geodesic domes with private jacuzzis overlooking the strawberry fields. Waking up here to a view of the fog rolling over the hills is an experience that rivals any luxury resort in Tagaytay—often at a better price point.
Note: Book weeks in advance; they do not accept walk-ins.
3. The Ridge Camping Trend
For years, Dahilayan Adventure Park has been the staple (home to one of Asia's longest dual ziplines). It remains a must-visit. However, the new trend is Ridge Camping in Malaybalay.
The Spot: RotyPeaks Ridge Camp.
The Experience: You take a habal-habal (motorcycle) up a rough trail to a campsite that sits on a knife-edge ridge. You sleep in A-frame huts and wake up above a literal sea of clouds. It is rugged, affordable, and offers the best sunrise views in the province.
4. The Authentic Culture
If you can time your trip for March or April, you will witness the Kaamulan Festival. Unlike many festivals that have become commercialized street parties, Kaamulan remains a genuine gathering of the seven hill tribes of Bukidnon. It is widely considered the most authentic indigenous festival in the Philippines.
The "Before the Boom" Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights)
This itinerary assumes you are flying into Laguindingan Airport (CDO), which is currently the most common entry point.
Day 1: The "New Zealand" Road Trip
Morning (Arrival): Land in CDO. Take a van/shuttle to Agora Terminal, then board a bus bound for Malaybalay or Davao.
Stop 1: Impasug-ong (1.5 - 2 hours from CDO).
Drop off at the Tourism Hall to pay the environmental fee.
Hire a habal-habal to take you to the Communal Ranch.
Activity: Spend the afternoon taking photos at the "New Zealand" road, horseback riding, and visiting the cowboy town vibe.
Late Afternoon: Continue the bus ride to Malaybalay City (45 mins).
Dinner: Cafe Esquinita or Roadhouse Cafe (try the Bukidnon beef steak).
Stay: Book a hotel in Malaybalay City (e.g., Loiza’s Pavilion) or head straight to a ridge camp if you booked a night trek.
Day 2: Sea of Clouds and Strawberry Hills
Early Morning (4:00 AM): If you didn't sleep at a camp, wake up early for a sunrise hike at Panimahawa Ridge or RotyPeaks. The sea of clouds is best viewed between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM.
Mid-Morning: Brunch at The Monastery of the Transfiguration.
Must-buy: Monk’s Blend Coffee. It’s grown and roasted by the monks right there on the farm.
Afternoon: Travel South to Maramag/Kitaotao (approx. 1 hour).
Check in at Taglucop Strawberry Hills.
Activity: Strawberry picking (seasonal), dipping in the jacuzzi, and enjoying a campfire dinner.
Stay: Glamping at Taglucop (Must book in advance!).
Day 3: The Adrenaline Rush
Morning: Checkout and travel back North towards Manolo Fortich.
Stop: Dahilayan Adventure Park.
Activity: Ride the 840m Zipline or the Razorback Mountain Coaster.
Lunch: Have a steak lunch at the Pineapple Run or the clubhouse inside Dahilayan.
Afternoon: Side trip to Del Monte Pineapple Plantation (Camp Phillips).
Photo Op: The "American Suburb" vibe of the Camp Phillips housing and the endless rows of pineapples.
Late Afternoon: Van/Bus back to CDO for your flight home.
How to Make it Happen
Best Time to Visit: December to February (coldest weather) or March/April (Kaamulan Festival).
Budget: Approx. ₱8,000 - ₱12,000 per person (excluding airfare) for a comfortable 3D2N trip with glamping.
Clothing: Bring a jacket! It gets legitimately cold (16°C - 20°C) at night, especially in the ridge camps or glamping sites.
Connectivity: Signal is generally good in the main towns (Malaybalay/Valencia) but spotty in the mountains/ridges.
The Verdict
Bukidnon is currently in that sweet spot of travel destinations: developed enough to be comfortable, but remote enough to feel adventurous. In 2026, the gates open. Pack your bags and go now.