Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental: Tourist Spots

The thrilling white water rafting is the main attraction and destination in Cagayan de Oro City. But, did you know that they are also  known as the "City of the Golden Friendship?" Though there's a language barrier, I totally agree that they are the city of friendship because I was able to experience such hospitality from the jeepney driver and the taho vendor I met. By the way, nothing special happened during my stay here. Since it's the center of Northern Mindanao, transportation to my next destination (Bukidnon) is not a problem. It is also the gateway to the province of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan and the city of Davao.

Iligan City Tourist Spots

1. Tinago Falls

I met Jan Jan, a habal driver/tour guide. Got his contact number on facebook. Our first destination was the famous Tinago Falls. Getting here via habal is simple because the roads are paved but tourists need to walk on the concrete staircase down to the waterfalls area - hhhmm, maybe it's more than 200 steep steps. Anyways, the picturesque surrounding Tinago Falls is breathtaking and the flow of the waters are spectacular. Though, there are tourists during my visit, the ambiance in the area is remains calm and the sound of the rushing water is very relaxing. There are greens in every corner, so the breeze is cool and fresh. How about experiencing the thrill by riding on the water raft to the base of the waterfalls? It is possible, bamboo rafts can be rented from the locals. By the way, "Tinago" literally  translates to "hidden" in English.

Pulang Bato Falls

Pulang Bato Falls is one of the top tourist spots in Valencia, Negros Oriental. It is a 30 feet waterfalls with a unique picturesque because the limestone walls by the water is covered with red due to sulfur deposits. By the way, its name literally translates to "red rock" in English. This waterfall is surrounded by beautiful landscape, including the man-made hanging bridge and colorful ornaments.

Cambugahay Falls

The Cambugahay Falls is the top tourist attraction in Lazi, Siquijor. It is a 3-tiered waterfall with a free flowing cool and crystal clear waters. The area is surrounded with luscious greens that create a relaxing ambiance. If you want a thrilling experience, why not try the prominent "tarzan swing." Get a water massage! Water raft can be rented, with a local, to go to the spot where the waters are falling. Brace yourself because the sound of the rushing water will make your day a lazy day. Also, locals are great photographers.

HAGONOY ISLAND, Surigao del Sur - a 2024 Travel Guide

Be transformed as you meditate at the garden of vines that heals every soul’s weary at the Hagonoy Island – that’s their slogan here. This islet is really small, just a hundred meters long or maybe less but has a fine white sand shore and surrounded by crystal clear waters. Hagonoy is an islet with few coconuts and trees, so expect for a darker skin tone after your visit because of the sun rays. It is the cutest among Britania Group of Islets.

Danao Adventure Park

The Plunge or a canyon swing is an extreme activity that is now climbing to be one of the top tourist spots and destinations in Danao, Bohol. Situated in the area where the longest Philippine Revolutionary Movement took place, led by Francisco Dagohoy, a Boholano hero. The boulders and limestone formations in the area might have witnessed the most important stage of how these Boholano heroes plotted the revolution against the Spaniards. Today, the facility is being run by the local government and it is a center of Eco-tourism, recreation and adventure in the province awaiting to be discovered.

Alubihod Beach

The white sand shoreline of Alubihod Beach.

After Trappist Monastery, we headed to Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia. Travelling to this gorgeous beach via habal is easy because the roads are all concrete. I was welcomed by the courteous staff of Raymen Beach Resort. Settled the entrance fee and walked to the beach area. The shoreline is pretty in its own way. The picturesque is Instagram-worthy because of the rock formation highlighted by the creamy white sand with corals and pebbles. The ambience by the beach is relaxing because the sea breeze is cool.

Guisi Lighthouse, Guimaras

Touching the walls of Guisi Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran is the most exciting part of my backpacking in Guimaras. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, lighted up for the first time in 1894. This structure was erected in the 18th century to guide the mariners passing by the waters of Ilo-Ilo and Guimaras. Its structure is made of metal from France, tisa from Portugal and cement from England. The floor plan, based on the ruins, is similar to Burgos Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte and the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erect. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the cool sea breeze.

Location, How to Get Here, My Travel to Guimaras: 

The nearest airport in Guimaras is in Ilo-Ilo City. From the airport, take a cab to Parola Port (the gateway to Guimaras). In my case, since I stayed in Ong Bun Pension House Ilo-Ilo City, I followed the instructions provided by the guard. Just two blocks away, I rode in the jeepney with ARU/GPU signboard and alighted by the entrance of Parola Port, for a minimum fare. Then, bought a ferry ticket bound for Guimaras Wharf. The dock and go of the ferries are continues every 30 minutes. The travel time from the port to Guimaras is only 15 minutes.

GUIMARAS TOURIST SPOTS: The Smallest Plaza - a 2021 travel guide

The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines is located in Guimaras, the first tourist destination we visited. It was also the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title. From the port of Guimaras, it's 15 to 20 minutes habal ride. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters area with the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the middle, and right beside the highway and residents houses. According to Kuya Ken, my habal driver/tour guide, during their annual fiesta, all the attendees are being fit into this small plaza. This means that this tiny plaza also witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.

Tappiya Falls, Banaue, Ifugao - a Travel Guide

In the middle of the mountains of Ifugao, we found a hidden gem called Tappiya Falls situated in "Batad," a secluded village in Banaue. Getting to this majestic beauty includes 7 to 12 hours land travel and 2 hours trekking. It's a bit challenging but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape that can only be found in this region, including the world famous Batad Rice Terraces. Not just artistic in creating the terraces, the people of Batad also know how to value and preserve whatever their ancestors left, such as their rituals.