Pink, White And Golden Trumpet Trees In Bukidnon: The Philippines Version of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

My recent trip to Bukidnon has surprised me a great deal. I had my backpacking trip for 6 days, and my route was started in Dapitan – Dipolog – Ozamiz – Iligan – Cagayan – Bukidnon. Yes, it was a long Bus ride, but the moment I traipsed my feet in the Province of Bukidnon, I was astounded by all the surprises that I didn’t expect. My real plan is to trek to the stunning beauty of Paninahawa Ridge and stay there overnight with two of my travel blogger friends. But, I was surprised when I found out these trees that are in full bloom when I passed by along the National Road while I was on the Bus. I began seeing the Pink Trumpet Trees when the Bus started passing by at the Manolo Fortich up to Sumilao and Impasug-Ong.

These Pink, White and Golden Trumpet Trees (Tabebuia Rosea and Tabebuia Impetiginosa) In Bukidnon have been said to be seen during the summer time from the month of March up until the month of May. These can be found along the National road from Manolo Fortich up to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The residents in the Province of Bukidnon are really excited about summer time because of these beautiful Trumpet Trees.

Perhaps, the stunning sight of the mountainous terrain of Bukidnon and all the hidden beautiful waterfalls has been what this Province is proud of. And with this new spot that have just been circulating around the social media, would definitely a redolence to the innate beauty of Bukidnon.

I wasn’t able to come close to this Pink Trumpet Tree, since I was on the Bus that time, but I truly enjoy watching them. And to my surprise, the moment I came down from the Bus near the junction road going to the jump off area of Paninahawa Ridge, I had a chance to see the Pink Trumpet Trees again before reaching the jump off area. These Trumpet trees are swaying in the wind, and its blossoms are slowly falling off the ground, which makes the road looks like a carpet of petals.

I had a conversation with the motorcycle driver while I’m on my way to the jump off area of Paninahawa Ridge. He told me that these trees are merely nothing to him, since he used to see it every summer. While he told me that it was just nothing to him, I was acting opposite, since I couldn’t hold myself from moving like I was really amazed of what I have just seen. Deep within me, I knew that seeing these beautiful Pink Trumpet Tree would render me a chance to experience what it feels like to get close to the Cherry blossoms known in other Asian countries during springtime, like Japan, Taiwan, China and the likes.

Additionally, in some part of a road in the town of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon has seen some Golden Trumpet Trees that are likewise in full bloom. This generally happened during summer in Malaybalay City when these trees defoliate – Leaving only the yellow flowers on the branches. This has become a welcome sight along the main avenue, in the park and near the cathedral of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Photo Credit: Romnick S. Tagalicod

Photo Credit: Romnick S. Tagalicod

Truly, this is such a great news, especially for someone like me who want to experience Cherry Blossoms, but can’t afford to travel to Japan, Taiwan or China at present. And knowing that we have our own version of Cherry Blossoms in the Philippines, this would render us once in a lifetime experience in which, we don’t need to spend much just to experience Cherry Blossoms.

 

How To Get To Bukidnon

The Province of Bukidnon doesn’t have its own Commercial Airport, but it is nonetheless very accessible by Air and Land through the nearest point of Entry, Cagayan De Oro City and Davao City.

Laguindingan International Airport

The nearest Airport in Bukidnon is located in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental in which Cagayan de Oro is the capital City. There are daily flights to Laguindingan International Airport from Manila, Davao and other part of the Philippines with Major local Airlines (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia). But, I suggest that you only fly to Laguindingan Airport if you’re planning to go to Dahilayan or in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon since it is located close to Cagayan De Oro City.

From the Airport, take a Van going to CDO downtown and will pass by in the Agora Market Terminal. The fare is around PHP 199.00, and the travel time from Laguindingan Airport to Agora Terminal is less than an hour. From Agora Terminal, take a Bus or Van bound for Dahilayan, and travel time is around 1 hour. And, if you’re traveling to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, just ride a Bus bound for Malaybalay City Bukidnon. The travel time is around 3 hours.

During my travel to Impasug-Ong, Bukidnon, this is where I had a chance to see the scenic rows of Pink Trumpet Trees in the sideways alongside the wide pineapple plantation.

Tips:

If you want to experience riding a double Decker Bus then, Pabama’s Double Decker Bus will get you covered. This double Decker Bus serves Cagayan De Oro to Kibawe, Bukidnon route and Vice-versa. There are three trips daily, which schedule to depart Agora Bus Terminal bound for Kibawe, Bukidnon around 6:00AM, 12NN and 6PM.

From Davao (F. Bangoy) International Airport)

From the Airport, take a Cab going to Ecoland Integrated Bus Terminal and the travel time is around 30-45 minutes, The fare is around PHP 300.00. But, if you want to do DIY, and get a cheaper fare, just walk a few meters from the Airport to the highway and ride a Bus bound for Ecoland Terminal. The travel time is around 1 hour and the fare is less than PHP 40.00. I suggest that if you’re planning to only visit Maramag and Valencia, Bukidnon then, Davao as your point of entry is the best option, since Maramag and Valencia is located close to Davao. From Ecoland Integrated Bus Terminal, just ride a Bus bound for Cagayan De Oro City. The travel time is around 5 hours.

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