Adventures in Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon: a 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary

When it comes to adventure, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is the first place that comes to mind because of its whitewater rafting and zipline parks. However, the neighboring province of Bukidnon is also becoming a favorite among adventure seekers like Drew Arellano—they have Asia’s longest dual zipline!

“Para sa mga sasabak sa isang adventurous trip, importante na kahit sabihin mong hindi ka athletic o physically fit, mayroon kayong open mind,” said Drew. “Subukan niyo lang! Kasi kung nandoon ka na tapos hindi mo sinubukan, uuwi ka na parang, ‘Man, sayang.’”

Can’t pick which adventure to take? We say go for both!

How to get there

Get yourself to CDO. Located in North Central Mindanao, CDO is 1-1/2 hours from Manila by plane. We booked with budget airline Cebu Pacific Air to save on transportation costs. If you’re already in Mindanao, it’s a 5-hour land trip from Davao.

Get yourself to Bukidnon. From CDO, it’s a 30-minute to 1-hour drive or bus ride to Bukidnon—depending on the traffic.

Fun Facts

Aside from being the “adventure capital” of the Philippines, CDO is also known as “The City of Golden Friendship.” One local described the CDO vibe: “Kung friendly ka sa iba, mabait din sila sa iyo.”

Cagayan de Oro

Where to stay: Grand City Hotel

Don Apolinar Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro City

A room with two beds goes for P1400 and can be shared by up to three people. Two people can fit on the double bed, and one can sleep on the single.

What to do: Whitewater rafting in the Cagayan River

There are 25 “rapids” punctuating the length Cagayan River. If you’re traveling in a group, four people can share a rubber boat. Want even more adrenaline? Try the “tubing ride,” where you and your friends ride on top of a series of tires tied together.

What to do: Jatico Adventure Park

Sitio Mahayhay, Bayanga, Cagayan de Oro

Just 30 minutes away from the city proper, Jatico is a 5-hectare park where you can try bungee trampolines, Zorb balls and ziplines. Bamboo grows everywhere here! “Maririnig mo ‘yung distinct sound ng bamboo tuwing mahangin,” says Drew.

One of their newest rides: the Big Swing! Prepare to be strapped into a saddle, hoisted up by a mechanical crank, and let go. Here, you are the swing.

Where to eat: Bigby’s Café and Restaurant

Ground floor, SM City Cagayan de Oro

For a distinctly Cagayanon restaurant, try Bigby’s, where the servings are—as the name suggests—big. Set meals cost P400 to 500 and are good for sharing with a friend. Try their sinuglaw, a savory appetizer made from kinilaw (fish ceviche), grilled pork and sweet dilis, all served in an elegant martini glass.

“I would highly suggest na ‘wag kayong kakain ng ganitong karami bago simulan ang inyong adventure,” says Drew. “Kumain na lang kayo ng marami after!”

Where to eat: Bourbon St. Bistro

J.R. Borja Extension, J.R. Borja, The Great Spot Arcade, Cagayan de Oro

For P300 to 400 per dish, you can try New Orleans cuisine without having to leave the Philippines! Be sure to order the beignets (square donuts served with caramel sauce), mint lemonade and tuna ceviche tacos.

Odd thing about their tuna cevice tacos: they’re topped with mangoes. It’s an unexpected combo, but a yummy one: “It works! I actually love it,” said Drew.

Bukidnon

From CDO, it’s a two-hour bus ride to Bukidnon. You can catch any of the buses labeled “GenSan Tacuron via Bukidnon” for around P150.

What to do: Dahilayan Adventure Park | Brgy. Dahilayan

Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

There are many adventure parks in Brgy. Dahilayan, but the Dahilayan Adventure Park is one of the first and most complete. “No regrets—subok lang nang subok,” said Drew.

Here, you can try the longest dual zipline in Asia—840 meters of pure speed and adrenaline. P600 will get you entrance to their “zipzone:” three ziplines, one ride each.

If speed isn’t your thing, you can try their Tower of Power rope course that challenges your strength and balance. After a day of adventure, you can even order meals in the park’s restaurant. Crispy pata goes for P350, fried chicken for P280 and veggie sisig for P120.

What to do: Dahilayan Forest Park

Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

The Forest Park is located right beside the adventure park. Here, you can ride a high-speed luge for P600 per head. Other attractions include Zorb balls, ATV (all-terrain vehicle) rides and treetop rope challenges.

What to do: Kampo Juan

Barangay Diclum, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

This “agro-eco-adventure park” isn’t your usual tourist trap. Veggies are planted inside the park to increase visitors’ appreciation of agriculture.

“Not many people are interested in agriculture. That’s why we started this. The adventure is the ‘front.’ People come inside, and once they’re inside, we introduce them to agriculture,” the smiling tour guide told us.

Their star attraction is the Anicycle, or a bicycle connected to high-tension cables and hoisted high among the treetops. It costs P300 to experience the feeling of cycling on air.

What to do: Dahilayan Gardens and Resort

Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Want to cool off? For P250, you can try the Slip ‘n Slide. Nothing fancy, just a wet slide downhill. The good news? You can go again and again and again … and again.