A hidden gem as I called it when I visited a mesmerizing place I have never been to before. Perhaps it was a beautiful overview and I had a magical experience.
As I was standing on a huge pile of stones, I felt a breathtaking experience on a weekend and my heart was full.
It was another great weekend when I traveled to Mantibugao, in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and explored the newly discovered overview.
I must say that this place is also a hidden gem since it existed many years ago but was discovered by local citizens recently when the road going to Mantibugao was developed by the local government.
It all happened when I have seen a post from a friend's social media going here and seemed so enticing. So I ask my brother to join me in visiting such a breathtaking place. I am happy he agreed and I was able to capture beautiful moments with big smiles.
But did you know that it was so hard for me to climb it since I had a medial cuneiform fracture?
Regardless of the bad experience I felt before, it did not hinder me to explore a hidden gem in my hometown. And here I am standing and feeling triumph as I successfully climbed up the huge pile of stones.
Although it was quite hard for me to climb up the big stones, I tried until I reached the peak and had candid shots of myself at the mesmerizing overview.
The wildflowers with yellow blossoms were so cute and they were vividly growing in the wilderness. I so love the candid moment as I posed at the old stone.
Indeed, it was a great experience being at the top as I have seen a view that was so magical. I may have a bit fear of heights but I was happy I conquered it. And despite struggling with the healing of my fracture I happily stood at the magical stone.
The presence of this huge stone even made the experience in the overview so worthwhile. It is so big in person and this stone was so old. I do not have any idea how it all went but it was three piles of old huge stones being a platform for the overview.
Yes, being at the top was full of excitement and I had a light heart while looking at the 360-degree angle of my surrounding atmosphere. And here are the shots that I have taken while I was at the top.
Have you ever wondered what places can be viewed from here?
Far places seemed so near when I was at the overview and I could see a glimpse of Claveria, Malitbog, Sta Ana, and Tagoloan.
They may seem so far literally but as I am here they were so near at a glance.
And did you know that going here before was so hard? This area was so difficult to trail before but with the development of the Mantibugao road, it is now so accessible to the local citizens and travelers.
While I was at the top, I took the wonderful opportunity to snap all around. And here are other angles full of life and enthusiasm.
As a cloud lover, I was so in love with how spectacular the clouds were. The sky was so blue, and greenery filled the spaces that even added beauty to the surrounding view.
I have seen many birds flying. And I have heard rare sounds of wild animals. And everything that surrounded me made me relaxed for a while. How I wish I had brought a hammock, tied and hang it on trees nearby, but I only have my camera to capture everything all at once.
Perhaps it was a great moment to see the wonderful sky display, the majestic mountain ranges, the wild animals, the flowing river, and the untamed forests, through the wild heart of nature.
If you happen to visit Bukidnon, never miss visiting this place as this is just for free. No entrance, no fees, just yourself.
You can go here by motorcycle or by any vehicle. If you are coming from Cagayan De Oro City, you can ride a jeepney or a bus, then stop at the intersection of Alae and Mantibugao, where you could ride a motorcycle. From the crossing, it will take you twenty minutes to arrive here. And if you are coming from Malaybalay City, still you stop at the intersection point on the right side where you could see a signage going to Mantibugao.
You will know that you are in this beautiful spot when you will see three huge piles of stones that served as a wonderful platform to view a scenic atmosphere.
Every weekend is a wonderful day for me as I always love to visit breathtaking places that would make me relax. Or if I do not find myself traveling or going somewhere, I am simply at home resting and doing meaningful tasks.
When I arrived at the place, I was too excited to climb the huge stones despite experiencing a medial cuneiform fracture. I wanted to take a selfie at the top and I was delighted after I captured a priceless moment at the top.
And that I went home with a big smile and it is one of the most wonderful weekends I have had. I want to be back here for more mesmerizing experiences especially when I feel stressed. It was a great adventure and a memorable one.
Disclaimer: All texts and pictures are my own unless otherwise stated.
