TOP 10 Things To Do in Cagayan de Oro City

It's August! Yes, It is! The month of August is actually the month for Cagayan de Oro as the city celebrates its annual Kagay-an Festival particularly on August 28, 2012. Aside of the festival, there is also the so-called KUMBIRA, the largest culinary show in the Philippines with its year's theme: "EATS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES" on August 15-17, 2012. And what are the things to expect during this superb festivity? A great-deal of experience, exciting, and adventure!

Here are the Top 10 things to do in Cagayan de Oro that will surely be your travel guide when going on a festival and enjoying your stay in my city-Cagayan de Oro.

TOP 1- Join the Tsada Kagay-an Half Day City Tour

- Officially launched last July 04, 2012, Tsada Kagay-an also known as the TK4 Tour is the prime mover of the city tour in Cagayan de Oro. For only P599 per head, you will be touring around the city for a maximum of 4 hours. Not only that! 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. What's nice about this tour is that, is it the birds eye view of the city. You'll be traveling the city on an air-conditioned Coaster with the services of a Tour Coordinator and D.O.T. 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. Yes! That is for free!

For 4 hours, you'll be traveling a 360 view of the 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. Then, you'll be going to the 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. After that, you'll be walking on a 20 steps going to the only leaning tower of Cagayan de Oro known as the City Museum. Yes! 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. After knowing the history of Cagayan de Oro, you'll be going to a pasalubong center. What's next? You'll be traversing to the longest street of the City known as the J.R. Borja Street for you to go to the next destination- The Cogon Market! What's the catch about this market is that it houses one of the best Hot Chocolate in the Region called the "Sikwate" or "Tsokolate". You'll also be surprised because you'll be seeing a guy making a hanging rice known for us as "Puso".

Aside of the above-mentioned itineraries, 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.

Isn't it amazing? Avail it now!

Check this link below for the full article about the launching: 

(http://bestspotsinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2012/07/tsada-kagay-half-day-city-tour.html)

TOP 2- Experience a world class Whitewater Rafting Adventure

- Yes! the main product of the city is its world-class whitewater rafting adventure that is why Cagayan de Oro is dubbed as the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines.

Whitewater Rafting Adventure in Cagayan de Oro is a must thing to do while staying in City because.

There are actually 3-4 courses offer in whitewater rafting depending on the company you choose. You'll be enjoying your adventure while learning how to paddle up your adrenaline! From beginner course which is only P700.00 per head, you'll be experiencing a maximum of 3 hours rapid run while beating up the mighty rapids of the Cagayan de Oro River.

The next course is the advance course which will lead you to a maximum of 4 hours rapid run depending on how you do the paddle and the rush. Some whitewater rafting companies offer the advance II course for P1,200 per head which is a bit advanced to the first one.For only P1,000 per head, you'll be experiencing the course (advance 1) and enjoying more great rapids than the beginner course.

The last course is actually not for the faint-hearted individuals but for the enthusiasts and brave-heart travelers that is why is it called the extreme course. For only P2,000 per head, this dare-devil adrenaline adventure will let you experience a real extreme adventure while playing around the mighty rapids of Cagayan River. Plus! don't be surprised to view the fantastic scenic flora and fauna of Cagayan de Oro (of the left side) and Bukidnon (on the right side). I'm pretty sure that you'll be amazed with the gorgeous falls and panoramic views of the river. Dont be worred because there are 3-4 certified guides that will accommodate you through out the 2-3 hours actual rapid run.

Another course that you can actually avail is the Night Whitewater Rafting for P2,000 per pax which has the minimum of 6 person. I'm not suggesting this for everyone especially the faint-hearted but this is a real fmagnificent adventure, extreme than the extreme course. What's the catch of this is that, you'll be playing the mighty world-class rapids of the river by night time. Yes! it's on the evening that is why it called a night whitewater rafting! And yes, this has been experienced by other travelers which is inloved with purely extreme, nerve cracking, fast-breathing adventure.

TIP: If you wanna avail this special adventure called the night whitewater rafting, the best way to experience it is when the moon is on its full bloom- The Full Moon. Don't be afraid of the werewolves and or vampire stories because we're not rich with that folklore rather be blessed because when the moon is on its fullness, the reflection of the river is on its vivid clearance.

So, what are you waiting for? Reserve a slot now!

TOP 3- Shop at Night!

- The best time to shop in the city where you can buy cheap items, the crave for foods or just unwind and enjoy is by night. Yes! Every friday and saturday nights, the city's Divisoria is filled with people gathered around to shop and drop, enjoy the moment, meet other people or even dine in. This is best known as the Night Cafe' and Night Market which starts at 6pm until 3am, being the latest.

What you can see in the Night Cafe' and Market?

- Sorts of people! Yes! You can see all kinds of people here. From students to professionals and businessmen, from budget-conscious to rich individuals, from locals to tourists, even the foreigners. Everyone is indeed invited to visit this area for free!

- A wide range of Cheap Items! Yes, there are lot of items that you can buy for cheaper ones and you can even ask to make it lower. This term is what we called: "Hangyo". Ask the vendors and they will surely give you a lower price.

- Live music! There are also bands playing during the night cafe' starting from 8pm (the earliest) to 12mn(the latest). 

- Foods! A wide-selection of foods are just waiting there for you to try and tastes. Forget about your diet and just enjoy your dine in while listening around the live music and/or enjoy watching the people meeting around the place.

TOP 4- Taste the Delicious Sinuglaw

- I am proud to say that Cagayan de Oro offers one of the best Sinuglaw's in the Philippines. What's the secret? Well, i guess it is because of this one fruit recipe called the "Tabon-tabon" that is distinctly unique about our Sinuglaw.

For the newbies, Sinuglaw is actually a combination of two food recipe namely "Sinugba"- grilled pork meat that has been sliced or cut into chunks. And the "Kinilaw"- a raw fish being bathed in vinegar with ingredients like ginger, onion, salt, "suha" (citrus and/or native lemon), salt, and a spice of red chili pepper. Don't forget to add the tabon-tabon for a delicious Sinuglaw!

Most of our hotels, restaurants and even small-scaled food businesses offer this recipe. So, there's no reason for you not to try this food. :)

TOP 5- Experience new sets  of Adventure- Canyoneering and River Trekking!

- Searching for a new set of experience and a new thrill of excitement? Yes! Cagayan de Oro offers new sets of adventure for daredevils out there. One of which are the Canyoneering and River Trekking!

For only P1,500.00 per head with a minimum of 5 pax, you can avail this great adventure which includes free transfers from Divisoria to the jump-off and from end-point back to the city, Safety gears (helmet, life jacket, buoyancy aid), Park Entrance Fees, and Packed Lunch.

Not only that, you'll be experiencing a 20 feet natural slide, 25 feet jump, 65 feet rappelling, and mostly, river trekking. Don't worry because there are certified river and trek guides that will accommodate you through out your actual experience.

(Canyoneering photos courtesy by: Mapawa Nature Park)

TOP 6- Get in Touch with Nature

- One way to rejuvenate and unwind is getting in touch with Mother Nature. Luckily, Cagayan de Oro offers that experience at Malasag Eco-Tourism Village and Gardens. And yes! It offers a panoramic view of the Macajalar Bay! Isn't that amazing? Indeed! Plus! Don't be surprised if you'll see native tribes which will dance with you with their native dancing steps.

I can even say it with a smile: "It offers a real feeling of relaxation and caress of nature". As one song states: "And I say to myself, what a wonderful world".

TOP 7- Zipline!

Photo courtesy by: Jatico Adventures

- Aside of the Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Cagayan de Oro also offer zipline adventures for its visitors. Zipline Adventures are located at Barangay Bulua, Barangay Bayanga for the Jatico Extreme Adrenaline Adventure, Barangay Cugman for the Mapawa Nature's Park, and Barangay Lumbia for the Macahambus Adventure Park.

Photo courtesy by: Mapawa Nature Park

We are proud that the first-longest multiple-course zipline in the Philippines is in located in Cagayan de Oro, no other than the Jatico Extreme Adrenaline Adventure. What makes this the longest is that, it is a combined-zipline with 5 multiple courses which will give you a total of almost a 1,000 kilometer actual ziplining for only P500 per pax. Now, that is amazing! Plus! Jatico Adventure is proud to say that the first big swing in the Philippines is also located in the area. Now, that is a must-try experience!

TOP 8- Airsoft or Real Guns? Take your pick!

- Take your pick! Having real firearms shooting or just toys for the big boys guns? Whether you decide which is which, Cagayan de Oro is indeed a place for both enthusiasts of firearms.

Yes! Airsoft has been an addicted sport in the city including the practical firearm shooting.

TRIVIA:
Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with spherical non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.(source: wikipedia.com)

For only P499 per pax with a minimum of 10 pax, you can avail this experience which includes ALL-IN-PACKAGE: Complete gear (bonnet, vest, mask, gloves, gun with 1-magazine), Transportation, Snacks and even water. And yes! the water is unlimited! Yeah!

How about real guns?

Yes! Practical shooting is indeed sprouting as one of the newest adventures and sports in the city. You'll be surely addicted especially if you love handling firearms (replicas and/or real guns) with this one. I even experienced it on-hand. Doubting? Now check this article. Just click the link to navigate:

http://bestspotsinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2012/08/practical-shooting-new-outdoor.html

The package rates are actually there.All you gotta do is click the link above.

TOP 9- Shopping Sprees

- First-timers or Newcomers are always amazed and surprised when they saw and when they knew that Cagayan de Oro has a lot of Malls which includes the big names of the industry.

We are proud that the city offers a wide-arrays of malls which shoppers, buyers, newcomers can choose from. Yes, we have our own SM! And soon will be two! From Uptown to Downtown SM! Yes, we have our own Robinson's also called as the Robinson's Cagayan de Oro which is known before as the Big R! Yes, we will be having the soonest are own Ayala Mall known as the Centrio Mall! Yes, the well-famed Gaisano Mall is also seen here with 6 branches! Yes, we also have our local malls known as Ororama and Lim Ketkai Mall which is the 16th largest Mall in the World! Don't forget that Lim Ketkai Center is also one of the first Malls in Mindanao! Me Gusta!

TOP 10- Meet the Locals

- Of course, don't forget to say: "Hi" and "Hello" to the locals, that is why we are called the "City of Golden Friendship" because Kagay-anons are friendly and accommodating.

Don't forget to say: "Tsada Kagay-an! Ali namo sa CdeO" which means, Cagayan de Oro, a beautiful place: Come and visit us now!

* Note:

- If you have inquiries and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll be glad to assist you on your stay in my city: Cagayan de Oro City.

Enjoy!