Adventure and food in Cagayan de Oro: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

With its whitewater rafting, adventure parks, and loads of fresh seafood, it’s no wonder Cagayan de Oro is one of the Philippines’ top destinations for adrenaline junkies!

Here’s the itinerary used by Drew Arellano and the crew of “Biyahe ni Drew.”

Fast facts
Cagayan De Oro is also known as the “City of Golden Friendship.” While we were here, we noticed that the locals were friendly and could help travelers because they could speak English and Tagalog in addition to their native tongue.
Here’s a tip: When traveling to Cagayan de Oro (or “CDO” as some call it), go in a group of at least five people. Most tours and activities require a minimum of five participants.
The law against jaywalking is strictly enforced in Cagayan de Oro. The fine is P1,500 and travelers are not excused.

How to get there
By air. Cagayan de Oro is just two hours from Manila by plane. If you’re coming from the Visayan islands, the flight is even shorter!

What to do
Whitewater rafting
The jump-off point for Cagayan de Oro’s famous whitewater rafting is a one-hour drive away from the city proper. Package tours include the use of a life vest and helmets, and a safety briefing — be sure to pay attention!

There are two options for rafting tours. The “short course” features 14 rapids and goes for P900 per person, while the “long course” passes 21 rapids and costs P1,000 per person. There’s a minimum of five people per group.

Mapawa Nature Park
Located 30 minutes from the city proper, Mapawa offers a 20-minute trail hike that takes you to a 350-year-old heritage tree. From here, it’s another 15-minute hike to the jump-off point for the river trek. There’s a waterfall that’s around two storeys high and acts as a natural slide, a six-storey-high waterfall that you have to rappel down, and a 25-foot-high cliff jump. This river trek costs P1,200 per person, with a minimum of five people per group. Lunch is included.

You can also try the forest zip line for P325 or go horseback riding for P200 an hour. There’s also a bed and breakfast where you can stay for P650 per head, minimum of five people in a group.

What to see
Malasag Eco Tourism Village
The Malasag Eco Tourism Village is near Mapawa but focuses on a more cultural experience. Here, you can see and even experience the traditions of Mindanao’s indigenous tribes. If you’re looking for accommodations, they’ve also got you covered. For P1,850 you can already get a room for two with breakfast.

Macahambus Cave
You’ll pass by Macahambus Cave on the way to the whitewater rafting jump-off point. If you have a lull in your schedule, set aside some time to explore this historic cave. In 1900, this cave was the hideout of the Kagay-anon soldiers during the Battle of Macahambus Hill — the first victory of Filipinos during the Filipino-American War.

The cave itself is short, and when you get out, you’ll see the Cagayan River.

Tsada Kagay-an City Tour
This tour is organized by the local government and has been up and running daily since 2012. “I found the tour very informative. The guides are professional,” says Drew. “They knew what they were talking about, and maraming sights kaming napuntahan that stem from their local flavor...from the market, to showing us some of the ancient buildings, to the cathedral, and this house owned by a prominent family that showed relics of the distant past.” The four-hour tour costs P599 per person.

Where and what to eat
Divisoria Plaza
Every Friday and Saturday night, the streets around the plaza are closed to make way for food stalls and tables where locals and travelers alike can enjoy street food and a cold drink.

Nanol’s Cafe
The Cogon Market is open from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is a great place to buy pasalubong or have a snack. For breakfast and teatime, look for Nanol’s Cafe. This small shop sells sikwati (hot chocolate) and the kakanin called putomaya for a winning combination.

Humba ni Aling Violy
Humba is a pork stew popular in the southern part of the Philippines, and Aling Violy makes the best one in Cagayan. For just P35, you can try a serving of humba with rice. Add P10 to P15 for drinks and you’re all set!

Sinuglaw
Pork, ginger, eggs, and — Drew’s favorite ingredient — coconut milk? No wonder this dish was a hit with the “Biyahe ni Drew” crew.

Richie’s Baby Back Ribs
“Pork fat is good!” says Drew. At Richie’s, there’s the half-slab (P250) and full slab (P599) that both come with a side of veggies. The meat just falls off the bone, and is meltingly tender. There’s also buffalo chicken with fried garlic, an unexpected combo that works really well.

Poldo’s Lechon Restaurant
For our nighttime food trip, we went to Poldo’s and gorged on juicy meat and crispy skin! “Solid, ito talaga favorite ko,” says Drew.

Isla Bonita
Cagayan de Oro doesn’t just have adventures outdoors. They’ve also got exotic dishes for the adventurous foodie. Give them a try at Isla Bunita.

Missy Bonbon Breadshop
This bakeshop and cafe has great pastel, or soft bread stuffed with rich yema. Apart from the original recipe, they also make pastel stuffed with hazelnut and chocolate. If you want something a bit heavier, Missy Bonbon also has pancakes and pasta. —Cristina Tantengco/KG, GMA News