Caramoan Island

Caramoan is a 2nd class municipality on the Caramoan Peninsula, in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 40,810 people.

History & Geography

The name Caramoan has been officially adapted since 192.619, the year it was founded by a Spanish missionary friar, Francisco de la Cruz Y Oropesa. Fr. Oropesa penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and founded a small settlement in a place called Baluarte. This settlement was subsequently turned over to the administration of the Holy Bishopric in 1696.

The small town of Caramoan is located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the North and East and Lagonoy Gulf on the South.

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, it was determined that the place was once called Guta de Leche, which was given by Dutch traders who operated a gold mine in Lahuy Island and who frequented the area to trade with the natives. The name was perhaps derived from the milkdrop stalagmites found among the rocks of Guta Port. Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the place came to be called "Carahan" for the sea turtle, which was at that time to be found in great number along the shores of the Peninsula.

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of the Province of Camarines Sur and is situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Luzon. It occupies the lower eastern portion of the Province of Camarines Sur. It is bounded on the north by the town of Garchitorena and the Pacific Ocean; on the northeast by the island province of Catanduanes; on the south by Lagonoy Gulf; on the east by the Maqueda Channel and on the west by the municipality of Presentacion.

The municipality is situated between east longitude 1 and 13o46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.

Tourism

The Caramoan Peninsula has gained tourism popularity in recent years. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore the beaches of the peninsula. Caramoan is one of the National Parks of the Philippines.

Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Survivor Favorite

Caramoan has been a favorite site for international franchises of Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian version in two consecutive years. It has also hosted the Israel version of Survivor for three consecutive seasons. Bulgarian Survivor also filmed their fourth season there in 2009.
The 8th season of Koh-Lanta (French edition of Survivor), was also shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.”

ACTIVITIES

CAMPING

ROCK CLIMBING

KAYAKING

ISLAND HOPPING

TREKKING

KITE BOARDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

SPELUNKING

SNORKELING

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Caramoan can also be reached via the southern Luzon expressway to CBD(Central Business District) in Naga City . There are also direct flights from Manila to Pili Airport, the Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly from the Manila domestic airports to Pili airport. The best, easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Gota Village Resort is to let the office in CWC or Camsur Tourism Office organize the transport transfers.

Fast Craft Schedule CamSur Daily Express (M/V LRAY)
	Schedule	Travel Time
Departs	10:00 am	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	11:00 am		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Depart	01:30 pm	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	02:30 pm		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Fare: php350			One way only
Fare: php700			Round Trip

*subject to change without prior notice.

By Boat: (Outrigger Pumpboat)		Travel Time	Fare
From Sabang Port	Regular boat trip with 1 hour and 45 minutes boat rides daily from 7am to 12nn and vice versa	2 hours	Php120
From Guijalo Port	1st Trip: 7am Last Trip 11ams	2 hours	Php120
	Jeepney (Rental) one way	30 mins	Php1,000
	Tricycle	35 mins	Php 600

Boat Rental @ Gota Village Resort

Pumpboat:	Basic Rental		Ratio/Per Person	Seating Capacity
	Duration	Price
A:(Big)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php1,500 Php 1,700	PhP300 adult - child half PhP150 adult - child half 1:10	15 persons
B: (Small)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php 1,200 Php 1,200	PhP300adult - child half PhP150adult - child half 1:4	8 persons
Succeeding Hour (Addition Fuel)	Half Day	P500
Pickup Service (gota) Round trip transfers

Other Travel Info (how to get to there):

By Land (BUS)		Travel Time	Fare
From CWC	CWC shuttle (transpo rates for land transfer by car, van or coaster are available upon request).
	Bus (Naga-Sabang)		Php80

By Land(JEEPNEY)		Travel Time	Fare
	Philcab (Van)@ CBD Look for Naga-Nato Port, Sagnay route or Sabang Port, San Jose	1 hour	Php65
From Naga	Jeepney (Naga-Sabang)	1 hour	Php65

Other Facilities/services

Active Beach

Restaurant and Bar

View Deck

Television

Parking Area

Restroom

Uniformed Security

Other Services	Rental Price
Gota SHUTTLE (Pickup Service)	Caramoan town - Php 300 Guijalo Port - Php 500	ONE WAY ONLY!
Snorkel Set	Half day - Php 150 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Kasko (limited Only to Gota Area) tradional small bangka	2 hours - Php 200 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Helmet w/ headlamp	4 hours - Php 150
Rock climbing Equipment	2 hours

Entrance Fee:
Php 150 – Resident of Caramoan
Php 300 – Resident Outside Caramoan

Book Naga Hotel

Catanduanes Island

Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf.

Composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. There are 315 barangays all over the province and one Congressional district. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret.

It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.” The perfect time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.

Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of luxuriant grassy mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm and crowned with jewel-like island. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. The local folks have always chosen a relaxed rural village life. They seem to be disinterested in rush development or any hurriedly rush into the modern world. As a result, the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

But if you are interested in outdoor quest, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the hysterical rate of urban life, Catanduanes is the ideal hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and party in the absence of man-made anxieties and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say.

Major industries in Catanduanes Island include abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.

In terms of the language or dialect, Bicol is the native tongue but with various tones and distinctions, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.

You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CATANDUANES ISLAND

Weather can be very bad in Catanduanes because it is the the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to "kiss" the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones! For this reason, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.”The best time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August - dry. Coolest and most rain from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May. 

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Travel time from Manila to Catanduanes is one hour and 15 minutes with domestic route and Asian Spirit has direct flights daily. The airport at the capital, Virac., is very small but also very efficient. You may see some Westerners with surfing boards during the nice months.

BY LAND:

Take the bus in Cubao or Pasay, Metro Manila terminals and jump off at Tabaco Port. Philtranco Bus covers the 580 kms from Manila to Tabaco Port. TAWTRASCO offers its roll-on-roll-off service to its couch passengers in the ferry (Bus station is in front of Ali Mall, Cubao).
Bus ride from Manila is a long 12 hour ride - airconditioned.

Once in Tabaco Point you have three ferries to choose from to get yourself to Catanduanes.
Ride either MV Eugenia, Star Ferry, or MV Regina Shipping Lines. The ferries are small and some people are scared of them, but we braved it and I did not feel seasick at all and the weather was good. Travel time is 3 to 3 ½ hours for MV Eugenia or Star Ferry, which dock straight at Virac Seaport.

MV Regina takes only 2 ½ hours to reach San Andres Seaport on Catanduanes from Tobacco Port and just get to the capital town of Virac via passenger jeepneys or tricycles for rent.

Busuanga Island

Busuanga is the largest Island of the Calamian archipelago in the Northern part of Palawan province in the Philippines. Nice beaches, gentle landscape, good hiking and great diving make the island a good holiday destination. Wreck diving is the main attraction and many Japanese ships wait patiently for you under the sea. Nearby Coron Island has the beautiful Kayangan and Barracuda lakes the latter is known for its thermoclines and fabled gigantic barracudas.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Francisco B. Reyes Airport(IATA: USU) serves the general area of Busuanga, fly into Busuanga from Manila via PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, SEAIR or Zest Air. The flight from Manila takes one hour.

BY SEA:

SuperFerry stops in Coron on its way to Puerto Princesa. Leaves Manila on Friday afternoon and arrives in Coron early Saturday morning. Heads back to Manila on Sunday night. Wait until a couple of days before it departs to get cheaper tickets. Don't wait too long, though.

BOOK BUSUANGA HOTELS

Coron Island

Coron Island is surrounded by Islands with large rock formations

Large granite rock formations make up most of the Islands around Coron

CORON ISLAND

Coron Island is the third largest island in the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan in the Philippines. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles (310 km) southwest of Manila, is known for several Japanese shipwrecks World War II vintage. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanwa people.

The area around the wrecks have pleasant rock formations which provide for excellent snorkeling opportunities, with underwater visibility extending up to 80 feet (24 m). The water is usually calm, with almost no current. Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as 10-30 feet and as deep as 120-140 feet. Most are in the range of about 60-80 feet, perfect for sports divers.

Divesites around Coron include also many different reef divesites and the famous "Günter´s Cave". Also known as Cathedral Cave as, during the right time of the day, the sun throws a beam of light through a hole in the cave-ceiling, illuminating the inside. It is possible to surface in the cave, as the hole in the cave-ceiling allows fresh air to enter. The cave is named after Günther Bernert. He was part of the first dive-group exploring the cave after hearing from local fishermen about the existence of the cave.

Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay include the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck (real name of the ship, Teru-Kaze Maru, was recently discovered by a group of Dutch divers, who spent a couple of days digging into bottom sand around the stern), Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck.

The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Zestair have daily flights from Manila – Coron – Manila. These depart Manila and land at the Busuanga Airport, flights take approximately an hour. It is recommend to book at least 10 days before departure, as the planes have a limited seating capacity.

BY SEA:

WG&A Superferry sails from Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor (behind Manila Hotel) to Coron, Busuanga on Friday nights and returns on Monday mornings, the trip is approximately 12 hours each way.

BOOK CORON HOTELS

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.

BOOK MISAMIS ORIENTAL HOTELS

Camiguin Island

Guinsiliban Beach Sunrise

Mt. Hibok Hibok

The Island

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.

Camiguin is in the Southern part of the Philippines,
North of Cagayan de Oro City.

GETTING THERE:

From Manila, you can take direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Air Philippines to Cagayan de Oro City. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City is even nearer -- a mere 30 minutes away. One can also take the longer but infinitely more exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor aboard the ships of WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the routes (sometimes they stop over at certain ports such as that of Cebu City, Iloilo City or Bacolod City), a ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro City usually takes 28 to 36 hours.

From Cagayan de Oro City airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.

You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban, also in Camiguin on board M/V Yuhum.

BOOK HOSTELS IN CAMIGUIN / BOOK HOTELS IN CAMIGUIN

Cagayan De Oro City

Macahambus Cave: Located just about 4 kilometers south of Cagayan de Oro city’s airport, this cave was a strategic location to several wars in the 20th century. It is a three chamber – two way cave, one end is beside the highway and the other exit is to a cliff overlooking the Cagayan de Oro River.

Whitewater Rafting at the Cagayan de Oro River: The stretch from Baraga Dansolihon to the city provides you with a panoramic view of the river’s rocky walls, untouched vegetation, and the sight of the resting haven of monkeys and snakes. It has breathtaking rapids that provide the more adventurous with thrills and challenges of rapids interval not less than 10-15 minutes of each other. Cagayan de Oro River has everything that makes for a memorable experience with awesome roar and power of water cascading over rocks and boulders.

A hut overlooking Mapawa Nature Park

• Gateway to Northern Mindanao
• ICT Goldmine of the Philippines
• City of White Water Rafting & River Trekking
• A City in Bloom, in Blossom, and in BOOM!
• Welcome to the City Of Golden Friendship!

Cagayan de Oro is a veritable goldmine for those in search of new tourist and investment destination.

The city has a reservoir of advantages: no typhoons all year round, rich agricultural environments, a broad consumer and manpower base, cheap and abundant power, strategically located internation seaports, modern telecommunication facilities, adequate infrastructure and a highly efficient educational system.

The city has a reservoir of advantages: no typhoons all year round, rich agricultural environments, a broad consumer and manpower base, cheap and abundant power, strategically located internation seaports, modern telecommunication facilities, adequate infrastructure and a highly efficient educational system.As the trade and service center of Northern Mindanao, the city is a prime location for cost-effective air, land and sea transit. Moreover, its striving business community and the necessary business support facilities makes the process of doing business relaxed and pleasurable.

The soundness of the Cagayan de Oro business climate as well as its metropolitan flavor combined with the warm and easy nature of the local people gives it a self-contained setting that motivated an increasing number expatriate business to stay in the city for good.

As an urban center with a regional market orientation, a high level of market sophistication and an economy closely intertwined with the economies of the entire region, the city is poised for planned, rapid and sustained growth.

ATTRACTION

Monigue Cave

Located at Barangay Mambuaya this city; the cave entrance is flowing water from underground stream. The cave has a small opening that seems too narrow to be passable, it has a six (6) inches airspace between ceiling and water that you have submerge yourselves one by one, equipped with a helmet and a waterproof cap lamp. The cave contains a beautiful sparkling formations which is called the CALCIUM CARBONATE (CaCO3) or CALCITES. These stalactites and stalagmites, white and brown, are sign of oxidized materials that take 50-60 years to form an inch. the cave is definitely spellbinding, There were formations of flowstone, gurpool-resembling, rice terraces, transparent crystals and pictureque speleothems, such as cathedral drapes and icons. Everything was simply beautiful and awesome.

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Malasag Eco-tourism Village

Capture the ethnic spirit of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village and Gardens. It is a fascinating living museum that showcase the different houses of the indigenous tribes of Northern Mindanao including some of its colorful flora and fauna.The village and gardens are set in picturesque Malasag Hills where one can walk in its winding paths and admire the breathtaking view of the city's coastline and the Macajalar Bay. Staffed by Lumads dressed in thier weaving, basket making and thier intricate dance steps.

Macahambus Adventure Park

A must place to visit when you're in Cagayan de Oro City the heart of the city and is 10 minutes away from the airport . Is the Macahambus Adventure Park that is located in Barangay Lumbia and Bayanga. It is only 25 minutes from the park has a lot to offer for thrill seekers.

Imagine yourself walking on a stay bridge amidst gigantic Century old tress and view the specular Macahambus Gorge below. the Sky Bridge is 120 meters long and 120 feet high. For added excitement, you can rappel down to the Gorge try our 120 meter Zip Line or Slide for Life. How's that added adrenaline rush? (This site is temporarily closed)

Entrance Fee: P300/person inclusive use of skybridge & zipline

F.s. Catanico Falls

Nature has blesssed the City with the wonder of F.S. Catanico Falls. Enhanced with moss green ferns, the partual raging Rapids keep pounding on giant boulders, rocks and pebbles. Beneath the clear blue waters. it has withstood the passage of changing seasons. It is only 30 minutes by car from the city proper.

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Mapawa Nature Park

Just a few minutes ride from the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is the enchanting Mapawa Nature Park. The Place has small waterfalls for swimming and nearby are picnic tables set under gigantic trees. the Mapawa Nature Park offers many wonderful activities for its visitor like;

A guide trek to the big water falls and a mini forest Horseback riding Camping, Rapelling, etc.

Macahambus Hill Cave

This is the site of famous Battle of Macahambus Hill which took place on June 4, 1900, the first Filipino victory against the Americans. The cave itself is a picturesque spot. today, it's a short cavern leads to a veranda that overlooks the meandering Cagayan River below. 200 meters away the Macahambus Gorge. This is actually the steep precipice where the enemy forces fell to thier deaths. Today, a flight of over a hundred steps leads down the floor of the gorge where there is an underground river that comesout from one cave to another cave. the cave is covered with a lush tropical arbor of forest growth.

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Pueblo De Oro Golf & Country Club

An 18 hole par 72 world class all weather championship Golf course designed by world renowed designer Robert Trent Jones II, It is complete with facilities & amenities- such as modern clubhouse, function rooms, pro-shop, driving range, practice putting greens and others.

Rodelsa Hall

Liceo de Cagayan University's threater with state-of-the-art acoustics and concert caliber pianos,and repository of antiques and heirlooms collected by one of the city's oldest families.

Xavier Museum

Inside the main campus of Xavier University is the Xavier Museum which houses important historical artifacts of Cagayan de Oro, including a human skeletal remain found at Huluga Cave, calibrated by the University of california in San Diego as dated 377 AD, one of the earliest known existence in the entire Mindanao. The Museum building was inaugurated by President Cory Aquino on July 6, 1986.

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Night Café And Night Market

This is a street party held at the City Golden Friendship Park (Divisoria) on Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM . It’s a street café set-up here one can have sumptuous native delicacies, mostly grilled food and cold, cold softdrinks and beer. Live bands provide good music and entertainment. Along the stretch of Divisoria, engage in repartee of spiraling or sliding prices of vintage or imitation clothes, shoes, accessories and gadgets at the Night Market.

Mc. Arthur Marker

Acting on the orders Pres. Roosevelt due to the request of the Australian Cabinet at Canberre. Gen. Douglas Ms Arthur with his family, wife jean, son Arthur with seventeen selected service men sailed on board pt boats for Mindanao en route to Australia Gen. Douglas Mc. Arthur will head the newly formed liberation forces of Australia . Evading Japanese forces, they docked at the old pier located at macabalan, Cagayan de Oro in March 13 ---- at 7:00 am after a short briefing with his men from the pt boats and awarded them with silver star for gallantry. They motored to Del Monte airtrip the only remaining free airtrip that time. He was accompanied by Breg. Gen. William Sharp, then the commamder of the visayan Mindanao forces, He flew to Australia on Board B-17 bomber plane.

Kagay-an Resort

Kagay-an Resort, the city’s weekend getaway, is the former Lawndale Spring Swimming Pools. The resort, newly redeveloped by the city government, has the biggest and deepest swimming pools in the city. The main pool has an area of 1,900 sq.m. and a depth ranging from three feet to 14 feet. The kiddie pool, with an area of 1,000 sq.m has a wading area of 1 foot and a swmming area from three to five feet deep. The pools are open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays. The resort has a 100- seater function hall, six big huts, six small huts, and picnic tables and benches spread in a 12.1 hectare area.. Entrance fee is P5 for adults and P2 for kids below 12 years old and senior citizens. This includes free use of the pools. Rental of cottages is P100 for the big hut and P50 for the small hut for a full day’s use. A set of table and two benches is at P25-35. The use of the huts and tables is on a first come, first served bases. No reservations are allowed. The fee for the use of the function hall is whole day ( from 7 am -6 pm only)P 2,000.00, and half day (7-12 noon or 12noon to 6 pm ) is P1,000. Reservation is required. The resort is in Sitio Taguanao, Barangay Indahag. It is 15 minutes away from the poblacion. To get there, take a jeepney plying the Taguanao-Cogon Market route. Jeepney terminal is in the Cogon Market vicinity.

Tourism Showhouse

The Tourism Showhouse showcases the best of Cagayan de Oro’s tourist related and oriented activities, most especially its whitewater rafting adventure. Run by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, it displays souvenir items. It is also where guests and locals alike can get information on where to go or take visitors as well how to get to places.

WHAT TO DO?

Whitewater River Rafting

There really is nothing quite like rafting down the Cagayan de Oro River. The stretch from Baraga Dansolihon to the city provides you with a panoramic view of the river's rocky walls, untouched vegetation, and the sight of the resting haven of monkeys and snakes. It has breathtaking rapids that provide the more adventurous with thrills and challenges of rapids interval not less than 10-15 minutes of each other. Cagayan de Oro River has everything that makes for a memorable experience with awesome roar and power of water cascading over rocks and boulders.

Pinoy River Rafting (tubing)

Tubing- Unlike rafting, where the passenger need to paddle, the guest here will just sit and enjoy the two and a half hour tubing trip. Age range of guests is from 2 years to 70+ years old. To be able to join this activity, swimming skills, no fear of water and ability to follow instructions is not a required trait.

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White Water Kayaking

White Water Kayaking in Cagayan de Oro river, Philippines is a totally different experience compared to whitewater rafting. The thrill and excitement is more intense than rafting because you are on your own. It's a confidence building experience from put-in to take-out point. But we do it as safe as possible. To a kayaker pro, just try Cagayan de Oro river and other undiscovered kayaking river in Misamis Oriental. You'll be grinning from put-in to take-out.

We provide kayaking tuition, orientation, and safety points before we allow any client to kayak any Cagayan de Oro river runs. Safety gears such as Helmet, Personal Floating Device (PFD), and Sprayskirt/Thighstrap are provided otherwise no one is allowed to do any kayak runs. We always limit our clients to kayakguide ratio of 5:1 to further the safety effectiveness.

Where & What to Eat?

• Peking House: for authentic Chinese dishes, this is the one place you should go. Located at Gaisano Mall, you can have a sumptuous array of food for only $4. Their specialties are: Pansit and Lumpia Shanghai. • Sentro 1850: Great tasting tenderloin steaks you will surely find here. It’s cheap too- you can eat to your heart’s content for only about $10. You can find this restaurant along Don Apolinar Velez Street. • P Joe’s Diner: American food at its finest, you can find P Joe’s along Limketkai Center. Good steaks, burgers and fries and pizza. • Golden Arirang: The best Korean restaurant in town. You can try their Kimchi because it is better than most. Don’t order too much though as they tend to serve a lot of side dishes. They are located at Claro M. Recto Avenue. • Kagay-anon Restaurant: Located at Limketkai Center, they cook authentic Filipino dishes plus you can also sample their ostrich meat cooked in a variety of ways, which is also one of the things this city is famous for.

Nightlife

If you happen to be there during the weekend, don’t miss out on the famous Night Café which is open only on Fridays and Saturdays. You can have some beer and grilled food. You also get to interact with other tourists and locals, as well as experience Cagayan’s street party. The city also has lots of family KTV bars such as M2 and Loreto’s. And a popular hangout for yuppies would be The Site at Limketkai Center.

Getting There

The fastest way to get to Cagayan de Oro is by plane. There are flights from Manila and Cebu daily through airlines: Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Philippine Airlines and other airlines such as Asian Spirit that have small planes. There are also ferry boat trips and fast crafts from Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, and other cities. Buses for those who are just within Mindanao area are also available.

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