Valerie Caulin

The island of Panay is not just home to many colonial churches but it is also rich in biodiversity. The province has been promoted as one of the country’s destinations for Philippine eco-tourism and one of these places is the Bulabog Puti-an National Park in the humble town of Dingle. The town of Dingle is located almost 40 kilometers from Iloilo.

I came to this national park a decade ago when we had our field trip for my class in Local History. You see, Bulabog Puti-an National Park is not just a nature reserve and a rain forest but is also a historical site. I remember the blisters and the stick I used to help me in walking to our ultimate destination- its historical caves used by Filipino fighters during the Spanish times. It was such a struggle walking on a 920-meter rocky trail but being surrounded with those trees, fresh air and the company of my dear classmates was the best.

My son, Akira catching some butterflies

Now I’m back with my own family after 10 years. Hahaha! For our trip, we didn’t have the intention of reaching those historical caves since we were tagging along two little boys- a 3 year-old toddler and a month-old baby. As a mother, I want to expose my kids to nature given how technology has conquered our lives now. And also a great place for my husband to relax and find another place to take some pictures.

I hope assistance and support will be given to this national park

True, ten years is a long time and there were some differences from my last visit with then college classmates. First, there were more trees now as I have known that many institutions have conducted various activities like tree planting. But one of the things that made this visit different is how obvious that this park lacks support from the local government which is expected from any government program.

more trees!!

Ten years ago, it was organized and very systematic. Someone greeted us, let us log in, etc. And I remember those little cottages were reserved for those who wan to spend the night in Bulabog National Park. Now, it is used as a shelter by local residents, maybe the caretakers. I hope the local government and DENR can give more support to this park. I was also hoping to drink in its cool spring water, but I can’t seem to find it there anymore. However, I saw many residents fetching some water in a big tank and faucets a few meters from the entrance but I still miss that small faucet that can quench any trekker’s thirst.

I love this shot...

Anyway, back to the program .The Bulabog Puti-an National Park occupies 847 hectares that also covers some parts of the neighboring town of Enrique. Aside from its diversified plants, it has 30 caves with some having inscriptions in Spanish written by the Katipuneros. This place should be one of the things that you should include in your list of what to do in Iloilo. Or if you want to short time-off during a holiday or a weekend, drive to Dingle and commune with mother nature.

Extra Challenge!

How to get there

- From the city proper, head off to Tabak Terminal in Jaro. The same terminal where you take a ride for Roxas and Caticland.

- Take the jeepney bound for Dingle.

-Upon reaching the town center of Dingle, hire a tricycle going straight to Bulabog Nationa Park

Entrance Fee

- People in charge didn’t ask for any fee from us but I read in some blogs that it costs P8 for locals and P180 for foreigners.

Helpful Tips

- Wear comfortable clothes. That is closed rubber shoes and jogging pants. Bring extra clothes too.

-apply insect repellants

-bring bottled water, face towel and a stick ( believe me, those rocky trail can stretch up to almost 1 kilometer)

- visit it during dry season. If its rainy or it rained the previous night, stones will be slippery which might cause accidents.

The perfect place for trekking in Iloilo!