By A Not So Secret Life and Randomly Candid
Known as the “City of Golden Friendship”, Cagayan De Oro is a gem for adventure seekers. As a “Gateway to Northern Mindanao” this city serves gateway to different areas in the South such as Davao, General Santos, Iligan and Bukidnon, among others.
More than the popular white water rafting and side trip to Camiguin Island, there are still a lot of adventures to experience in CDO.
Though we’ve been to Mindanao before, It always feels like the first time because of the diverse offerings and adventures offered by every province and city.
Here are some of the places in CDO you must visit to make your trip worthwhile and more enjoyable.
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High Ridge
If you want to have a panoramic view of CDO, then High Ride is the place you should go to. Located in Macasandig, High Ridge can be reached by renting a taxi. However, there are some taxi drivers who would not dare to go there because of the very steep road, especially when it’s raining. High Ridge also offers free shuttle service from Macasandig Covered Court but only has three trips every day.
The best time to go to High Ridge is right before sunset as it will give you a nice view of CDO. You can also enjoy good food while having the skyline of the city as your backdrop. Entrance fee at High Ridge costs P100 which is consumable for food and drinks.
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Dahilayan Adventure Park
Located in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Dahilayan Adventure Park is about two hours away from CDO. Dahilayan Adventure Park is the home of Asia’s longest dual zipline.
It’s a perfect destination for those who want a nature-themed adventure. With climate comparable with that of Baguio, pine trees are all over the place. Spice up your experience by staying in one of the villas or enjoy the outdoors camping.
Dahilayan Adventure Park houses a number of amenities perfect for you to have a memorable family adventure, but the highlighted attractions would have to be the Skytower Base Jump, 12-ft. Freefall Dropzone, Flying Lizard Canopy Ride, Python Roller Zipride, and Ropes Course – all offering different levels of adrenaline rush.
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Mapawa Nature Park
Mapawa Nature Park is another haven for nature lovers. This 2,500-hectare property in Malasag, Cagayan De Oro is being protected, conserved and sustained.
Here, you can trek and enjoy the different tree varieties, some of them already centuries old, at the Park’s Tree Nursery. Different flora and fauna are exhibited in their natural habitat. You can also go camping as the park has a camping site and a pool where visitors can spend a night to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
The Pinnacle, a viewing deck located at the highest point of the property, offers a grand view of the beautiful green environment.
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Amaya View
Amaya View is one of the newest tourist destinations in CDO. While High Ridge offers a scenic view of the city’s skyline, Amaya View, on the other hand, provides a picturesque view of the mountains that surround CDO.
Going there is very convenient as there are vans en route to Indahag where Amaya View is located. The highlights of the destination are: Infinity Pool called “Azul” located beside a cliff; “Willy’s Place”, an adventure park where you can enjoy various activities such as wall climbing, zipline and rope challenges; Noah’s Arc where both live animals and life-sized figures can be found; and the Hobbit Houses which can accommodate guests staying overnight.
To those who love extreme sports, Amaya View also offers paragliding. Jump off the cliff with a parachute and enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain ranges.
CDO is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. With the extreme adventures that we have experienced here, we’ll surely look for more the next time we visit.
