4 Days - 4 Provinces: Our Northern Mindanao Adventure (4D/3N Itinerary)

We waited 10 months for our Northern Mindanao adventure. Because of New Year's Piso sale of Cebu Pacific, we immediately booked our flight to Cagayan de Oro City, the gateway to Northern Mindanao.

This is the first time we set foot in Mindanao and we were half scared because we don't know how safe is it to travel in Mindanao due to the insurgencies in Zamboanga. 

We arrived at Laguindingan Airport at 6:00am.

Here is our travel itinerary for our 4 days Northern Mindanao adventure.

Day 1:  BUKIDNON

   Blog posts:

• Camp Phillips and Del Monte Plantation 
• Dahilayan Adventure Park: Asia's Longest Dual Zipline
• Where to Eat in Bukidnon: Del Monte Clubhouse

Day 2:  CAMIGUIN

   Blog posts:

• How to Go to Camiguin: Agora to Balingoan
• Where to Stay: Pabualan Cottage 
• Where to Eat in Camiguin: 4R's Foodhaus Family KTV Bar
• San Nicolas Tolentino Parish Church
• Katibawasan Falls 
• Sunken Cemetery 
• Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross
• Old Church Ruins 
• Bura Soda Water Pool
• Sto. Niño Cold Spring 
• Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring
• White Island 
• Sweet and Tasty Lanzones
• Vjandep Pastel of Camiguin

Day 3:  ILIGAN CITY (LANAO DEL NORTE)

   Blog post:

• Majestic Maria Cristina Falls
• Breathtaking Tinago Falls

Day 4:  CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MISAMIS ORIENTAL)

   Blog posts:

• Our First Taste of Sinuglaw
• Where to Stay in Cagayan de Oro City: Win Min Transient Inn
• Saint Augustine Cathedral
• Butcher's Best
• Braving the Rapids: Whitewater Rafting

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Breathtaking Waterfall: Tinago Falls, Iligan City

After a quick photo ops at Maria Cristina Falls, we headed at another popular waterfall in Iligan City is the Tinago Falls.

Tinago is translated as "hidden". Tinago because the falls is hidden in a deep ravine. You have to go down 400+ steps to see it. I admit, I only learned about this waterfall from the movie Forever and a Day and from Biyahe ni Drew.

Take the steps slowly. Believe me! I felt dizzy myself for trekking faster. 

There are men who will approach you and serve as your photographer and guide for a minimal fee. 

Halfway, we can hear the roar of the waterfalls. We were so excited! Upon reaching the final step down, we were awed with what we saw. It's almost paradise! So beautiful!!

Wearing life vest is mandatory.  You can rent one for Php 10 or Php 15. You can also  hop on the bamboo raft. The water is cold and relaxing.

We also tried jumping from the rocks. The guides took care of our safety.

This is one of my favorite picture. My cousin RJ!

Too bad we don't have waterproof/underwater camera with us. It's nice to have photos taken underwater.

After relaxation comes the hardest part! Going up! Take the same way when you trek down. Again, nahilo na naman ako!

There are many ways to get to Tinago Falls. I can't say much about direction because we took a private van. This is better if you're traveling in a group. But if you are traveling solo, you can take the most popular way, take the habal-habal.

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From Postcards to Reality: The Majestic Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City

From Benoni port, we were suppose to take the bus to Agora but then, we saw a starex van just outside the terminal. We immediately negotiated the price and we agreed to rent the whole van for Php 1200. 

After almost 3 hours, we finally reach Agora. Another driver was waiting for us to take us to Iligan City. We took a quick lunch at Jollibee. Again, we took the opportunity to take a quick nap. 

Quick nap pala is 2 hours! It's already 2pm and we have not reached Iligan City yet. NPC compound, where Maria Cristina Falls is located will close at 4pm. At 2:30pm, we're finally here.

Entrance fee:

We paid Php 35 for the entrance fee and Php 200 to try their zipline with majestic view. Pero pagdating namin dun, walang attendant. Kailangan pa naming tawagin yung guard. Then, we were informed that slippers were not allowed. We were all wearing slippers! They have shoes available to wear for free but they were so worn out. We just opted for refund. 

We walk a short distance passing this bat cave.

Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant that has 200MW capacity. It provides electricity in mindanao.

At last.... The Majestic Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina Falls is also known as twin falls because the flow is separated by a rock. It is located in Iligan City, the City of Majestic Waterfalls because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls. The 320 feet waterfalls is known for its grandeur and beauty. 

Majestic indeed!

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