Are you feeling adventurous? Cagayan de Oro City is the perfect place for you! Whether on a two-hour flight or a two-month backpacking trip, traveling is always exciting. If you're planning a trip to the Philippines, there's no more exciting place to go than Cagayan de Oro.
Cagayan de Oro combines the excitement of the city with the serenity of nature—and it can be just as fun to watch people or look at art as it is to go zip lining or visit waterfalls. Here are the top activities that you should definitely try during your stay in Cagayan de Oro!
Where is Cagayan de Oro located in the Philippines?
Cagayan de Oro City is Mindanao's center for business, trade, information technology, and adventure tourism. In fact, it has established itself as the most important convention center in Visayas and Mindanao. Those arranging conventions or similar events can choose from various venues, including significant convention halls and low-cost training centers. It is known as the "City of Golden Opportunities" and is the regional growth capital of Northern Mindanao, as well as the region's investment emphasis. It also serves as a transshipment center for agricultural and industrial goods from neighboring regions.
Fun Things to do in CDO
Check out this list of must-do activities and add them to your calendar! For a convenient vacation, the majority of the activities on the list are accessible through public transportation. Let's explore Cagayan de Oro, where adventure awaits, and a relaxing stretch of beach is just a short distance away.
Take a nature walk at Mt. Kitanglad
One of the best things about Cagayan de Oro is how close it is to nature. It's not far from Mt Kitanglad, a beautiful mountain that's part of the Diwata Mountain Range. The area around the mountain is home to some 350 species of birds, six species of flying lizards, and 15 bat species. Hikers and nature lovers will adore Mt Kitanglad and its wildlife.
Whitewater Rafting
This is an activity that should be on your to-do list! Experience whitewater rafting at the Cagayan de Oro River. If you're an adrenaline junkie, this is a fun activity for you as you get to ride through foaming rapids and cascading waters, not to mention gorgeous scenery to behold. You will never forget the first time you see a river like the Cagayan de Oro River for the first time.
It's an adventure-filled activity that you, your friends, and your family should try. As you paddle, yell, and laugh, you'll be splashed with water and see a variety of lush green trees and breathtaking landscapes.
Over 25 rapids await you and your crew, with expert guides guiding you and your group for navigation and safety. So, if you or a member of your crew falls, don't be concerned; it's all part of the experience. This adventure is suitable for all levels of crafters, including beginners. There are also rapids for advanced rafters or those who have already done some river rafting and wish to try something new.
White Water Tubing
If you're more of a leisurely vacationer but still love feeling like you're on the edge of your seat, try white water tubing! You'll ride through rapids with your crew and enjoy a good dose of adrenaline without having to put in any effort.
It's deep, it's rushing, and it's ready to give you one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Make sure to bring friends who are up for an adventure and get ready to go tubing.
Waterpark enjoyment
The majority of us want an easily accessible water park that is only a few minutes away from the city! Enjoy the summer with your entire family, especially if you're in the city. Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort has a number of thrilling, action-packed, gigantic water slides to try. There's a lot to select from and sample, but you'll have a great time touring Shipwreck Island, Treasure Island, and the Pirate Lookout Tower at the resort.
The Buccaneer Bay, the longest water park slide in Mindanao and the Philippines' largest dual wave pool, is located at Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort.
Gliding adventure
If you enjoy extreme sports and enjoy the sky, then this journey is for you! Paragliding in Sierra del Oro is a great way to feel like you're soaring. This exhilarating and exciting event is a must-try for everyone seeking adventure.
Paragliding at Sierra del Oro, as extreme as it may appear, can be enjoyed by anyone, even beginners.
Experience Asia’s Longest Dual Zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park
If you think Paragliding is too much, you can always go and try Asia's Longest Dual Zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park, located at Manolo Fortich in the province of Bukidnon. Approximately 45 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro and just 25 minutes away from Bria Homes Manolo Fortich. Take a road trip with your friend and head to the launch pad set at 4,700 feet above sea level, and enjoy a thrilling ride at 90 kph.
However, if you're not a fan of zip lines, you can still enjoy the cool weather with your family or friends during your day trip to Dahilayan Adventure Park.
Major Events in Cagayan de Oro
Not into adventure? No worries! There are plenty of other things to keep you busy during your stay.
Join the Higalaay Festival in August
The Higalaay Festival, also known as the "Friendship Festival," is Cagayan de Oro's signature event. It takes place on August 28th, the feast day of St. Augustine, the city's patron saint. They have the country's longest culinary exhibition, a colorful parade of floats and icons, and magnificent pyrotechnics to finish the evening.
Competitions in street dance enliven the city as well. If you're looking to celebrate with a lively crowd and bright costumes, you'll fit right in.
Visit the Divine Mercy Shrine
Don't forget to pay a visit to the Divine Mercy Shrine. The 50-foot towering statue of Jesus Christ is the city's most outstanding landmark. The "rays" emanating from the statue's body are thought to be a staircase that leads the faithful up to Him.
The view at the top of the stairwell or the 'chamber of devotion' is breathtaking. You'll find a healing chapel if you go down to the statue's base.
Take a Mindanao culinary trip
CDO is delighted to be Mindanao's culinary destination for dining and entertainment. The Kagay-anon Restaurant, Thai Me Up, and Pryce Plaza Hotel are three local establishments that have earned national acclaim. Taste the city's Ostrich meat, first-class steaks, Lechon de Leche, and the legendary "Pigok" fish, a Cagayan de Oro River specialty that is only available during certain seasons.
Visit museums, parks, and churches
Visit the Farolan Heritage Mansion, which was once the home of one of Cagayan de Oro's founding fathers. You can also visit the Paseo del Rio and Divisoria Market, where you'll find fresh produce and local handicrafts to bargain clothing shops.
Traveling in the Philippines is always a joy, but it can be overwhelming to decide where to go when so many beautiful cities and towns to explore. Cagayan de Oro, on the northern coast of Mindanao Island, is one such place.
Accommodations in CDO
The city can accommodate guests of all types, with a variety of lodging options ranging from budget to standard to luxury hotels.
Investing in Cagayan de Oro may have come to mind as a result, or it may not. But, in any case, Vista Residences is confident that you'll want to try at least some of the activities mentioned above. Vista Residences will take care of you if you wish to live in CdO. Exploring CdO would never be a problem with the amenities and affordability of our condo homes.
With Vista Residences, you can take advantage of all that the city offers while enjoying the comfort and security of a condo. Why live in a cramped apartment when you can have an entire building dedicated to making your stay in Cagayan de Oro one to remember?
The best part about living in a condo in CDO is that it puts you within walking distance of everything you could possibly want or need. Whether you're looking for restaurants and bars, shopping centers and malls, or just some peace and quiet in the park, there are so many options that staying in isn't an option!
Thinking of investing in a condo in Cagayan de Oro? checkout The Loop by Vista Residences in Limketkai CDO.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.