Video credits: Ben Maputi via YouTube
Last weekend, James and I went to Northern Mindanao specifically in Malaybalay, Bukidnon to check out the newly emerging travel bucket list, the hobbit houses located at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm which is almost an hour away from the capital city of the province.
Today, let me share with you the beauty of Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm and why it is a great spot for those nature lovers as well as fans of the novel "The Lord of the Rings" by J. R. R. Tolkien.
What is Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
Exactly located at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad, an inactive volcano and of which is the fourth highest mountain in the country, the farm is owned by a Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Maputi Sr, and has a mission to educate the community through Agri-Ecological technologies.
The farm has not been altered to fit a tourist spot, in fact, it has been constructed to keep the farm as is and be a medium for nature lovers and wild photographers. But what makes it extra interesting is the work of the hand of the owner's son, Ben who had constructed tree houses, Hobbiton and other Bali-inspired corners which I will talk later on.
Image credits: bitLanders society via Facebook
The farm had also earned with itself some awards. To name a few, Most Outstanding Farm "Family Category" in the Philippines (Gawad Saka 2006) Most Outstanding Farm in the City, Province and Region (Family Category) Champion in Provincial Tourism Destination "Agri-Eco Category" and a lot more.
Currently, the 22-hectare farm produces the following products, Philippines Endemic Tree Seedlings, Coffee Beans, Abaca Fiber, Essential Oil, Organically Grown High-Value Crops "Cabbage, Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrots, Beans and farm animals also.
What to Find at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?
I admit that the main reason that we came to visit Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm was that of their hobbit house. But there's more to see than just these halfling dwellings because there are still more to find and enjoy at the farm.
1. Tree Houses
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
Before the hobbit houses, there were already quarters built on trees and had become temporary residences for the farm's visitors and overnight stay guests.
Currently, there are three of them, one which is the highest of the three with a view deck connected by a wooden palette towards the next tree, this room is the most comfortable of all their accommodations.
Next is their lover's guava tree house. this is shorter but is definitely a sweet spot because it has a second-floor viewing deck which is facing the East, that's a perfect place to be with during the sunrise.
Lastly, their newest addition which is grander and sturdier than the first two. With nice wooden stairs and designed balusters. Unlike the other tree houses, this one here is bigger and can accommodate four guests! All have free breakfast!
2. Bali-Inspired Corners
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
You might have seen some spots in Bali which are very Instagrammable, meaning they are so cool and cute that when posted on Instagram, it will surely bring traffic over to your page?
Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is never behind these trends because Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. had also invested his time and efforts as well as resources in bringing these corners into their own farm.
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
Birds nest, cool native frames, magic carpet, and my favorite, their infinity swing! I had so much fun at these spots most especially the swing where I had watched the sunrise as I felt the cold morning breeze hitting my face with every swing.
Aside from that, there's a need addition of hanging bridge too! That spot is overlooking the wild forest, filled with birds and insects which are producing that really relaxing sound. A Canopy walk, Forest trail, and Bird watching are also present.
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
3. Farm Animals, Plantation and Produce
More importantly being a farm, it has its own products which are either consumed within the farm or being sold outside. One of the very obvious ones was their essential oils. They extract it from Citronella plants, air dried and gone through certain processing, they are able to make tons of these products and sell to the market outside the farm vicinities. They also give citronella oils to the guests to keep the bugs away, effective actually!
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
There are also local Arabica coffee trees on the farm! These are being processed within as well. I have personally seen how a worker used the manual method of pounding and grinding the roasted beans! It smelled really good while I watched her do the process.
But what's really nice is that they brew their coffee every day for themselves as well as for the guests! Even walk-in guests and visitors can have a cup or more!
Farm animals like ducks, hogs, goats, and others are also present. The owners have their own Husky, Dalmatian and another breed which I forgot the name inside the farm too!
4. DIY Hobbit Houses
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
Are you a "Lord of the Rings" fan or perhaps just a curious soul? The Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm has DIY hobbit houses which were created by Mr. Benjamin Maputi Jr. himself.
We personally had spent hours engaging in talks about the history of how he began making these structures and he mentioned it was because of a friend's vision of having such in her own land that he was encouraged to make a prototype within his farm.
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
Because of his own resources, woods and soil, as well as other materials, are all available in the farm, he was able to build the first one which is now established together with some two more houses beside a pond.
Then he went on creating another set of four houses, one of which is already available to stay in. And a new one which is still under construction. He dreams of creating a village of hobbit houses where guests become good neighbors just like how a community works.
How to Reach Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm?
Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook
The road to Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Farm is very bumpy and challenging. We were lucky it was dry and sunny when we went there. I heard a lot of stories from our "habal-habal" drivers of guests who were not able to go because of the steep and muddy path.
But as cliche, as it is, those hard paths are the most unforgettable experiences, which I agree.
From Cagayan De Oro, one can go to the Agora Bus Terminal ride a bus going to Malaybalay Bukidnon. There are many options and buses are available every hour. Travel time 2.5 to 3 hours and the fare is only Php 120.00 for an airconditioned bus. Try Pabama Bus Tours if you want to get entertained while traveling.
Video credits: RoShan via YouTube
Since the previous Casisang road was damaged because of the rains, it is highly recommended to use the Malaybalay City diversion road instead. One can stop at the Sumpong Shell Station, "habal-habal" drivers are available in this part. You'll pass by the newly constructed rehab center and there are signs going to the Hobbit House. You'll also pass by a beautiful road with tall colorful trees too.
The drivers charge Php 150 per way per head. You can request them to wait for you or pick you up the next day, ensure to take their mobile numbers.
There's 4G signal in the farm which was cool. Although there's zero while inside the hobbit house.
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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.
