Are you looking for a unique place to visit in the Philippines? Then, why not take a trip to Cagayan de Oro in the country’s south? Cagayan de Oro is not just a friendly community; it is also a thriving spot with a plethora of thrills to satisfy your adventure cravings.
When you visit Cagayan de Oro, you never know what you’ll find. For starters, it isn’t just an urbanized city with traffic jams on major roads or a city with several shopping malls to escape the heat and maybe do some shopping. Cagayan de Oro also has one of the most thrilling rides you’ve ever experienced, and the food is delicious.
Let’s take a little virtual tour and help you decide which one to do or maybe which one to do first.
Enjoy White Water Rafting
Do you crave a little more adventure? The Cagayan de Oro river’s whirlpools and waves will guarantee a wild river ride that will test your rafting skills. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and you can choose from beginner to extreme courses to suit your needs, enjoy the spectacular greens and scenery, and dare to cross the finish line.
Photo Credits: guidetothephilippines
Try Kayaking or River Tubing
Both will provide you with excitement and wonder—choose your preferred type of action. Then, ride your own kayak through the Cagayan River rapids, try something new and ride round tubes instead of rafts. No need to worry because they will teach you first before you try it.
Explore Macahambus Adventure Park
Macahambus Adventure Park is only a few minute’s drive from the airport. If you enjoy extreme adventures, you should stop by. Try the canopy walk of the 120-foot-high hanging bridge while admiring the century-old trees.
Photo Credits: Crispin Santos
Surreal Views in High Ridge
When you visit this wonderful park, you will be able to enjoy the serenity and fresh air, as well as an unrivaled view of the city of Cagayan de Oro. It also has a wide selection of treats to satisfy your taste buds and cravings.
A Trip to Del Monte Pineapple Farm
Visit the Del Monte Pineapple Farm, which has vast fields covered in beautiful pineapples. During your visit, you’ll undoubtedly take a lot of great photos. Furthermore, the area has eye-catching American-style houses built by the company’s previous owners.
Photo Credits: projectlupad
Sign up for Paragliding
A paragliding trip in Cagayan de Oro is the ultimate aerial adventure. You will be able to partake in this adrenaline-pumping adventure that will provide you with a bird’s eye view of the city.
Night Shopping until you Drop
Tourists and locals alike come to the Divisoria Night Market at Plaza Divisoria, a 15-minute walk away from the Budgetel Inn in the city. This downtown plaza is just a regular city park, but it transforms into a night market every Friday and Saturday night.
Photo Credits: Sights of Cagayan de Oro City & Northern Mindanao
Visit Hugo Sky Lounge
Hugo Sky Lounge provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Visit the city at night to see the bright city lights resembling the sparkling stars. You can sip your favorite drink while listening to a live band serenade you at Hugo Sky Lounge.
Cagayan de Oro Must-See Places to Visit
Continue reading to learn about the best places to visit in Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao. There is something to discover here for any traveller willing to venture off the beaten path and explore somewhere new.
The Seven Seas Waterpark
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Dubai’s or Florida’s famous waterparks, Seven Seas Waterpark can make your dreams come true. It is the first and largest world-class pirate-themed waterpark in the Philippines, located just minutes from the bustling metropolis of Cagayan De Oro.
Photo Credits: klook
Dahilayan Adventure Park
Dahilayan Adventure Park, home to Asia’s longest dual zipline at 840 meters, is every adrenaline junkie’s dream. It is located in Bukidnon and has quickly become a popular destination for extreme sports and activities.
Mapawa Nature Park
Mapawa Nature Park is a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a 2,500-hectare eco-tourism destination popular with hikers and canyoneering enthusiasts.
Photo Credits: aboutcagayandeoro
Eden’s Solace
Eden’s Solace is a low-key hilltop spot with a 360-degree view of the entire city. Most tourists come in the afternoon to watch the sunset and have picnics or dinners overlooking the city lights. While you’re there, take in the stunning view of Cagayan de Oro.
Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm
The Hobbit-inspired houses at Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm look so real that any Lord of the Rings fan would mistake them for being in Middle Earth. However, that is not the only thing available at the eco-farm.
Photo Credits: Sunstar
Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism
The Gardens of Malasag highlight the rich culture of the Northern Mindanao Tribe. When you get to the place, you are greeted by native dancers wearing colorful costumes and jewelry and playing their instruments.
Divine Mercy Shrine
A 50-foot-tall statue of Jesus stands above Macajalar Bay. It is located in El Salvador and has quickly become a pilgrimage site for many Divine Mercy devotees and one of the country’s most miraculous shrines.
Photo Credits: tripadvisor
Tinago Falls
Despite its name, Tinago Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iligan City. It will take two and a half hours to get to the waterfall from the heart of Cagayan de Oro; visitors to CDO make a point of including Tinago in their itineraries, and for a good reason.
Amaya View
If you enjoy the sensation of free flight, Amaya View is the place to be. By paragliding from Cagayan de Oro’s highest peak, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city. It’s another excellent way to get out of your comfort zone and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will undoubtedly go down in history.
Photo Credits: agoda
Panimahawa Ridge
If you have some extra time, a side trip to Panimahawa Ridge is in order; after all, it’s only in Bukidnon. The summit trek requires little to no experience. However, despite being only a two-hour climb, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the mountain ridges and sea of clouds.
Museum of Three Cultures
As the name implies, the Museum of Three Cultures is a museum that focuses on Mindanao’s Christian, Muslim, and tribal cultures. Inside, there are five rooms or galleries filled with artifacts such as indigenous crafts and photographs.
Photo Credits: tripadvisor
Larry’s Hill Adventure Hub
In contrast to other mazes, Larry’s Hill Adventure Hub’s Maze Adventure is an upward maze that will put your strength and agility to the test. Other activities available on the site include wall climbing and bungee trampoline. It also has the largest ball pit in the country, which both kids and adults can enjoy.
Tubajon Aquamarine Park
Tubajon Aquamarine Park is famous for its white-sand beaches and 22-hectare mangrove plantation. Although the cottages and mangroves surrounding the swimming area are beautiful in their own right, kayaking through the bamboo pathways and mangrove forest makes for an even more memorable experience.
Photo Credits: projectlupad
Best Ways to get to Cagayan de Oro
✈️Plane
Laguindingan Airport serves Cagayan de Oro City. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate daily flights to Laguindingan Airport from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga, and Davao.
🛥️Ferry
Ferries arrive at Cagayan de Oro Port, located just north of downtown Cagayan de Oro in Barangay Macabalan. Some ferry lines sell tickets at offices as you enter the port compound.
🚌Bus
When it comes to land transportation, Cagayan de Oro is more than adequate. You can easily get around the city using any mode of land transportation. Three integrated bus and jeepney terminals provide regular land trips: Westbound-Bulua Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal, Eastbound-Gusa Jeepney Terminal, and Agora Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal.
What Food to Buy as a Pasalubong in Cagayan de Oro?
“Pasalubong” is a generic Filipino term that refers to giving a small present or gift upon return from a trip. While key holders and refrigerator magnets are standard, many places have their distinct delicacy for pasalubong purposes, aside from t-shirts.
⭐Pastel Bread
Pastel bread with sweet-filled buns in various flavors has become a CDO pasalubong favorite.
⭐Roasted Cashew Nuts
Cashew Nuts is a true CDO delicacy that dates back to the 1970s in Barangay Lumbia. And because of the abundance of cashew trees in the area, the popular roasted cashew nut has become a favorite pasalubong delicacy.
⭐Nanay Choleng’s Muron
Nanay Choleng’s Muron is a Lifestyle Best Desserts 2015 awardee, with media personalities and celebrities raving about its delicious taste. So it’s no surprise that it captivated Kagay-anons and local tourists alike.
⭐Jamon de Cagayan
Natural smoking, salt curing, and honey cooking distinguish CDO’s leg hams from the competition. Visitors can select between SLERS Ham, Oro Ham, and TGO Foods Pine Hams.
⭐Sylvannas
Sylvannas from Pane e Dolci are another popular food pasalubong in Cagayan de Oro City. Since Pane e Dolci began selling it, this dessert has become well-known among Kagay-anons and even residents of neighboring cities.
⭐Turones de Mani
Peanuts are a popular pasalubong item among most Filipinos. Turones de mani is a sweet peanut treat made of crushed honey-coated peanuts, caramelized sugar, and wafer wrapping.
⭐Candied Delicacies
Candied delicacies are a common food pasalubong. Assorted Delicacies, for example. This Country Fruits product comes in a pack that includes candied banana, candied banana with jackfruit, and candied banana with ube pastillas.
⭐Jam Tarts
These are adorable and delicious pastries, and the fruit jams inside are made from natural fruits, while the tart itself is baked into pastry crusts by hand; no artificial ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cagayan de Oro
Q: What are the top outdoor activities in Cagayan de Oro?
A: Cagayan de Oro, a developing city in Mindanao, is best known for its outdoor activities and natural attractions. White water rafting, kayaking, hiking, canyoneering, paragliding, and caving are just a few of the activities available.
Q: What is the capital city of Cagayan de Oro?
A: Misamis Oriental’s provincial capital is Cagayan de Oro.
Q: What is the origin of the name Cagayan?
A: The name “Cagayan” is derived from the Malayo-Polynesian word “ag,” which means “water.” Where the word ag is present, “Kagay” means “river,” and “Kagayan” means “a location with a river.” While “de Oro” was derived from the Spanish word “golden.”
Q: What is the most well-known dish in Cagayan?
A: If you only have time to eat one meal while in Cagayan, most locals recommend Pancit Batil Patung.
Q: What is the city of Cagayan de Oro famous for?
A: Cagayan de Oro is well-known for its people as well as its white rapids.
Q: Cagayan de Oro was found by whom?
A: A 26-year-old Augustinian Recollect friar came to Cagayan in 1626. Fray Agustin de San Pedro, was his name, a Portugueseman.
Last Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for extreme activities to check off your bucket list or a magnificent retreat among nature’s marvels, Cagayan de Oro is the place to be. Fill your holiday itinerary with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences. Cagayan de Oro provides a wide range of adventures, and there will always be one that is ideal for you. If you are planning to visit the Philippines soon here are some tips.
Have you ever been to Cagayan de Oro? Share with us your experiences in the comment section.
