“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
An Eco Escape Rooted in Connection
Tucked in the misty foothills of Mt. Kitanglad in Sitio Sinaburan, Malaybalay City, Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Park is more than just its now-famous hobbit house-style accommodations. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem—a sustainable sanctuary that merges outdoor adventure with mindful learning, cultural immersion, and ecological harmony.
Set within 22 hectares of diverse terrain, the park is home to the Maputi Bird Reserve, tree houses, campgrounds, and a citronella oil extraction facility. Its creator, Sir Benjamin Maputi Sr., continues to evolve the space, always adding new corners of wonder and wild.
A Perfect Venue for Outdoor Mindfulness and Learning
Our visit was more than just a tour—it was the First Hiker’s Itch Outdoor Bootcamp, an introductory experience in outdoor ethics, photography, and survival for both seasoned adventurers and “this-is-not-my-life” beginners. The diversity of participants added richness to every moment.
Rather than lecture endlessly, I asked each participant to share their own researched topic. This made for a powerful night of communal learning that didn’t wrap up until 2AM. The topics? A deep dive into the essentials:
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Intro to Trekking & Physical Training
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Outdoor First Aid
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Equipment and Packing Tips
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Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles
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Trail Signs and Safety
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Cultural Immersion and Respect
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Mobile Photography in the Wild
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Sustainable Eco-Tourism
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The Basics of Coffee (yes, even this matters outdoors!)
This wasn’t just about teaching—it was about sparking new ways of seeing, doing, and connecting.
A Walk Through Enchantment
The next morning, we explored the eco park in earnest—through hobbit homes nestled in lush vegetation, the Maputi Bird Reserve alive with native species, and forest trails that danced between biodiversity and childlike wonder. One young participant turned our walk into a happy forest trail tour—and many “Wows” echoed through the trees.
We also visited the sacred indigenous grounds at the heart of the park—a gentle reminder that our connection to nature is also a connection to culture.
The experience concluded with a tour led by Benjamin Maputi Jr., who guided us through his family’s agricultural innovations, tree species identification, and birding techniques. His enthusiasm made one thing clear: this park thrives because its stewards care deeply.
Why This Park Belongs on Your Must-Visit List
It’s not every day you find a place where biodiversity, education, outdoor recreation, and cultural immersion coexist so seamlessly. Here, mindfulness isn’t something you chase—it finds you.
If you’re a professional burned out by routine or disconnected from nature, a weekend at Mt. Kitanglad Agro Eco Park is more than a break—it’s a breath of purpose.
Walk the agri park. Learn something new. Rediscover your roots in the wild.
Special Thanks
To everyone who made this fellowship possible: Jo Sy, Mj Eemjay, Medic Juan, Iy Dalipe Neri, Benjamin Maputi Jr., and every participant who opened up, showed up, and helped build a new way of being outdoors together.
Filed under: Inventures | Mindfulness | Tips and How-Tos — for those seeking reconnection through nature, learning, and meaningful travel.
