Minglanilla Man-Made Forest

About Minglanilla Man-Made Forest

The Minglanilla Man-Made Forest sits in the uplands of Barangay Camp 7, along the Toledo-Manipis road, on one of the higher ridges of southern Cebu. Locals and several travel writers describe it as the oldest man-made forest in the Philippines, planted starting in 1916 under what became known as the Osmena Reforestation Project, an effort to restore land stripped bare by earlier quarrying and mining. The reforested area is part of a roughly 2,710-hectare project spanning mahogany, kamagong, teak, and pine stands that now shelter birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Trails wind beneath a dense canopy that keeps the area noticeably cooler than the lowlands, making it a favorite for day hikers and cyclists looking to escape city heat without traveling far. There is no entrance fee, and the forest can be combined with a visit to the nearby Seven Caves of Camp 7 in the same barangay. The access road (Toledo-Manipis) is scenic but prone to landslides in heavy rain, so timing a visit around the weather matters more than at most Cebu attractions.

Highlights

Tips for Visitors

1. 1 Wear closed shoes for the steep, sometimes muddy trail sections. Avoid visiting right after heavy rain since the Toledo-Manipis road is accident-prone and landslide-prone. Bring water and a hat since parts of the trail are exposed. Hiring a local habal-habal driver as an informal guide helps with navigation. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.

How to Get There

You Might Also Like

Nature Parks

Alcantara Sea Paradise

Alcantara

A mangrove boardwalk and small wildlife park near the town center of Alcantara.

Nature Parks

Nug-as Forest

Alcoy

One of Cebu's last remaining old-growth forests, home to centuries-old trees, rare wildlife, and endemic species in a protected highland sanctuary.

Nature Parks

Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour

Aloguinsan

An award-winning river cruise through mangroves with traditional songs, firefly watching, and a hidden beach - a complete eco-cultural experience.

Nature Parks

Argao Nature Park

Argao

An eco-tourism park in Argao's highlands featuring nature trails, hanging bridges, ziplines, and panoramic mountain views.