Rungkunan National Park

Rungkunan Overview

Rungkunan National Park, known in Filipino as Pambansang Liwasan ng Rungkunan, is a mountainous and forested protected area located in the province of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.

Covering approximately 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers), the park is situated near the town of Wao, in the southwestern portion of the province, and was established as a national park in 1965. Nestled within the foothills of the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, Rungkunan serves as a quiet and ecologically valuable retreat featuring waterfalls, dense forests, and cool upland air.

The terrain of Rungkunan National Park is composed of steep hills, mossy ridges, and forest-covered slopes that are interlaced with freshwater streams and narrow ravines. The landscape is carpeted with thick vegetation, including dipterocarp trees, ferns, orchids, and bamboo, contributing to a layered forest structure that supports a variety of life.

The park is home to Rungkunan Falls, a scenic waterfall that cascades into a clear, cool basin surrounded by large boulders and thick canopy. Mist often hangs in the air, especially in the early mornings, creating a peaceful and refreshing ambiance that draws visitors seeking tranquility.

Wildlife in the park reflects the biodiversity of Mindanao’s montane and lowland forests. Bird species such as Philippine hornbills, coucals, sunbirds, and swiftlets are frequently seen among the trees and along riverbanks. The forest also provides shelter for reptiles like monitor lizards and skinks, as well as amphibians and numerous butterfly species.

Small mammals such as squirrels and civet cats may be seen in the more remote parts of the forest, though sightings are infrequent due to the park’s relatively small size and human proximity. The cool streams support freshwater species and help sustain the nearby communities who rely on them for clean water.

The park’s most popular natural attraction is Rungkunan Falls, known for its multi-level drop and its setting amid thick forest and rock formations. The falls are accessible via a short trek through wooded trails that pass by smaller streams and natural pools.

The area around the waterfall is ideal for swimming, picnicking, and resting in nature, with shaded spots and the soothing sound of flowing water enhancing the experience. The trail itself provides opportunities to observe native flora and enjoy the cooler mountain air, making it a favorite among local nature lovers.

Visitors typically engage with Rungkunan National Park through day hikes, nature photography, birdwatching, and relaxation near the falls. It is a favored destination for families and small groups from nearby towns, especially during weekends and holidays. The park remains largely undeveloped, giving it a raw and untouched feel that appeals to those seeking a quiet alternative to more commercialized natural areas.

Conservation efforts in the park aim to preserve its forest cover, protect its freshwater systems, and prevent unsustainable land use. Threats include agricultural encroachment, occasional illegal logging, and littering.

However, increasing awareness of the park’s ecological and recreational value has prompted local government units and environmental groups to organize clean-up drives and tree planting activities.

Community involvement and sustainable tourism practices are being encouraged to maintain the park’s integrity while allowing it to serve as a green refuge and natural heritage site for Lanao del Sur.

Park Map

Rungkunan National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Rungkunan National Park, located in Lanao del Sur in Mindanao, is a lesser-known but ecologically valuable highland protected area. Its dense tropical and montane forests provide refuge for a variety of Mindanao’s native and endemic mammals and reptiles, many of which are adapted to the park’s moist, upland environment.

Philippine Warty Pig (Mindanao subspecies)
This elusive wild pig roams the park’s forested slopes and valleys, digging through leaf litter for tubers, fruit, and small animals. It plays a key role in ecosystem health by aerating soil and dispersing seeds.

Philippine Deer (Mindanao Brown Deer)
A shy browser, this endemic deer grazes on grasses and shrubs along forest edges and riverbanks. It is most active during twilight and often seen near clearings or water sources.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
These intelligent primates are often seen near rivers and fruiting trees in forest clearings. They travel in troops and feed on fruits, leaves, insects, and freshwater crabs.

Mindanao Tree Shrew
A small, endemic mammal that scurries through undergrowth and low tree branches, it feeds on insects, nectar, and fruit and is an important part of the park’s insect control and pollination networks.

Common Palm Civet (Mindanao population)
A nocturnal omnivore that travels through forest canopies and along the forest floor. It feeds on fruit, birds, and small reptiles, and it helps regenerate forest vegetation by dispersing seeds.

Philippine Forest Rat (Mindanao forms)
This native rodent is found in the park’s forest litter and rocky areas. It is active at night, feeding on seeds and insects, and serves as prey for snakes and owls.

Tokay Gecko
A large, colorful lizard that is active at night and clings to trees and rocks. It preys on insects, frogs, and small birds and is commonly heard through its loud, echoing call.

Water Monitor Lizard
This large reptile can be found near streams and forest pools. It feeds on fish, frogs, bird eggs, and carrion and is an important scavenger in the park’s ecosystem.

Skinks (Various endemic species)
Small, swift reptiles that thrive in the leaf litter, on sunny rocks, or near stream banks. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates and help control forest pests.

Reticulated Python
This non-venomous constrictor is a top predator in the park’s ecosystem, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is typically shy and remains hidden in dense foliage.

Birds

Rungkunan National Park also supports a unique assemblage of bird species, particularly those that inhabit highland forests, moist woodlands, and riverine ecosystems. Its relative isolation helps protect some of Mindanao’s rarest avian residents.

Philippine Eagle (possible range)
This critically endangered raptor may range into the park’s remote forests. It preys on monkeys, birds, and flying lemurs and requires large, old-growth trees for nesting.

Mindanao Hornbill
Endemic to Mindanao, this striking black-and-white hornbill feeds on forest fruits and nests in tree hollows. It is vital for seed dispersal and forest health.

Philippine Duck
Occasionally seen near rivers and ponds, this vulnerable endemic duck forages for aquatic vegetation, insects, and crustaceans in quiet freshwater areas of the park.

Philippine Bulbul
A cheerful and widespread forest songbird, the bulbul feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects and fills the forest with its bubbly vocalizations.

Philippine Coucal
A ground-foraging predator that stalks insects, lizards, and frogs in dense undergrowth. Its deep, resonant calls can be heard in the early morning fog.

White-eared Brown Dove
This endemic dove forages for fallen fruits and seeds along quiet forest trails. Its soft cooing adds to the tranquil ambiance of the park’s wooded areas.

Mindanao Scops Owl
A small, nocturnal bird that roosts in the canopy during the day and hunts insects and small rodents at night. Its soft hoots echo through the montane forest after dusk.

Barn Swallow
Frequently seen gliding over open fields or near rivers, barn swallows catch insects mid-air and may nest under cliffs or natural shelters.

Lowland White-eye
A small, greenish bird with a bright white eye-ring, often seen in flocks. It feeds on nectar, insects, and fruit and helps with pollination throughout the forest.

Cinnamon Ibon (possible presence)
A high-elevation songbird found in mossy forests, this Mindanao endemic feeds on insects and seeds and is often seen in mixed flocks flitting through the treetops.

Rungkunan National Park is a quiet, highland refuge where the forest hums with life—from the rare call of hornbills to the rustle of tamaraw-like hoofprints. As part of the greater Mindanao mountain ecosystem, it is a vital sanctuary for the island’s unique and endangered wildlife.