It was really amazing to think that from a good intention of reforestation project, comes an output of such a wonderful place the man-made Forest of Bilar. The project was created for the response to the alarming deforestation of the Loboc Watershed. The Bilar man-made forest was being successful due to government employees, laborers, students, scouts, pupils and socio-civic volunteers who came in droves from 1968 to late 1970’s to plant seedlings of the mahogany.

Anyone can say that this is really a beautiful work of art specially when you think that it is not a forest made by the nature but by the volunteers gathered to create such forest of 2 km. This is the only man-made forest found in the Philippines.

The Bilar man-made forest is one of the tourist attraction in Bohol. For the people travelling with their route pass along the road that meets Loboc and Bilar, this is where you can witness the man-made forest. The place can be described like a portal wherein you can feel that along the way, you are in the different world. It stands out for having a uniformity in height of the mahogany trees and its branches that curved overhead completely blocking the sun rays where it can also be compared like a tunnel. As a result, once you enter in the so called portal, you can feel that the road becomes darker, there is a sudden temperature change and the freshness of the air. This can be specially felt during summer season. People travelling for Chocolate Hills cannot miss this place.

Tourist cannot help but to stop for a while, admire the forest and the hands that made the forest, and most of all, taking pictures. One thing to remember is that, the only parking area is near the entrance of another tourist attraction in Bilar, its eco park. This is the only place for the four-wheeled vehicle to stop and have a picture taking. Be careful, you might focused in taking pictures that you will forget that it is still part of the high way.

Bilar man-made forest is known as a favorite stop for the tourist travelling, giving them a healing time, recharging their energy and giving them positive vibes. And also, this place can make us proud to think that Filipino people are helping each other to save and love mother Earth.