HEART-pounding and out-of-breath, we make our way through the
steep trails. Towering trees on one side and the cliff’s edge on the other ¬ a wrong step could send you down a sharp
fall. But looking around, the surreal scenery, the cool air, and
the dizzying high ¬ they make it all worth it.
Into the Wild
Cool pine tree forests,
cascading falls, verdant green rice terraces, surreal rock formations, steep
hiking trails, open camping grounds, breath-taking views from unbelievable
heights – people would think you’d have to go around the Philippines just to
check all of these off your bucketlist, but the vibrant Bucari of Leon,
Iloilo’s thriving eco-tourism gem, has all of these and more.
Road to Bucari
Fifty-eight kilometres from
Iloilo City, Bucari is a mountainous destination on average 2,000ft above sea
level, reaching as high as 4,300ft above sea level at Ambassador Hill or more
popularly known as Susong Dalaga because of its peculiar shape. Dubbed Iloilo’s
“Little Baguio”, temperatures range from 18 to 20°C, dropping to as low as 10°C
during Decembers, it’s a sanctuary away from the heat and hustle of the city.
Just a two-hour commute by jeepney and tricycle from Jaro Market, the trip is a
must for any traveller.
Happy Campers
There is no better way to enjoy Bucari than by camping and
trekking. The Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite in Sitio Tabionan is ideal for
all types of happy campers, a cool well-maintained and peaceful paradise. You
can pitch your tent under the shade of soaring Pine Trees and it’s near numerous
hiking trails. Entrance to the site is free but voluntary donations from guests
are accepted.
You can bring your own tent
or rent one from the camp. For meals, you can bring ‘baon’ from home or opt to
build a bonfire at the camp and set-up a barbeque. There are also plenty of
sari-sari stores outside the site for your other needs.
Chasing Waterfalls
For thrill-seekers, it’s
best to try out the Imoy Falls trek first. This downward hike from the
Pineforest Camp is not for the weak-kneed or the faint-hearted. It’s nearly an
hour’s trek through slippery and treacherous terrain, but the reward that is
Imoy Falls washes all the exhaustion away.
The cool waters of Imoy
Falls can comfort any weary traveller. Flanked on both sides by rocky terrain
and awe-inspiring trees, it’s easy to forget all concept of time while taking a
dip at one of the cold springs. Daredevils can cannonball into the falls’
gushing waters, with level rock formations ripe as diving spots.
Above the Clouds
The highlight for most
visitors of Bucari is the Mansiga Peak viewing deck. With the hiking trail
starting near the entrance of the Pine Forest campsite, it’s just a 15 to 30
minute trek through steep slopes, but with steps carved into the mountainous
track and bamboo rails running along sharp cliff sides, even novice hikers can
make the climb up easily.
At the peak, you’re treated
to a 360 degree view of the cloudy mountains of Central Panay. Easily scalable
leaning trees offer up unique bird’s eye views and adventurous photo opportunities.
It’s rewarding and calming,
the astounding views, the amazing scenery. I’m a beginner when it comes to
hiking and trekking, and the steep climbs always wear me out. But there’s a
feeling of renewal and accomplishment every time you reach a landmark or a
peak, and again you’re refuelled and ready to conquer the next destination, no
matter how difficult the climb.
How to Get There
To get there, board a Leon
Jeepney, it will take you around 30 to 45 minutes to
reach the Leon Town Plaza. Make sure to visit Leon’s Tourism
Office located in front of the town hall, for your questions, as
well as to find out the proper fares for different destinations.
Next, flag a tricycle and ask him to take you to the stop for
Bucari-bound jeepneys. Lastly, board the jeep and ask the driver
to drop you off at the Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite in Sitio
Tabionan. The mountainous route will
take you around 45 minutes to reach your final
destination.
