SWITZERLAND FEELS IN MINDANAO: DISCOVERING BUKIDNON’S COMMUNAL RANCH

Hello, worldmappin community! today, i want you to visit and travel through the switzerland feels of mindanao the communal ranch of impasug-ong, bukidnon. There are places that surprise you quietly, without loud announcements or grand expectations. The Communal Ranch of Impasug-ong in Bukidnon is one of those places. Perched in the cool highlands of Mindanao, this wide-open landscape of rolling green hills, grazing horses, and distant mountain ranges feels more like Switzerland than the Philippines. Yet the moment you arrive, you realize that this beauty is deeply rooted in Filipino land, history, and community.

For travelers who crave nature, space, and stillness, the Communal Ranch offers something increasingly rare room to breathe.

A Ranch With History and Purpose

What makes the Communal Ranch truly unique is not just its scenery, but its story. It is the only state owned ranch in the Philippines, established during the American colonial period as part of an agricultural development program. Bukidnon was chosen for its fertile soil, cool climate, and high elevation ideal conditions for livestock raising.

The idea behind the ranch was simple yet progressive: the land would not belong to a single private owner, but instead serve the community. Farmers and ranch workers collectively benefited from the area, creating a shared system of land use that balanced productivity and preservation. This “communal” concept is where the ranch gets its name.

Over time, as Bukidnon developed and modernized, the ranch remained largely untouched. While livestock raising continued, the local government of Impasug-ong recognized its tourism potential. Instead of turning it into a commercial complex, the area was preserved as an eco-tourism destination, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty without destroying its original purpose.

Its appearance in the Filipino film Love Me Again, starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, introduced the ranch to a wider audience. Since then, it has become a quiet favorite among travelers who want something different from beaches and city escapes.

Switzerland Feels in the Heart of Mindanao

Walking through the Communal Ranch feels unreal. The land stretches endlessly, painted in shades of green that change with the light. Horses move gracefully across the fields, while cows rest beneath the open sky. A man-made lake sits calmly among the hills, reflecting clouds that drift lazily above.

Early mornings are magical. Fog rolls over the grasslands, and the mountains appear like soft silhouettes in the distance. By midday, sunlight brings out the richness of the terrain, making it a paradise for photographers and drone enthusiasts. Despite its growing popularity, the ranch remains peaceful never overly crowded, never too loud.

This balance between accessibility and serenity is what makes the Communal Ranch special.

How to Get There From Cebu City

Traveling from Cebu City to the Communal Ranch takes effort, but the journey is rewarding.

From Cebu City, the fastest option is to take a direct flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

Flight time: Approximately 1 hour

Budget travelers may choose to take a ferry from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro, which usually takes around 10 to 12 hours, often overnight.

From Laguindingan Airport, take a van or shuttle to Agora Bus Terminal in Cagayan de Oro.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

At Agora Terminal, ride a bus or van bound for Malaybalay, Valencia, or Davao, all of which pass through Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Ask the driver to drop you off at the Impasug-ong Tourism Office, where you’ll register, pay the entrance fee, and secure a permit.

From the tourism office, hire a habal-habal to take you to the ranch.

Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes

In total, travel time from Cebu City ranges from 5 to 7 hours, depending on connections and waiting times.

Updated Expenses at Communal Ranch

One of the most appealing things about the Communal Ranch is how affordable it remains.

Based on the latest on-site rates:

Entrance Fee: ₱50 per person

Hat Rental: ₱50

Hat Purchase: ₱150

Horseback Riding: ₱250 per ride

Drone Fee:

₱500 (solo)
₱700 (duo)

Horseback riding is the highlight for many visitors. Riding across the hills gives you a deeper appreciation of the landscape and offers a rare “haciendero” experience. Even first-timers are welcome, as guides assist throughout the ride.

Drone fees are collected to regulate aerial activity and ensure the safety of visitors and animals. Given the vast open spaces and dramatic scenery, drone shots here are absolutely worth it.

A basic visit with entrance and horseback riding can cost as low as ₱300–₱400, while a more complete experience with rentals and drone use may range from ₱700–₱1,000.

Things to Do at the Ranch

Beyond horseback riding, there’s joy in simply exploring. Walk across the fields, sit under the shade, or talk to the local cowboys who care for the animals. Visit the lake, take photos, or just lie on the grass and watch the clouds move.

This is not a place that demands activity. It invites stillness.

A Place That Teaches You to Slow Down

In a world driven by speed and schedules, the Communal Ranch reminds us of the beauty of slowing down. It stands as proof that tourism does not need to be loud or luxurious to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is open land, fresh air, and a view that makes you pause.

The Communal Ranch of Bukidnon is not just a destination it is an experience rooted in history, community and nature. And once you’ve seen its hills under a wide blue sky, you’ll understand why Switzerland feels can be found right here in Mindanao.

That’s all, thanks for stopping by here and reading my blog.