More Than a Thrill Ride: What I Learned Ziplining in Dahilayan
Did you know that one of Asia’s longest dual ziplines isn’t on a beach, but nestled 4,700 feet above sea level in the cool highlands of the Philippines? Forget the image of endless coastline for a moment. In the heart of Mindanao, in the province of Bukidnon, lies a different kind of Philippine experience—one defined by pine trees, crisp mountain air, and the exhilarating sound of a zipline slicing through the sky. My journey here was about more than just adrenaline; it was a lesson in the surprising diversity of the archipelago.
My trip to Dahilayan Adventure Park started from Cagayan de Oro (CDO), the nearest major city with an airport (Laguindingan Airport, CGY). The journey itself is part of the adventure. I opted for a shared van, which is a common and cost-effective method. The ride took about two hours and cost around PHP 350 (about $6 USD). As you leave the coastal bustle of CDO, the landscape transforms dramatically. The road begins to climb, winding past vast pineapple plantations—a key clue that you’re in the agricultural heartland of the Philippines. We even passed the iconic Del Monte pineapple statue, a mandatory photo stop for many. The air grows cooler, a welcome respite, and the scenery shifts from tropical palms to sturdy pine forests. For a more direct trip, hiring a private car is an option, costing anywhere from PHP 2,500 to PHP 3,500 ($42-$60) for a round trip, which is a great choice for groups.
Soaring Over the Pines
Upon arriving, the energy of Dahilayan Adventure Park is palpable. It’s a well-organized facility, but the real star is the natural setting. My goal was clear: to experience the main attraction that makes ziplining in Dahilayan famous. This is the 840-meter dual zipline. After paying the entrance and ride fees—I chose a package for around PHP 1,200 ($20) that included multiple rides—the process was impressively professional. We were grouped, given a clear safety briefing, and fitted with harnesses and helmets. There was no room for ambiguity; the staff were meticulous and reassuring.
To get to the launch tower, we boarded a 4×4 truck that rumbled up an even higher hill. The anticipation builds with every foot of altitude gained. From the top, the view is staggering. You see the entire park laid out below, a tapestry of green forest and the thin silver lines of the zip cables stretching across the valley. Standing on that platform, waiting for the gate to open, is a moment of pure, focused presence. Then, you’re flying. The initial drop is a rush, but it quickly smooths into a graceful, high-speed glide. At speeds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, you feel less like you’re falling and more like you’re soaring. The wind roars past, but the view is serene: a bird’s-eye perspective of the dense Bukidnon forest. It’s over in less than a minute, but the feeling of freedom is unforgettable.
Beyond the main event, I also tried the Python, a roller coaster-zipline hybrid that twists and turns through the trees. It’s a different kind of thrill—less about speed and soaring, more about G-force and surprise turns. It perfectly complements the epic scale of the main zip-line, making the park one of those truly unique travel experiences in the country.
Small Moments in the Highlands
While the rides are the main draw, the moments in between were just as meaningful. Waiting in line, I chatted with a family from Davao who made the long drive just for the weekend. They shared stories of their own local adventures, reinforcing how Filipinos are avid domestic tourists, deeply proud of their own regions. The park staff, mostly locals from Bukidnon, were not just safety operators; they were friendly, quick with a joke, and genuinely happy to see visitors enjoying their home province. Buying a cup of local coffee from a small stall to warm up, the vendor told me about the best times to visit to avoid the rain. This brief interaction was a small but welcome moment of what felt like genuine cultural immersion philippines—understanding the rhythm of life in a place through its people.
Navigating Challenges and Finding the Highlights
One of the main challenges for travelers is the distance from Cagayan de Oro. A common mistake is underestimating the travel time and trying to cram too much into one day. My advice is to dedicate a full day to Dahilayan. Leave CDO early, around 7 AM, to beat the traffic and potential afternoon showers, which are common in the mountains. The highlight, without question, is the unique climate. The cool, crisp air is such a contrast to the lowland heat, making it a destination in itself. It’s a reminder that the Philippines is not a monolith of tropical beaches.
Another traveler concern is the crowd. The park can get very busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. A simple solution is to visit on a weekday. The experience of ziplining in Dahilayan is far more peaceful with fewer people, allowing you to soak in the environment without feeling rushed. The true highlight for me was realizing the high standard of safety and infrastructure. For a place that feels so remote, the park is world-class, making adventure accessible and safe.
Essential Travel Tips for Dahilayan
- Best Time to Go: The dry season from December to May offers the sunniest weather. However, the park is open year-round. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends.
- What to Wear: Comfortable, athletic clothing is best. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for all rides. Even on a sunny day, bring a light jacket or windbreaker as the mountain air can be chilly.
- Budgeting: Park entrance is minimal, around PHP 100 ($1.70). Ride tickets are separate. The main 840m zipline costs around PHP 600 ($10). Package deals range from PHP 1,200-1,800 ($20-$30). Bring sufficient cash (Philippine Pesos), as not all smaller vendors accept credit cards.
- Getting There: For budget travelers, shared vans from CDO are best. For groups, a private car offers comfort and the flexibility to stop at places like the Del Monte plantation viewpoint.
- Hyperlocal Tip: The restaurants within and around the park often serve steaks and produce sourced from Bukidnon’s own farms. Trying a local steak is a must-do; it’s a taste of why the province is called the “food basket” of the region.
My day spent ziplining in Dahilayan, Philippines, was more than just checking an item off a bucket list. It was an immersion into the country’s geographic and cultural diversity. It’s a place that challenges preconceptions and rewards you with crisp air, stunning vistas, and a professionally managed thrill. It proves that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are found far from the sea, high up in the cool, green heart of an island. What kind of unexpected landscape will you discover on your Philippine journey?
