Cagayan De Oro Trip: Rafting Makes It Complete

Recently, there’s a local TV network that aired a recent survey of the top 10 livable cities in the Philippines.  Cagayan wasn’t there, most probably because of its location (the feared Mindanao).  But setting upon Cagayan for the first time (although I grew up in its neighboring province), my first impression of it was its livable quality – there are good places for shopping, nice hang out venues, smooth traffic, and lots of wonderful places to eat!  And most importantly, its famous ‘kagay’ or river is there for those adventurous in spirit, for some rapids escapade. 

Getting there and getting around

            CDO was the second stop of our four-day trip to northern Mindanao.  If you’re travelling on your own terms, no bookings on any tour or travel agencies, then upon arrival at the Laguindingan Airport, your great adventure will commence in excitement.  To get to CDO proper, you can do the following:

1. Take a taxi to the city.  The ride will cost you between Php200 to Php3oo, depending on the taxi.  No meter is used for taxis to and from airport. Probably because the airport is new and quite far from the city. Or you can do the next suggestion.
2. Take a taxi out of the airport to the main road or opt for a cheaper motorcycle ride (habal-habal) Php50 for two people.
3. From the main road, you can wait for the bus to get to the city.  The bus fare must be approximately around Php50.  (I don’t know  exactly, we didn’t take the bus to Cagayan from the airport.  But we did take a bus from Iligan to Cagayan, and it was only Php86.  So in my approximation, that would be the fare.)  Again, take the first bus that arrives.  But if you’re in no hurry, take the air-conditioned type for more comfort.
4. Php7 is the regular jeepney fare there, just so you know.  You will most likely go malling there.

Ambience

            It’s a small city so you can expect some peace and quiet, not the hustle and bustle of   bigger cities.  The city is not known for minor thefts like pick-pocketing that usually tourists in other places become a victim of.  So, it feels safe to be carrying around precious gadgets.  I even left my small bag with my wallet and iphone in it in the jeepney service while rafting.  It’s a convenient place to be.  Everything is accessible through their comfortable tricycles, and they’re everywhere.

Accommodation

            If you’re staying for more than a day and knows no one to stay for the night(s), Cagayan de Oro has very affordable hotels for budget travelers.  There are accommodations that offer at least Php300 a night or Php150 for 12 hours for single rooms. They just double the amount for twin rooms.   You can expect they can be cramped but they come very clean, with cable TV, room service, and excellent free WIFI!  Along Divisoria, you can check out a cheap hotel there with many food stores right below the place.  Along  Yakapin Street,  there are more suites for you to choose from.  We stayed in one of them and it’s called D’Morvies Suites.

Things to do

1. Yes, as I mentioned in #4 tip for getting around, you can go malling in Cagayan de Oro.  The oldest and biggest mall is Lim Ket Kai.  There’s also an Ayala Mall nearby, which is right across Gaisano Mall.  Near the old airport, SM Mall stands away from the city center.  Shopping for your needs is no problem here. 
2. You can also tour around and visit Gaston Park right in the middle of the city.  Next to it is the St. Agustine Metropolitan Church and in front of the church are a lot of flower stalls where, if you like to surprise a special someone with you on a trip, you can buy affordable flowers to give.  They also have big public markets in case you want to feel the vibes of the locals.
3. Go Whitewater rafting!  Cagayan de Oro trip is not complete without it.  To try this, it is recommended that you book ahead of time.  Beginners take the Pph700 worth experience.  Beginners like me pass through 21 rapids of fun.  It’s nothing to be scared about.  It’s totally safe, the guides are really humorous, you get to meet fellow travelers, and it’s full of thrill, so the 3-hour beginners’ ride will pass very quickly. Afterward, you can also get copies of everybody’s photos and videos in a CD for only Php250.  One more thing: The water is CLEARer in the summer but SHALLOWer compared to the water level and color after the Philippine summer (March-June). Check out this site for more info and reservations: kagaycagayandeororafting.com .  This is where we booked ourselves.

4. Restaurant hopping.  You can try that in malls or even along the streets.  Cagayanons love to eat and there are a lot of good restaurants you can choose from.  Cagayan is the home of known restaurants in the country like Bigby’s.
5. Buy Pastels for pasalubong.  There’s a whole sale shop on Tiano Street, next to Yakapin street.

Must try

Aside from whitewater rafting, you should try drinking and eating buko there.  Not that it has any special taste compared to bukos of other parts of the country.  It’s just that their bukos are prepared cleverly that after drinking the juice, you can just eat the meat conveniently.  Smart. 

Something Unforgettable

Well, what else could it be? The rapids!