Don Carlos🎉 Fiesta Fever in the HighlandsDon Carlos

Welcome to Don Carlos, Bukidnon’s refreshing escape where you’ll find a massive volcanic lake, endless green fields, and small-town charm with big surprises. Nestled in the southern part of Bukidnon, Don Carlos is famous for Lake Pinamaloy, its agricultural roots, and a friendly vibe that will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re into quiet nature trips, unique food finds, or local fiestas with a twist, this underrated gem is worth every visit!

Don Carlos offers a laid-back rural experience with a perfect mix of natural attractions and cultural warmth. It’s the kind of town where you can go boating by day, sip native coffee by sunset, and join a community dance-off by night – all with Bukidnon’s cool breeze in the air.

• Lake Pinamaloy – The star of the town, a crater lake shaped like a heart, perfect for sightseeing, kayaking, and soul-searching
• Don Carlos Botanical Garden – A scenic area showcasing Bukidnon’s flora
• Barangay Kahaponan Hills – A scenic viewpoint ideal for photo ops and quiet reflection
• Lantay View Deck – Overlooks cornfields, hills, and the lake — a sunset must-see
• Local Farms and Plantations – Great for agritourism, especially during harvest season

Don Carlos thrives on farming, community gatherings, and tribal heritage. It’s a mix of rural simplicity and cultural color, with a strong presence of Manobo traditions, especially in upland barangays. Locals are known for their hospitality, agricultural know-how, and festive spirit.

Locals mainly speak Cebuano (Bisaya), while older residents and tribal members may use Binukid and Manobo dialects. Filipino and English are also common, especially among students and professionals.

Don Carlos serves hearty, down-to-earth meals that reflect its farming roots:

• Inubaran nga Manok – Native chicken cooked in banana stalk and coconut milk
• Tilapia from Lake Pinamaloy – Grilled, fried, or sinigang-style
• Corn Dishes and Rice Delicacies – Straight from the fields to your plate
• Sikwate and Native Kape – Best paired with puto or suman in the cool morning air
• Cassava Cakes and Binaki – Local snacks perfect for pasalubong

The town’s annual fiesta in July honors Sr. San Carlos Borromeo, featuring colorful parades, agro-fairs, street dancing, and local singing contests. Tribal festivals also celebrate Manobo culture, with traditional chants, dance rituals, and ethnic games.

In Don Carlos, music flows from karaoke machines, acoustic guitars, and tribal instruments. From Vispop hits to Lumad rhythms, the town dances between the old and the new, especially during town events and fiestas.

• Lake Pinamaloy, the heart-shaped crater lake
• Lush farmlands and local produce
• Blend of modern Bisaya and tribal culture
• Peaceful countryside experiences
• Friendly locals and vibrant town events