Bongabon, Nueva Ecija: The Onion Capital of the Philippines
What to do when in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija?
Bongabon, Nueva Ecija Tourist Destinations
“Bongabon, officially the Municipality of Bongabon (Tagalog: Bayan ng Bongabon), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines
It has an area of 28,352.90 hectares (70,061.5 acres) and is the leading producer of onion in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.
Each barangay in Bongabon has its own fiesta. The town fiesta celebrated annually on the 1st to 2nd week of April, is known as the Sibuyasan Onion Festival.”- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bongabon
SIBUYASAN ONION FESTIVAL
Firstly, The Sibuyasan Festival is Bongabon, Nueva Ecija’s annual town fiesta. It takes place every April 1-10, which aims to celebrate the abundant harvest of onions, the town’s lifeblood.
For the brief history of the Sibuyasan Festival you can visit History of Sibuyasan Festival.
Sibuyasan Festival in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija ~ Photo credits to Rhen-Rhen
Bongabon is not only popular because of its Sibuyasan Onion Festival, but it is now also known as one of the most visited tourist destinations in Nueva Ecija.
It has magnificent mountains.
One of which is the twin peak of Mt. Labi in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
MT. LABI
Secondly, Mt. Labi
The first exploration and recorded ascent of Mt. Labi (Peak 1) was by Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community (NEBMC).
Photo Credits to Jon-Jon Garcia
“Mt. Labi because it is under the jurisdiction of Brgy. Labi, and the trail we used as Rico Trail, obtained from the guide’s name. A sea of clouds, dinosaur-era scenario mossy forest, rare bright-colored and “alien-like” insects, pastel-colored flowers, abstract-patterned plants, spectacular bird’s eye view of the province and its surrounding mountains, vampiric limatiks, etc. Name it, Mt. Labi has it”
– Marty Cellona/NEBMCI
Mt. Labi Profile
Name of Mountain: Mt. Labi
Location: Brgy. Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija
Peak 1 Coordinates: LAT 15.654011, LONG 121.309094
Entry Point: Brgy. Hall
Elevation: 1620+MASL
Days to Summit: 2 days
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 7/9 (HARD), Trail Class 2-3
Water Source: None
Campsite1 Capacity: 8 Tents
Summit Campsite Capacity: 3 Tents
For Mountaineers and Adventure Seekers visit Mt. Labi (1670+MASL) to experience hiking in the tropical rainforest and enjoy the hidden beauty of the Sierra Madre mountains.
This is considered a major climb and not suitable for First-timers.
Note: Mt. Labi is one of the Limatik infested mountains especially during the rainy season. – NEBMCI
DEESAP FALLS and SILANGAN FALLS
Thirdly, Deesap Falls located in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, Deesap Falls awaits the adventurer inside of you.
It’s a four-kilometer hike, and if you keep a good pace, you should be able to get there in about two hours.
But, before you embark on your journey to the breathtaking Deesap Falls, make sure you have appropriate trekking shoes for the rocky trail. The trek has series of river crossings, horizontal and vertical climbing. So it’s always important to put your safety first.
Don’t be discouraged because everything will be worth it once you see the beauty of Deesap Falls. As we Filipinos say, “Pag may tiyaga, may Nilaga! (If you persevere, you can get anything!).“
Meanwhile, as members of the Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community hike to the Deesap Falls they still spotted pieces of cut lumbers along the way which they believed was cut by illegal loggers.
As a result, of the effects of illegal logging include deforestation and the loss of biodiversity
It’s sad that there are still lots of people out there who continuously destroy the beauty of nature. So please, let’s all be responsible as we visit these wonders of nature.
Besides Deesap Falls which is the highest waterfalls in the province, Silangan Falls can also be found.
ILOG JORDAN
Forthly, Ilog Jordan in Olivete Bongabon, Nueva Ecija is known for its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Swimming in clear, cool, and natural waters is always enjoyable and rejuvenating. Local believers refer to it as “healing waters,” and it is also a pilgrimage site for a religious sect. This is a popular Lenten destination for those looking for spiritual renewal and healing.
LAKE DILALAM
Fifthly, Lake Dilalam is a great destination for Eco-Tourism with its cool breeze and breathtaking sunset. It is one of the sources of water for irrigation for the local farmers of Calaanan Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
PHILIPPINE MONKEY-EATING EAGLE
There is also a sighting of two pairs of the Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi), the world’s largest monkey-eating, by the Environment Officer in Bongabon in the National Park.
BONGABON BIKE PARK
Mayor Allan Gamilla of Bongabon said that a bike-trail project had been launched and soon will be open to the public.
Lastly, the Bongabon Bike Park is the latest tourist attraction in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
There’s plenty more to enjoy, besides biking and walking – water tubing, camping, backpacking, bird watching, nightlife, and rock climbing are some of them.
If you plan to visit please coordinate first with the LGU or Municipal Tourism Officer before going to Bongabon.
For more upcoming adventures and extreme activities don’t forget to visit our website to get updates. Enjoy nature together with your family and friends.
In conclusion, Bongabon doesn’t only have Onion fields but also has magnificent mountains and extreme adventure destinations.
