Bucari

The way to Imoy Falls, Bucari, Leon

Bucari is an area with mountainous terrain situated in the highlands of Leon and Alimodian, both are municipalities of Iloilo province in Panay island, Philippines. It is composed of Bucari, a barangay in Leon and neighbouring barangays of which 14 barangays are in Leon and 7 barangays are in Alimodian which is called the "Seven Cities". It is known as the "Summer Capital of Iloilo" and declared as a special economic zone for tourism and ecological enterprise due to its cool climate, topography, highland attractions and scenery.^[1]

Geography

It is located in 58 kilometres (36 mi) from Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo Province. It comprises 7,490.625 hectares (18,509.74 acres) in Leon and 2,942.25 hectares (7,270.5 acres) in Alimodian for a total land area of 10,432.875 hectares (25,780.20 acres).^[2] The area spans terrain and mountain ridges that is part of the Central Panay mountain ranges.

The temperature in the area ranges from 18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F) and dipping to 10 °C (50 °F) with the wind factor from December to February.

The average elevation of the populated mountain ridge is 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. This elevation surrounds a valley serving as the catchment of Aganan River. The highest point in the area is 1,300 metres (4,300 ft).

Local farmers grow vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, baguio beans, sayote, eggplants, carrots and fruits such strawberries, mangoes and bananas. Rice is planted in rice terraces similar to the popular Banaue Rice Terraces of the Ifugao. Today some portion of the area has been made into a mountain resort and in the future, it is being planned that part of the area will be converted into a national park and botanical garden.

Fauna

Fauna found in the area include the Visayan warty pig, snakes, lizards, hawks, frogs, hornbill and monkeys. Species of existing endemic flora are pine trees, narra, teak, bacan, antipolo, hambabalop, mahogany, antosan-dilaw, kultingan and undergrowth coffee.^[3]

Tourism attractions

Foggy mountain, Bucari, Leon

Pineridge Bucari

Pineridge Bucari is an exclusive Spa Resort that offers Health, Wellness and Mountain climbing/exploration activities. It has a restaurant featuring organic and gourmet menus. It holds a commanding view of one of the last pristine old growth pine forests in the Philippines.^[4]

Tabionan Reforestation Area

Reforestation area where 30- to 50-year-old pine trees cover almost 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) area.

Mansiga Cave

Found in Tabionan where a person has to lower himself about 30 feet (9 m) below the side of a cliff to have access to its entrance.

Susong Dalaga or Ambassador Hill

The highest point land-mark along the road to Bucari, barren of trees and showing beautiful patterns on the hard rock. This is a twin mountain with similar striking tips and perfect cones at about a distance of 20 metres (66 ft) from the top. The natives called it “Susong Dalaga” or the "breasts of a maiden".

Imoy Falls

Located at the headwaters of the Aganan River in Barangay Camandag. The stream where the fall drops has crystal clear waters and is surrounded by big awesome trees and beautiful wild flowers.^[5]

Tomas Confesor Marker

The Tomas Confesor Marker is a landmark on top of a hill for lasting remembrance of bravery and heroism in honor of Tomas Confessor who established the Free Government of Panay and Romblon, the only civil resistance government that did not fall to the Japanese during WW2.

Agua Colonia

a mossy and jungle like thickly covered rain forest in Alimodian Seven Cities.

Farm Terraces

A unique version of Alimodian Farm Terraces showcasing its rich and lush soil suited to a variety of high value crops.

Bato Duko / Bato Dungok

The most picturesque spot in Alimodian Seven Cities. It is a protruding rock formation that closely resembles Pico de Loro.

Manipuron Hill

An interesting mound in Barangay Tugaslon, Alimodian which gives viewer breath taking view of the rolling plains below and a far view of Iloilo City.

Maslog Waterfalls

Almost hidden within Barangay Lico, Alimodian located near the thick forest, is a haven where a series of mini waterfalls can be found.

Ibagat Spring

Taste the nature's mineral spring water that is abundantly free. Also found in Alimodian.

Puting Bato / Bato sa Nabalay

A mysterious and enormous stone appeared to be a cradle of hidden past and found in Barangay Cabacanan-Rizal, Alimodian.

Umingan Plateau

On top of Barangay Umingan, Alimodian lies the green grass covering a wide range called plateau that blends with the foggy atmosphere and freezing breeze.

Tinagong Danao

A tiresome quest for a hidden treasure would turn out to be fulfilling adventure. Located between Barangay Dao and Barangay Umingan, Alimodian.

Taruc Hills

a breathtaking scenery located at Barangay Tabug, Alimodian, Iloilo.

References