Where is it?
Lumapao, Canlaon, Negros Oriental
Why see it?
Dubbed as the “Wonder Tree” by the locals, this Balete tree is the oldest recorded tree in the province and possibly even in the country.
It is believed to be 1,328 years old. So old that the tree was already standing long before the Philippines was discovered by Magellan! The colossal tree mightily stands in the middle of rice and coffee plantations in OISCA Farm in Lumabao.
At night, curious travelers can’t help but check out and be awestruck by the illuminated tree because the foliage serves as a sanctuary to thousands of fireflies. Superstitious people in Canlaon believe that the Balete Tree is a gathering spot for fairies, which causes the tree to light up every night. Aside from fireflies, lizards, bats, and different kinds of insects have made its wide tree trunk of the Balete their natural habitat.
It’s said that provoking the spirits dwelling in this mysterious tree causes great harm and sickness, thus muttering a word of respect or asking for permission before touching or going anywhere near the tree is imperative you want to risk offending the magical beings living there.
How do I get there?
Take a 1-hour flight from Manila to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
From Dumaguete City, take a 4-hour bus ride that goes directly to Canlaon City via any of the Ceres Liner buses or try a van-for hire for a faster travel time of about 3 hours. Once you get to Canlaon City proper, hire a motorcycle to OISCA Farm. Travel time from the city is about 25 minutes.
Photo from Sustainable Journeys
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