Just beyond the town proper and along the Loay Interior Road, travelers entering the Bilar Man-Made Forest often find themselves slowing down — not just because of the winding road, but also because of the sudden change in atmosphere. The temperature cools, light dims under a canopy of towering mahogany trees, and the sounds of traffic give way to rustling leaves and the occasional bird call.
Spanning roughly two kilometers between Loboc and Bilar, this dense mahogany forest is more than just a photo opportunity. Originally part of a reforestation initiative started more than five decades ago, the forest stands today as one of Bohol’s most enduring public green spaces.
While Bohol is better known for its beaches and Chocolate Hills, the man-made forest quietly draws thousands of visitors each year. It’s accessible by private car or motorbike from Tagbilaran City, around an hour away, or by van and bus services heading inland. Tagbilaran Airport services direct flights from Manila and Cebu, making travel relatively convenient.
A Restorative Destination
Domestic tourism has gained renewed attention in recent years, particularly as travelers reassess what they seek from their time off. Destinations like Bilar’s forest offer a change in pace and scenery, with natural environments that foster relaxation, reduced stress and mental clarity.
“I wasn’t expecting to feel that calm,” said Carla Jimenez, a teacher from Cebu who visited the forest with her family in April. “We just pulled over to take photos, but ended up staying longer just to walk under the trees.”
Research continues to show that spending time in green environments supports mental health and well-being. Exposure to natural settings can help lower blood pressure, ease symptoms of anxiety and improve mood — outcomes often overlooked in favor of more curated or commercial travel experiences.
Tourism and the Local Economy
In the case of Bilar, steady visitor traffic has helped sustain roadside vendors, local guides, and small eateries nearby. While the forest itself does not have a formal entrance fee, many families sell fresh coconut, banana chips and souvenirs along the road. A few eco-lodges and homestays have opened in the surrounding areas, offering accommodations for travelers looking to stay longer inland.
For residents like Tomas Villanueva, who started guiding visitors on foot through the forest path on weekends, the forest has become a modest source of income.
“Most of us used to work only in farming or construction,” Villanueva said. “Now, some families earn extra by helping tourists or selling snacks. It’s not big, but it helps.”
This kind of community-based engagement is increasingly part of the discussion on how to make tourism more sustainable. By allowing local residents to benefit directly from visitor activity — rather than relying solely on external operators — regions like Bohol are fostering more equitable and resilient forms of economic development.
Sustainable by Design
While tourism inevitably has an environmental footprint, Bilar’s forest remains a rare case of travel supporting ecological goals. The reforestation effort that birthed the forest was originally designed to combat soil erosion and restore tree cover. Over time, it became an attraction in its own right — not by design, but through the consistency of care and maintenance.
Now, the forest is managed jointly by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government. Tree planting activities continue in nearby zones, and awareness campaigns for responsible travel — including no littering and zero fire-starting — are posted on-site.
For locals, the forest is not just a backdrop, but a shared responsibility.
“It’s something we all take pride in,” said Rowena Delgado, a high school teacher in Bilar. “Not everyone gets to live beside something like this.”
As the Philippines continues to promote regional travel, destinations like the Bilar Man-Made Forest highlight what makes such places meaningful: not grand development, but their ability to offer respite and reflection — and to do so in ways that quietly support the communities around them.
