Bucari is located in the mountainous area of Leon, Iloilo. It is referred to as Little Baguio with its pine forest and cold temperature especially at night time. There is a camping site and several cottages of varying designs and rental fees. Some cottages have their own restroom and kitchen. The camping area is foggy at early morning and late in the afternoon, and very windy; a coat/jacket is a must. Tents that can accommodate 2-3 persons are available for rent at Php100/tent per day. There are clean common rest rooms but not so close to the camping area.
If you are a vegetarian you will enjoy a feast as Bucari produces a lot of vegetables. If you prefer meat, however, you will have to bring your own pre-cooked food. There are no freezers/refrigerators up there so buying ice from the store is not an option. The commodities that can be bought from stores nearby are also very limited, it is best to come prepared with packed goodies. Personally though, I would prefer to make fresh garden salad as veggies are freshly picked from the garden and sold at very affordable prices. I didn’t notice if they have calamansi or lemon, so better bring your own salad dressing. Chayote (mirliton squash) also just grows wild in the area, the fruits are being sold in talipapa for Php 10 to PhP 20/kg.
As an emerging tourist destination, there are new resorts being developed, mostly agri-tourism- based, one of which is already producing strawberries together with other high-value crops.
Bucari is perfect for trekking and just communing with nature, bonding with family and friends in a different way, or just to get away from our every day routine. There is also a pilgrimage area which requires trekking up a hill; you need to warm up before the trek to avoid leg cramps.
The road going uphill/downhill is a bit steep and narrow, the condition of your vehicle’s tires and brake needs to be thoroughly checked. Gasoline stations are also few and far between, you need to gas up beforehand.
Images: Other Journeys 