Bucari Leon
Among the mountainous terrain of Leon, Bucari pine and waterfall are well known as the province "Little Baguio" the summer capital of Iloilo. According 2010 census Leon has the total population of 47,522 people compose of 85 barangays of which 14 mountainous barangays. Bucari one of the mountainous barangay in Leon an economic and tourism zone due to its highlands, cool climate and topography, located at 58 kilometers from Iloilo City 30 kilometers from Leon. Bucari mostly covered with mountains 2000 feet (600 meters above sea level). Temperature ranges from 18 - 20 °C and 10 °C dipping with wind factor from December to February. Local vegetables products such as cabbages, eggplants, carrots, sayote, baguio beans, asparagus, fruits such as bananas, strawberries and mangoes are products that make Leon "The Vegetable Basket of Iloilo Province".
TRAVEL
Using private vehicle it take less than two hours travel and 2 to 2:30 if commute to Bucari depending on weather condition. From Jaro Big market using jeepney fare is 30php and 25php for student and 40 minutes to one hour travel time to Leon town proper. From town proper to Bucari is 45 minutes jeepney drive with two trips per day 7am to bucari and 3pm from buraci, last trip from Leon to Iloilo City is 5pm. Road access are safe all concrete with speed limit 40-80kph be aware of road signs to be safe.
The Receiving Area
The Tabionan reforestation is the receiving area of "Little Baguio" with almost 5,000 hectares of 30 to 50 year old pine trees. No entrance fee just donation to
maintain cleanliness and safety of the place. There are cottages for rent, the amount ranges from 100 to 300 pesos. Its the perfect trekking destination any time or specially during summer.
Overnight
Staying overnight is safe set up tent or rent
a cottage. Price is 300 for tent and 1500 on cottage per day food is also available fresh vegetables or
can goods in store outside the camp. Comfort rooms and security are well
manage buy Bucari Pine Forest Personel. They allowed bonfire at night excellent place for retreat, picnic and bonding with friends a refreshing feeling of cool wind around the camp. The Bucari National High School also offer cottage for guest amounting 150 per head with the maximum 6 person per cottage.
The Camping Site
The camp site charge 100 pesos for camper if they have their own tent. Water is not a problem electricity is slightly limited just bring power bank for electronic devices. For a day visit, its better go early to see fog covering the top of the mountain and for overnight camper make sure to capture the breathtaking sunset.
The Fog
The cold breeze of the wind with fog covering the entire place, its like walking in the clouds or a movie in the making, a wonderful experience that make the place unique. Mansiga viewing deck is one of the place to go, were clouds touches the ground located at the very top of the mountain viewing the magnificent landscape of Bucari.
Preparing For Trekking "Going To Mansiga View Deck "
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| Bags Ready, Foods Ready, Bottled Water "One Liter" Ready |
The first stop after 30 minutes of walk capturing the amazing view of the mountain behind. The path is long covered with rain forest up to 30 minutes walk till the first nippa hut house.
Farm crops is along the way different kind of vegetables most common is cabbage.
The long way to the imoy falls that is worth walking along with friends. No matter how far it is we are determined to go by the help of 2 litters of water and a lot of snacks.
Almost there just a few more walk to the must see water falls.
This what they say the short cut to the falls the hanging bridge, but we took the longer way.
The Falls
