CDO-Bukidnon-Camiguin 2 (ZipZone Dahilayan Adventure Park - Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon)

On the second day of our tour, as per the advice of Eric and Twinkle, we opted to go to Dahilayan Adventure Park (DAP) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon since there were only three of us while white water rafting requires six rafters. Besides, we can go rafting when we go to Davao next year.

Our plan really is to spend the first day of our stay in CDO for white water rafting. But due to unforeseen circumstances, I have to take the long route to CDO which meant we only have the afternoon to tour CDO.

We left New Dawn at 6:00am and boarded a cab to Gusa Terminal. The cab driver immediately recognized that we are going to Dahilayan and offered to take us there for P2500 (he lowered it to P2000 when we declined), which for us thrillseekers is not worth it at all.

Gusa Terminal

We decided to take the van from Gusa Terminal to Camp Phillips. Camp Phillips is where the pineapple plantation of Del Monte is located. We had to wait for other passengers and the van left the terminal at 7:00AM. The 1 hour and 30 minute ride will snake through zigzag roads and uphill climbs. Just inform the driver that you will go to Dahilayan so that he’ll know where to drop you off. The fare is P50 per person one way.

Passenger Van bound for Camp Phillips at Gusa Terminal

In our case, since we decided to ride the “habal-habal” (motorcycle), we alighted at the Caltex Gas Station after the road leading to the Del Monte Golf Course. Two guys greeted us and said that they are charging P100 per person, one-way. Our drivers even accompanied us to buy our lunch at a nearby canteen. They also willingly obliged to wait for us as we took pictures at the large pineapple in the middle of the rotunda at Camp Phillips. [Since I failed to get their names, I shall call them Valentino and Wayne, two great champions of the MotoGP (",) ]. There are also multicabs at Camp Phillips which Valentino said are available to take you to DAP for P1,500. For the budget conscious, the multicabs could easily accommodate 12 persons.

Pineapple Country

Prepare for a bumpy ride from Camp Phillips to Dahilayan. The 17-km rough road will snake through pineapple and banana plantations. The view of Mt. Kitanglad ahead really deserves to be framed.

Soccer Field at Camp Phillips

If you are travelling with your car from Cagayan de Oro, take the highway leading to Butuan City then once you reach Puerto, turn right to the Davao-Bukidnon Highway. Turn right once you reach the Alae Junction, I have seen a “Welcome to Bukidnon” sign here. Go straight as you will pass by the road leading to the Del Monte Golf Course (left side of the road) and the Caltex Gas Station (right side). Then, from the “Welcome to Camp Phillips” sign at the rotunda where you can find the large pineapple, go straight to the road traversing the houses reserved for the workers of Del Monte. The soccer field should be at your right side of the road. The mountain range in front is where you shall be heading. Good thing, road signs will guide you along the way.

still a long way to go

Pineapples...yummy

Personally speaking, in case no other vehicle is available, it is really not needed that vans and 4x4’s be used in going to DAP (remember that the cab driver offered to take us to DAP, albeit for a high price). What the heck, the road leading to the Kapurpurawan in Ilocos Norte is far worse. The only tricky portion of the ride to DAP is where you turn right into an uphill after taking a left turn at the end of the dilapidated basketball court (Wayne called it Sentro of the Barrio). Just take it easy and prepare some extra patience in navigating the road so as to prevent damaging the shocks or suspension of your car. So it’s really not worth it to hire a cab for P2500 (or even P2000) just to get there. Besides, you are going to DAP for an adventure and not to be pampered in a spa.

Valentino said that some showbiz celebrities already have farms in the area. There even is a place near DAP being developed for wedding receptions and parties, the Dahilayan Gardens & Resort. According to Valentino, accommodations are already available there.

Dahilayan Gardens (Upper Left)

Dahilayan Gardens....as seen from DAP

Pine trees literally dot the entire area, which is reminiscent of Baguio City and Eden Nature Park in Davao. One just have to enjoy the fresh and cool air that DAP offers. You will surely fall in love with the sweeping vista of Mt. Kitanglad being kissed by clouds.

pine trees everywhere

ready for the 320m and 150m zipline

Hello

I can hear Hunny saying..."I can do it...I can do it".

And there they go

Yipee...feels great

end of the 320m zipline

Hike back to the Flight Center

The launch point of Asia’s longest dual zipline is at 4,700 ft above sea level. It is therefore understandable that my Hunny, who is acrophobic, had cold feet prior to take off. Good thing I was able to convince her that she can face her fears as she did great in conquering the 320m and 150m ziplines.

4x4 ride to the top

so excited...

The 840m ride reminds me of the “Don’t Tell My Mother” series of the National Geographic Channel as this is a little bit to the extreme for her. You’ll literally fly at high speed, with all the trees below strikes a chord with the scene where Edward and Bella glide from tree to tree. Most of all, as it is a dual zipline, it is best experienced with your special someone (in my case, my wife). Also once the flight engineers are informed that you are a couple, they have this cute way of making you kiss each other before you are released. You also have to enjoy the ride going to the top of the 840m zipline since it is already an adventure in itself. You will certainly feel the rush.

Superman

set to go...

Hunny...can do it.

View from the top of the 840m dual zipline

Once the landing spot is visible, do not forget to smile for the camera. You may have these photos of you printed at the flight center and have them attached to the “survival certificate” that you may purchase, of course, for bragging rights.

There are lots of activities at DAP available for the adrenaline junkie. Aside from the Zipline, there is the Zorbit, an orb made of plastic to which one is attached inside as it rolls downhill. Horseback riding and all terrain vehicles (ATV) are also available should you wish to ride the saddle. The ropes course challenge and the wall-climbing are tailor fit for the daring and strong-limbed. For the kids, there is also playground aside from the Forest Park where one can have a picnic and enjoy the cool pine breeze.

Playground

Ropes Course

The Zorbit

ATVs

Improvements are still being made at DAP. Though it is already a great place at its present setup, new facilities are being constructed to further enhance the place.

Rates as of August 2010

Zip Zone Dahilayan Adventure Park Brgy. Dahilayan, Monolo Fortich, Bukidnon Mobile No.: 0922 8801319 Phone No. : (088) 857-2663 local 403/404 http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com/