An Unplugged Weekend in Dahilayan

Who's up for a weekend in the mountains, surrounded by vegetable farms, a natural stream, and pine trees?  No internet in a secluded solar-powered cabin.

Amidst the never-ending Christmas parties, the year-end break calls for a much-needed vacation away from technology to reflect on the lessons 2019 taught us and what we look forward to in 2020.


Imagine yourself in a valley with a completely unfamiliar landscape that tricks you into thinking you flew to a foreign country for the weekend. The natural breeze of fresh cold air free from pollution of any kind.  Quiet. Just you, your family, and nature.

There is no need for air conditioning because fleece blankets will get you through the night.  The temperatures go down,  stars stand out against the velvety night sky and fresh produce is abundant everywhere.

Dahilayan Kubo

A dear friend invited us for a weekend here.

We were huddled inside the thick quilt, frozen cold inside a 2-bedroom hut or what we call bahay kubo.  There is a natural stream behind the property nestled in a small valley in Dahilayan, an hour's drive away from Cagayan de Oro.

The children ran around outdoors or swam in the backyard stream. They played with dolls inside a small tent while we adults were on the long bamboo table immersed in hearty conversations.

At night, we had light.  We brought in an ice chest to keep some of our drinks cold. Recently, they have installed solar panels to equip the house with low-voltage lights and power outlets for basic charging and small low-voltage appliances. We cooked on a gas stove and enjoyed home-cooked meals here.  There's a barbecue pit behind the house for sugba as well.  Our friends showed us how fun it is to stargaze at night and discover constellations.

Dahilayan Kubo Interior

Morning Stroll

Vegetable farm view

I spotted horses from their neighbor's grounds

Barbecue Pit at the Backyard Picnic Area

Natural 'Batis'

Fancy a dip?

Dahilayan Kubo

So this is what off-grid living is really like. We were supposed to stay for only one night but we ended up staying there throughout the entire weekend.

Drinking coffee in the morning by the large covered porch was so invigorating.  Morning strolls alone in nature was intoxicating for the spirit in a really good way.  Our batteries were fully recharged when we left.  I highly recommend getaways like this.

How much to rent the whole place for a night?
Php 4k per night

If you are interested, for reservations, here are the contact details:

Dahilayan Kubo
Contact:  Romina
Tel no:   (+63) 9069053025 / 9228846562