For those who travel and escape the humidity of Summer, yes, its that season once again. Below are some of the more popular destinations in Mindanao, Philippines:
1. Camiguin- just one hour and forty minutes travel from Cagayan de Oro City. Some of the Places to visit in Camiguin:
a. Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery – Located in Bonbon, Catarman. The marker commemorates the sinking of a community located in the area due to the volcanic eruption in 1871.
b. Katibawasan Falls – a 250-feet falls pours ice-cold water to a man-made rock pool surrounded by ferns, orchids and other flora. I took a dip once and swore the water’s freezing, yes, even in summer.
c. Mantigue Island – a separate island from Camiguin of about 3 kilometers. Ideal for snorkeling and diving. When we were there were no cottages and sheds built, thus the entire island maintained its unsullied beauty. I hope it is still the same until now.
d. Ardent Hot Spring – it’s the locals version of hot spa. Located in Mambajao. There are picnic huts and tables surrounding the lagoon.
e. White Island – powdery sand takes your breath away. Only makeshift bamboo and palm sheds dot the stretch of white sand. Boats for hire ferry passengers to and from the main island. Of course you need to bring your own food, because based from experience the food they sell there are so expensive.
f. Cold Spring – located in Catarman, camiguin – with picnic huts and tables and facilities for visitors and tourists.
2. Cagayan de Oro City - located in Northern Mindanao, this city has daily one hour flights from Manila. Some of the Places to visit in Cagayan de Oro:
a. Malasag Eco-Tourism Village – established in the late 90s, this living museum showcases the different houses of the indigenous tribes of Northern Mindanao. The gardens include some of the beautiful flora and fauna. And the site offers a breathtaking view of Macajalar Bay, staffed by Lumads dressed in their traditional garb.
b. Macahambus Adventure Park – about 15 minutes away from the airport, offers a variety of things to do, such as a suspended bridge hanging between huge trees, rapelling down a gorge 120 meter down.
c. River rafting – the only river rafting destination in the Philippines with yearound navigable caourse ranging from Class II-III-IV estimated three hours run. Make sure to wear sports leggings because you don’t want your thighs to be sunburned. My friend Tee had extreme burns across her thigh for wearing skimpy shorts while rafting.
d. Tubing – if you don’t like paddling, you can try the pinoy-style river rafting where your guide will do the hard work of paddling for three hours while you enjoy the scenic Cagayan de oro River.
3. Bukidnon – situated in North Central Mindanao, much of the province is very fertile and on a high flat terrain. It always rains in Bukidnon, so if you’re there be sure to have a spare jacket or umbrella. Some Places to see while in Bukidnon:
a. Monastery of the Transfiguration – located in Malaybalay City designed by the late National Artist Leandro Locsin. What struck me was the ecumenical design of the altar. No statues, no distinguishing mark that would identify it as one religion. But what you see inside is one big rock, that serves as the altar. And of course, they have the Monk’s Brew. Locally grown coffee by the Benedictine Monks.
b. Mt. Kitanglad National Park – located in Sumilao with an area of 40,176 hectares, it features diversified flora and fauna. As with other National Parks, it has strict Park Rules that everyone is enjoined to follow.
c. Mangima canyon - located in Manolo Fortich, the zigzag road offers some scenic view of the mountainside.
d. Panyak cave – located in Sumilao, gave me my first experience of actually seeing stalactites and stalagmites up close.
e. Napalit Lake – located in Pangantucan, measures about 36 hectares with twenty four islets with varying sizes.
4. Davao – located at the Southeastern part of Mindanao with a land area of 2,443.61. this province is huge. Subsequently, roads are slightly bigger than the rest of the major cities in Mindanao.
a. Philippine Eagle Foundation – sanctuary of the world’s largest eagle located in malagos, calinan district.
b. Crocodile Park – it features giant crocodiles, snakes and colorful butterflies. With facilities for recreation and relaxation.
c. Pearl farm – located in Samal island, once a thriving resort where white, pink and gold pearls are cultured from oysters coming from Sulu.
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