Bukidnon highlands
Cool air, rolling grasslands and some of the country's highest peaks, plus a festival of seven indigenous peoples.
Quick answer
- Where: a landlocked highland province of northern Mindanao, with its capital at Malaybalay.
- Mountains: the Kitanglad range includes Mount Dulang-Dulang, the country's second-highest peak, and Mount Kitanglad.
- Festival: Kaamulan, a gathering of Bukidnon's seven indigenous peoples, held in Malaybalay from about late February to March.
- Landscape: grasslands, pine forests and huge pineapple plantations.
- Getting there: about two to three hours by road from Cagayan de Oro.
Why it is a wonder
Bukidnon is Mindanao’s highland heart, a landlocked plateau of rolling grasslands, pine forests and mountains. The Kitanglad range rises above it, including Mount Dulang-Dulang, the second-highest peak in the Philippines, and Mount Kitanglad, a protected natural park sacred to local communities. On the plateau below spread some of the largest pineapple plantations in the world.
Bukidnon is also home to seven indigenous peoples, and their Kaamulan Festival, from a word meaning “to gather”, fills Malaybalay with music, dance, rituals and costume from about late February into March.
Beat the crowds
- Visit outside Kaamulan for quiet mountain lodges, or book early if you come for the festival.
- Go to viewpoints at dawn, before clouds roll in.
Getting there
Fly to Laguindingan Airport near Cagayan de Oro, then drive or take a bus inland, about two to three hours to Malaybalay. Buses also run from Davao. Hire a driver to reach the highland villages and viewpoints.
A perfect day
- Sunrise over the grasslands near Miarayon or another highland village.
- Lunch with a view of Mount Kitanglad.
- Visit a monastery or museum on Bukidnon’s indigenous cultures.
- Evening in Malaybalay, wrapped up against the cool air.
Through the seasons
- November to April: generally drier, the best time to hike.
- Late February to March: the Kaamulan Festival.
- Rain is possible all year in the mountains.
Respect the place
Climb only with permits and local guides, ask before photographing festival performers and rituals, and treat sacred mountains with respect.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kaamulan Festival?
A festival in Malaybalay celebrating the cultures of Bukidnon's seven indigenous groups: the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.
Can I climb Mount Kitanglad?
Yes, with permits and registered local guides, as it is a protected natural park and sacred to indigenous communities.
Is Bukidnon cold?
It is much cooler than the lowlands, especially at night in the higher areas. Bring a jacket.
What else is there to do?
Adventure parks such as Dahilayan, monasteries with mountain views, and visits to pineapple country.
Grand Mosque of Cotabato
Golden domes and soaring minarets on the edge of Cotabato City, the largest mosque in the Philippines.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
