Today, I am heading back to Cebu via Air Asia. It is going to be my first solo flight and I’m already very excited. I came here so early, like 4 hours before my flight schedule; now I’m bored, so I decided to just write for a bit.
This year, I turned 31 and I’m so proud to say that I also became a pro in solo travelling (char). Please celebrate with me; I finally did it myself. I used to be so dependent with friends, but this time “I am going to check-in and fly alone!” Thanks to M-Step Ticketing Services for booking my flight!
How To Get To Cagayan from Cebu?
There are two ways for you to get to Cagayan: Via Airplane or Via Ship. I chose ship because I wasn’t really in a hurry, I’m not doing any major activities yet, I am still practicing how to travel alone, far from Cebu.
TransAsia Shipping Lines operates Mondays to Saturdays (Cebu-Cagayan-Cebu). I arrived at Pier 3 Cebu 2 hours before my scheduled departure which was 8 PM. I also chose tourist because I’m quite sensitive with crowded places, I needed to sleep well because I will be trekking and doing lots of minor activities in Bukidnon the day after.
You can also charge your gadgets, buy food at their restaurant (economy 3rd Floor). With tourist accommodation, you can take a shower. If you’re an adventurer like me, who wants to climb mountains, camp for a night or two, and take photos of the beautiful sunset and sunrise, then choose tourist accommodation because you wouldn’t know when will you be able to shower again (I went to CEDAR in Bukidnon after trekking at Panimahawa Ridge to freshen up).
How To Get To Dahilayan Adventure Park From Cagayan Port?
I arrived early at Cagayan Port, and my next goal will be to get a Magnum Express ticket to Dahilayan Adventure Park, 9 AM schedule. I feel like not really going yet because it’s still morning, the place is new to me and I’m alone but not totally (I managed to make acquaintances- kudos for me, please!)
Outside of the port, there waits single motorcycles eager to bring you to Agora Cagayan Terminal, they’re too excited that they just wanted to take your baggages, but I firmly said “No”. Out of plan, I decided to visit Cagayan Boulevard instead since I still have 3 hours before 9 AM. I spent an hour walking from the Boulevard – – Ayala – SM – Church – Teleperformance – Jollibee – Macdonald’s and then Lemketkai (Where I found Magnum Express office). There I waited another 2 hours.
Your other options will be Via “Agora Terminal”. Ride a bus going to Malaybalay/Valencia/Maramag/Marawe/Davao, tell the driver to drop you off at “Manolo Fortich Terminal”, ride a motorbike/motorcycle going to “Dahilayan Adventure Park”.
What’s Next Upon Arriving At Dahilayan?
Decide which activities you want to experience first before you pay for entrances because there are two Entrances at Dahilayan and they both have separate fees. Please check their websites to avoid paying double.
- Dahilayan Forrest Park – activities mostly for kids (adults are welcome!)
- Dahilayan Adventure Park – Extreme Activities ( you have to be 21 years old and above for activities like Razorback, Zipline 840 meters high)
When is the best time to visit Dahilayan?
Since I went there on a Weekend and it was crowded, I would suggest visiting the place during Weekdays and not a holiday. It would be so nice to really enjoy all the rides without traffic; besides, you will save time because you won’t have to fall in line for 30-60 minutes. Be there earlier too and bring a raincoat, just do it, just in case it will rain on your visit.
PANIMAHAWA RIDGE/PANIMAHAWA RIDGE BASECAMP
How to get to Impasugong Tourism Office/Impalutao Elementary School from Dahilayan?
My next destination will be “Impalutao Elementary Integrated School”, where I will meet my guide to Panimahawa Ridge.
From Dahilayan, I asked the cashier on how to get to Impasugong, I was advised to ride a motor like vehicle down to Manolo Fortich (the terminal where I can ride a bus passing impasugong). Since I was solo travelling, I will have to pay for the whole trip if I won’t wait for others or allow others to join me in that trip. Being kind really is a saver.
From Manolo Fortich, I asked another person which bus to take going to Impasugong, then I was informed to ride buses going to Malaybalay, Valencia, Marawe, etc. Luckily, there was a bus already heading to Marawe, there’s no time to be lucky because I have to meet my guide at 5:00 PM.
The Bus Driver and his assistant was really kind and entertaining, and I asked them to drop me off at CEDAR (with waterfalls, etc. because I thought it’s near Impalutao Integrated Elementary School but I was informed by my guide that it’s better to just stop at my destination since it’s located before CEDAR, it also saves money and time (thanks to Lawrence).
I was 15 minutes late and it was raining; gladly my guide had an uncle ready to take us to “Panimahawa Ridge Basecamp” where I camped for the night (trekking time will start 4AM). I paid my guide and then I was advised by the person in-charge for the fees that the guide will be the one giving it to him.
I travelled solo, so expectedly payments were higher compared to travelling by group (in general). The experience was quite different when you travel solo, you will know it when you try it. For me, I had the best experience ever. That 4 AM trek to Panimahawa Ridge was the best adventure I’ve ever had.
We arrived so early at Panimahawa Ridge that the campers were still asleep. We woke them up for sure! They’re from Cagayan and they’re so kind that they kept on inviting me to have coffee with them, but I was a shy little bird, so I politely say “I’m fine, thank you!”
The place exceeded my expectations. It’s really very different once you’re there because you will see more than just pictures. I took a lot of videos but unfortunately I have unintentionally deleted all my videos while on the plane going back home from Davao, trying to get some space to take videos since I’m seated near the window; that excitement made me unstoppable to the extent that I did the unimaginable.
Luckily, my photos are still here on my phone. I learned to appreciate what’s left after I lost all my precious recordings. I really wanted to show it to you but I guess it’s meant to happen for you to visit there yourself and see the entire view of the place; there’s always a reason why things happened unexpectedly. Let’s just enjoy what’s left and reminisce the memories of those videos.
My guide, Lawrence, left my stuff somewhere and he went back to take it. I can see his dedication to his job and I’d like to recommend him for you all (I have his phone number; I’ll list all my guides phone number at the end of this post).
While waiting for his arrival, I had a little chat with the campers who camped at Panimahawa Ridge that night. Someone offered to take a few photos of me so that I will have photos on my own. He even showed me, Mt. kulago and RotyPeaks Ridge Camp from Panimahawa Ridge (thank you Sir, and I left without saying goodbye, haha). He said “Strike a pose near our tent, so that you will have a photo of you with a tent.” Even lend me a chair. I was laughing and really thankful and grateful for their kindness.
They’re so kind and I’m so glad to have met those kinds of people in all my solo trips. My guide finally came back, and he was really sorry which he shouldn’t have. I was laughing and at the same time feeling so bossy for allowing him to take it back, because he really returned back to the Basecamp (unfortunately, he left it there).
Luckily, this guide is a trail runner, he even won 9th place in their last trail. He’s also one of the organizers for trail runs in Bukidnon. It took him an hour and he wasn’t really complaining because he considered it as his training. I like Lawrence mindset, at his age you will learn how dedicated he is in everything. He also mentioned about being contented but also being ambitious.
He said, he loves what he’s doing; he’s happy with his job, it made him happy to serve. He said, “I like climbing high mountains because it trained me to conquer hardships in life.” I also added, “Hardships in trekking helped us trained our mind to just keep going, you will eventually get there, no matter how long it will take as long as you will not give up.”
It’s time for us to be back at the Basecamp since I will still be visiting CEDAR (he offered to guide me for free, but I end up refusing since I’m not going to the waterfalls that time, only their pool). His uncle was waiting at the Basecamp, ready to give me a ride to CEDAR then to Communal Ranch.
On our way back to the Basecamp, I finally saw the trail we’re walking early at 4 AM and I was surprised how far and hard it was to climb back to the Basecamp, it’s way stiffer than trekking towards the ridge. Luckily, Lawrence can climb a “Marang Tree.” He took Marang fruits, and shared it with me so I will have energy. Thanks to his grandpa for planting that fruit, it saves me from collapsing. I would say, it’s not really an easy trail. Others say it’s good for beginners, but for me it isn’t, you can try though (if I can do it, you can!”
I finally made it back to the basecamp! I’ll always be thankful and grateful for our safety. Thank you Lord for the energy, for the guides and for the good people whom I came across with. Now it’s time to move on to CEDAR. I have to experience the coldness of their water and also freshen up since I will be heading to the Communal Ranch right after.
CEDAR/COMMUNAL RANCH
My guides uncle gave me a ride to CEDAR, I paid for the entrance fee, left my change for later and the lady forgot to put a stamp on me. Luckily, the people inside cedar allowed me to still go inside without a stamp. I’m still the luckiest (no wonder why they looked at me weirdly… I had no idea, I didn’t have a stamp). On our way back, the lady informed me about the stamp and she just hope they’ll let me in, they still did, haha.
Aside from the clean environment and the coldest water CEDAR had, I also was able to freshen up, change clothes, etc. It’s the best place to go next after a long long hike. There are waterfalls inside which requires guide and it’s a little farther from the entrance; so keep walking until you will reach your destination.
After cedar, I went to the famous communal ranch, initially to do horseback riding (unfortunately, it was already very hot when we arrived), but I decided not to, I enjoyed taking photos and videos instead.
First we paid for our passes, bought a hat which was the only souvenir I bought from the Ranch. I had the best photos of my life wherein I feel like a ranch owner for an hour. It’s facing Mt. Kulago as well which makes the Ranch very precious. I can still feel its enchantment.
The happiest days of my life after turning 31 this year. So in love with Bukidnon, the kindness of the people and the whole trip with me, solo travelling. The best birthday gift I can give myself for being resilient and on the go; whatever the challenges she faces, she learned to be back on track. I’m a proud of you 31 year old self.
There are food and water in every tourist destination in Bukidnon, so you won’t be hungry but it’s still advisable to always being your own. Bukidnon is quite known so you will be fine, it’s not what I thought (nevermind). Cagayan, Bukidnon and Davao changed my preconceived thoughts, it exceeded my expectations and I would give 10 star for all my experiences with three places, it’s really healing. I have fallen in love for the first time in Bukidnon.
ROTYPEAKS RIDGE CAMP BUKIDNON
Good to know
- Book first at RotyPeaks website before heading there. Camping site is limited as well as rooms.
- Only light vehicles are allowed. Big 4 wheels can climb the rocky mountain, the rest you’ll have to leave it at “Payag” with fees.
I used to say RotyRidge, but it’s actually RotyPeaks! I was corrected by the Lady at “Payag” where you can buy food, charge devices and leave your cars on your way to RotyPeaks! Thanks, Lady. They’re so kind to let me sit inside too while waiting for my Guide.
“Payag” is the name it’s known for but there’s another name for it, I just did not read it nor took photo of it, so it’s for you to figure out. It is quite known, the “Habal2x” drivers knew the place really well, so you will be fine.
From the Communal Ranch, I asked my driver to bring me to Payag, I also had contact at RotyPeaks! I called and book a reservation to pick me up at Payag. I had a feeling that the way to RotyPeaks is really challenging, so I kept in mind to only ride a “HabalHabal” that will be provided to me by the Dispatchers, kuya Warley.
Upon Arriving at Payag, there are other motorcycles willing to take you up the Ridge, please wait for your rider. In my case, I really waited “Brael” and he ended up waiting for me because I still need to charge my phone (there’s no electricity at the ridge which makes it so special).
“Brael” is really a master in the place along with the others. I saw him at first glance and I can see his strength. He’s quite handsome too, tall, dark and clean. He’s also patient, caring to his guest, and really mindful. He wouldn’t be a good rider if he doesn’t have the best mindfulness in the world. He’s keen with little details and quite obsessed (as he described himself in his Facebook profile). I can trust him and I’m thankful and grateful of him for keeping me safe.
Brael was fast and it took us less than an hour. He also took photos of me at the bridge. It was quite an awesome adventure with him as the guide. He’s quite entertaining too, you just have to talk to him and he will respond. At first he looked so serious but after asking him questions, he’s natural funny and energetic side naturally came out. He even gave me his phone # on my way back for Davao, in case I have a friend who want to visit the place and be his guest. That was so amazing of him! (I waited for that, haha) Gladly, we’re friends on Facebook so if I have questions regarding the place, I can just ask him.
I noticed that the riders at Rotypeaks were all very entertaining, they’re quite handsome too, with pleasing personalities. They’re well picked, you can really trust them because they are your guides too. For your safety, always book a ride through the dispatchers. You may also chose “Brael”, just wait for them at Payag, or contact them an hour ahead of your arrival to Payag so that they can also start travelling from RotyPeaks!
I had the best stay ever! Thank you RotyPeaks for giving me such a dedicated guide too, he even helped me set up my Tent and provided me some pillows and other stuffs to keep me warm because I was solo and only had a sleeping bag and a tent I have not used it ( RotyPeaks stuffs).
We’re both surprise that the tent was already fully formed like an umbrella. (if you have questions regarding RotyPeaks, I can ask him he said or you may message the website or their Facebook pages). I initially asked Brael to pick me up around 6 AM since I will still be travelling to Davao, I need to get the earliest bus so that I will arrive before the sun sets (it was 8 hours travel time for me, from 9 AM to 5 PM).
I ended up having to have him wait again because I need to take my breakfast at 7 AM (prebooked at rotypeaks), so he assisted me again to get an early breakfast, helped me find a good spot to eat and served me hot drinks. I was a Princess for a day at RotyPeaks, thank you!
DAVAO/PEOPLES PLAZA/CROCODILE FARM/AIRPORT
Brael dropped me off at “Bukidnon Tourism Office” he also guided me where to wait for a bus bound for Davao. There I waited or around 1 hour. When I finally got in the bus, I have to stand until Malaybalay Bukidnon, buses were quite full that day.
To my surprise, I only paid for half of what I have expected, I told him I’m heading to Davao and then gave me the ticket. I just accepted it and paid the amount he asked. I arrived at Ecoland Bus Terminal, took a ride to D’Morvie at San Pedro St. and checked in for hours.
I was surprised again as to how cheap the room was, considering the Aircon, TV, elevator, swimming pool. It felt like winning a Jackpot. In the morning, I walked towards people’s plaza, where I passed by Davao Doctors Hospital; then on my way back trying to find LBC to send my Tents, Towels, Etc. to Cebu, I passed by Gaisano Davao. It was like 3 km walk.
I also went to the Crocodile Park before hitting the airport. My flight schedule was 2:40 PM bound to Mactan, Cebu International Airport. I spent the time at the park and bought some durian candies (I’m not so into key chains, but I’m into food.)
I paid for entrance and visited the crocodiles and snakes. There are birds as well as lions too (It’s my first time seeing a lion for real). The baby crocodiles were like 60 plus in my counting plus there are big crocodiles too. The place is quite special that I saw eagles for real too.
It felt like I was actually in a real forrest full of enchanted animals in Davao. Next time, I will be visiting the Mt. Apo. Watch out and keep yourself updated on my Solo Travels by following this site.
I arrived early at the airport, I had to rush since the Taxi Driver was waiting. I bought some souvenirs at the airport, checked in earlier, I was the first one to check in (how excited) It’s also my first time flying in an Airplane alone but I’m not totally alone since I do have a seatmate.
Goodbye to my lighter, it was confiscated at the airport and I learned my lesson not to bring any lighter next time. Although the flashlight was really helpful to me while camping, I just really need to buy a real flashlight now.
It was my first time flying without friends and it was a mission accomplished goal. Goal Achieved! I was lucky to be seated near the window that I was able to take photos and videos (accidentally deleted all). I learned to be contented with what I already have.
My phone was in flight mode and I used the time to take photos to calm myself down, just seeing the best of the flight and taking memories of it, eating doritos. Davao is really secured, upon arrival via Bus there’s a checkpoint. At the airport, there were lots of checking time too and weighing of stuffs. It was ended a really safe travel!
I also had the chance to see the best view of Lapu Lapu City! It’s so beautiful from above, and I really appreciate where I lived now. Thank you for keeping me safe all these years in Cebu.
I walked from the Airport to our place! Yellow Cab was full and I only take taxis while in Davao. I usually don’t do it here because I’m quite familiar with the place already. I knew the Jeep ney routes, etc.
Thank you for celebrating with me my 31st birthday!
Bukidnon Guide Phone #’s
- Panimahawa Ridge: Gerald – (09056008219) ; Lawrence – (+639650873164)
- RotyPeaks RIDGE Camp: Brael 09932514702 or call the dispatchers directly in case the rider is not available.
Enjoy! Trust your Guides and have fun! 😉 See you!
Climbing, Rocks! 