Bulabog Putian National Park

Bulabog Putian Overview

Bulabog Putian National Park, known in Filipino as Pambansang Liwasan ng Bulabog Putian, is a compact but culturally and ecologically important protected area located in the province of Iloilo, on Panay Island in the central Philippines.

Covering approximately 2.3 square miles (5.1 square kilometers), the park lies within the municipalities of Dingle and San Enrique. Despite its relatively small size, it plays a vital role in preserving the only limestone mountain formation in the province and serves as a refuge for wildlife, a place of historical value, and a destination for nature enthusiasts in the Western Visayas.

The terrain of Bulabog Putian National Park is dominated by limestone outcrops, caves, hills, and forested areas. The park’s name refers to Mount Putian, a prominent white limestone hill that stands out against the surrounding green landscape.

The land is marked by rugged karst features, sinkholes, and over 30 known caves, many of which remain partially unexplored. The forest cover includes patches of secondary growth and hardwood species such as narra and acacia, along with dense undergrowth of shrubs, vines, and bamboo. Small streams and creeks crisscross the terrain, especially active during the rainy season.

Wildlife within the park includes a modest but diverse range of native species. Common mammals include Philippine long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and civet cats, which roam the forest and limestone slopes.

Bird species such as the white-collared kingfisher, coucal, and Philippine hanging parrot are frequently spotted, especially near forest edges and open areas. Bats inhabit many of the caves, particularly in the expansive Maestranza Cave, and contribute to the park’s ecological health by aiding in insect control and pollination. The park also supports reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of insects, creating a vibrant though often elusive wildlife presence.

One of the park’s most popular features is its extensive cave system. Maestranza Cave, with its spacious chambers and historical associations, is a highlight, along with Guiso Cave and Lapus Cave. These caverns once served as hideouts for Filipino revolutionaries during the Spanish colonial era, particularly during the 1898 uprising led by local heroes.

Mount Putian itself, while not high in elevation, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a favorite spot for short treks. The “Ten Commandments of Nature” tablets, installed near the trails, serve as educational reminders for environmental protection and respect.

Visitors typically engage with Bulabog Putian through caving, hiking, birdwatching, and historical exploration. Local guides lead tours through the caves and trails, providing insights into both the geological features and the stories of the Philippine Revolution connected to the park.

Educational visits by schools and community groups are common, especially given the park’s mix of natural beauty and patriotic heritage. Picnic sites and rest areas have been developed to accommodate day-trippers and families seeking a peaceful nature escape.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting the park from illegal logging, limestone extraction, and encroachment. Though the park faces pressures due to its accessibility and limited buffer zones, collaboration between local government units, environmental agencies, and civil society groups has helped promote awareness and regulation.

Reforestation and educational campaigns are ongoing, and the presence of community-led initiatives helps reinforce the importance of the park as a shared resource and a symbol of regional identity and pride.

Park Map

Bulabog Putian National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Bulabog Putian National Park is also a haven for birds, including species that inhabit forest canopies, cliffside caves, and limestone outcrops. Its location in the Visayas makes it an important refuge for island-endemic and lowland forest bird species.

Tarictic Hornbill (Visayan Hornbill)
Endemic to the Visayas, this hornbill nests in tree cavities and feeds on fruit. Its loud calls echo through the canopy, and it plays a vital role in forest regeneration.

White-eared Brown Dove
A ground-dwelling endemic dove, it feeds on fallen seeds and fruit. Its soft cooing and shy behavior make it easier to hear than see in the undergrowth.

Philippine Coucal
A secretive, dark-feathered bird that forages on the ground for insects, frogs, and lizards. Its deep, booming call is often heard in early morning and late afternoon.

Philippine Bulbul
A common forest songbird, the bulbul is active in the mid-canopy where it feeds on fruits and insects. It is often heard singing cheerfully throughout the day.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
This tiny woodpecker clings to tree trunks and branches in search of insects. Its high-pitched tapping and buzzing call are common sounds in the forest interior.

Guaiabero
A small green parrot endemic to the Philippines, it flits among flowering and fruiting trees. It is often spotted in pairs and emits rapid, high-pitched calls.

Visayan Drongo
With its glossy plumage and forked tail, this agile insect-hunter performs aerial chases through forest gaps and emits sharp whistles and chatter.

Barn Swallow
Often seen near cave mouths and open areas, the barn swallow hunts flying insects in swift, acrobatic loops and may nest on rocky ledges or under cave overhangs.

Swiftlets (Cave-nesting species)
Several species of swiftlets nest deep inside the park’s limestone caves. They use saliva to attach their nests to cave ceilings and are expert fliers that feed on flying insects.

Lowland White-eye
A bright and curious bird that forages in small, active flocks through the forest canopy. It feeds on insects and nectar and is easily recognized by its white eye-ring.

Bulabog Putian National Park is a rare gem in the Visayas—a living limestone fortress where caves, cliffs, and forest glades host a remarkable mix of endemic wildlife, connecting the region’s natural heritage with its cultural and ecological legacy.

Bulabog Putian National Park, located in Dingle, Iloilo on Panay Island in the Philippines, is a unique limestone and forest ecosystem known for its caves, rolling hills, and underground rivers. As the only limestone (karst) formation in the province, it offers vital habitat to a variety of native mammals and reptiles—particularly those that thrive in cave systems, lowland forests, and limestone-dominated landscapes.

Philippine Warty Pig
This wild pig, endemic to the Philippines, roams the forested and rocky slopes of the park. It roots through soil and leaf litter for tubers, fruit, and invertebrates, playing a key role in the park’s ecosystem.

Philippine Deer (Visayan subspecies)
A vulnerable species on Panay Island, this deer is shy and nocturnal, feeding on grasses, herbs, and leaves. It takes refuge in dense thickets and is most active during dawn and dusk.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
This intelligent primate lives in social groups and is often found near forest edges and streams. It feeds on fruit, insects, and leaves and plays a role in seed dispersal across the park.

Common Palm Civet
This nocturnal omnivore is often detected by its musky scent and foraging signs near fruiting trees. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals and is often active along cave entrances at night.

Panay Shrew (possible presence)
A rare and elusive insectivore, this tiny mammal may inhabit the leaf litter of forested zones. It feeds on beetles, ants, and worms and is active at night, though rarely seen.

Philippine Forest Rat
This native rodent is common in limestone crevices and cave mouths. It forages at night for seeds, fruits, and insects and plays an important role in nutrient cycling.

Large Fruit Bat (Flying Fox species)
Roosting in large colonies in forested areas, these megabats feed on fruit and nectar, pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds—vital roles in maintaining healthy forest dynamics.

Tokay Gecko
This large, colorful lizard is commonly found clinging to cave walls or tree trunks. It is nocturnal, territorial, and feeds on insects, small birds, and reptiles.

Water Monitor Lizard
Seen near rivers and forest trails, the water monitor is one of the largest reptiles in the park. It preys on fish, frogs, eggs, and carrion and is a powerful swimmer and climber.

Skinks (Various endemic species)
These agile and shiny-scaled lizards dart across sunny rocks and forest floor. They feed on insects and contribute to insect population control in both open and shaded areas.