Malaybalay City is a city and provincial capitol of Bukidnon Province, located on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.
It's settled in a charming rural environment, elevated at about 620m, surrounded by mountain ranges from all sides. Due to the elevation the climate is very relaxing, as houses don't need any cooling facilities, so restful sleep is guaranteed. Malaybalay shows parallels to Baguio city, but it is more attractive due to it's smaller size, unspoiled and friendly people and spacious location on a wide plateau.
The climate is milder but still quite fresh at night. It is protected from storm as it is far south from the Typhoon belt and also from landslides, as the mountains in Bukidnon are not as steep as they are in the Cordillera's.
Get in
Online portal
[http://www.onlinebukidnon.com] - the first online portal of Malaybalay and Bukidnon. This is a detailed informative category listing in Malaybalay. contact webmaster of online bukidnon at outsourceport@gmail.com or browse the website
www.onlinebukidnon.com : Bukidnon Online Portal
By plane
There is no commercial airport in the province of Bukidnon. The nearest airport is in Cagayan de Oro about 100km away. Cagayan de Oro has several airlines providing daily flights to Manila and Cebu.
Malaybalay City used to have an airport, but it had to be closed because the surrounding mountains made the runway approach to treacherous for the pilots.
By train
There is no train system yet in Mindanao. There are draft plans that include Malaybalay City as one of the major stations, but yet there is no implementation of the plans.
By car
Sayre Highway crosses Mindanao from Cagayan de Oro City in the north to Davao City in the South. To Cagayan de Oro it is about 90 minutes drive. Taxi can be hired starting at Php 1500.
By bus
Rural Transit, Super 5 and some smaller companies are plying the route frequently, usually every 20 minutes, even at night frequent buses can be found. Rates vary between Php 85 and Php 140 (air con).
To Davao it is a 5 hour bus trip.
By boat
Next harbor is in Cagayan de Oro. Boats are available to Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bohol (Jagna), Dumaguete and Nasipit (Butuan). A small harbor in Balingoan provides Boat service to Camiguin island.
Get around
Along the highway small minibusses "Multi cab" ply the route between Casisang in the south and Kalasungay in the north. For the smaller roads within the town, passenger motorcycles can be utilized, they adjust their route to their passengers needs. All transportation costs only between Php 6 and 7.
See
A monastry in San Jose, the pines view park, the Matin-ao and Nasuli springs
Do
Malaybalay does offer lot of hiking opportunities, which still have to be developed. It serves also as a base for climbing the 2nd highest mountain of the Philippines Mt. Dulang Dulang (2935m) located in the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park. To get started with the tour visitors should visit the PENRO office near the capitol to get permits and arrange for guide.If you seek for local guides, call phone no. 09274948766.
There are horseback riding facilities, for example at D'Stables resort in Sumpong. Day hikes is also a pleasant activity for visitors, you can get off the beaten path and experience scenery most other visitors dont get to see. The hike up the slopes is rewarded with views across neighboring valley and towards the panoramic view of the kitanglad range. These ranges from 2 hours to half day hike. There are a lot of routes to choose from. For inquiries, E-mail ulricching@yahoo.com.
Learn
Malaybalay is the location of the Bukidnon State University and has several other colleges and high schools.
Work
This area is an agricultural hub and attracts investors from all over the world. Main crops include pineapple, sugar cane, corn, rubber and hardwoods.
Buy
The biggest commercial establishment is Gaisano, but there are numerous alternatives for groceries and other purchases.
Eat
There are lots of restaurants in Malaybalay. We don't provide the location, just give the name of the restaurant to the tricycle drivers.
Budget
There are countless food and bbq stalls around the university and near the market.
Mid-range
In the center of the town you can find Mindy's, Le Cafe, Jollibee, Yoly's, Gerry's Grill, Anton's
Splurge
Not really splurging but a bit more expensive can be:
Tito Tony's, Pine View Hotel (WIFI), Sir Edwards (WIFI), Mint leaf Cafe, Haus Malibu (WIFI)
Drink
At night people move to Mindy's, the Music box, Plateau (with disco), Backdoor disco, Gerry's or Laurelle's Grill
If it is just for cafe, try Bukidnon Brew Cafe (BBC), Casanova (WIFI), Sunflower (WIFI), Le Cafe and Mint Leaf Cafe
Sleep
Budget
Cheapest are the places near the bus terminal, in downtown try Small World
Mid-range
Hotel Alemania, 1st Avenue Apartel (WIFI)
Splurge
Once again, Malaybalay is not expensive, but you find very cozy yet relatively affordable rooms at
Pines View Hotel (WIFI), Haus Malibu (WIFI)
Contact
The tourism information is located in a small cabin within Pines View Park behind the capitol building.
Stay safe
Malaybalay is a very safe place to stay. The security is weakening if you venture out to very remote mountain locations. need for assistance in emergencies, Dial 117.
Get out
Malaybalay has a bus terminal, which has aside from the major busses to Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Valencia, Wao, Kibawe, Kadingilan also connections that ply the smaller roads to Sungco, Lantapan, Zamboanguita, St. Peter, Canayan and more.