The Malaybalay City Tourism Office’s Mountain Tourism Team, in collaboration with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), conducted a three-day exploration of proposed eco-tourism sites in Barangay Manalog, Malaybalay City, from August 6-8, 2024.

The sites explored included Pulangog Falls, Mt. Langao, and the Pitcher Plant Area. The owners of these locations requested the City Tourism Office’s assistance in assessing their potential as future eco-tourism destinations.

The team evaluated the safety of trails, the viability of opening the areas to visitors, and other possible tourism activities near the sites.

Mt. Langao, a one-hour trek from the community, offers a campsite that can accommodate up to 15 tents. However, there is no water source in the area, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for drinking and cooking.

Reaching Pulangog Falls requires an hour of hiking followed by an hour of river trekking. The falls, surrounded by a forest and featuring clear, cold water, offer an attractive natural experience but are not recommended for beginners or during the rainy season due to flood and landslide risks.

The Pitcher Plant Area, accessible after an hour of hiking with river crossings, is home to various species of pitcher plants. While it has a water source, the area is unsuitable for camping and is recommended for sight-seeing only. Preservation of the plants is a priority, with management advised to prohibit direct contact with them.

The exploration concluded that the proposed sites have potential as eco-tourism destinations but require proper management, fair pricing, and the establishment of local guides to ensure sustainability and protection of the sites.

By: Jiany Bon B. Bagiohan, Tourism-NADA