Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental (Filipino:Silangang Misamis) [(abbreviated) Mis. Or.] is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital and provincial center isCagayan de Oro City. The province borders Iligan City and Bukidnon to the south, theAgusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to the east, and to the north is Bohol Sea with the island-province of Camiguin just off its northern shore.

BRIEF HISTORY

Misamis was derived from the word "kuyamis", a local variety of sweet coconut. First people who resided in the province were the Bukidnons and Manobos. Centuries later, they were driven into the interior when the Visayans arrived. Primarily, Misamis Oriental is part of Cebu. It was in 1818 when the province was divided into 4: Partido de Misamis, Partido de Dapitan, Partido de Cagayan and Partido de Catarman. A simple life best describe the lifestyle of the Kagayanons. Majority of them are involved in farming and fishing. Their main crops include coconut, corn, coffee and bananas. A smaller version of the rice terraces can be found in the small town of Claveria, known to be the Salas Bowl of Northern Mindanao. Cagayan de Oro is the center trade of Northern Mindanao, were many ethnic products are sold in the city. Muslim crafts like earring, bracelets, rings are sold in stalls located in the Cogon Market. Misamis Oriental celebrates the feast of the city’s patron, Saint Augustine, every 28th of August. A carnival-like parade of colorful costumes, magnificent floats and a variety of sounds and colors highlighted the Kagayhaan Festival. Cagayan de Oro, capital of Misamis, is a haven of ecotourist attractions: Acuna Beach, Bulakena Beach, Baloy Beach, Bonbon Beach, White Beach, Raagas, Chali Beach, Golden Friendship Park, Gaston, McArthur Park, and Dauw Cagayan Park. A Canopy Walk has been built in a lush virgin rainforest in Claveria, enabling tourist to commune with nature and enjoy the fascinating birdlife and butterflies. Sagpulon Springs and San Isidro are an excursioner's delight. One of the many fine dive spots The Sapong Cold Spring and Agutayan Reef are just a few diving spots within the area. Whale watching can also be done in the surrounding waters of the province. Philippine Airlines has a daily flight going to Cagayan de Oro City. If you want to travel by land, a bus from Philtranco travels from Manila to Misamis Oriental.

Geography

Located in Northern Mindanao, it is bordered by the Provinces of Bukidnon to the south,Agusan del Norte to the east and Lanao del Norte to the west. On the north lies CamiguinIsland in the Bohol Sea.

CITIES:

• Cagayan de Oro City - highly urbanized city and independent from province.
• Gingoog City
• El Salvador City

MUNICIPALITIES:

• Alubijid
• Balingasag
• Balingoan
• Binuangan
• Claveria
• Gitagum
• Initao
• Jasaan
• Kinoguitan
• Lagonglong
• Laguindingan
• Libertad
• Lugait
• Magsaysay
• Manticao
• Medina
• Naawan
• Opol
• Salay
• Sugbongcogon
• Tagoloan
• Talisayan
• Villanueva

MAJOR ATTRACTION

Initao cave

White Water Rafting

Initao Cave  Unusual species of bats with cauliflower-like noses can be found in this cave. This is the only region in the country where you can find these animals and perhaps unique in the whole world, are found here. Shell Museum  This is the best place for shell lovers and those who appreciate the sea. The museum is located at A. Velez St., City Library Building. Macahambus Cave  This is one of the tunnels leading to a point overlooking Cagayan River. About 30-50 meters further is a 130 ft. gorge. It is actually a "miniparadise" of ferns, wild trees and gigantic rocks. Libon - Lawit Waterfalls   This tourist spot has 3 waterfalls connected by the same stream, intervals at 100 and 80 meters. Truly one of nature’s wonders. Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village  This is located at Sitio Malasag, Cugman, 20 mins. from the center of the city. It is a cultural village in botanical setting, which serves as learning center for eco-tourism. The village has souvenir shops, features cozy cottages, swimming pool, a mini-garden, a native restaurant, a butterfly garden and a multipurpose hall that showcases the tribal practices and crafts of Mindanao tribes.

WATERFALLS

Libon-lawit Falls
Location: 13 kms. from Poblacion, Gingoog City
Description: Three waterfalls are connected with the same stream. The first is the 120-feet high "Tiklas Falls" that has a 30-meter diameter pool. Second is the "Kilubag Falls" which serves as the major attraction and the third one is "Bangbang Falls" which measures 70-feet high.

Aya-aya Waterfalls
Location: Brgy. Aya-aya, Lugait; Approximately 73 kms. west of Cagayan de Oro.
Description: It is a small waterfall located in the heart of Lugait. From the barangay road, you would pass through foot trails up to an elevated place with a pool of water. A clim further it would entail a sight of the falls surrounded by rich vegetation on its background.

Kanapolan Falls
Location: Brgy. Tagbalogo, Naawan; 60 km. west of Cagayan de Oro.
Description: The falls can be only be reached by a single motorcycle. You'll pass a river path full of large rocks but with minimal flow of water. At its end, 20-feet high waterfall can be seen flowing through a wide dark gray solid rock.

Lubilan Falls
Location: Brgy. Lubilan, Naawan; 60 kms. west of Cagayan de Oro.
Description: It would take a 15-minute hike to see this moderately strong waterfall that has a height of approxiamtely 12 feet.

Sinabayan Falls
Location: Brgy. Poblacion, Sugbongcogon; 71 kms. East of Cagayan de Oro.
Description: A relatively strong waterfall that measures approximately 12 feet in height. Many local people go to this place to take a dip on its cool and clear water.

Mimboaya Falls
Location: Brgy. Poblacion, Sugbongcogon; 71 kms. East of Cagayan de Oro.
Description: A strong waterfall that is very accessible. It measures approximately 10-feet in height and it has a pool where one can jump directly into it.

Bakid-bakid Falls
Location: Gingoog City
Description: The falls is accessible either by a jeepney or a motorcycle. It has an incredible height of 100 feet.

Sagpulon Springs and Falls
Location: Brgy. San Isidro, Jasaan; 31 kms. east of Cagayan de Oro
Description: Situated in a lush forest, the beauty of Mother Nature can still be experienced here in this place. One can still hear songs of birds and be fascinated by the sight of wild flowers and virgin-forested trees. It is a natural swimming pool with clear and cold water cascading from the mountainside to its basin. Facilities like cottages and resthouses were provided for the visitors making it more appealing for picnickers and those who want to relax. At present, it is not operational as a resort.

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