5 must-see places to visit in Misamis Occidental

Located in Mindanao, Misamis Occidental is a taste of an untouched paradise.

Misamis actually comes from the word "kuyamis" which means young coconut. Needless to say, coconuts are bountiful in the area.

Here are the places you just simply can't miss once you're in the area, as recommended by Biyahe ni Drew.

1. Sapang Dalaga Waterfalls 

The Sapang Dalaga waterfalls is just an hour away from Dipolog City. Not only does the place look enchanting, but the origin of its name is just the same.

According to locals, the falls was named Sapang Dalaga because according to their elders, a beautiful young woman comes out to take a bath at the creek at six every evening.

The woman wasn't human, they said, and was thought to be an "engkantada" or a fairy by the locals.

The people of the place would flock to the creek and they would really see the woman come out in the evening, according to the elders, that is why it was called, "Sapa ng Dalaga"

The local government is continuously developing the area to make the falls better for tourists.

2. Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park and Ocean Grill Restaurant

The Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park is truly something tourists need to see. It's a well-known habitat of numerous marine animals.

Not only that, but the Ocean Grill Restaurant is just within the area. It serves almost any seafood you can think of--from shrimp, fish to squid.

Each dish doesn't even reach P200.

3. City of Good Life

The City of Good Life is what the capital of Misamis Occidental, Oroquieta is also called.

According to the locals, a good life is the chance to have a happy and content life.

Located in the city isn't just the pursuit of a good life, but good food as well.

A local dish called halang-halang is well known in the area and the city is filled with food houses that specialize in it.

As low as 25 pesos, you can order a halang-halang dish already. Halang, locals said, mean spicy.

The soup dish is made out of beef meat and is best eaten along with bulalo, chicken barbeque and puso.

4. Kawa Hot Bath and Spa

Just a 30-min ride from Osamis City, the Kawa Hot Bath and Spa has fire, milk, smoke, water ready just for your relaxation.

It's in Tudela, Misamis Occidental and it's been operating for a year now.

The place is known to make you feel young again and make you happy from within.

For just 120 to 250 pesos, you get the chance to bathe and soak your whole body in either seasalt, coconut milk or fresh milk that will surely make you feel young and refreshed.

5. Baobawon Island

Located in the town of Plaridel, Baobawon island is composed of numerous other islands.

Tourists can get to the island either via a 25 to 30 minute-boat ride from the pierre or by walking on a 800-meter bridge through the mangroves.

Tourists are highly recommended to bring their own snorkelling masks since the water is crystal clear and perfect for a dive.

The boat ride is just 100 pesos per head and there's no entrance fee at all to the island.

However, before visiting this place, make sure to contact your tourism office first since the bridge is currently being developed.

Misamis Occidental is just a flight away. In order to reach Misamis, you can fly to the airports of either Ozamiz, Pagadian or Dipolog City.

Just make sure that the airport of your choice is nearby the places you want to visit. — Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News