Championing Reforestation – Impasug-ong’s CEDAR
Coming from Alalum Falls, we still had some time to spare, so we ventured right down to CEDAR in Impasug-ong for another adventure.
Upon alighting at the side of Sayre Highway, towering trees welcomed us.
CEDAR, Bukidnon
CEDAR, or Center for Ecological Development and Recreation, is a reforestation project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the LGU of Impasug-ong. Additionally, this Eco-park covers some 1,703 hectares of protected land,which is home to endemic flora and fauna, waterfalls, camping grounds, natural springs, network of rivers and rolling hills.
Upon registration, we just left our bags at the visitor area, secured our guide and started the trek since we only have more than an hour to spare.
Camping grounds in there are large, and not far from it is a swimming pool that is filled by natural spring water (maybe during the weekends). This will be followed by several hanging bridges made of bamboo before arriving at the head water of Natigbasan Falls.
Chasing Waterfalls
Not far from Natigbasan Falls, lies the Gantungan Falls. If only we had the time, I had gone down to experience the cascades that offers a little of the canyoneering experience.
Then a few hundred meters and several minutes later, we went around a ravine and crossed some boulders along the river.
Then right before our eyes, Dila Falls came into view. This majestic falls, is considered as a horsetail waterfall because of its single cascade directly going to the catch basin.
All of the waterfalls inside CEDAR is unique since it does not originate from the same river, but from different networks.
And, among the four waterfalls, only the Makabayot waterfall is naturally made because of both Gantungan and Natigbasan Falls. Additionally, the Natigbasan Falls is probably the nearest, since it is situated around 720 meters away from the entrance; Gantungan which is 780 meters, and the Dila Falls is the farthest, which is 960 meters away from the entrance.
Enough of the little adventures, were coming for you, Mt. Dulang-Dulang!
How To Get There
CEDAR is located in Brgy. Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. This is located 22 kilometers away from Malaybalay City, and some 51 kilometers from Agora Terminal in Cagayan De Oro City.
From Laguindingan Airport in CDO:
- Take a bus/van bound for Agora Market Terminal in Cagayan De Oro City. (1 hour travel time/ 200php/pax)
- Upon arrival in Agora Terminal, transfer to another bus bound for Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Alternately you can take buses bound for Maramag, Valencia City or Davao City and alight at CEDAR in Impalutao. (2.25 hours travel time, 200php/pax)
- Entrance going to CEDAR is just beside the main highway. Walk around 200 meters going inside to register.
Travel Tips
- This is a nice sidetrip together with Alalum Falls in Kisolon, before or after your KD2LM or ridge hopping in Panimahawa or Kibuwa
- It can get a little crowded during the weekends, so try visiting during weekdays.
- The trail going to the waterfalls is pretty straight forward, but always hire a guide for your safety
- Limatik: None
- Noxious Plants: None
- Network signal: All Networks
- Cellular Data: 4G
- Always practice the Leave-No-Trace Principles (LNT)
- Respect local culture and their ways
Itinerary and Expenses
Mt. Dulang-Dulang Overnight Climb with Kisolon and Impasug-ong Sidetrip
Day 01
0330 Manila, 120 Breakfast
0530 Laguindingan, 200php van
0615 Agora, Breakfast 85
0730 Depart for Sumilao
0915 Alalum Falls, Kisolon, Sumilao 100 guide fee
1030 Depart for CEDAR, 20php to Impasugong Multicab
1100 CEDAR, Register 20php
1130 Start trek Gantungan, Natigbasan, Dila
1300 End of trek, 300php guide fee
1330 Multicab to Malaybalay, 20php
1415 DENR, PAMB Orientation (1000php, permit fee)
1445 Market, supply run
1630 Depart for Songco, Lantapan (1500, multicab)
1800 Datu Makapukaw, Ritual (1000php fee, 1500 ritual materials)
1930 Brgy. Bul-ogan, Homestay at Edgar Saway (450php)
2100 Lights off
Day 02
0600 Prepare Breakfast, Lunch
0830 Start trek, Kuya Dodong (Guide Fee: 1500php 2 days)
1130 3kms to summit marker
1230 2kms to summit marker
1330 1km to summit marker
1430 Manny’s Garden
1500 Summit, prepare camp
2030 Dinner
2230 Lights off
Day 03
0530 Wake up, prepare breakfast
0630 Breakfast
0700 Break camp
0830 Descend down
0900 Manny’s Garden
1115 Km 1 Marker
1230 Kuya Edgar Saway’s Homestay, tidy up
1500 Depart for Malaybalay City, 50php
1700 Malaybalay City Terminal, late lunch 100php
1730 Take bus back to Cagayan De Oro City 200php
1930 Agora Terminal
2000 Van to Laguindingan
2115 Laguindingan, check in at hostel (900php/ACU room)
Day 04
0600 Flight back to Manila
0815 Arrival at NAIA Terminal 3
Total Expenses (group of 3pax, excluding food, airfare): 4,686php/pax
Bukidnon Adventure Series 2019
Updated October 15, 2019
