Cebu 2024 – Day 08 – Bohol Mahogany Forest

The Bohol Mahogany Forest, or more commonly known as the Bilar Man-Made Forest, was a short couple of minutes drive from the Tarsier Sanctuary. The white and red mahogany trees are tall and their density creates a canopy effect as one walks through the road that cuts through the forest. The forest was apparently created more than 50 years ago as part of a reforestation project.

Our guide got us to stand in the middle of the road and do a synchronized jump for a picture. We were initially wondering what was that about: until we saw every one else also doing the same LOL. We had to watch out for traffic of course, but the vehicles driving through all seem to realize that this was a tourist-y thing to do, so all slowed down to make sure visitors had enough time to scramble to the road sides. There was no honking or demonstration of impatience whatsoever.

Y’know, this!

The real treat I got though was to fly a drone through the forest. While the DJI Mini 4 Pro’s obstacle avoidance sensors were giving out constant warning sights on the left, right, top and bottom, there is actually about sufficient breadth space for a small drone to fly through fairly easily. The trickier part though is clearance from vehicle heights. I kept my flight height to a minimum of 6 meters: which was more than enough to fly safely. Still, I didn’t do any crazy stunts: I flew very gingerly, in cinematic i.e. slow speed mode, and did just two flight paths: then brought the drone safely back down for us to continue onto our last stop: Loboc River.

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