River Rafting in CdeO
When one thinks of river rafting in the Philippines, what often comes to mind is the Cagayan de Oro River in Cagayan de Oro in the northern part of Mindanao. Do not mistake Cagayan de Oro River from that of Cagayan River. The latter is located in Luzon in the northeastern part of the Philippines (another similarity). Cagayan de Oro River starts in the Kalatungan Mountain Range in Bukidnon, a neighboring province of Misamis Oriental. Water snowballs from different tributaries along its way, finally emptying into the Macajalar Bay of Cagayan de Oro.
Since the whole river is about 90 km. long, you can opt for shorter river rafting routes. Routes depend on the kind of challenge and exhaustion you are up to. Newbies can start several meters downstream from Mangalay Cave. It's not necessary to be muscle man to go river rafting. You just have to know how to follow instructions, cooperate and be a team player. Along the way, there are certain areas where you can take a break from paddling and instead take a dip or just let the scenery sink in. Further downstream is a limestone cliff with swallows and snakes (and ladders for villagers who harvest bird's nests and sell them to restaurants and wholesalers). Near the end of the river rafting route is Macahambus Cave which can and ought to be part of your itinerary.
(Macahambus Cave witnessed the battle between the Americans and the locals in 1900 during the Philippine-American War. Today, the battle is between individuals and their fear -- fear of heights. Aside from the cave, there is Macahambus Adventure Park. The Macahambus Adventure Park offers visitors the chance to traverse a very long bridge made of wooden planks and held by ropes. The bridge is suspended quite high above a gorge. After your initial fear or excitement, try zip lining. Another option is rapelling down to the gorge.)
Since the whole river is about 90 km. long, you can opt for shorter river rafting routes. Routes depend on the kind of challenge and exhaustion you are up to. Newbies can start several meters downstream from Mangalay Cave. It's not necessary to be muscle man to go river rafting. You just have to know how to follow instructions, cooperate and be a team player. Along the way, there are certain areas where you can take a break from paddling and instead take a dip or just let the scenery sink in. Further downstream is a limestone cliff with swallows and snakes (and ladders for villagers who harvest bird's nests and sell them to restaurants and wholesalers). Near the end of the river rafting route is Macahambus Cave which can and ought to be part of your itinerary.
(Macahambus Cave witnessed the battle between the Americans and the locals in 1900 during the Philippine-American War. Today, the battle is between individuals and their fear -- fear of heights. Aside from the cave, there is Macahambus Adventure Park. The Macahambus Adventure Park offers visitors the chance to traverse a very long bridge made of wooden planks and held by ropes. The bridge is suspended quite high above a gorge. After your initial fear or excitement, try zip lining. Another option is rapelling down to the gorge.)
The Placid Side of CdeO
Before or after trying out the waters of the Cagayan de Oro River, you can head to the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. It is a seven-hectare park adjacent to a reforestation area. The Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village accommodates a souvenir shop, museum, plaza, learning center, restaurant, amphitheatre, butterfly garden and several houses built in the style of indigenous peoples like the Talaandigs, Igaonons and Maranaws among others. The souvenir shop sells mats, baskets, purses, bags and other items crafted by the indigenous tribes.
Near the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village is Mapawa Nature Park. It is an expansive park with waterfalls and a river where you can camp, swim, ride a horse or a bicycle, trek, rapel, or simply breathe in nature.
Other sites to see are the Monigue Cave, F.S. Catanico Falls, Xavier Museum, Gen. McArthur Marker, Vicente de Lara Park, Museum of Three Cultures and Casa del Chino Ygua to name a few. You can ask for more information and directions from the Cagayan de Oro Tourism Showhouse within Bonifacio Park along Don Apolinar Velez Street. On weekends, have a taste of local barbecue and seafood fare at the Night Cafe on Plaza Divisoria, otherwise known as Golden Friendship Park. Finish off the meal with a few cold beers and other non-alcoholic beverages or trek to the nearby Night Market.
Near the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village is Mapawa Nature Park. It is an expansive park with waterfalls and a river where you can camp, swim, ride a horse or a bicycle, trek, rapel, or simply breathe in nature.
Other sites to see are the Monigue Cave, F.S. Catanico Falls, Xavier Museum, Gen. McArthur Marker, Vicente de Lara Park, Museum of Three Cultures and Casa del Chino Ygua to name a few. You can ask for more information and directions from the Cagayan de Oro Tourism Showhouse within Bonifacio Park along Don Apolinar Velez Street. On weekends, have a taste of local barbecue and seafood fare at the Night Cafe on Plaza Divisoria, otherwise known as Golden Friendship Park. Finish off the meal with a few cold beers and other non-alcoholic beverages or trek to the nearby Night Market.