Beneath the Green Canopy:
DiSCOVER the Wonders of Bulabog Putian National Park
Stressed out? It’s time to take a breather. Why not go to somewhere green and refreshingly cool?
Work and the fast-paced lifestyle in the city can always give us that burnt out feeling. Oh well, the cubicle world always felt limiting to many of us. Whenever you need to unwind, listen to your body and mind. It’s one way to avoid bringing it down with sickness.
Reconnecting with the natural world is one of the best ways to unwind and reset. Let me walk you through one of the wonderful green spaces in the province of Iloilo.
Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Bulabog Putian National Park (BPNP) is a captivating limestone paradise that beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning natural attractions, including fascinating caves, diverse wildlife, and unique native trees, this Park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Bulabog Putian National Park is also known as the “living forest university” due to its close proximity to big universities and schools in the city of Iloilo. How do you get there? It is roughly a one-hour travel from the city (42.5 km.) by riding a Dingle jeepney from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City. Upon arrival at Dingle town proper, you can ride a tricycle that transports you to Bulabog Putian’s receiving area. A minimal fee of Php 30.00 is paid as entrance fee and of course, you would also need to hire a guide, so you don’t get lost inside the Park.
A LIMESTONE WONDERLAND
Bulabog Putian National Park is the only limestone mountain in Iloilo province. The whole park covers 854.33 hectares and traverses the two municipalities of Dingle and San Enrique.
The limestone is such a geological wonder that created a landscape rich in biodiversity and ecological significance. As visitors traverse the winding trails, they are greeted by the enchanting sight of towering cliffs and hidden valleys.
It is called Bulabog Putian in reference to its most distinguishing feature: a white stone wall on its northern side that can be seen as far away as Passi City, a distance of approximately 21 kilometers away.
THE MARVEL OF DAO TREE
Just a short distance from the gate of the Park, the more than a century old Dao (Dracontomelon dao) tree is an eye stealer, always ending up as a picturesque background for individual or group photos. It has wide and sturdy buttress roots that are typical of shallowly rooted trees, usually found in nutrient-poor tropical forest soils that are not very deep.
The Park is a second-growth Molave and dipterocarp forest that is a safe haven for many endemic species of plants and animals. 
Standing tall, the magnificent Dao tree is a living testament to nature’s resilience. Over a century old, this ancient tree has witnessed the passage of time, its towering height is a symbol of endurance that has weathered storms. It is also a haven of refuge for various bird species and contributes to the park’s rich ecosystem. Many tourists who visit the Park find themselves drawn to its towering height and sturdy buttress that rises up to six feet. They would take some memorable photographs and stand in awe at Dao’s unique beauty.
A HABITAT OF UNIQUE CREATURES
Bulabog Putian is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. From within the recesses of its caves are different species of bats. One of the most famous perhaps is the pit viper which is usually spotted at the entrance of the Park, right among the trees. There is also the elusive orange scorpion, which adds an element of intrigue to the Park’s ecosystem. These vibrant creatures can often be found lurking among the rocks, showcasing nature’s incredible diversity. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting endemic species flitting through the treetops, while hikers may encounter other
wildlife that roams freely in this protected sanctuary. Believe it or not, there is still a lot to be seen in this Park.
THE ENIGMATIC CAVES
Among the park’s most alluring features are its caves, which serve as homes to a variety of bat species. The cool, dark chambers echo with the sounds of fluttering wings, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Adventurers can explore these caves, marveling at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia. The thrill of discovering these natural wonders makes each visit a unique experience.
It has 13 caves, each with unique features. Most visited are the Guiso, which is a habitat of bats and swiftlets; Tuko, a small cave with unique stalactite formation; and the Maestranza, famous as a historical cave where guerillas during the Spanish, American and Japanese period, took shelter.
Maestranza Cave is the site of the “Cry of Lincud” which began the Philippine Revolution in Iloilo in 1898. Inside the cave, one can see patriotic messages in old Spanish writings. One is El que ama verdaderamente a su patria no mira su provecho propio which means: He who truly loves his country does not see his own advantage; and the other one is Los Republicanos Juran Morir Antes Que Entregarse,which means: The Republicans Swear To Die Before Surrendering.
A SANCTUARY FOR RELAXATION
Strolling inside the Park is a fresh escape from the humdrum of city life. One enjoys breathing in the crisp scent of forest trees while dainty, colorful, even mysterious-colored butterflies flutter around you. Of course, the air changes its scent when you are standing next to a cave where Guano deposits are.
But when you visit Bulabog Putian National Park (BPNP), just keep in mind to “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.” The forest ecosystem of the Park is as fragile as the limestone it is made of. We can breathe in all the oxygen it gives, bring with us all the wonderful memories of the visit and be part of the reason to protect and conserve this precious natural treasure.
