10 Reasons to go to Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Allan Dando
Mar 31, 2016
4 min read

Cagayan de Oro is the capital, the regional center and the business hub of Misamis Oriental. It is the 10th most populous city in the Philippines with a population of 675,950. It is also famous for its Cagayan de Oro river and the activities you can do in it. It also has a rich culture that is now used as tourist attractions of the place.

Here are 10 reasons why you should go to Cagayan de Oro:

1. To see the St. Augustine Cathedral

This cathedral is the first church that was built in the heart of the city of Cagayan de Oro. It was rebuilt for 5 times due to attacks of non-Christian folks and a bombing during the World War II. It is a tourist attraction in CDO because who would not want to see a church that experienced a lot before it finally came at peace?

2. To see the Museum of Three Cultures

Since CDO has a rich culture, this museum is divided into three parts namely; Kasaysayan(History), Posaka(Heritage), and Rawari. Kasaysayan section consists of the region’s old pictures and artifacts. Posaka section consists of antiques from the Maranao of Tugaya, Lake Lanao. Its highlight is the 14 feet danganen sword owned by Sultan Malimala. Rawari section is where you can find 20th century trade vases and glass containers. It is also where the art exhibits of local artists is related.

Tourists come to this place to see Cagayan de Oro’s historical culture up to its present living. See the order of the sections?

3. To see the MacArthur Marker

The MacArthur Marker is built like MacArthur’s “scrambled egg hat”. It is the representation of his return in the city. The stars in the hat indicates his military rank as a 5-star general in his time. In the center of the monument, there is a replica of USAFFE PT Boat which he used in his era.

This tourist spot is recognized as a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It is visited by new tourists and for those who did not get to visit it on their first CDO trip, why not imitate MacArthur’s “I shall return” and return to visit this one?

4. To join in the Higalaay Festival

This festival is celebrated every August 28 of the year to celebrate the feast of St. Augustine and the feast of settlement of the citizens of CDO. It is also called the friendship festival. It is a week-long celebration that features a lot of contests and programs such as; Kumbira Culinary Show, Cagayan de Oro Carnival Parade, Higalas Parade of Floats and Icons, Fluvial Procession and Higalaay Pyrolympics.

You may be a tourist of this festival but never fear! The citizens of CDO will never make you feel out of place as you join this festival of the City of Golden Friendship!

5. To experience Mapawa Nature Park

If you’re looking for water involved activities then this is one of the right places for you! Tourists enjoy the 20 feet high water slide, 10 feet body rappel on the way down, another 25 feet high cliff jump, and another 65 feet rappel going down.

If you’re a person who enjoys water and heights then this place is just waiting for you!

6. To experience Whitewater Rafting Adventure

An extreme outdoor activity? A chill rafting experience? Whichever current you choose, it is already assured that you will have a fun and fine day while rafting! This activity involves riding an inflatable raft through rough waters of a river or you can choose a less rough way of the Cagayan de Oro river. It is a 22-kilometer rafting ride which makes it adventurous for you and your friends or family!

7. To explore the Macahambus Cave

The Macahambus Cave is where the Battle of Makahambus Hill took place. It is one of the early Philippine-American war site which the Filipino people won! It is the hideout and exit of the soldiers and their families and you have to bend your knees when crossing the middle as it has a low ceiling. On the present day, the inside of the cave is home for a colony of bats. The cave leads to a veranda that is overlooking the Cagayan River. What a sight, right?

8. To explore the Monigue Cave

It’s better to pack extra clothes when visiting this place because the entrance to this cave is a flowing water coming from an underground stream! It means that you’re going to get wet all over before you see its majestic insides. When you got out of the water, you will be face to face with beautiful sparkling formation of Calcium Carbonate. What makes it majestic? The rock formation is huge, but did you know that in order for it to grow an inch, it has to take 50 to 60 years? Nature’s amazing, right?

9. To save money by shopping in the Night Market

If you want to shop and you’re saving, this is the right place for you. CDO’s night market is said to be the closest thing you can have to Baguio’s ukay ukay. The night market consists of different food stands that offers Filipino foods especially street foods. They ukay-ukays sell things that are low-priced and souvenirs to take home to your hometown!

10. To meet the locals

Yes, it is essential that you meet the locals of Cagayan de Oro as they are the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet! There is a reason why the city is called the City of Golden Friendship, of course. The sights might be great, but your CDO visit will be more enjoyable with the company of its locals!