Keeping up with our fast-paced lifestyle can sometimes drive us over the edge. Human as we all are, we need to pause at times.
Stop. Breathe. Relax.
And what better way to do just that than to retreat from the hustle and bustle of our urban living. A change of scenery would surely do the trick in achieving that much needed repose.
With that thought in mind, a trip to a countryside would be a fantastic getaway. As opposed to the hectic routine in the city, life in the country is pretty much laid-back: fresh, crisp air, newly picked fruits and vegetables, tranquil surrounding, and friendlier atmosphere. These are the very definition of a perfect sanctuary.
Kaamulan Grounds
Speaking about the country, Malaybalay, in my opinion, is an ideal hideaway. Situated at the heart of Bukidnon’s mountainous terrain, it can easily be reached by taking a two-hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro City.
Historically, the town was called “Walay Balay”, which literally means “no house”. However, when the Spaniards asked the natives the name of the town, they pronounced it as “Malaybalay” instead of “Walay Balay”. Hence, its current name.
cosy accommodation
Dubbed as the “City in the Forest”, Malaybalay has managed to keep its laid-back atmosphere intact since its inauguration in 1998. The city is hard to miss. With its surroundings deck with pine trees, it’s a lot like Baguio in the South: cool, quiet, peaceful, and slow.
One of the come-ons for tourists is the Kaamulan Festival. It’s a festival like no other as it’s the only authentic ethnic festival in the country. The celebration starts mid-February and ends on March 10 every year. The festivity is highlighted by street dancing performances from real natives. But other activities such as the rodeo, horse show, and motor-cross mustn’t be disregarded as they also draw a significant number of spectators. On top of that, the agro-trade fair at the Capitol Grounds, featuring exotic plants and delectable delicacies which are either produced locally or from neighboring towns, is also a must-see.
thorny collection
And because Malaybalay lies on a rich agricultural land, visitors could also take a bite of its freshest harvests which are abundant all year round. Exotic fruits such as the odiferous, spiky Durian, famed as Southeast Asia’s “King of Fruit”, can be bought at a very reasonable price. Thus, it’s quite easy to indulge in your fruit craving without ever breaking your bank.
Another crowd-drawer, especially for Christians, is the “Monastery of the Transfiguration”. After trekking the long, winding road, the sight of a pyramid shaped chapel erected on top of a hill was truly breathtaking. And as it was Sunday when we went there, we were fortunate to hear mass.
The monastery is run by the Benedictine Monks who lead a life of prayer, silence, and simplicity. But these aren’t the only things that the monks are famed for. Aside from praying, they also devote a great value of their time farming rice, corn, peanuts, soya beans, and coffee. And it is here at the monastery where the famous “Monk’s Blend Coffee” is produced.
As the two-day visit came to an end, my countryside hiatus was absolutely refreshing. It wasn’t only the pine-wooded hills of the city that I took so much delight in, but all the facets of Malaybalay that made it so unique: the gorgeous natural sites, cool climate, accommodating locals, and most of all the simple and calm life.
Leaving the city with a heavy heart, I can honestly say that my two-day vacation was well-spent. And I know that I’ll come back to this little town someday, somehow. For sooner or later, I’ll need another break. I am human after all. But for now, I’ll embrace reality with a big smile knowing that I had once stopped by and unwind at this scenic and humble town.
BitsofTravelingInfo:
How to get there:
If you’re in Cagayan de Oro City, you can take an air-conditioned bus going to Valencia, Bukidnon from Agora Terminal in Lapasan. One way bus fare is about Php140.00 per person. Travel time from CDO to Malaybalay is roughly two hours.
Where to stay:
In our case, we chose the 1st Avenue Apartel. It’s new and quite reasonable for Php 735.00 a night.
1ST AVENUE APARTEL / INN
Address: Propia Street, Malaybalay City
Tel No. (088) 221-3224 or 0926-432-5382
Where to eat:
There’s plenty of places you can dine in. But don’t miss to visit Amadeo Restaurant. You can easily go there by taking a motorela, a common transportation in the city.
extras:
camwhoring while waiting for our food @ Amadeo
remaining tribes of Bukidnon
Buchephalus minding his own business
a shopping haven for anything native
communing with the Almighty
bracing the chapel with sturdy posts
view from above
eerie ornament
final snap before leaving
lovely artwork inside a pastry shop
