Mt. Bandilaan National Park — Attraction in Siquijor

I have reservations about Mt Bandilaan National Park being among the protected areas classified as "national parks" under NIPAS Act but I am sure that it is part of the Siquijor Forest Reserve under Proclamation No. 523, s. 1940, signed by then Pres. Manuel L. Quezon. As defined by R.A. 7586 or "National Integrated Areas System of 1992" a "national park" is "a relatively large area not materially altered by human activity where extractive resource uses are not allowed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific, educational and recreational use". Speaking of "not altered by human activity", there is a two-lane concrete road leading up to the base of an observation tower on top of the summit of Mt Bandilaan, a few houses along the way, abandoned rice terraces on the slopes and a sizable number of stands of coconuts (planted exclusively by man and not by the natural seed dispersal carried out by bats and birds) within the Bandilaan forest. Frankly, I am not against the concrete road or the observation tower which affords the wonderful experience of the 360-degree view from the summit. Yet, as a mountaineer who is keen on anything natural I love the forbiddingly steep slopes and dense forest of Bandilaan that is abundant with the thorny "uway" (rattan). Such factors, not to mention problem of water-sourcing in the forest replete with coral stones, could make life of a mountaineer bushwhacking to the summit over trail-less sections quite miserable and a good compensation for the lack of height of the mountain which stands only at 628 m (2060 feet). On the other hand, Bandilaan could also offer a great challenge for cyclists what with the steep gradient in many sections and close absence of...

We went to the highest peak in Siquijor, which is the Mt. Bandilaan. The road and the vibe going there is a no joke. I thought we are being brought to a very remote place with no people around. hahaha

Here’s the information we saw in the place:

MT. BANDILAAN NATIONAL PARK(SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR) Located in the midst of Siguor Island, Mt.Bandilaan is a stunning 212 hectares of Forest Reserve declared in 1940 under Presidential Proclamation 523 bu then President Manuel L. Quezon. It rises 557 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in the province. On its apex stands a 15 meter tall viewing tower where nature be frde otat clar. 1 0h ages wat sted of th od and home ing numerous toro and tauna including the endongered Hypsipetes Siquijorensis a streak-breasted Bulbul endemic in Siquijor. Mt. Bandilaon is the source of various medicinal trees and plants used by the traditional and folk healers of the island and the venue of the renowned “Pahi-uli”: a Siquijor event for local healers which is being celebrated during the holy week.

According to Kuya Normz, our tour guide, most of the other tour guides will ask for additional payment of 500php to visit the place. (Extra payment due to the distance of the location)

However, Kuya Normz gave this place to us as a freebie. He even told us many stories about the place and the people.

We highly recommend Kuya Normz as we learned a lot of things about Siquijor, and he also generously gave us some freebies. (Beautiful spots and stories)

Contact him via the following: Facebook: Normz Am-is Contact...

Overall, the national park surrounding the island’s highest peak is easily accessible. Most of the roads are paved or asphalted, but the last few kilometers are full of potholes, so drive carefully.

There is ample parking, and the summit can be reached via approximately 150 stone steps. At the top, there’s an aging observation platform, though parts of the railing are missing, which could be a concern.

The view from the summit is stunning, offering a panoramic view of the entire island. Definitely worth a visit despite the...