Bilar Man-Made Forest: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Bilar Man-Made Forest: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the entrance fee for the Bilar Man-Made Forest?

There is no entrance fee to visit or pass through the Bilar Man-Made Forest. It is a public, two-kilometer stretch of the Loay Interior Road. Because it is a free roadside attraction, it serves as a quick, cost-effective photo stop bundled into almost every standard AREE Travel Bohol package.

Where is the man-made forest located in Bohol?

The forest is situated right on the border of Loboc and Bilar towns in interior Bohol. It lies perfectly along the highway leading directly to the Chocolate Hills. If you are traveling on a standard day tour from Tagbilaran Port, you will naturally drive through this dense green canopy right after finishing your Loboc River Cruise.

What kind of trees are planted in the Bohol man-made forest?

The forest is made up of thousands of red and white Mahogany trees. These trees stand uniformly close together, with their top branches interlocking overhead to create a massive, natural green tunnel over the two-kilometer highway.

What is the history behind the Bilar Man-Made Forest?

The forest was created as part of a government-led reforestation project initiated in the late 1960s. It was pushed forward by local volunteers and environmental groups to combat soil degradation, prevent flash flooding, and reverse severe deforestation caused by massive logging and kaingin (slash-and-burn farming) in the region.

Why is it significantly colder inside the man-made forest?

The temperature inside the forest drops noticeably because the dense, interlocking mahogany canopy blocks out almost all direct sunlight. This thick barrier traps moisture and cool mountain air underneath, offering tourists a refreshing, air-conditioned breeze even during the hottest summer months.

What are the safety rules for taking photos on the road?

Because this is an active, winding provincial highway with frequent public traffic, extreme caution is mandatory when stepping out to take pictures. Always look out for incoming vans or motorcycles, listen for warning honks, and stand securely on the dirt shoulder of the road rather than sitting or posing in the middle of the active lanes.