Known as the City of Friendship, Cagayan de Oro or simply CDO is not only a place of friendship, but is also a place of hidden paradise, panoramic sceneries, and adventurous spots that will satisfy the itchy feet of every traveler. Cagayan de Oro is an urbanized city and is a province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao region of the Philippines.
Just like any other places in the country, Cagayan de Oro has kept historic treasures and old gems that define the Philippines as you know it now. Also, tourism has never been a downfall in CDO because of its sites that are richly blessed by nature. Tempted to visit CDO? Here are the top 13 places you must visit.
Cagayan de Oro River
Cagayan de Oro River – image credit
Yes, that’s right. We urge you to visit Cagayan de Oro river first before any other wonderful spots of CDO. The Department of Tourism of the Philippines proudly promotes the Cagayan de Oro River and its extreme and heart-pounding white water rafting. The water rafting experience is classified in three class: the class I being the easy (light rapids and manageable terrains), class II being the moderate class (intense and fun), and class III being the extreme (terrifying, challenging, and technically the most fun class). The water rafting adventure is best enjoyed with intrepid peers!
For rafting courses and packages, check out this website.
Rafting at the Cagayan de Oro River
Macahambus Gorge
Macahambus Adventure Park
Macahambus Gorge is a spectacular cave loved by several tourists because of the natural wonders it offers. Macahambus Gorge, also known as Macahambus Cave, is a home for a colony of bats. This historical and beautiful site is perfect for the agile and fit travelers who are ready to take steps in the steep trail and stairs. You will enjoy taking selfies and photos of the verdant forest and façade of rocks while trekking the cave. Following the path, you will be brought to an open-air veranda where you can enjoy the surreal panoramic view of the Cagayan de Oro River and other fields of greeneries. There you will also have the experience to cross the hanging bridge – one that’s worth bragging to other adventure seekers.
Address: Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 88 310 8226
General MacArthur’s Marker
Erects in the edge of Macabalan Wharf, McArthur’s Marker is one of the best sites to visit in Cagayan de Oro. It is dedicated forGeneral Douglas McArthur, a five-star general and the Philippines’ field marshal during the Pacific wars. General McArthur played a significant role in strengthening the bond between Americans and Filipinos against the Japanese rule. There stands a massive replica of McArthur’s five-star military cap. The giant cap is supported by five gigantic gold stars that indicate the military position of Gen. McArthur.
In the heart of this open structure, is a glass-box that features a replica of the boat boarded by McArthur and his family. The prominent McArthur landed on Macabalan Wharf before routing to Australia where he announced his valued words “I shall return [to the Philippines].” In 1944, McArthur made his words true when he landed to Leyte (where another monument was built for him).
Address: General MacArthur Marker, Julio Pacana Street, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental, Philippines
High Ridge
Beautiful view from High Ridge – image credit
On the hilltop of Aluba is the famed High Ridge, one of the best place to overlook the urban city of Cagayan de Oro. It was initially built for commercialization but was then turned into a public park. For only Php100, consummable (approximately $2.00), you can have a breathtaking experience on the peak. You can go with your peers, your fam, your dear one, or go solo. Feel the fresh air and serenity! The place is clean and well-maintained. The management requires a dress code and prohibit some items.
Address: Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 943 708 5492
Hugo Sky Lounge
Sky Lounge lets you breathe fresh air and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Located in Indahag in CDO, Sky Lounge is among the high places to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the whole town. Sky Lounge is best visited in twilight time of the day. In the night, the bright city lights mimic the stars above. Sky Lounge has a bar where you can order your favorite cocktail and a live band to serenade your ears while enjoying your view. The site is being improved to offer a better experience to local and international travelers.
Address: Indahag, Cagayan De Oro City 9000 Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro City Museum
Cagayan de Oro City Museum – image credit
Just as I have mentioned, Cagayan de Oro is not only a sojourn of grandeur showplace but is also a locale of impressive historical collections that will give you knowledge of the ethnicity and culture of Cagayan de Oro and of the country as well. One of the best things about this museum is it is free for all – which means, there is really no reason for you to miss this spot. This museum is worth visiting even just for pictures and prints.
Address: Fernandez St, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Xavier Museum – Museo De Oro
xavier museum – Museo De Oro – image credit
Another place to have a blast to the past is the Xavier Museum. Quite similar to the Cagayan de Oro City Museum, the Xavier Museum, however, displays historical treasures in a greater degree. Frequented by many travelers, students, and the curious individuals, you will enjoy taking photographs of the timeworn artifacts and tattered collections that show the culture and arts of the indigenous natives of Cagayan de Oro.
Address: Xavier University, Corrales Ave, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Opol Beach
Opol Beach CDO – image credit
One of the must-visit coastline in Cagayan de Oro, Opol Beach offers fresh breeze and relaxing sound of a splash. The beach, frankly, is not the best beach in the world nor it has the finest sand. But the coast will offer you serenity and tranquility the urban city cannot ever provide. The Opol Beach is a perfect place to get away from the noise of the city and to have a peaceful and tranquil moment where you get to enjoy the breeze and the sea.
Address: Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
F.S Catanico Falls
S Catanico Falls
The Catanico Falls offer ambiance and relaxation to the travel buffs. There you will get to commune with the green jungle, gigantic cascades and to the clear and crisp stream of cold water that is totally worth a snap of your camera. You can enjoy an open picnic, or you can just saunter the place and look for good shots. Not really much thing to do – which is perfect for those who want to meditate. It is also the perfect place to feel the sound of the forest – noise of the running water, the birds, insects, and the trees.
Address: Catanico Falls, Cagayan de Oro
Eden Solace
There’s nothing more relaxing than watching the sun go up the sky and down to the horizon. Eden Solace is one of the best places to enjoy the dawn and dusk. Up there, you will have a panoramic, or should I add, dramatic view of Cagayan de Oro and its beautiful azure sky that are worth a snap of your camera. In the night, you will be filled with awe with the stars above. The cold windy air will caress your face, linger your hair, and perhaps, keep your senses awake and happy. A place a traveler should not miss! Why not take your love one up there?
Mapawa Nature Park
Mapawa Nature Park – image credit
Mapawa Nature Park offers fun activities, lush of greens and trees, a fortress of mesmerizing flora, and a splash of green and regal water pool from the mountain source. Take a break from the hustle of the city and enjoy yourself in this little paradise. A little improvement to the place and it will be perfect! But not really a concern for the plucky, the place will take your mind to calmness and solidarity.
Address: Kabi Building, 33 JV Seriña Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Centrio Mall
Centrio Mall – CDO
A great place to do some spending and eating, Centrio Mall has a variety of stores and restaurants for your shopping galore and food-hopping mission. The spacious and airy mall will keep you cool, while the indoor garden will refresh you (probably from the stress of extravagant spending). There is also a little park frequented by kids and families.
Address: Centrio Mall, Capt. Vicente Roa St, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Plaza Divisoria
Plaza Divisoria – Flickr
In the middle of the busy downtown, you will locate the Golden Friendship Park, also known as the Plaza Divisoria. The park is dedicated to the fallen heroes and brave individuals of the country who has fought in the havocs of World War II. In the night, the plaza turns bright and gold because of the glow and lights of the lampposts. In Friday and Saturday nights, the streets of Plaza Divisoria transform into a paradise of bazaar where you can enjoy purchasing street foods and dry goods in a bargain!
Address: RN Abejuela Street, Tirso Neri St, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines