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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Braving the Rapids: Cagayan de Oro Whitewater Rafting

And on our last day, we saved the best adventure!

The exhilarating white water adventure down the mighty Cagayan de Oro river.

There are 5 whitewater rafting operators in CDO. We chose Kagay. I called them the day before and agreed to pick us up in front of Starbucks in Limketkai Center at 7am. Then we picked up other groups at their hotels in downtown. It took us 45 minutes to reach the jump-off point where the real adventure begins.

At the jump-off point, we signed the waiver and we were given our own paddles, life vest and helmet. There was also an orientation given since we were all first timers (we took the beginner's course).

You can also buy some souvenirs and sunblock creams and water.

Since we were 8, we were divided into 2 groups. We were joined by the couple from CDO who is a friend of our river guide Aries.

We were all nervous when the first rapid came. We were told that there are 14 rapids during the 4-5 hours of the adventure.

During the breaks from rapids, the guide allowed us to dip in the water to swim.

We also jumped from the rock in the middle of the river.

Take a look at these series of photos of our favorite part of the rafting.

High Five for every conquered rapid!

Overall, it was an ultimate experience and must try for everyone who will visit Cagayan de Oro City. On out next trip, we will take the advance 1 course for sure.

PRICE:

Price of Whitewater Rafting adventure is regulated by the city government.

1. Beginners Course P700 / head

• ( 3hrs. Actual River Run ) 14 Rapids
• Class I-II Minimum of 6 pax

2. Advance Course P1000 / head

• ( 4hrs. Actual River Run ) 24 Rapids
• Class II-IV Minimum of 6 pax

3. Experts I Course P1200 / head

• ( 2hrs. Actual River Run ) 14 Rapids
• Class III Minimum of 6 pax

Inclusions:

• Jeepney transfer from City Tourism Showhaus, DV-Soria or at your Hotel within city proper to Put-in
• From Take-out back to the City.
• Helmets, life vests and paddles will be provided.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Pictures 350/CD for Basic or Experts Course, P450/CD for Advance Course. 

Every operator also have other packages that goes with rafting like Dahilayan and caving. They also accepts credit cards for payment.

KAGAY 

Contact details:

Address: Corrales Avenue, Corner Rivera St., Cagayan de Oro City

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Saint Augustine Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City

As early as 5:00am, we were on our way to the cathedral to catch the 5:15am mass. We rode the motorela from Agora to Saint Augustine Cathedral. Fare is Php 7. 

We were just right in time. The mass was in local dialect.

The Saint Augustine Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro  which comprises the civil Provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands. It was built in 1845 but was destroyed and restored in 1945.

After the mass, we bought candles and said our prayers.

Then, we saw this couple who sells something like waffle for P5.00. Of course we bought and ate them for breakfast.

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Where to Eat in Cagayan de Oro City: Butcher's Best Barbeque

 As bloggers were raving for the food at Butcher's Best, we tried it out on our last day in CDO.  From Plaza Divisoria, we just walked 2 blocks and we found it.

Their specialty is the Grilled Angus Beef Belly (Php 80.00). Considering it's beef, it's very cheap. 

And the beef is so yummy! We also ordered other items in their menu.

Butcher's Best Menu

They are open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.

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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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