Bilar Man-Made Forest | Tagbilaran

The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees located on the border of the Loboc and Bilar towns in Bohol. It is a prominent stop along the interior highway leading to the Chocolate Hills.

Visual Characteristics

The forest is characterized by its uniform, towering mahogany trees that lean toward the center of the road, creating a natural green canopy. The thick foliage blocks most sunlight, resulting in a significantly cooler temperature and a dim, ethereal atmosphere. The ground is typically covered in brown leaves and roots, contrasting with the dark trunks of the trees.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Loay Interior Road, Bilar, Bohol.

Access: Situated along the main highway connecting Loboc and the Chocolate Hills.

Transport: Approximately 40 kilometers (1 hour) from Tagbilaran City. Reachable via buses bound for Carmen or Sierra Bullones, or via private tourist vans and rental motorbikes.

Operating Hours: Open 24/7 as it is a public road.

Fees: No entrance fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The forest is part of a massive reforestation project started in the 1960s to address the deforestation caused by "kaingin" (slash-and-burn) farming. It consists primarily of White and Red Mahogany. While visually impressive, it is often cited by ecologists as a "green desert" because the mahogany trees are a non-native, invasive species that inhibit the growth of local flora and provide little habitat for native Boholano wildlife.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography: The road serves as a popular backdrop for symmetrical perspective shots.

Nature Walk: Visitors often walk a short distance into the forest to experience the sudden drop in temperature.

En Route Stop: It is a standard five-to-ten-minute stop for tours moving between the Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: None. There are no restrooms or shops within the forest stretch.

Connectivity: 4G/5G signals are weak to non-existent due to the dense canopy and mountainous terrain.

Safety: High Risk. This is a functional main highway with frequent fast-moving traffic, including buses and trucks. Visitors often stand in the middle of the road for photos; extreme caution is required.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours (08:00–16:00) are necessary to see the green canopy. Weekdays have slightly less traffic than weekends.

Nearby Landmarks

Loboc River Cruise – 10.0km South

Chocolate Hills (Carmen) – 20.0km North

Bohol Habitat Conservation Center (Butterfly Farm) – 2.0km North

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center – 3.0km North