In Iligan - Here's How to See the Place One Day When in a Hurry! And more~

Yeah, it was one day in a hurry, especially because it was the first leg of a four-day trip I had with a friend.  So we had to make full use of our limited time.  Well, I realized it’s alright to have a good taste of Iligan in just about eight hour-time.  How to? Here’s some insight.

Getting there and getting around

            If you’re travelling on your own terms, no bookings on any tour or travel agencies, then upon arrival at the Laguindingan Airport (the nearest port, situated in Cagayan de Oro), your great adventure will commence in excitement.  To get to Iligan, you can do the following:

1. Take a taxi out of the airport to the main road or opt for a cheaper motorcycle ride (habal-habal) Php50 for two people.
2. Take “Super Five” Bus as they called the air-conditioned ones.  They are non-stop and you get to Iligan in approximately one hour and 15 minutes.  It takes a little longer if the bus is not air-conditioned.  It’s not that the aircon is adding speed. LOL. It’s just that, non-airconditioned buses have lots of stop-over. We took the first approaching bus coz we’re in a hurry and we ended up arriving longer than expected because it was non-aircon type.
3. Hungry because of an early flight? No worries. There are a lot of known fast food restaurants in Iligan City.  So be sure to drop by, eat, and then go wherever you’re headed to.
4. Php7.00 is the regular jeepney fare there, just so you know.  Planning to go to Maria Cristina Falls? There are jeepneys that can take you there for Php15 fare.  These jeepneys take passengers near the city hall.
5. Iligan is abundant with waterfalls. Planning to have waterfalls tour?  No ride? No worries.  You can hire motorcycle drivers to tour you around for Php300-Php600, depending on how many waterfalls you’re planning to see.  We just went to two famous waterfalls, so we hired a ride for Php300 only.  You can find them around the corner of NPC Nature Park

Ambience

            It’s typically serene around the city.  Not much noise, not much pollution.  In the outskirts where the natural attractions are mostly found, a countryside feel is very dominant. 

Things to do

1. Yes, as I mentioned in #5 tip for getting around, go for waterfalls tour.  Iligan is abundant of this nature’s bounty.  Two famous waterfalls not to miss are TINAGO and MARIA CRISTINA.

a.      Maria Cristina Falls is in National Power Corporation’s (NPC’s) Nature Park.  Aside from seeing the esteemed waterfall, you can do fun and exciting activities there, all nature-related adventures. Entrance fee is Php30 and a shuttle fee is also Php30.

b.      Tinago Falls is about 15 minutes away from NPC's Nature Park by motorcycle.  You have to take 365 steps going down to take pleasure at the sight of the falls and to take a refreshing plunge at its cool water.  Climbing down 365 steps is hard but climbing up that high is way harder.  But well, that is a big part of this adventure. No entrance fee there but you may as well spare some amount for their donation box.

2. The Ancestral House of the maternal side of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is also worth a visit.  The house is well-maintained and has a bright atmosphere.  Whether you’re a fan of her or not, the house can give a glimpse of her early life.  No entrance fee also, just a donation box.

       3.  Of course, buy Chedeng's Roasted Peanut for Pasalubong.

Must try

Baniling Lechon Manok across the Ancestral House of Macapagals.  Unexpectedly tasty. Believe me.

Observations

Iliganons are soft-spoken and very nice to strangers and visitors.  Despite the fact that most outsiders already considered it as “danger zone” in Mindanao, the locals there can make you feel so safe and secure.  Isn’t that amazing?

Something Unforgettable

Well, what else could it be? The 365 climb up and down of Tinago Falls!

my companion, taking a break half-way down there