Travel+Experiment: Backpacking: Must See Sights in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

Welcome to Travel+Experiment!

The city is known as the “City of Golden Friendship” because of the innate friendliness of its people. It is the capital city of Misamis Oriental. Cagayan de Oro’s much talked-about whitewater rafting and river trekking make it the premier destination of the city. The Cagayan de Oro River is famed for challenging rapids and which they say the wild river helps you discover your inner strength and endurance.

Cagayan De Oro activities & Attractions must see.

Destination: Introducing Cagayan De Oro City!

I. Cagayan Tour

You can avail to any group tour package when planning to visit Cagayan. Hotel accommodation is already part of the package tour which is also very accessible and round trip transfers from Laguindingan International Airport to any hotel in Cagayan De Oro city.

4 Days 3 Nights Cagayan De Oro with Camiguin Package Tour - usually this package tour would cost around less than 5,000 pesos. Take note we got this price way back 2009.

Day 1 – Pick-up from Cagayan De Oro Laguindingan Airport, drop-off to hotel in the city. Standard check-in time is at 2:00 PM. If reaching early, it will be optional for the group to go to Water Rafting, Dahilayan in Bukidnon for the zip line activity or visit Del Monte Plantation. Overnight in Cagayan De Oro Hotel

Day 2 – Drive to Balingoan port, located 1hour away from Cagayan de Oro City. Take 1 hour ferry from Balingoan to Benoni port in Camiguin. Upon reaching, proceed to do the Camiguin Countryside Tour. Spots to visit when in Camiguin, during Camiguin Tour: Island hopping, Waterfalls, Sunken Cemetery, Church Ruins, Soda Water Pool, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Ardent Hot spring, Station of the Cross. Overnight in one of the Camiguin resorts.

Day 3 – Time to go Island Hopping in Camiguin. The most popular spot is White Island, which is a sandbar which may be reached through a pumpboat (outrigger). Those who are trying to catch a trip back to Cagayan De Oro must leave early. However, it is suggested that pax allocate an entire day so they can also visit Mantigue Island and the Giant Clam Sanctuary before heading back to Cagayan de Oro. Depending on flight details on Day 4, the group can decide whether to spend another night in Camiguin or head to Cagayan De Oro in the afternoon.

Day 4 – Departure from Cagayan De Oro

1. White Water Rafting

Experience an adventure in the natural, wild, and rugged countryside. Shoot the rapids and wrestle the waves and whirlpools down the Cagayan de Oro River. A minimum of 6 persons can enjoy a maximum of four hours with 14 rapids and friendly whirlpools between the huge mountain ranges of Bukidnon. Among the rapids you will encounter, the hardest to conquer of all is the “Kiss the Walls.” Day tour includes jeepney transfers from hotel to jump off point and vice versa, use of raft, life vest, helmet, paddle, guides, and entrance fees. White Water Rafting - 700 pesos/person (min of 5 persons. You'll have to pay 875 pesos/person if you are only 4. Includes transportation to/from the site).

Important Reminders:

Guests are to sign waiver forms before the tour
Guests must be physically fit to trek and to paddle
Guests are to bring own food, drinks and snacks in water light containers during the tours
Guests should bring a change of clothes as they can expect to get dirty and wet
Guests must wear proper trekking shoes for Canopy and swim suits for Rafting
Guests with sensitive skin must bring protective lotion

2. Dahilayan Adventure Park: Zipline!

Dahilayan Adventure Park boasts of two 840m Ziplines with a drop of 100 meters. Zipriders are transported via 4WD Safari Cruiser to a launch tower at 4500′ ASL. Basically they have three courses for ziplines depending on the length. The Zipline Bundle includes the three zip-rides and is offered to all adults who wish to take the complete course. They have the shortest which is 150 meters, pretty well suited for children, 320 meters, and the longest course which is around 840 meters. All rides for 600 pesos.

3. Visit Del Monte Plantation in Manolo Fortich Buidnon

Maximize your time in Bukidnon. After adrenalin-pumping activities at Dahilayan, head on over to one of the world’s largest pineapple plantations. Bukidnon is dubbed as the highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao. There are many destinations to visit and enjoy in Bukidnon, including the Mangima Canyon, Atugan Bridge, Monastery of Transfiguration, Stone Marker of Yoshito’s Grave, Kaamulan Park, Pine Hills Hotel, and the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation and their country club with an astounding view of the Mount Kitanglad range.

Tour Rates (computed per person/prices are in Philippine Peso):

Person in Group: Regular rate (2012)

· 2 persons = 3,500.00 pesos

· 3-4 persons = 2,800.00 pesos

· 5-6 persons = 2,300.00 pesos

· 7-11 persons = 2,100.00 pesos

· 12 or more = 2,000.00 pesos

4.) Tsada Kagay-an Half Day City Tour

Tsada Kagay-an also known as the TK4 Tour is the prime mover of the city tour in Cagayan de Oro. For only 599.00 pesos per head, you will be touring around the city for a maximum of 4 hours. You'll be learning the historical views of the city while enjoying the scene and experiencing the hospitality and friendly approaches of the Kagay-anons. You'll be traveling the city on an air-conditioned Coaster with the services of a Tour Coordinator and Department of Tourism accredited Tour Guide. Entrance and Admission fees are actually included when you avail the tour. Plus, don't be surprised when the Tour Guide and/or Tour Coordinator will give you a pastel (a soft-bunned pastry with sweet caramel inside) and 1 bottled-water for free.

Inclusions:

Plaza Divisoria (the center of trade and commerce in Cagayan de Oro) which most of the businesses are found and where the Freemasonry Centennial Marker is located
Gaston Park and the St. Augustine Cathedral. There, you'll be amazed of the centennial old gothic inspired cathedral which houses the seat of the Archdiocese of Region 10
You'll be walking on a 20 steps going to the only leaning tower of Cagayan de Oro known as the City Museum. The Museum is actually leaning on the right same as that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. What to expect in the Museum? The history of Cagayan de Oro and the people who carefully furnish the city
Next is the Pasalubong center
You'll be traversing to the longest street of the City known as the J.R. Borja Street
The Cogon Market! It houses one of the best Hot Chocolate in the Region called the "Sikwate" or "Tsokolate".
The TK4 also includes Lim Ketkai Center which houses the first Starbucks in Mindanao and first McDonalds outside Metro Manila, La Castilla Museum, Museo de Oro, Gen. MacArthur Marker which houses the largest replica of the cap of General Douglas MacArthur and the Plaza De Los Heroes.