Adrenalin-pumping adventure in Dahilayan

Towering pine trees with velvety green leaves. Cool breeze dabbing our skin. Mountain ridges with a vast sprawl of verdant meadows. We were not in Switzerland. These were the scenes when my friends and I visited Dahilayan in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Thick masses of clouds hung low over the Manolo Fortich skyline when we reached the Dahilayan Adventure Park after a nearly two-hour ride from Cagayan de Oro City, warning us of an imminent rain. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to bring an umbrella if you’re planning to visit Dahilayan in your next vacation.

It was a Saturday, the only day of the week when I could manage to squeeze myself out of a busy schedule as a journalist, so I didn’t let the threat spoil my excitement. The view from the mountaintop overlooking vast green sprawl of the province greeted us with an icy cool wind suggestive of Baguio’s climate.

The route to Dahilayan was by itself filled with scenic views. Our shuttle passed through Del Monte’s pineapple plantations and mountainsides loomed far on the fringes.

The 840-meter zipline at the Dahilayan Adventure Park once held the claim as the longest in Asia. Unknown to many, the spotlight recently shifted to Butuan City’s Delta Discovery Park, where a 1.3-kilometer cable zipline is grabbing media attention. Nonetheless, it doesn’t ebb the rush of adrenalin from the thrill and fun that Dahilayan offers to the visitors.

Set up on a platform 4,700 feet above sea level, Dahilayan’s main attraction launches dual riders into a speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour, culminating with an elevation drop of 100 meters when you reach the terra firma. While zooming over the pine leaves, you also get to enjoy the marvels of Mount Kitanglad’s foothills still covered in fog from a bird’s eye view.

Dahilayan, however, imposes height limitations to those wishing to ride the dual zipline: between 4’4” and 6’3” are allowed. Ravi Michael Victorio, flights operation manager of ZipZone, cites safety reasons for the policy. But that doesn’t mean the equipment installed in Dahilayan Adventure Park are of low quality. The harnesses were purchased in the United States and assembled locally under the fastidious watch of Engr. Elpidio Paras, CEO of Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Paras conceived and pioneered the zipline in Bukidnon out of his fascination with this kind of tourist attraction in the U.S.

There are also two other dual ziplines designed to prepare tourists for the 840-meter ride: a 320-meter and 150-meter cable line. In other words, you do the warm-up stage with the shorter lines before you step up the thrill.

Dahilayan Adventure Park built the shorter ziplines in 2008 before mounting the longest line in 2009. Of course, riding the dual ziplines would be more fun with a friend to share the adrenalin-pumping experience. Me and my friend, Aubrey, first tried the shorter ziplines and we were in all smiles as we zoomed over the pine treetops overlooking the entire forest.

All the rides will set you back P600 or P350 for just the two shorter lines, plus you’d get an optional certificate (it comes with a separate fee) with your in-flight photos as a testament to how you conquered the second longest zipline in Asia.

The extreme adventurist will definitely find complete satisfaction in the newly opened Drop Zone Sky Swing. For a solo price of P500 or P700 for tandem, a windmill-powered winch pulls riders 120 feet up in the air until the highest point is reached to signal that the suspension line be released. While in flight, you get the feeling of having all your entrails explode in the air as you swing like a pendulum after the daredevil drop. It will take all your stamina and lung power to pull the release line!

Near the Drop Zone area are the Net Trampoline, Bungee Bounce, and Tree Top Adventure activity areas for minors and children.

For the faint-hearted, you might as well try the ropes course for P200, wall climbing for P100, Luge ride for P600 or buggy ride for P800, among other rides. Dahilayan also offers a package of P1,999 per person, inclusive of all rides, transportation and meals.

Accommodations are available at Pine Grove Mountain Lodge, which offers family suites at P5,000, standard room (good for 3) at P2,800, and Barkada room (good for 12 to 25 persons) at P500 per head. Function and activity areas are also available for guests looking to hold their family reunions, weddings or birthday parties outdoor.

Getting to Dahilayan has been hassle-free since many tour agents are offering packages at justifiable rates. We took the package offered by Pinegrove. Contact them through mobile 09228801319 or visit their office, Parasat HD located at the third floor of Centrio Ayala Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.

Indeed, what Manolo Fortich lacked in water attractions it compensated with a variety of forest adventures.