Sights: A Stunning Adventure in CAGAYAN DE ORO - BUKIDNON

For those who seeks both nature and adventure, the place to go to is Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

Cagayan de Oro or CDO is the country's whitewater rafting capital. Tourists and locals flock to Cagayan de Oro River all year round to experience a one of a kind adventure. I've done it twice and I wouldn't mind doing it all over again.

On the raft with German Friends

There are a lot of operators for the whitewater rafting adventure, I suggest you contact Kagay. The last time I went there they charge P1000 per head. The good thing about them is that they'll pick you up and take you back to wherever you are staying. Also, some operators would fit eight people in one raft, with Kagay the maximum number of people in one raft is six. With only six people, everyone will get to experience the thrill of paddling the river waters.

The complete Rafting Get -Up

The guides were knowledgeable and fun to be with at the same time, they even taught us some tricks while rafting. All gears are provided, just make sure to bring an extra set of clothes and do wear sandals with straps or booties. Wearing Flip-flops is not advisable though you can always choose to go barefoot.


The jeep piked us up at 6 am then after around 45 mins to an hour, we arrived at the starting point. One can choose from basic, advance or extreme level rafting. On both occasions, I did the advance level.
Everyone would then have to go through basic orientation and safety precautions tips before hitting the waters.

Rafting Orientation

Then its off to the river....

The view is incredible as you descend through the center of the mountain.

A Stunning View

Enjoying the View

The best part of the ride is of course conquering the rapid. As you approach one, the heart beats faster as the adrenalin rushes through your system. You tuck your feet in, grab the rope on the side and hold your breath as you get tumbled around the rapids.

Just One of the Incredible Rapids

After the group conquers the rapid, everyone would raise and touch their paddles high up and shout in jubilation.

Paddles Up

During the descent, there are areas on which you can jump in and enjoy the cool refreshing river water. Though the water might look murky, the guide assures us that it is clean. The water is basically has soil and minerals in it due to the river's strong current.


The 3 JS Bros jumping off the raft.....

Enjoying the cool waters...

Lounging Around the River

A three hour rafting trip would seem to be a long time but it left us wanting for more. I enjoyed 'nature' and had a rush, I'll definitely be back to try out the extreme level.


The next day we were off to Bukidnon. We rented a van for P3000 for 10 hours, we asked the driver to take us to Dahiliyan Adventure Park. The drive would take around 2 hours as you make your way through rough roads when you reach the Dole Pineapple Plantation Area.

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon

As you reached this area, I suggest you roll down the window marvel at the vast acres of pineapple plants and enjoy the cool breeze.

The Vast Pineapple Plantation Fields

I've also been here twice but unluckily it was foggy and raining hard during the second trip.

Raining and All Fogged Up

It was chilly and biting cold..

When we reached the top, I was stunned when I saw how beautiful the whole areas was. The weather was also nice and cool, a perfect place to recharge and relax.

The view from the top

 There were huge Pine Trees and different flowers around the whole area.

Pine Trees

Beautiful flowers around the Area

After absorbing the views and enjoying the weather, it was time for some action..

You can either rent an ATV for Php500

All Terrain Vehicle

Or Go Horseback Riding for Php300

Meet Apo the Horse

I'm always fascinated with horses and whenever I get a chance to ride one, I'll go for it. When I mounted Apo(the horse's name), it gave a little shrug like it was feigning to go. I gave him a a little squeeze on the sides and like a freight train he ran like there was no tomorrow. He ran and even jumped over a motorcycle, I was tugging hard on the rope but he was not stopping. Eventually when his handler caught up and called out..."Apo HO HO...", that was the only time he slowed down. It was one scary ride but the thrill of it was just awesome.

We entered Dahilayan Adventure Park to experience Asia's Longest Dual Zipline. For Php600, you'll get to ride three ziplines.

The first two of which are in a seated position.

Seated Zip Line

The last and the best ride is in the 'superman' position.

'Superman' Position

I have a fear of rollercoaster, I dont like the g-force pressure on my chest. I didnt know what to expect but still i braved my way through the platform. Since it was only on my 2nd time in Dahilayan Park that I got to ride the 'superman position', the weather was not at its best mood. It was raining hard, the whole place was fogged up and it was biting cold.

Jim gliding his way through

As I was proped up and was hanging, the gate was opened. The attendant told me to spread my arms and enjoy the ride. The feeling was incredible as I breezed my way through. For a couple of minutes, it felt like you were a bird scouring above the beautiful plants and greeneries.

Jon hanging on the End Zone

As the zipline hits the endzone, it made me want to do it again and again and again....

Though I've been here twice, I will definitely be back again for more exhilarating adventures and sights to see.