By Jacky Paclar, Reporter, Brigada News FM Cagayan de Oro

Tucked within the Initao–Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape, Lasang Secret Adventure Park offers more than forest treks and sea views. It stands as a living classroom of ecological preservation, a modest contributor to the local economy, and an example of how protected areas can coexist with public access and community livelihood.

Located around 75 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City, the 57-hectare park is accessible via a 90-minute land trip. The journey passes through coastal highways and rural barangays, and transportation options include private vehicles, hired vans, or public buses that ply the CDO-Iligan route. From the main highway, it’s a short walk or motorcycle ride to the park entrance.

Despite being a known destination among local travelers, Lasang Secret Adventure Park remains relatively undeveloped, retaining its rustic charm and natural biodiversity. The park is managed under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with cooperation from local government units, aiming to balance tourism with forest conservation.

One of the key attractions is the Centennial Tree, a towering old-growth species that serves as a visual centerpiece. Nearby, a series of forest trails leads visitors through native flora and into areas like the Bat Cave, a natural cavern that shelters fruit bats and provides insights into local ecosystems. These experiences offer an alternative to commercialized tourism, emphasizing low-impact exploration.

Mental health experts point to nature immersion as a contributor to psychological well-being, and places like Lasang — where cellphone signal is weak and human noise is minimal — offer a setting conducive to mindfulness and rest. Visitors often describe the experience as calming, especially when walking under the forest canopy or resting on the limestone beach facing the Bohol Sea.

For local communities, the park contributes to seasonal income. Residents often serve as guides, caretakers or vendors, and nearby sari-sari stores and accommodations benefit from increased traffic during weekends and holidays. According to barangay officials, entrance and cottage fees help fund basic maintenance and support environmental education programs for youth.

The current fee structure is modest: ₱30 for adults, ₱15 for students, and ₱100 for foreigners. Cottages are available from ₱25 to ₱1,000, depending on size and location. There is no corkage fee, allowing guests to bring their own food. However, facilities remain basic, and visitors are encouraged to take their trash with them — a practice emphasized through signage and staff reminders.

Environmental sustainability remains a concern. The park’s inclusion in a protected landscape places it under regulations that prohibit resource extraction and limit certain types of development. Enforcement is aided by local monitoring groups, many of whom are residents trained under community-based forest management programs.

Despite the challenges, Lasang is part of a broader shift toward ecological tourism in Northern Mindanao. It reflects ongoing efforts to create spaces where tourism is not merely recreational but also educational and economically relevant to host communities.

For those seeking a brief escape from urban life, Lasang Secret Adventure Park offers a mix of forest quiet, marine air and unpolished beauty. It’s not a place for resort-style comforts, but it serves as a reminder that nature — when respected and preserved — can sustain both people and place.

By DelightfulPH