Bucari, Leon

Iloilo has its own version of Little Baguio* (*known as the summer capital of the Philippines for its cool weather). Little Baguio is located in the municipality of Leon. Known to locals and city dwellers for its cool weather, pine trees and bountiful vegetables at a cheaper price. An overnight campsite is located there. If you're interested in buying vegetables, you have to go to there local market. You can have a picnic and enjoy the trees but we took a day tour, so unfortunately I don't have details for an overnight stay. Welcome to Bucari, Leon! Iloilo's Little Baguio!

The ride.

The view on the way.

You know, you're nearing Little Baguio when you see pine trees line up the hills.

All photo credits to June Salovino.

How to get there? Go to Jaro Market (at the back of Jaro Cathedral) ride either a van or Leon jeepney. Trips are available as early as 5 am. It would take you an estimated 45 minutes travel time. Tip! A van is faster and comfortable, it would cost around php 40 reaching Leon proper. From there, rent a mini cab (schedule in advance from the DENR Leon) to take you to Little Baguio and Bucari Falls (see Bucari Falls article). You need a driver who knows the road. Believe me! It's a treacherous one but still under construction. We paid around php 200 per head for the rented cab. It took us less than an hour to reach both destinations. Enjoy the weather!