The Bohol Mahogany Forest, more commonly known as the Bilar Man-Made Forest, is a dense forest stretching two kilometers along the border of Loboc and Bilar towns in Bohol. The forest is mainly made up of white and red mahogany trees. It is part of a reforestation project started over 50 years ago.
When one enters the forest, one will notice that the temperature changes abruptly, especially during the hot season. Once one is under the shade of the trees, everything cools down.
The man-made forest’s density is thanks to the consistency in the height of its trees and the considerable spread of their branches. The young trees grow straight up towards the sky, which is largely obscured by the branches and the thick leaves. The roots of the trees are beautiful to view as they extend from the ground and climb over boulders and curve around the land, even reaching the side of the road.
Best time to visit
It is an all-year-round destination that can be visited anytime. However, it would be better to visit the forest without rains, so plan your visit during the dry season, which is usually from December to May. Since it is an outdoor attraction, it is also best to avoid visiting it when there is a typhoon.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bilar Forest a popular attraction in Bohol?
The Loboc-Bilar man-made forest is a popular tourist destination as it is a common setting used in photographs and film. The Filipino Film industry frequently utilizes the forest as a backdrop for their plots.
What can you do at Bilar Forest?
Aside from driving here to admire the views, you can climb the mountain and hike in the woods. Mountain bikers frequently use the wide asphalt road that passes through the nature reserve aside from everyday buses and jeepneys.
What are the nearby tourist spots in Bilar Forest?
After passing through the forest, you can see the chocolate hills, which is one of the primary attraction of Bohol. You can also pass by the famous Baclayon church, the Loboc church and the Loboc river.
Why is it called man-made forest in Bohol?
While the trees in the forest are actual trees, they were planted there as part of a reforestation project.
Who planted the man-made forest in Bohol?
The reforestation project that created the Bilar Man-Made Forest in Bohol was created by the local government unit and implemented by government employees, students, and volunteers.