Finally, the famed pine forest and "cool"ness of Brgy. Bucari in Leon! I've been to Bucari before during a visit to a strawberry farm, but due to time constraint we weren't able to go up the pine tree covered hill in Sitio Tabionan, which is the main tourist drawer. This made the town to be known as Iloilo's Summer Capital which gained the monicker "Little Baguio".
From Iloilo City, Bucari is around 60 kilometers to the main campsite via good paved road from the city to the town and some semi-rough roads way up the mountains. Travel time is estimated to be around 2 hours.
Road widening is in progress at some areas going the mountain but near the pine forest hill, it is still is a kilometer or two dirt road. Still, it is very much accessible for those who have vehicles (though it may pose some problems to regular sized cars, ours was a Mitsubishi Adventure). Local transport like jeepney is scarce but one can also rent the whole jeep for the group or take the habal-habal for the adventure.
Road widening is in progress at some areas going the mountain but near the pine forest hill, it is still is a kilometer or two dirt road. Still, it is very much accessible for those who have vehicles (though it may pose some problems to regular sized cars, ours was a Mitsubishi Adventure). Local transport like jeepney is scarce but one can also rent the whole jeep for the group or take the habal-habal for the adventure.
After traveling the semi-winding yet scenic road, we arrived at the camping ground located in Sitio Tabionan. This is the main site of a reforestation project decades ago that resulted to a pine covered area of around 5,000 hectares (according to Wikipedia). Aside from that "cool" cool temperature that greeted us when we got out of the car, pine trees are everywhere.
A perfect welcome that greeted us upon arrival reminded us why this place is called "Little Baguio" - cool temperature and pine trees.
Flat portions of the area are designated as camp grounds with some areas having some cottages for the day trippers.
Flat portions of the area are designated as camp grounds with some areas having some cottages for the day trippers.
Settling in to our cottage of choice, I immediately set out for my first Bucari adventure. The picnic/camp is of manageable size and there's no chance of getting lost in the pine-covered semi slope - unless you go further down some trails in the area.
The air is cool and smells pine tree all over - I have to say this again. It is a perfect spot to wander around reflecting amidst all the towering trees. Whether ground view or towards the sky, nature dominates the scene and is sort of rejuvenating at the same time "recharging".
The wind rush one hears can be mistaken for rain or that of water rushing down the mountainside.
The wind rush one hears can be mistaken for rain or that of water rushing down the mountainside.
After some time one can easily have enough of pine trees and look for some. Good thing there's more than this sea of pine trees than meets the eye at Bucari. Across the campsite is a trail leading up to Mansiga natural view deck.
It could easily be missed since it is sort of lost within the forest cover - good thing we were tipped to go up for a grander view. I envisioned it to be the place where picturesque scenes were capture on photos I've seen before.
It could easily be missed since it is sort of lost within the forest cover - good thing we were tipped to go up for a grander view. I envisioned it to be the place where picturesque scenes were capture on photos I've seen before.
The way up proved to be a tiring experience for me. It was around a 30-45 minute trek along the mountainside. I just didn't take it slowly and pace by pace, which is the right way to do it. I just got so excited that the first few minutes I gave all my energy going up, which should not have been.
Despite the very cool temperature I found myself perspiring a lot so I advise trekkers (especially first timers) to take the climb slowly, breathing evenly, taking a lot of stops/pauses along the way to regain even breathing. Just take it slowly but surely...
Despite the very cool temperature I found myself perspiring a lot so I advise trekkers (especially first timers) to take the climb slowly, breathing evenly, taking a lot of stops/pauses along the way to regain even breathing. Just take it slowly but surely...
There's only one main trail to the top and even without a guide one can reach the top on his own. Halfway (more or less) along the walk, there's a "junction" with the right one on the photo is a shorter route but a more steep and challenging one. They say, your knees meet your chin at some point. Good thing we took the longer one and though it took us longer to reach the peak, it was an easier route for us.
Just below the main view "deck" was a flatland that gave us our first grand view atop Bucari.
It was also laden with pine trees but a lot cooler and with more breath-taking (literally for me who was still catching my breath) view.
It was also laden with pine trees but a lot cooler and with more breath-taking (literally for me who was still catching my breath) view.
Pine trees everywhere, cool temperature, grand mountaintop view - all these make Bucari a cool destination especially as summer is just around the corner. Indeed Iloilo's very own "Little Baguio".
One can easily toss his plans for the day to just enjoy the scenery and everything it's got. Of course, the digital age makes it easier to reminisce all these as one can easily capture the sights and sounds (the wind almost howls everywhere) of Bucari.
Among the most popular spots at the Mansiga view deck are fallen pine trees which tickles the more adventurous ones to go as far as they can - for a souvenir photo.
One is a dead pine tree which juts out "into the abyss" and is not for the faint of heart as one wrong move can send you down rolling in the deep.
One is a dead pine tree which juts out "into the abyss" and is not for the faint of heart as one wrong move can send you down rolling in the deep.
The more popular and safer one is still a living pine tree that is "resting". With "bamboo rails" as safety measures, one can climb up to the farthest end, feeling a lot safer, unless it starts to move due to the windy condition.
It offers a commanding view - that is if one is not busy posing for a selfie. I consider it to the highlight of the trek up the deck as we spent most of our time here - for photos and just savoring the moment of being up there. Don't forget to spare a few bucks as donation...
A short trek down a picturesque trail brings you to another scenic spot - The Rock (Susong Dalaga or Ambassador Hill?). This formation offers another commanding view of the surroundings that is if you get there.
The trail is along a path marked with sharp rocks that a simple slip could send blood gushing out of your body. There's also a sort of cave nearby which one has to rappel to get to the entrance and to which locals would let your choose your "welcoming committee" - cobra or python.
The trail is along a path marked with sharp rocks that a simple slip could send blood gushing out of your body. There's also a sort of cave nearby which one has to rappel to get to the entrance and to which locals would let your choose your "welcoming committee" - cobra or python.
That was the sign for me to rush back to the "snake-free" view deck and along the way there were two stalls offering the freshest produce. Bucari and the town of Leon is also known as the fruits and vegetable bowl of Iloilo as the cool climate makes it a perfect place to grow them. 
Manang here sells her small farm's produce. The bag of tomatoes sells for PhP15, another plastic of cucumber with around 8pcs for PhP20 and pomelo for Php15/20 for small and large. A bargain indeed so I had to go down the mountainside with some pomelo and cucumber.
With one last look at the great mountain view, we trekked down. This time taking it more slowly and with less pressure but with added baggage. Each step was taken reminiscing the view past few minutes/hour of a cooling adventure.
What I liked about the trail is that is still covered in lush vegetation that blends with the place's cool temperature so matter what time of the day, one is still under the shade.
What I liked about the trail is that is still covered in lush vegetation that blends with the place's cool temperature so matter what time of the day, one is still under the shade.
Arriving at the camp ground below, a full packed program (a vaccination drive I think) was in full swing, so I seek solitary refuge in the company of the pine trees.
From there I got a good view of the the area where we trekked minutes ago. It was a good thing its still a forested area that provided us shade along the way. If it wasn't it would have been a much more tiring climb and descent.
A lunch of native chicken adobo in achuete got our spirits high again after the climb. Campers and day visitors can bring and cook their own food on sight but there are stalls that sell turo-turo style food so that lessens the hassle.
Also outside the campsite are some stalls selling fruits and vegetables - with this you can also do your "marketing"if you brought your own vehicle.
Also outside the campsite are some stalls selling fruits and vegetables - with this you can also do your "marketing"if you brought your own vehicle.
Looking up at one of the pine trees, I can't help but reminisce this one day which for me is already an adventure and to which I would readily say "yes" for another trip back to Bucari if another opportunity comes.
Until then, I'll just think of all those memories etched in my mind that for one day Bucari, with its cool temperature, great views and soaring pine trees had me reaching up for the skies!
Check out more photos on Facebook: Sitio Tabionan Campsite | Mansiga View Deck
* Just to be sure, give yourself a 2-hour travel time to Bucari if you bring your own vehicle. Small cars might find some difficulties along the way. 1 hour from Iloilo City to Leon town proper and another hour from the town to Bucari Pine forest.
* Imoy Falls is another 5 kilometers from the campsite via a separate road. One can take the habal-habal going there.
* If you commute for a day trip, just be sure to start early as jeeps going to/from Bucari end around mid-afternoon around 3pm
* Proper coordination with the LGU assigned is advised when you want to spend the night. Some locals and schools also offer overnight accommodations especially during the summer.
* Picnics with your own food - either cooked or to be cooked are permitted. Just make sure you clean up afterwards as some just leave their garbage behind. We need to be responsible for it.
* Weekends tend to be peak periods esp. during Holy Week. If possible, avoid these times, if unavoidable, start early.
* Imoy Falls is another 5 kilometers from the campsite via a separate road. One can take the habal-habal going there.
* If you commute for a day trip, just be sure to start early as jeeps going to/from Bucari end around mid-afternoon around 3pm
* Proper coordination with the LGU assigned is advised when you want to spend the night. Some locals and schools also offer overnight accommodations especially during the summer.
* Picnics with your own food - either cooked or to be cooked are permitted. Just make sure you clean up afterwards as some just leave their garbage behind. We need to be responsible for it.
* Weekends tend to be peak periods esp. during Holy Week. If possible, avoid these times, if unavoidable, start early.