Perfect laptop wallpaper! Communal Ranch
Have you heard of Pikotaro’s iconic “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)” song? I’m not entirely sure, but I think it went viral almost a decade ago—and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s catchy, ridiculously simple, comedic, and somehow artistic all at once. And while I was thinking about how to start this blog post, the song suddenly popped into my head. Maybe because pineapple happens to be my favorite fruit… or maybe because, more than two years ago, we found ourselves heading to the Pineapple Capital of the Philippines—Bukidnon!
It was truly a dream come true when we finally visited Bukidnon and stepped into a pineapple plantation. It felt like heaven—rows and rows of beautiful pineapples as far as the eye could see! And the best part? They were so affordable, incredibly sweet, and absolutely delicious. I couldn’t help but think, “Okay, let’s get ten of those for today!”
Hola, Cagayan de Oro, I'm back!
As I’ve shared in my previous blogs, I’m truly grateful to God for blessing me with wonderful friends in the Visayas and Mindanao. Because of them, I’ve been given so many opportunities to visit places I might not have discovered on my own, while also spending precious time and creating beautiful memories with people I care about. From breathtaking tourist spots and nearby islands to refreshing waterfalls and other incredible natural attractions, every trip has been a reminder of how beautiful the Philippines is—and how blessed I am to experience it with good friends along the way.
Pineapple Monster! Oh my! - Del Monte Pineapple Plantation, in Camp Phillips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
Before this dream finally became a reality, my friend, who works in Cagayan de Oro, and I had been planning to visit her home province of Bukidnon for more than a year. We talked about it, planned it, and kept looking forward to the day when we could finally make it happen. Then, fast-forward to the moment I finally flew from Manila to Cagayan de Oro to meet her, and from there, we commuted together to Bukidnon. What started as a plan more than a year in the making turned into an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night adventure, including our trips back and forth to Cagayan de Oro. It was definitely worth the wait!
Fresh Pineapples for Sale!
From Del Monte Pineapple Plantation—fresh, sweet, and delicious!
I remember arriving in Cagayan de Oro in the afternoon and meeting my friend at Centrio Mall. We spent some time catching up, or having a little kamustahan—just chatting and sharing stories about what had been happening in our lives. I stayed overnight in Cagayan de Oro, and the next morning, we got ready for our trip to Bukidnon.
Commuting to Bukidnon was such a fun experience, especially the bus ride to our accommodation. Even before we arrived, the scenery was already breathtaking. Looking out the bus window, I could see the beautiful landscapes of Bukidnon, including the famous Pink Trumpet trees that went viral online for giving the place a little “Japan feels.”
Our accommodation in Bukidnon was, I can honestly say, one of the cleanest and nicest rooms I’ve ever stayed in throughout my travels. It was affordable, the staff were friendly, and they even had a lovely swimming pool where we could relax. What I loved most, though, was the peaceful surroundings. Just outside, you could still see mountains, farms, and even cows—a refreshing reminder of provincial life, far from the hustle and bustle of highly commercialized places.
We stayed at Dream Residences, and it was definitely one of my best accommodation finds. I booked it through the Agoda app, and it was absolutely worth it!
My friend’s sister and her family came to pick us up and drive us to the pineapple plantation, one of the places I had really been looking forward to visiting. Before heading there, we stopped for lunch at a nearby local spot, where I tried a dish similar to Binalot—chicken, egg, and rice wrapped in a banana leaf. It was simple but delicious, and I especially enjoyed having it with a cup of black coffee.
When we arrived at the pineapple plantation, we didn’t get to explore too far and mostly stayed around the shop area. We bought some souvenirs and fresh pineapples to take home, and of course, we couldn’t leave without taking photos beside the iconic Del Monte Pineapple Monument at the roundabout outside. Even though our visit was short, it was still a memorable stop and a place I was happy to finally see in person.
Breathtaking view from RotyPeaks Ridge Camp
One of the highlights of exploring Bukidnon is seeing the vast pineapple fields of the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation. Considered one of the world’s three largest pineapple plantations and the biggest in the Far East, it is an impressive sight to see as you travel through the province. The plantation stretches across four municipalities—Manolo Fortich, Impasug-ong, Sumilao, and Libona—with rows of pineapples covering the landscape and adding a unique charm to Bukidnon’s scenic countryside.
New Zealand feels right here in Communal Ranch, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
A visit to the plantation offers more than just beautiful views. Travelers can learn more about pineapple production through a tour of the Del Monte Pineapple Manufacturing Plant, while those who want to bring home a taste of Bukidnon can shop for local favorites such as fresh pineapples, pineapple jam, and pineapple yema. For golf lovers, another option is to spend some time at the 18-hole Del Monte Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf before relaxing at the clubhouse over a satisfying meal. The clubhouse also serves favorites such as steak and Del Monte roast beef, making it a pleasant way to end the experience.
Whether you are passing through Bukidnon on a road trip, looking for something different to explore, or simply curious about where some of the region’s famous pineapples come from, the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.
The Del Monte Pineapple Plantation in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is one of the Philippines’ largest and most famous pineapple-growing areas. Covering approximately 30,000 hectares across Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, the plantation is operated by Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI). Its pineapple operations in Bukidnon date back to 1926, and today, the plantation supplies pineapples for both local consumption and international markets. Nearby Camp Phillips, a historic plantation settlement, is also a popular stop for visitors exploring the area.
From the plantation, let’s take a quick look at Bukidnon, a landlocked province in north-central Mindanao known for its wide plateaus, cool climate, and rich indigenous heritage.
The name Bukidnon comes from the word “bukid,” meaning “mountain” or “hill,” reflecting the province’s beautiful, rolling landscapes. Often called the “Fruit and Vegetable Basket of Mindanao,” Bukidnon is surrounded by vast fields of corn, rice, pineapples, and other crops, creating magnificent views along its roads. The province is also known for its cool climate, particularly at night, which helps crops ripen slowly and develop rich, distinctive flavors. With its refreshing weather and scenic countryside, Bukidnon is a popular destination for travelers, especially during the summer months.
Bukidnon is a landlocked province in Northern Mindanao (Region X), located in the north-central part of Mindanao. Its capital is Malaybalay City. Covering about 10,498.59 square kilometers, Bukidnon is the largest province in Northern Mindanao by land area. According to the 2024 Census, the province has a population of 1,601,902. It is known for its vast agricultural lands, rolling plateaus, forests, and mountainous landscapes.
Bukidnon shares boundaries with Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City to the north, Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte to the east, Cotabato to the south, and Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte to the west. With its fertile highlands and diverse natural environment, the province is an important agricultural area in Mindanao and is also recognized for its rich cultural heritage and scenic mountain destinations.
After our night swimming at Dream Residences, we woke up early the next morning, excited for our one-day adventure around Bukidnon. I can honestly say it became one of my most memorable travel experiences because this time, we explored the province on motorcycles—or what locals commonly call a “Habal Ride.” Our drivers, who also served as our tour guides, took us to a few well-known attractions around Bukidnon. I genuinely enjoyed the experience—the feeling of the open road, the cool breeze, and the freedom of riding through the beautiful landscapes was incredibly liberating. Our tour guides were top-notch, making the whole journey even more enjoyable. It was more than half a day of riding, and while it was definitely something new for me, it came with an extra challenge: a sore back and, of course, a very sore butt! Lol! But despite all that, every bump and every kilometer was absolutely worth it.
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