WHITEWATER RAFTING
Cagayan de Oro is the only
whitewater rafting destination in the country that has a whole year
round of maneuverable rafting courses and is located within the city
limit. In 2003, President Macapagal-Arroyo went whitewater
rafting in Cagayan de Oro to promote tourism in the
Philippines. Since then several national competitions have been
held in the city.
River rapids can swell during
the rainy season. Waters can get murky/brownish due to soil erosion
from the mountain side.
Cagayan de Oro River Tours (Red Rafts)
http://www.raftingcdo.com
Tel. No. (88) 857-7238 ; (8822) 71-4329
PINOY WHITEWATER RAFTING (Pinoy Water Tubing)
Instead of using a conventional raft, inflated tire tubes are used and connected to each other. All you have to do is sit down and enjoy the ride. A guide will accompany you and paddle through the rapids.
Contact Mr. Jerome Garcia at 09194043930
Email address: a_detour97@yahoo.com
KAYAKING
Another addition to the river adventure sport in Cagayan de Oro.
Contact Mr. Leonil G. Mistula at 0917-7064184
Email Address is oneal@kayakdomain.com
Check their website at http://kayakdomain.com
MACAHAMBUS ADVENTURE PARK (CANOPY WALK)
Located
in Lumbia, one can experience walking on a suspended steel bridge
connected to trees a hundred feet above ground level. You can
then cross back using a zipline or rapel down to the Macahambus gorge
and cave, the site of the historic battle between Kagayanon and
American soldiers during the Philippine-American War (Philippine Insurrection) in 1900.
Cagayan de Oro Adventure (also offers rafting)
Telephone and Fax No. (88) 857-1270
GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO TOURISM VILLAGE
Located
within the 200 hectare reforested area of Malasag Hill, the 6 hectare
village showcase replicas of different tribal houses of the region,
flora and fauna. There is a swimming pool for children and adults
and accommodations for overnight stay. On a clear day, one can get
a panoramic view of the Macajalar Bay and Camiguin Island. The village is located on
the hillside and is made up of steep trails and long walkways.
There is no public transportation in the area.
You need to rent a vehicle going to the village or hitch a ride from a motorcycle waiting in along the highway. Motorcycle rates are posted in the waiting shed.
For inquiries call Tel. No. (88) 855-6183
KAGAY'AN RESORT (COLD SPRING)
Formerly known as Lawndale Cold Spring, it is located in Taguanao, south of the city. This area has since been maintained and developed by the City government for tourism purposes. It has added new swimming areas for kids and adults. There are lifeguards on standby. Entrance fee is 5 Pesos for adults and 2 Pesos for children. However the resort is only open on Saturdays and Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm only (before sunset). Bringing of liquor, pets and stereo with loud speakers are prohibited. The resort is still in the process of development.
MAPAWA NATURE PARK
Just
a few kilometers away Malasag Eco Village. This farm turned nature park is
owned and maintained by the Pelaez Family. It offers horseback
riding, nature trails, ziplines, a creek with a miniture falls.
Entrance
is 40 Pesos per head. You have to pay for other activities like
horseback riding and ziplines. Refreshments are available within
the park. There
is no public transportation in the area.
You need to rent a vehicle or hire a
motorcycle waiting along the highway. Motorcycle rates are posted
in the waiting shed. The road is rough
and dark at night. Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5pm on
weekdays and 7:30am to 5pm on weekends.
For inquiries call Tel. No. (8822) 72-5265 ; (88) 858-4402
F.S. CATANICO FALLS
Located in F.S. Catanico, it is a small narrow falls surrounded by magima stone boulders. The area is a bit isolated and does not have any electricity, potable water or public transportation (bring your own refreshments). The surrounding area is impressive as it still retains much of its natural environment. An area near the falls was developed by the City government. It now has rentable picnic huts, basic toilet facility and a viewing area on top of a huge boulder. Cooking using charcoal is allowed. However the area developed is small and could not accommodate large number of people (not more than 50). Parking is also limited (around 6 vehicles). There is a designated care taker in the area that collects an entrance fee of 2 Pesos per person. Mosquitoes and some bugs can be a problem, so apply some repellants.
PUEBLO DE ORO GOLF COURSE and COUNTRY CLUB
An
18 hole, par-72 championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones
II International, this golf course was inagurated on May 5, 1998 by
President Fidel Ramos and was heralded as one of the finest in the
Philippines. A majestic driving range, clubhouse, tee houses and
practice putting greens complete the golf course facilities.
For other inquiries, you may call Tel. No. (88) 858-8823
SKIMBOARDING, OPOL BEACHThe beach in town of Opol is popular among Kagayanons because of its proximity to the city. In recent years,
skimboarding
has a become popular sport in Opol beach. Skimboarding is the
sport of riding a skimboard over shallow water on a beach and into
oncoming waves close to the shore. Skimmers from Opol are among
the best in the country, winning top prizes in National competitions.
RIVER TAXI
Managed by the Safe River, Life Saver Foundation (Liceo de Cagayan University), it is another river attraction in the city. They offer boat trips and cruise (day and night) along Cagayan de Oro river. Maximum capacity of the cruise boat is 20 people. It is ideal for family and corporate outing or just being with friends.
For inquiries and reservations call telephone numbers (88) 858-7786 ; 858-4093 to 95 local 219 ; (8822) 72-2244 local 219. Look for either Manny, Angie or Lorelie. You can also email them at srlsfi@ldcu.edu.ph
VICENTE DE LARA PARK
Formerly named MacArthur Park in honor of General Douglas MacArthur. The park is located in front of the Provincial Capitol
Building and is now named after a Provincial Governor, Vicente de
Lara. Recently renovated, it has become a favorite place for
people to jog and have an evening stroll.
NIGHT CAFE and MARKET
Started in August of 2003, it has become a weekly attraction of the city. Every Friday and Saturday evenings, the entire Plaza Divisoria is closed to vehicular traffic. Food stalls sell barbeques, grilled food and liquor while live bands entertain the crowd. On the other end is the Night Market where Muslim traders sell bags, shoes, trinkets and second hand items at bargain prices.
HIGH RIDGE
Located
on a hilltop in Aluba, it gives you the best panoramic view of Cagayan
de Oro especially at night. The area used to be a commercial
establishment but was closed down by the city for "zoning
violation." Since then High Ridge has been open to the public for
outdoor picnics. Entrance fee is around 20 Pesos each. High Ridge requires a dress code and
discourages people to bring pets, liquor or any glass bottled
drinks. Visitors are requested to properly dispose off personal
trash. There are no available public transportation in the
area. You need to hire a vehicle or taxi and agree on a time to
pick you up. High Ridge is open from 4 pm to 10 pm only.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR) POWER PLANT
This 1 megawatt photovoltaic
(solar) power plant is operated by the Cagayan Electric Power &
Light Corporation (CEPALCO). It is one of the largest grid connected
solar power plant in the developing world. As
a vital facility, it is basically off limits to the public.
Educational tours can be arranged, provided a formal letter of request
is made and addressed to Ms. Marilyn Chaves, Senior Manager of the
Customer and Community Relations Department. You can contact
CEPALCO at (88) 857-2043 ; (88) 857-5097 or visit their main office at
T. Chaves Street.
CARMELITE MONASTERY and CHURCH
Located in Camaman'an hilltop, the vicinity is also the residence of various religious Catholic orders. Hence the hilltop is also known as "Seminary Hill".
Locals
visit the Carmelite monastery to pray and offer petitions (prayers for
students taking exams, illnesses, thanksgiving and others). Petitioners
are advised to bring any offerings such as a basket of fruit, a tin can of
biscuits, a dozen eggs or monetary donation. The Carmelite Church
houses an image of the Holy Child or Santo Niño which is known to
perform miracles. People are
advised to keep their voices down.
