HomeIloiloIloilo ProvinceSouth Central IloiloLeonBucari Pine Forest & Waterfalls 101 sharesIloilo's Summer CapitalBucari is a mildly popular tourist destination nestled in the mountains of Leon, Iloilo. It is known as the province’s “little Baguio” for its cool climate and highland attractions. Bucari is an excellent place to visit during the dry season since it offers an escape from the summer heat. Getting there takes at least two hours from Iloilo City. The road section from the outskirts of Leon town proper to Bucari largely remains a bumpy dirt road, which has limited it to the more adventurous.Further readings: All things to do in Iloilo, Iloilo Travel Guide.Things to Do and Tourist SpotsBucari is surrounded by verdant mountains and rolling hills interspaced by rice and vegetable terraces, small villages, and pristine rivers. Here, you can find refreshing waterfalls, cold springs, hiking trails, and a pine forest at Tabionan.Visit Waterfalls and Cold Springs – A foot trail from Sitio Camandag follows the river to Imoy Falls. The short cascade drops into a small natural pool that is perfect for swimming. A taller waterfall can be found a short walk further upstream.Go on a picnic at Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite – The pine forest and campsite in Bucari are located in Sitio Tabionan. Picnic sheds are set-up for day trippers who would like to enjoy the cool mountain air and the peaceful sight of pine trees that surround the village. At night, the temperatures drop further and fireflies can be seen dancing around.See the fruit and vegetable Terraces – Because of its mountainous terrain, farmers grow their crops at the sides of hills and mountains in rice terraces their ancestors have cultivated centuries since. The climate in Bucari is suitable for growing rice and high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss out on a taste of the town’s most prized crop, its mangoes, which holds the reputation of being the sweetest in the province and a staunch rival of Guimaras’ mangoes.Get a taste of Bucari’s linagpang – A culinary attraction in Leon is their delicacy called “Linagpang.” Linagpang is made by grilling native chicken, which is then sautéed in garlic, onions, and mashed tomatoes. Once cooked, a special soup, eggs, and other ingredients are added to complete the delicious treat.Take a hike – There are also a number of trails that lead to breathtaking mountain views and landscapes. A hike from the campsite in Tabionan leads to the Mansiga View Deck, which provides an overlooking vista of Bucari’s pine forest, vegetable terraces, and even a glimpse of Iloilo City on a clear day.Places to StayAccommodations in Bucari are quite limited, but there are a few options available if you would like to stay for the night.Pineridge Bucari Mountain Resort – This spa resort located in Brgy. Bacolod (near Tabionan) offers dorm-style accommodations, a beautiful view of Bucari from their terrace, and a restaurant featuring organic and gourmet menus. Online booking is available at Agoda. Read more about Pineridge Bucari Mountain Resort.Tabionan Campsite – Campers can pitch a tent on the campsite at Tabionan for a minimal fee. The caretakers are very friendly and can arrange your meals if you arrive early or inform ahead of time. They have a working bathroom and offer tent rentals as well.Getting There & AroundTravel time from Iloilo City to Bucari takes at least 2 hours. Most visitors go to Bucari on a local jeepney commute, which may take longer than two hours depending on the availability and schedule of the jeepneys.From Jaro Big Market in Jaro District, Iloilo City, ride a Leon jeepney to Leon Town Plaza (up to 30 minutes). From there, flag a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the jeepney stop for Bucari-bound jeeps (5 minutes approximately). Travel time from Leon Town Proper to Bucari takes around 45 minutes. There is usually one jeepney leaving every hour from 7am to 3pm. The last trip to Leon town proper leaves Bucari at around 2pm to 3pm. If you do not wish to spend the night in Bucari, it’s strongly advised to reach Leon Town Proper as early as 7am so that you can catch the last trip at 2 pm and reach the city in the late afternoon. Be sure to inform the tourism office in Leon before embarking on your trip to Bucari so that they can help you plan your trip well.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website ΔThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments akyl biorrey saysMay 14, 2016 at 1:23 pmi want to visit this place .I would also like to stay overnyt with some friends. Is there a safe place to stay?Reply Marcos Detourist saysMay 15, 2016 at 12:46 amPls. check out the places to stay listed on the article.Reply Eufracio M. Caballero saysFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:34 amI have noticed your article concerning Bucari is not updated yet. Hoping for an update as to the road leading to the area…..was it cemented and what are the developments in the area for the past two years? We need to visit the place but have no idea if we can stay in the place overnight. Is the place safe, is there any hotel there? What are the attractions that will be of interest to would be visitors during summer.Reply Marcos Detourist saysFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:04 pmWill do Eufracio. Keep subscribed and follow https://www.facebook.com/iloilo for updates.Reply k8 saysMarch 25, 2013 at 9:38 pmthe cold breeze of the wind gives a refreshing feeling plus the challenging adventure that awaits us there. the quivering temperature of the water revitalizes our body. camandag and bocari are such perfect places to visit.Reply k8 saysMarch 25, 2013 at 9:28 pmIts the best summer get away to be at Brgy. Camandag and Bucari. The cold spring water revitalizes everything.Reply jess saysOctober 28, 2012 at 10:49 amMy great grand mother Fortunata catahum came from Bucari,I live in Tigbauan but Im working here in GenSan, a Manila base construction happen to have a project here. I will surely come to visit the land of my apoy Natang when I go for a vacation this December.!!!Reply Manny Hanny saysMay 30, 2012 at 9:29 amWhat I hear from NEDA is that roads will be fully concreted by 2014. Already roads have been concretized up to brgy. Dusacan which is near na the pine trees. So I think (the government) they are serious about it. Mayor Lito Cajilig was able to secure an MOA with the DENR to develop an ecopark in Tabionan, Bucari. He is planning to put zip lines and walls. He is calling on all stakeholders most especially the community of Bucari to help develop a masterplan to make the place an adventure capital of Region 6. There are more beautiful places yet to be explored even more pristine than imoy falls which was affected by poor planning. The baranggays are now,wary of visitors that don’t care about conserving and protecting the environment. The biggest enemies of Bucari are mining firms out to destroy the environment for profit – Profit which they plan to repatriate to their countries abroad. They have been slowly infiltrating the communities offering bribe money to baranggay officials to approve excavation. Mayor Cahilig is against this. As far as alternative sources of income for the community are concerned, slowly but surely things are moving in a positive direction: the Bucari National High School has opened 3 cottages for guests and charges a minimal P150 per person. Each cottage can accommodate 6 pax. There is a canteen nearby. Also there are homes that allow overnight stay for less than a P100, I think. The Pineridge Resort Spa also opened last Feb.2012 and entrance to their viewing deck is P150 per pax with good brewed coffee and dessert. Ay naku, the view is “awesome.” Food is classified as “gourmet.” Meaning a bit pricy but very delicious, filling and class A quality. “Organic” daw. Bubon falls charges P20 entrance to go to their falls. You cannot eat in the falls or cook there coz pine trees are highly flammable. You can eat in their Baranngay hall for P15 corkage fee per person or bring food and have them cook it for P200 for every 10 pax. There are 25 natural pools all in all; each with falling water. The people there are very friendly and accommodating. Something has to be done with the transportation though. It is a major setback. Sinong tourist would want to be jampacked like sardines in a smelly jeep? Thre are no vans. You have to bring your 4×4 pickup or hire a jeep for 2-3 thousand. Siguro kun fully concreted na then visitors will pick up. that won’t be til 2014. But just like Boracay, many visitors who have been there in the 80’s say it was better when it was inaccessible. Now, boracay they say, is overdeveloped, too commercialized – like Baguio.Reply 2012 Euro Football Cup saysMarch 5, 2012 at 8:07 amWilliam Shakespeare: “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”Reply fewzam saysAugust 1, 2011 at 4:51 pmHad heard much about Bucari many years ago. It is known for its cool climate and as a vegetable basket in Iloilo specially cabbage is grown on year round. I’m looking forward to vist that place in the days to come.Reply Vic saysJuly 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm@mur2s……. eeewwww…. shut up talking about your thing ……why youre just wishing on a star….all you got to do…is to plan it out… make your creative itinerary like what i am doing …. make bucari as one of your destination and youll have the feat and much more of course a girl youll carry with you to make your trip ALL_FUN….. is it good idea? lol since you are soo fond of them…..just as billy is fond of chasing every boy in town…. well…thats an understatement…. i could say…sleep with every boy in town…hahahahahahahahahaReply mur2s saysJuly 6, 2011 at 3:25 ammaybe bill nd vicky just like 2 touch nd feel our masculine part. wish i kud go 2 bucari minus d npa.Reply Vic saysJuly 5, 2011 at 10:31 am@Billy… why youre that ill-humoured ha>>.. hihihihih…. is that a bad idea..you need to unwind relax and visit Bucari… i forget…… if youre tired of chasing every boy in town..you can switch to going Bucari…. and please bring luy-a too….. @mur2s…. what can you say Bud???? hihihihihih….Reply billy saysJuly 4, 2011 at 11:08 pmara ka na naman nga Vic agi ka ha…umpisa ka na naman….lungion ko kamo karon ni murion nga duha…makita nyo…Reply Vic saysJuly 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm@mur2s…. just let Bill alone hes harmless.. even he would spend every day chasing every boy in town … :) maybe we could invite Bill to trek to Bucari ,, lets just ” bring your own Baon and partner ” kay lamig na didto perfect gd…..hahahahahahaReply mckee saysJuly 4, 2011 at 3:20 pmStill manami man sa gihapon ang bucari leon,Im a native of barangay Buga, leon …plan to visit this coming december if not busy…Reply reign saysApril 13, 2013 at 5:33 amnong mckee kaw ja?jesryll jah…ahahahaReply mur2s saysJune 22, 2011 at 11:29 ams der some goat n sunk der named bill?Reply Vic saysJune 22, 2011 at 8:23 ambucari mountain trek is great idea as long as the road is paved in there, theres lodging in there and food is ready in there…so what could you ask for more?…Reply mur2s saysJune 22, 2011 at 11:37 amcalos s just above u, bc may malisik?Reply julieth cambal of lacadon saysJune 21, 2011 at 10:42 amuhm..taga bucari gd tkon mum..kadto bla kmo dya nami2x hay…para makataklad man kmo x bukid..fresh air fresh water..Reply calos saysJune 22, 2011 at 8:14 ammiss @julieth can you give us the detailed of present situation of bucari? the road facility (the improvement and transportation schedule) accommodation facility? (how many room or resort in bucari as today) or other facility as define by LGU as a tourist attraction?Reply jane2x of lacadon saysJune 21, 2011 at 10:35 ambsta ah..kadto lng kamo 2 ah…Reply rovelyn saysJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:46 pmwel I’m also from Leon but I’ve never been to Bucari.ehehe myb this summer I will go trekking wid my friends.Im excited to explore my hometown..Reply reyz saysSeptember 24, 2010 at 1:24 pmmabalik balik gid ko sa bukid.. taga ukid gid nga dan mga relatives ko.. i miss the mountains of leon..Reply manny hanny saysSeptember 19, 2010 at 6:45 pmYes to all your concerns. I’m a frequent visitor of the area. There’s a spa resort being constructed now and some of the roads are being concreted. heard the plan is to concretize roads from leon, to bucari, to camandag all the way to San Remigio, Antique. But it’ll be done in portions. it’s peaceful there now unlike in the eighties. Those were Godless times in Leon’s history. The camandag falls have recovered from Typhoon Frank. Nature is rather resilient. From one vantage point you have a commanding view of iloilo city and a portion of Guimaras. You can see how polluted iloilo city is….it’s already covered with smog and the newly hatched coal fired plant in Ingore La Paz looks like a real smoke “belcher” ..but thank God being 600 meters above sea level makes one feel “above and beyond the reach of all that melee and death” down there. Hmmm the price of progress and corruption. Organic farming is fast catching up in Brgy. lakadon and bacolod which are adjacent sitios to bucari. It is as pretty as the above pictures. Small hawk Eagles “dapays”(local term) are still present and fireflies. Pine trees are old growth and nothing beats it here in Region 6… Salvador Benedicto in Negros is more accessible what with concrete roads and only a 40 minute drive from Bacolod but they are just planting pine trees and most of the mountains are bare…but not so in Bucari. People up there seem friendlier and more innocent.Reply Steve A. saysMay 23, 2011 at 2:50 am@manny hanny: do you know who is the developer of the spa resort? I wonder if they are companies planning to put up developments in bucari like that of camp john hay scale? Salamat in advance for the info!Reply yjiyjo saysFebruary 13, 2012 at 7:04 pmfew minutes ago my friend watched tv patrol, it’s about the spa resort but located in bacolod, leon….i try to research ‘coz she said the place has a terrific view, and i want to see it, but only this site i found and so glad coz i’ve been in bucari twice, we do hiking from school til camandag, we stay in tabionan too, really like that place even leon is not my hometown, leonians please take care ur paradise! jon c. saysJuly 30, 2010 at 8:48 amwow really a great pleasure to see leon again after staying here in manila…me and my centro escolar friends are planning to have a trip in iloilo specifically in leon….im sure they whould love if i roam them around in bucari…the summer capital of iloilo…nice sorroundings and,nice people and delicious foods awaits us……welcome us leon,,the delegates of CentroEscolarUniversity…Reply charee saysJuly 26, 2010 at 5:43 pmei… im from leon also… sira na ba talaga ang imoy falls after ng frank? i have been there ne pero before pa ng bagyo? i just want to confirm… tnx..Reply joyce saysJune 3, 2010 at 8:50 amHi I’m tumandok of Leon and very proud of what my native town has…Bucari of course! Since I graduated nursing I never stayed that long in Leon maybe 1month every 2 yrs makapuli, so I never been in Bucari to be honest but I heared many nice comments abwt the place & I’m dying to go & see my self next time I go back home.Even leaving here in UK my heart still cry out to go home dyan sa Leon. By the way my parents from Agboy Sur. I want to knw if the place hit by flood b4 esp Emoy water falls is been rebuilt/redevelop again or not? thank u…!Reply mckee saysMay 12, 2010 at 9:25 amstill manami mangud ang bucari..hope to go back there..miss ko na gid ang leon.Reply jeccy saysMarch 23, 2010 at 4:29 pmI really proud of what my native place have. I thank those who appreciate it, but, we need to take care our nature because we depend our life in our environment. We can just say that nothing will change after all, remember we are just a gifted creature.Reply freida saysFebruary 5, 2010 at 1:53 pmI wish to be here…somedayReply joshua saysDecember 19, 2009 at 10:51 ami like the pictures that you post….. i appreciate you the way you describe our place….i just want to correct that camandag is not a sitio of bucari..Reply jason saysSeptember 8, 2009 at 10:21 ampd kapamangkot sa naka balo? Kaya ayhan sakaon ang 125cc nga motor ang bucari? Bali e setup lang nga dirt bike?thanks sa maka suggest, kay ga plan man ko mag ride pakadto dira.Kag isa pa, wla pko ka kadto guid dira.Reply reign saysApril 13, 2013 at 5:32 amkaya yan..125 naman motor mo e..basta e customize mo na lng..kasi baka umulan mahirap pag d ka naka offroad na tires..Reply jhe saysSeptember 8, 2009 at 6:37 ami just want 2 correct camandag is a bgry not a sitioReply Lilibeth Cohen saysAugust 13, 2009 at 11:14 amHello marcos. I just want to thank you for posting those pictures!!!! I was born in Bucari, and graduated at Bucari National High School. Now I am living in the U.S. and I really miss my homeland. My geat grandfather and his extended families pretty much own a big portion of land in Bucari. It is certainly a beautiful place; however, it needs help from the goverment before its ruined. I planted 150 pine tress before I left Bucari. When I went home 3 years ago, I was really saddend by the deforestation of the locals in order to have land for plantations. I wish that our goverment will continue to support the forestry preservation in Bucari, so in the future the next generations of the Philippines will be able to see the enchanting parts of our lands. MABUHAY!Reply Cherryanne saysAugust 4, 2009 at 8:07 pmWhat a great place you have. That’s really a gift from God…as i saw sa inyo photos ang way pakadto sa Bucari is really difficult…but i know wonderful & beautiful attractions are waiting. Go on, improve your place, develop that well. You have a good views…!Reply pao s. reyes saysJuly 10, 2009 at 9:11 pmI was born in San Miguel, but was raised in Metro Manila. I have been living in the Metro since 5. I visited Bucari twice, 18 and 15 years ago, I think. It was recommended to me by my uncle who visited it in his youth. I remember the very cool climate and the waterfalls. There was also a school being run by missionaries, Americans I think. I remember asking one of the kids where he lived and he answered that he was from Antique, and that it took him three days hike to go to Bucari. I also saw a teenage caucasian girl, who spoke fluent kinaray-a. I also saw the locals drying coffee beans.Are the pics above recent? It seems the place has been preserved well.Reply MAGATAS saysJuly 7, 2009 at 9:46 pmbucari dont really need big investors… im an architecture student and im working right now on my thesis entitled “bucari Highlands development”, a master plan of bucari.. the main principle of my proposal is that the locals will be the first to benefit in bucari’s gift. i dont want bucari to be the next BORACAY THAT HAS BEEN INVADED BY BIG INVESTORS, ALIENATED THE LOCALS BY MISPLANNING AND OVERDEVELOPMENT..Reply arthur a aguika saysMay 8, 2011 at 9:21 pmI am interested un your master paln for bucari. I hope its main concern is environment protection n thre least internvention. Brick houses will look good thre just like the firsy beautiful houses in Baguio near the pink sisters convent.Reply koki saysJuly 7, 2009 at 4:47 amThis is something different in Iloilo. Bucari Rough dirt roads from several points are the only way to travel to see a spectacular view in what we consider as our own summer destination but we need better roads and transportations. Bucari is inviting, charming, breathtaking and serene. It will attract domestic and foreign tourist. Transforming Bucari into a prime tourist destination could be just a dream. But that could be realized in a short time too if the local and national government would just put their heads together. I’m calling on the government to build concrete roads, parks and establish proper guidelines for future development. Politicians and Department of tourism cannot do this alone. Architects, engineers and environmental planners, master planners and other professionals are needed to achieve proper development and aesthetics. I am also calling on developers & private sectors to contribute in shaping to what could become as one of the best tourist destination in the country. I would like to see hotels, resorts, restaurants, a theme park (maybe), residential developments and a lot business in Bucari’s future. Let’s just develop what we have in Iloilo. This could generate income for local professionals, contactors and businessesReply magatas saysJuly 6, 2009 at 10:40 pmelow.. taga leon man ko,, architecture student.. 5th yr na,, kag ang thesis ko is development sang bucari.. i hope makabulig kmu by suggesting whats gud and not para sa bucari..email nu ko.. [email protected]Reply karmoy saysApril 9, 2009 at 4:50 pmwow naman , makadto ko bala da sa bukari pag puli ko, sino masunod???Reply Laine saysOctober 23, 2009 at 3:14 pmUhmm.. Upod ko sa imo makadto didto karmoy..heheeh.. Nami na da mo, tour kita?heheh.. Galing nahadlok lng ko maglatay sa taytay nila kay kalawig.. Kung malakampuwas kna sa hanging bridge you will amazed the beauty of the nature falls.. Ang sarap maligo doon.. Sayang dati hndi kami nakapaligo jan, nagoutreach lng kasi kmi sa NSTP namin. Hope to be back there again in little bagiuo..Reply jaelian saysJune 26, 2008 at 8:52 pmYes, Iloilo is truly beautiful and i’m truly proud of it! More good things to come as the city is fast developing into a metropolis!!! Ilonggos let’s promote and take care of our beloved Hometown!!!Reply sss saysJune 20, 2008 at 3:28 am[re=64367]bingkent[/re]: truly a fascinating place if terrorist would not spoil it. just be extra careful when you go there.Reply bingkent saysJune 19, 2008 at 5:19 pmWow, I show this site and the you tube to my aussie workmates and they are impress how beautiful my hometown is. It is also good to see Tay Molong (town mayor) in the video. I am hoping I can bring my ids and hubby ther next time on vacation.Reply ilongganon2010 saysMay 19, 2008 at 2:50 pm[re=60148]rein[/re]: There is an alternative way, from miag-ao, you can drop by to tigbauan caltex station.there’s a road from tigbauan shortcut to leon just around 10kms.You can take multi-cab or a jeepney from tigbauan to leon because i saw theres a jeepney from tigbauan to leon.You’ll be passing brgy.cordova, napnapan, then to brgy agboy, leon.Reply joyce saysJune 3, 2010 at 8:59 amjust to correct the way if u came from tigbauan yes u pass by cordova then pandan but u cant pass by agboy its going to the city if u will…so frm pandan u pass by anonang then straight to Leon town…there u go…!Reply Marcos C. saysMay 13, 2008 at 7:05 pm[re=60148]rein[/re]: I think you need to go to the city first unless you have a private car then you go could go directly to Leon from GuimbalReply rein saysMay 13, 2008 at 2:04 pmhow will I go to Bucari if I will be coming from Miag-ao? Is there a direct public transport from Miag-ao, or do I need to go to the city first? thanks!Reply Marcos C. saysMay 10, 2008 at 5:40 pm[re=59890]Ronnie Calumpita[/re]: You’re welcome :) Well, I hope with the attention that Bucari been getting, they will start developing the roads into the area. Not only will it benefit its tourism industry but it will improve the delivery of their agri products to the market.BTW, I do not take credit for the video. I just grabbed it from you tube ;)Reply Ronnie Calumpita saysMay 9, 2008 at 11:01 pmThanks Marcos for updating this topic about Bucari and uploading the episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Sojo featuring Bucari as well as some products and delicacies of Leon, the hometown of my father. I missed that episode in TV. Featuring Bucari through the Internet or in TV programs will help attract tourists to visit the area, whose climate is similar to Baguio and other places in the Cordilleras. Until now I haven’t visited Bucari. According to my relatives who live in Barangay Avanzada in Leon, the place is really beautiful. Hopefully the local government as well as provincial and national governments will make an effort to preserve Bucari.Reply Marcos C. saysApril 23, 2008 at 2:46 pmI’ve asked the same question to the municipal tourism office and they said that it is safe to go to Bucari. Just to be sure, you can inform the tourism office about your visit beforehand so they can advice you about safety concerns during your tripReply sss saysApril 23, 2008 at 10:19 amis it safe to spend a night there?Reply yanyan saysJanuary 17, 2016 at 9:30 pmyesReply Marcos C. saysApril 23, 2008 at 4:59 amThere is usually one jeepney leaving for Bucari every hour from 7am to 3pm. The last trip to Leon town proper leaves Bucari at around 2pm to 3pm. If you do not wish to spend the night in Bucari, I highly suggest to reach Leon Town Proper as early as 7am so that you can catch the last trip at 2pm and reach the city at around 4 to 5pm. Be sure to inform the tourism office in Leon before embarking on your trip to Bucari so that they can help you plan your trip well.Leon Tourism Office Contact Details: Contact Person: Ma. Annaliza Camago, Municipal Tourism Officer Landline No.: (+63)(033)3310036.Reply caren saysMarch 26, 2008 at 10:17 pmhow to get there in bucari?im planning to go there next month.is it safe to go there?or is there a cottage to stay or to rent?Reply john saysJanuary 28, 2008 at 12:18 pmI am very proud of this place.. A pride of all Ilonggo specially leonian… Take good care of our mother nature… GOD BLESS ILOILO………………Reply milar joy saysJuly 28, 2007 at 12:25 pmbeen to bucari for a couple of times, and its gorgeous out there, so quite and solemn, i like the fireflies at night you thought its another constellation of stars that have not discovered yet…my mom’s from buga leon…i like the mangoes too… :)Reply arvee saysNovember 29, 2009 at 11:00 pmahmm. really? My mom to is from buga.. bka magkamaganak tau.. :) ang ganda tlga ng bucari! sarap bumalik and sa pagbalik susulitin ko tlga..Reply richard de la cruz saysSeptember 20, 2011 at 3:45 pmway takun kaagi adto jan ra haw taga leon man ko pay..rayu be rah sa bayag sur mum .hahaha..sa sunod lang ah!.. nami nami galie to bah….Reply Michelle S. Eusebio saysMarch 27, 2007 at 9:26 pmWhy go to Baguio or Banawe pa e meron pala tayo dito sa Leon? The scenes are breathtaking really! Sana makapunta ako diyan, sabay hanap na rin ng mga kamag-anak diyan probabaly sa poblacion. Taga Leon ang nanay ng lolo ko na tatay ni mamu/lola sa tuhod.Reply Joy saysFebruary 15, 2007 at 10:53 pmSee Boracay Island? Now look, Boracay rocks now, and nobody thinks it will happen. And it happened. There’s a possibility that Bucari would be the next Boracay in the near future. Good luck!Reply Joy saysFebruary 15, 2007 at 10:40 pmBucari is not discovered yet by the international tourists so to speak. Once they get this access…I’ll be darned , tourists will come to Leon like the bugs from the nut hole. It’s true. I have the reason why I posted this site in my profile to help and promote Iloilo City, Philippines. God bless us all, and Cheers!!Reply meg saysJanuary 26, 2007 at 9:34 amwow what a good pix you’ve got here! the other pix look like a famous rice terraces of Benguet! how unfortunate i am that i haven’t visited Bucari yet! to think that i came from leon, specifically from Buga! hopefully i could visit the place when i go back home! Kudos to all Leonians for a great place and great people! Padayon!Reply jerry saysFebruary 8, 2010 at 8:29 pmey meg, anu surname mo??? kc u look familiar….nways my parents are from leon but i was born cavite but i usually visit leon since my dad died 10 yrs ago, i even graduated from cpu kc have to stay with my mom after my dad died….nway tabat-calasagsag relative ko.. nway in regards to this site leon da best…..even i have the heart of a caviteno since i was born in cavite still im ilonggo in blood…….tumandok sa leon parents ko and im proud of it…Reply anyonio perez saysMay 22, 2011 at 11:44 pmI have been there in september 2010. Quite un experience.Reply
akyl biorrey saysMay 14, 2016 at 1:23 pmi want to visit this place .I would also like to stay overnyt with some friends. Is there a safe place to stay?Reply
Marcos Detourist saysMay 15, 2016 at 12:46 amPls. check out the places to stay listed on the article.Reply
Eufracio M. Caballero saysFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:34 amI have noticed your article concerning Bucari is not updated yet. Hoping for an update as to the road leading to the area…..was it cemented and what are the developments in the area for the past two years? We need to visit the place but have no idea if we can stay in the place overnight. Is the place safe, is there any hotel there? What are the attractions that will be of interest to would be visitors during summer.Reply
Marcos Detourist saysFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:04 pmWill do Eufracio. Keep subscribed and follow https://www.facebook.com/iloilo for updates.Reply
k8 saysMarch 25, 2013 at 9:38 pmthe cold breeze of the wind gives a refreshing feeling plus the challenging adventure that awaits us there. the quivering temperature of the water revitalizes our body. camandag and bocari are such perfect places to visit.Reply
k8 saysMarch 25, 2013 at 9:28 pmIts the best summer get away to be at Brgy. Camandag and Bucari. The cold spring water revitalizes everything.Reply
jess saysOctober 28, 2012 at 10:49 amMy great grand mother Fortunata catahum came from Bucari,I live in Tigbauan but Im working here in GenSan, a Manila base construction happen to have a project here. I will surely come to visit the land of my apoy Natang when I go for a vacation this December.!!!Reply
Manny Hanny saysMay 30, 2012 at 9:29 amWhat I hear from NEDA is that roads will be fully concreted by 2014. Already roads have been concretized up to brgy. Dusacan which is near na the pine trees. So I think (the government) they are serious about it. Mayor Lito Cajilig was able to secure an MOA with the DENR to develop an ecopark in Tabionan, Bucari. He is planning to put zip lines and walls. He is calling on all stakeholders most especially the community of Bucari to help develop a masterplan to make the place an adventure capital of Region 6. There are more beautiful places yet to be explored even more pristine than imoy falls which was affected by poor planning. The baranggays are now,wary of visitors that don’t care about conserving and protecting the environment. The biggest enemies of Bucari are mining firms out to destroy the environment for profit – Profit which they plan to repatriate to their countries abroad. They have been slowly infiltrating the communities offering bribe money to baranggay officials to approve excavation. Mayor Cahilig is against this. As far as alternative sources of income for the community are concerned, slowly but surely things are moving in a positive direction: the Bucari National High School has opened 3 cottages for guests and charges a minimal P150 per person. Each cottage can accommodate 6 pax. There is a canteen nearby. Also there are homes that allow overnight stay for less than a P100, I think. The Pineridge Resort Spa also opened last Feb.2012 and entrance to their viewing deck is P150 per pax with good brewed coffee and dessert. Ay naku, the view is “awesome.” Food is classified as “gourmet.” Meaning a bit pricy but very delicious, filling and class A quality. “Organic” daw. Bubon falls charges P20 entrance to go to their falls. You cannot eat in the falls or cook there coz pine trees are highly flammable. You can eat in their Baranngay hall for P15 corkage fee per person or bring food and have them cook it for P200 for every 10 pax. There are 25 natural pools all in all; each with falling water. The people there are very friendly and accommodating. Something has to be done with the transportation though. It is a major setback. Sinong tourist would want to be jampacked like sardines in a smelly jeep? Thre are no vans. You have to bring your 4×4 pickup or hire a jeep for 2-3 thousand. Siguro kun fully concreted na then visitors will pick up. that won’t be til 2014. But just like Boracay, many visitors who have been there in the 80’s say it was better when it was inaccessible. Now, boracay they say, is overdeveloped, too commercialized – like Baguio.Reply
2012 Euro Football Cup saysMarch 5, 2012 at 8:07 amWilliam Shakespeare: “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”Reply
fewzam saysAugust 1, 2011 at 4:51 pmHad heard much about Bucari many years ago. It is known for its cool climate and as a vegetable basket in Iloilo specially cabbage is grown on year round. I’m looking forward to vist that place in the days to come.Reply
Vic saysJuly 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm@mur2s……. eeewwww…. shut up talking about your thing ……why youre just wishing on a star….all you got to do…is to plan it out… make your creative itinerary like what i am doing …. make bucari as one of your destination and youll have the feat and much more of course a girl youll carry with you to make your trip ALL_FUN….. is it good idea? lol since you are soo fond of them…..just as billy is fond of chasing every boy in town…. well…thats an understatement…. i could say…sleep with every boy in town…hahahahahahahahahaReply
mur2s saysJuly 6, 2011 at 3:25 ammaybe bill nd vicky just like 2 touch nd feel our masculine part. wish i kud go 2 bucari minus d npa.Reply
Vic saysJuly 5, 2011 at 10:31 am@Billy… why youre that ill-humoured ha>>.. hihihihih…. is that a bad idea..you need to unwind relax and visit Bucari… i forget…… if youre tired of chasing every boy in town..you can switch to going Bucari…. and please bring luy-a too….. @mur2s…. what can you say Bud???? hihihihihih….Reply
billy saysJuly 4, 2011 at 11:08 pmara ka na naman nga Vic agi ka ha…umpisa ka na naman….lungion ko kamo karon ni murion nga duha…makita nyo…Reply
Vic saysJuly 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm@mur2s…. just let Bill alone hes harmless.. even he would spend every day chasing every boy in town … :) maybe we could invite Bill to trek to Bucari ,, lets just ” bring your own Baon and partner ” kay lamig na didto perfect gd…..hahahahahahaReply
mckee saysJuly 4, 2011 at 3:20 pmStill manami man sa gihapon ang bucari leon,Im a native of barangay Buga, leon …plan to visit this coming december if not busy…Reply
Vic saysJune 22, 2011 at 8:23 ambucari mountain trek is great idea as long as the road is paved in there, theres lodging in there and food is ready in there…so what could you ask for more?…Reply
julieth cambal of lacadon saysJune 21, 2011 at 10:42 amuhm..taga bucari gd tkon mum..kadto bla kmo dya nami2x hay…para makataklad man kmo x bukid..fresh air fresh water..Reply
calos saysJune 22, 2011 at 8:14 ammiss @julieth can you give us the detailed of present situation of bucari? the road facility (the improvement and transportation schedule) accommodation facility? (how many room or resort in bucari as today) or other facility as define by LGU as a tourist attraction?Reply
rovelyn saysJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:46 pmwel I’m also from Leon but I’ve never been to Bucari.ehehe myb this summer I will go trekking wid my friends.Im excited to explore my hometown..Reply
reyz saysSeptember 24, 2010 at 1:24 pmmabalik balik gid ko sa bukid.. taga ukid gid nga dan mga relatives ko.. i miss the mountains of leon..Reply
manny hanny saysSeptember 19, 2010 at 6:45 pmYes to all your concerns. I’m a frequent visitor of the area. There’s a spa resort being constructed now and some of the roads are being concreted. heard the plan is to concretize roads from leon, to bucari, to camandag all the way to San Remigio, Antique. But it’ll be done in portions. it’s peaceful there now unlike in the eighties. Those were Godless times in Leon’s history. The camandag falls have recovered from Typhoon Frank. Nature is rather resilient. From one vantage point you have a commanding view of iloilo city and a portion of Guimaras. You can see how polluted iloilo city is….it’s already covered with smog and the newly hatched coal fired plant in Ingore La Paz looks like a real smoke “belcher” ..but thank God being 600 meters above sea level makes one feel “above and beyond the reach of all that melee and death” down there. Hmmm the price of progress and corruption. Organic farming is fast catching up in Brgy. lakadon and bacolod which are adjacent sitios to bucari. It is as pretty as the above pictures. Small hawk Eagles “dapays”(local term) are still present and fireflies. Pine trees are old growth and nothing beats it here in Region 6… Salvador Benedicto in Negros is more accessible what with concrete roads and only a 40 minute drive from Bacolod but they are just planting pine trees and most of the mountains are bare…but not so in Bucari. People up there seem friendlier and more innocent.Reply
Steve A. saysMay 23, 2011 at 2:50 am@manny hanny: do you know who is the developer of the spa resort? I wonder if they are companies planning to put up developments in bucari like that of camp john hay scale? Salamat in advance for the info!Reply
yjiyjo saysFebruary 13, 2012 at 7:04 pmfew minutes ago my friend watched tv patrol, it’s about the spa resort but located in bacolod, leon….i try to research ‘coz she said the place has a terrific view, and i want to see it, but only this site i found and so glad coz i’ve been in bucari twice, we do hiking from school til camandag, we stay in tabionan too, really like that place even leon is not my hometown, leonians please take care ur paradise!
jon c. saysJuly 30, 2010 at 8:48 amwow really a great pleasure to see leon again after staying here in manila…me and my centro escolar friends are planning to have a trip in iloilo specifically in leon….im sure they whould love if i roam them around in bucari…the summer capital of iloilo…nice sorroundings and,nice people and delicious foods awaits us……welcome us leon,,the delegates of CentroEscolarUniversity…Reply
charee saysJuly 26, 2010 at 5:43 pmei… im from leon also… sira na ba talaga ang imoy falls after ng frank? i have been there ne pero before pa ng bagyo? i just want to confirm… tnx..Reply
joyce saysJune 3, 2010 at 8:50 amHi I’m tumandok of Leon and very proud of what my native town has…Bucari of course! Since I graduated nursing I never stayed that long in Leon maybe 1month every 2 yrs makapuli, so I never been in Bucari to be honest but I heared many nice comments abwt the place & I’m dying to go & see my self next time I go back home.Even leaving here in UK my heart still cry out to go home dyan sa Leon. By the way my parents from Agboy Sur. I want to knw if the place hit by flood b4 esp Emoy water falls is been rebuilt/redevelop again or not? thank u…!Reply
mckee saysMay 12, 2010 at 9:25 amstill manami mangud ang bucari..hope to go back there..miss ko na gid ang leon.Reply
jeccy saysMarch 23, 2010 at 4:29 pmI really proud of what my native place have. I thank those who appreciate it, but, we need to take care our nature because we depend our life in our environment. We can just say that nothing will change after all, remember we are just a gifted creature.Reply
joshua saysDecember 19, 2009 at 10:51 ami like the pictures that you post….. i appreciate you the way you describe our place….i just want to correct that camandag is not a sitio of bucari..Reply
jason saysSeptember 8, 2009 at 10:21 ampd kapamangkot sa naka balo? Kaya ayhan sakaon ang 125cc nga motor ang bucari? Bali e setup lang nga dirt bike?thanks sa maka suggest, kay ga plan man ko mag ride pakadto dira.Kag isa pa, wla pko ka kadto guid dira.Reply
reign saysApril 13, 2013 at 5:32 amkaya yan..125 naman motor mo e..basta e customize mo na lng..kasi baka umulan mahirap pag d ka naka offroad na tires..Reply
Lilibeth Cohen saysAugust 13, 2009 at 11:14 amHello marcos. I just want to thank you for posting those pictures!!!! I was born in Bucari, and graduated at Bucari National High School. Now I am living in the U.S. and I really miss my homeland. My geat grandfather and his extended families pretty much own a big portion of land in Bucari. It is certainly a beautiful place; however, it needs help from the goverment before its ruined. I planted 150 pine tress before I left Bucari. When I went home 3 years ago, I was really saddend by the deforestation of the locals in order to have land for plantations. I wish that our goverment will continue to support the forestry preservation in Bucari, so in the future the next generations of the Philippines will be able to see the enchanting parts of our lands. MABUHAY!Reply
Cherryanne saysAugust 4, 2009 at 8:07 pmWhat a great place you have. That’s really a gift from God…as i saw sa inyo photos ang way pakadto sa Bucari is really difficult…but i know wonderful & beautiful attractions are waiting. Go on, improve your place, develop that well. You have a good views…!Reply
pao s. reyes saysJuly 10, 2009 at 9:11 pmI was born in San Miguel, but was raised in Metro Manila. I have been living in the Metro since 5. I visited Bucari twice, 18 and 15 years ago, I think. It was recommended to me by my uncle who visited it in his youth. I remember the very cool climate and the waterfalls. There was also a school being run by missionaries, Americans I think. I remember asking one of the kids where he lived and he answered that he was from Antique, and that it took him three days hike to go to Bucari. I also saw a teenage caucasian girl, who spoke fluent kinaray-a. I also saw the locals drying coffee beans.Are the pics above recent? It seems the place has been preserved well.Reply
MAGATAS saysJuly 7, 2009 at 9:46 pmbucari dont really need big investors… im an architecture student and im working right now on my thesis entitled “bucari Highlands development”, a master plan of bucari.. the main principle of my proposal is that the locals will be the first to benefit in bucari’s gift. i dont want bucari to be the next BORACAY THAT HAS BEEN INVADED BY BIG INVESTORS, ALIENATED THE LOCALS BY MISPLANNING AND OVERDEVELOPMENT..Reply
arthur a aguika saysMay 8, 2011 at 9:21 pmI am interested un your master paln for bucari. I hope its main concern is environment protection n thre least internvention. Brick houses will look good thre just like the firsy beautiful houses in Baguio near the pink sisters convent.Reply
koki saysJuly 7, 2009 at 4:47 amThis is something different in Iloilo. Bucari Rough dirt roads from several points are the only way to travel to see a spectacular view in what we consider as our own summer destination but we need better roads and transportations. Bucari is inviting, charming, breathtaking and serene. It will attract domestic and foreign tourist. Transforming Bucari into a prime tourist destination could be just a dream. But that could be realized in a short time too if the local and national government would just put their heads together. I’m calling on the government to build concrete roads, parks and establish proper guidelines for future development. Politicians and Department of tourism cannot do this alone. Architects, engineers and environmental planners, master planners and other professionals are needed to achieve proper development and aesthetics. I am also calling on developers & private sectors to contribute in shaping to what could become as one of the best tourist destination in the country. I would like to see hotels, resorts, restaurants, a theme park (maybe), residential developments and a lot business in Bucari’s future. Let’s just develop what we have in Iloilo. This could generate income for local professionals, contactors and businessesReply
magatas saysJuly 6, 2009 at 10:40 pmelow.. taga leon man ko,, architecture student.. 5th yr na,, kag ang thesis ko is development sang bucari.. i hope makabulig kmu by suggesting whats gud and not para sa bucari..email nu ko.. [email protected]Reply
karmoy saysApril 9, 2009 at 4:50 pmwow naman , makadto ko bala da sa bukari pag puli ko, sino masunod???Reply
Laine saysOctober 23, 2009 at 3:14 pmUhmm.. Upod ko sa imo makadto didto karmoy..heheeh.. Nami na da mo, tour kita?heheh.. Galing nahadlok lng ko maglatay sa taytay nila kay kalawig.. Kung malakampuwas kna sa hanging bridge you will amazed the beauty of the nature falls.. Ang sarap maligo doon.. Sayang dati hndi kami nakapaligo jan, nagoutreach lng kasi kmi sa NSTP namin. Hope to be back there again in little bagiuo..Reply
jaelian saysJune 26, 2008 at 8:52 pmYes, Iloilo is truly beautiful and i’m truly proud of it! More good things to come as the city is fast developing into a metropolis!!! Ilonggos let’s promote and take care of our beloved Hometown!!!Reply
sss saysJune 20, 2008 at 3:28 am[re=64367]bingkent[/re]: truly a fascinating place if terrorist would not spoil it. just be extra careful when you go there.Reply
bingkent saysJune 19, 2008 at 5:19 pmWow, I show this site and the you tube to my aussie workmates and they are impress how beautiful my hometown is. It is also good to see Tay Molong (town mayor) in the video. I am hoping I can bring my ids and hubby ther next time on vacation.Reply
ilongganon2010 saysMay 19, 2008 at 2:50 pm[re=60148]rein[/re]: There is an alternative way, from miag-ao, you can drop by to tigbauan caltex station.there’s a road from tigbauan shortcut to leon just around 10kms.You can take multi-cab or a jeepney from tigbauan to leon because i saw theres a jeepney from tigbauan to leon.You’ll be passing brgy.cordova, napnapan, then to brgy agboy, leon.Reply
joyce saysJune 3, 2010 at 8:59 amjust to correct the way if u came from tigbauan yes u pass by cordova then pandan but u cant pass by agboy its going to the city if u will…so frm pandan u pass by anonang then straight to Leon town…there u go…!Reply
Marcos C. saysMay 13, 2008 at 7:05 pm[re=60148]rein[/re]: I think you need to go to the city first unless you have a private car then you go could go directly to Leon from GuimbalReply
rein saysMay 13, 2008 at 2:04 pmhow will I go to Bucari if I will be coming from Miag-ao? Is there a direct public transport from Miag-ao, or do I need to go to the city first? thanks!Reply
Marcos C. saysMay 10, 2008 at 5:40 pm[re=59890]Ronnie Calumpita[/re]: You’re welcome :) Well, I hope with the attention that Bucari been getting, they will start developing the roads into the area. Not only will it benefit its tourism industry but it will improve the delivery of their agri products to the market.BTW, I do not take credit for the video. I just grabbed it from you tube ;)Reply
Ronnie Calumpita saysMay 9, 2008 at 11:01 pmThanks Marcos for updating this topic about Bucari and uploading the episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Sojo featuring Bucari as well as some products and delicacies of Leon, the hometown of my father. I missed that episode in TV. Featuring Bucari through the Internet or in TV programs will help attract tourists to visit the area, whose climate is similar to Baguio and other places in the Cordilleras. Until now I haven’t visited Bucari. According to my relatives who live in Barangay Avanzada in Leon, the place is really beautiful. Hopefully the local government as well as provincial and national governments will make an effort to preserve Bucari.Reply
Marcos C. saysApril 23, 2008 at 2:46 pmI’ve asked the same question to the municipal tourism office and they said that it is safe to go to Bucari. Just to be sure, you can inform the tourism office about your visit beforehand so they can advice you about safety concerns during your tripReply
Marcos C. saysApril 23, 2008 at 4:59 amThere is usually one jeepney leaving for Bucari every hour from 7am to 3pm. The last trip to Leon town proper leaves Bucari at around 2pm to 3pm. If you do not wish to spend the night in Bucari, I highly suggest to reach Leon Town Proper as early as 7am so that you can catch the last trip at 2pm and reach the city at around 4 to 5pm. Be sure to inform the tourism office in Leon before embarking on your trip to Bucari so that they can help you plan your trip well.Leon Tourism Office Contact Details: Contact Person: Ma. Annaliza Camago, Municipal Tourism Officer Landline No.: (+63)(033)3310036.Reply
caren saysMarch 26, 2008 at 10:17 pmhow to get there in bucari?im planning to go there next month.is it safe to go there?or is there a cottage to stay or to rent?Reply
john saysJanuary 28, 2008 at 12:18 pmI am very proud of this place.. A pride of all Ilonggo specially leonian… Take good care of our mother nature… GOD BLESS ILOILO………………Reply
milar joy saysJuly 28, 2007 at 12:25 pmbeen to bucari for a couple of times, and its gorgeous out there, so quite and solemn, i like the fireflies at night you thought its another constellation of stars that have not discovered yet…my mom’s from buga leon…i like the mangoes too… :)Reply
arvee saysNovember 29, 2009 at 11:00 pmahmm. really? My mom to is from buga.. bka magkamaganak tau.. :) ang ganda tlga ng bucari! sarap bumalik and sa pagbalik susulitin ko tlga..Reply
richard de la cruz saysSeptember 20, 2011 at 3:45 pmway takun kaagi adto jan ra haw taga leon man ko pay..rayu be rah sa bayag sur mum .hahaha..sa sunod lang ah!.. nami nami galie to bah….Reply
Michelle S. Eusebio saysMarch 27, 2007 at 9:26 pmWhy go to Baguio or Banawe pa e meron pala tayo dito sa Leon? The scenes are breathtaking really! Sana makapunta ako diyan, sabay hanap na rin ng mga kamag-anak diyan probabaly sa poblacion. Taga Leon ang nanay ng lolo ko na tatay ni mamu/lola sa tuhod.Reply
Joy saysFebruary 15, 2007 at 10:53 pmSee Boracay Island? Now look, Boracay rocks now, and nobody thinks it will happen. And it happened. There’s a possibility that Bucari would be the next Boracay in the near future. Good luck!Reply
Joy saysFebruary 15, 2007 at 10:40 pmBucari is not discovered yet by the international tourists so to speak. Once they get this access…I’ll be darned , tourists will come to Leon like the bugs from the nut hole. It’s true. I have the reason why I posted this site in my profile to help and promote Iloilo City, Philippines. God bless us all, and Cheers!!Reply
meg saysJanuary 26, 2007 at 9:34 amwow what a good pix you’ve got here! the other pix look like a famous rice terraces of Benguet! how unfortunate i am that i haven’t visited Bucari yet! to think that i came from leon, specifically from Buga! hopefully i could visit the place when i go back home! Kudos to all Leonians for a great place and great people! Padayon!Reply
jerry saysFebruary 8, 2010 at 8:29 pmey meg, anu surname mo??? kc u look familiar….nways my parents are from leon but i was born cavite but i usually visit leon since my dad died 10 yrs ago, i even graduated from cpu kc have to stay with my mom after my dad died….nway tabat-calasagsag relative ko.. nway in regards to this site leon da best…..even i have the heart of a caviteno since i was born in cavite still im ilonggo in blood…….tumandok sa leon parents ko and im proud of it…Reply
anyonio perez saysMay 22, 2011 at 11:44 pmI have been there in september 2010. Quite un experience.Reply