Bilar Man-made Forest: Sheer Heaven on Earth

Bilar Man Made Forest
(click image for a larger view)

One would feel the abrupt change in temperature upon entering Bilar's very own heaven on earth. This 2-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees or what I call sheer heaven, lies about 45 kilometers from Tagbilaran City and is best reached by renting a car/motorbike. (While most buses going to/from Carmen pass by this place, drivers would normally not allow passengers to stop the bus trip just to marvel at this wonder for a few minutes at the very least :D ).

Our guide revealed that these trees were planted during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos. However, I have heard several stories claiming that planting activities for this man-made forest were already started earlier than that time. There used to be a program which required students to plant trees before graduation - and they chose this spot for implementing that.Being inside the man-made forest is like being transported to a surreal and magical sanctuary. The myriad of trees form a canopy which almost blocks the sun's rays from hitting the ground. I am just so thankful that this beauty is now being protected by the government from illegal logging activities :)