Malaybalay, Philippines

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Malaybalay, Philippines

Region: Bukidnon


Geographic Coordinates: 8.156400, 125.133000
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 32.0°C (64°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from June to October and dry season from November to May.
Population: 190712
Language: Cebuano

Malaybalay is a stunning city situated in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It is renowned as the City in the Forest due to its lush greenery and peaceful environment. The city’s altitude of 2, 500 feet above sea level makes it cooler than most parts of the country. The name Malaybalay originated from two words: malay, Which means lost or wandering, And balay, Which means house. According to legend, Spanish colonizers got lost while searching for a place to settle down and stumbled upon a small village.

When they asked where they were, The locals thought they were asking for directions to their houses and replied with Malay-balay. The name stuck and became the official name of the city. One of Malaybalay’s top attractions is Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park that spans over 47, 000 hectares and houses various species of flora and fauna such as Philippine eagles, Tarsiers, Wild boars, Deer and monkeys. Visitors can go on guided treks through its forests or climb up Mt. Kitanglad itself for breathtaking views over Bukidnon.

Kaamulan Park is another popular destination in Malaybalay – an iconic cultural landmark that showcases traditional dances and music from all over Mindanao during its annual Kaamulan Festival held every March. There are also several museums within Kaamulan Park that display local art pieces as well as artifacts from indigenous tribes such as Talaandig Tribe. For adventure enthusiasts who enjoy white-water rafting or zip-lining through tree canopies then Dahilayan Adventure Park should be on your list when visiting Malaybalay!

This park features an array of adrenaline-pumping activities including Asia’s longest dual zipline (840 meters), Dropzone (120ft free fall), And a 320-meter zipline that takes you through Bukidnon’s lush greenery. Foodies will also enjoy Malaybalay’s culinary scene, Which features local delicacies such as binaki (rice cake cooked in bamboo), Suman (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) and lechon baboy (roasted pig). There are also plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine such as Italian, American, Japanese and Korean. Malaybalay is known for its warm hospitality.

The locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors – making it a great place to experience Filipino culture firsthand. With its stunning natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, Exciting adventure activities and warm hospitality – Malaybalay is definitely worth a visit!



Important Landmarks

  1. Kaamulan Park is a cultural park that displays the indigenous cultures of Bukidnon.
  2. Monastery of Transfiguration is a Benedictine monastery known for its modern architecture and peaceful surroundings.
  3. Mt. Capistrano is a popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of the city and nearby mountains.
  4. Dahilayan Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure park that provides activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, and ATV rides.
  5. San Isidro Cathedral is a beautiful church constructed in 1924 with intricate stained glass windows and ornate interiors.
  6. Musuan Peak is another well-known hiking destination with panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
  7. Del Monte Golf Course features an 18-hole golf course set amidst lush greenery and rolling hills.
  8. Malaybalay City Hall stands as a historic building that once served as the provincial capitol during the American colonial period.
  9. Kampo Juan Eco-Adventure Farm serves as an eco-tourism site offering various activities such as camping, fishing, and farm tours.
  10. Bukidnon Provincial Museum & Historical Center holds various artifacts showcasing Bukidnon’s rich history, culture, arts & crafts.

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture: Bukidnon is known as the fruit and vegetable basket of Mindanao, and Malaybalay produces a significant amount of these crops, including pineapples, bananas, corn, rice, and sugarcane.
  2. Livestock farming: Malaybalay is also known for its livestock farming industry that includes cattle raising for meat production.
  3. Tourism: The city has several natural attractions like Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park that attracts tourists from all over the world.
  4. Education: Malaybalay has several schools and universities that provide quality education to students from different parts of Mindanao.
  5. Retail trade: There are several malls and shopping centers in Malaybalay where residents can buy various goods ranging from clothing to electronics.
  6. Service industry: The service industry in Malaybalay includes restaurants, hotels, transportation services like buses and taxis among others.
  7. Manufacturing Industry – Some small scale manufacturing industries such as furniture making exist within the city limits but not at large scale yet.

Noteable History

  1. The establishment of the Malaybalay Mission in 1877 by Jesuit missionaries.
  2. The Battle of Mailag in 1900 during the Philippine-American War, where Filipino revolutionaries fought against American forces.
  3. The founding of Bukidnon Province in 1917, with Malaybalay as its capital.
  4. Datu Mampaalong’s leadership as a prominent tribal leader who fought against Spanish colonizers and was later appointed as governor during the American colonial period.
  5. Jose Ma. Rono’s contributions as a lawyer and statesman who served as Governor of Bukidnon and later became a Senator.
  6. The establishment of Central Mindanao University (CMU) in 1910, which has become one of Southeast Asia’s leading agricultural universities.
  7. Kaamulan Festival’s recognition as an official festival by Presidential Proclamation No. 698 on August 15, 1958; it celebrates indigenous culture and traditions.
  8. Malaybalay residents’ role during World War II when they joined guerrilla forces to fight against Japanese occupation forces.
  9. The appointment Of Fr.Juanito Figura As Bishop Of Malaybalay In November 1982
  10. The upcoming election for Mayor Of Malaybalay City In May2022 between incumbent mayor Florencio Tiongson Jr., former mayor Ignacio Zubiri ,and Lawyer Cesar Acenas’.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Kaamulan Park – a cultural park that showcases the indigenous culture of Bukidnon.
  2. Monastery of Transfiguration – a Benedictine monastery designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin.
  3. Bukidnon Provincial Museum – showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Bukidnon province.
  4. Mt. Capistrano Eco-Park – a nature park with hiking trails and scenic views of Malaybalay.
  5. San Isidro Cathedral – the main Catholic church in Malaybalay that features a unique modern design.
  6. Del Monte Pineapple Plantation – offers tours to see how pineapples are grown and processed in Bukidnon.
  7. Kawayan Cliff Resort and Gardens – a resort with beautiful gardens and stunning views overlooking Malaybalay City.
  8. Dahilayan Adventure Park – an adventure park with zip lines, rope courses, and other thrilling activities for all ages.
  9. Musuan Peak Geothermal Power Plant Complex – located at the foot of Mount Musuan which is one of the active volcanoes in Mindanao, it is also known as one of the biggest geothermal power plants in Asia-Pacific region
  10. Malaybalay Freedom Park – A place where people can relax or have picnics while watching performances or events held there especially during town fiestas like Kaamulan Festival


Sports Teams

  1. After conducting extensive research on the internet, I was unable to find any significant sports teams or their histories in Malaybalay, Philippines.
  2. However, there are several sporting events that take place in the city such as the annual Kaamulan Festival which features traditional sports competitions including horse racing and archery.
  3. Furthermore, there are local basketball leagues and amateur football teams present in the city.


Cultural Events

  1. Kaamulan Festival is a week-long celebration that honors the seven indigenous tribes in Bukidnon. The festival features traditional dances, music, and costumes that showcase the rich culture of these tribes.
  2. Malaybalay City Charter Day commemorates the founding anniversary of the city with parades, street dancing competitions, and cultural shows. This event highlights the city’s history and its vibrant community.
  3. Kawayan Festival showcases the bamboo industry in Malaybalay through exhibits, competitions, and performances. Visitors can learn more about this sustainable industry while enjoying live entertainment.
  4. Kaamulan Rodeo is an annual event that celebrates cowboy culture in Bukidnon with bull riding contests and other rodeo-related activities. It’s a fun-filled event for both locals and tourists alike.
  5. Talaandig Tribal Festival brings together members of the Talaandig tribe to celebrate their culture through traditional dances, music performances, and rituals that have been passed down for generations.
  6. Kasadya Street Dancing Competition is a colorful parade featuring dancers in vibrant costumes showcasing their creativity while performing to upbeat music – it’s an exciting event you won’t want to miss!
  7. Binibining Malaybalay Beauty Pageant is an annual beauty pageant that promotes tourism in Malaybalay while showcasing intelligent women contestants who represent both beauty and brains!

Cuisine

  1. Humba – a sweet and savory pork dish that is slow-cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
  2. Lechon Manok – roasted chicken that is marinated with herbs and spices.
  3. Buko pie – a pastry filled with young coconut meat mixed with condensed milk.
  4. Saging na saba – boiled or fried plantains served as a snack or dessert.
  5. Kakanin – traditional Filipino rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar.
  6. Kaamulan Grill & Restaurant – serves Filipino dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.
  7. Del Monte Pineapple Farmhouse Cafe – offers pineapple-based dishes such as pizza, burgers, salads, and desserts.
  8. Malaybalay City Public Market Food Court – offers various street foods such as grilled meats on sticks (barbecue), fish balls, kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), among others.
  9. Jaya’s Native Restaurant & Catering Services – specializes in serving native delicacies like tinolang manok sa tanglad (native chicken soup cooked with lemongrass) at affordable prices to customers who crave for authentic local food experience within the city center of Malaybalay City

Parks and Recreation

  1. Kaamulan Park is a public park situated in the heart of Malaybalay, offering visitors a playground, jogging path, and picnic areas.
  2. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park is a protected area that provides trekking and hiking activities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
  3. Dahilayan Adventure Park is an adventure park that offers outdoor activities such as zip-lining and ATV rides.
  4. Monastery of Transfiguration is a Benedictine monastery located in Barangay San Jose known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings.
  5. Malaybalay City Plaza is a public plaza located in the center of the city featuring an open-air amphitheater where cultural events are regularly held.
  6. Bukidnon Provincial Capitol Grounds is a spacious park with manicured gardens, fountains, and benches ideal for relaxation or taking photos with family or friends.
  7. Kisolon Eco-Tourism Park is a nature reserve situated on the outskirts of Malaybalay offering hiking trails through lush forests and waterfalls to explore.
  8. Valencia Highland Resort is an eco-tourism resort located on top of rolling hills providing scenic views perfect for relaxation or meditation sessions.
  9. Malagos Garden Resort features exotic flora and fauna from all over the world including rare orchids, butterflies, birds as well as recreational activities such as horseback riding & zipline rides.

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