15 Places to Visit in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao + Things To Do

Unwind and have the thrill of a lifetime in Cagayan de Oro City, the Adventure Capital of Mindanao.

Located in Misamis Oriental Province in southern Philippines, CDO prides itself on being one of the most popular city destinations among local travelers, next to Cebu and Davao.

Cagayan de Oro simply has the best of everything! In addition to being highly urbanized, there are many beautiful natural sights to enjoy. A gateway to Northern Mindanao region, CDO is a great base to explore nearby destinations like Bukidnon, Camiguin Island, Iligan & more.

Before you go on your trip, check out these travel-worthy destinations that would make you fall in love with Cagayan de Oro.

Cagayan de Oro travel essentials: (click below to view prices online)

Where to stayTours + discountsCagayan de Oro faresWiFi/SIM

See also: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines | Top Philippine Beaches | The Philippines’ Most Beautiful Waterfalls.

1. Whitewater Rafting & River Tubing (Cagayan de Oro river)

Whitewater river rafting is Cagayan de Oro’s most popular attraction. The city isn’t touted as “The Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines” for nothing! This extreme adventure, highlighting the majestic Cagayan De Oro River, draws large crowds of tourists all-year-round. With 25 rapids to navigate for beginner and seasoned rafters alike, there is no shortage of fun alongside expert guides who steer the group safely.

But if getting splashed in rafts is not your thing, you may hop on a “donut” and experience river tubing instead. You traverse the same river and may even explore in groups, but you will be given a donut-shaped innertube to ride into instead of riding a raft. Depending on the river conditions, the experience may either be calm and relaxing or as crazy and exhilarating as rafting, minus the rapids.

Location: Cagayan de Oro River

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

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2. High Ridge

High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

A unique dining experience is a treat no tourist could resist. And when you are in Cagayan De Oro, you can have that in High Ridge, which offers great food and an even greater view of the city. Although it is located a few minutes away from downtown, getting to this overlooking restaurant could be a real challenge as the road ascends along the Macasandig-Taguanao Road.

But overcoming the hurdle is worth it because you will be treated to a panoramic view as you dig into some of the best dishes from various cuisines. Among the top ranks are all-time Filipino favorites Bulalo, Crispy Pork Sisig, Sinuglaw, Pinakbet with Bagnet, and Crispy Pata. People love coming over before sundown so they can witness the beautiful rays setting over the city. You might want to experience that, too.

Location: Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro. Save on Google Maps.

3. Garden of Malasag Eco Tourism Village

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Enjoy a relaxing day out exploring the birds, bees, and butterflies at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Barangay Cugman. The 7.2-hectare property has everything you need for a relaxing getaway. It features a mini zoo, lush gardens, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and several lodging facilities.

If being around nature is your kind of holiday, this is the perfect place for you. They have cottages and camping tents to take you in for the night, so you wake up to the view of God’s most fantastic creations. Gardens of Malasag is only about a 30-minute ride from the city proper. You may also arrange for airport transfers.

Location: Malasag Hill, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. Save on Google Maps.

4. Seven Seas Waterpark

One of the biggest waterparks in the Philippines is right here in Cagayan De Oro. Seven Seas Waterpark is a pirate-themed attraction featuring a massive dual wave pool, a 400-meter lazy river, thrilling slides that go as high as 20 meters, and an aqua playhouse for the kids and kids-at-heart, among others. What makes it popular is the array of fun activities for all ages. Everyone is ensured of an unforgettable experience here, whether you are fearless or faint.

An Entrance and Swim ticket costs PhP599 ($10.50), while an additional PhP349 ($6) is required to gain access to all eight of the extreme slides.

Location: Zone 1, Road, Opol, Misamis Oriental. Save on Google Maps.

5. City Tour of Cagayan de Oro

Although CDO is known for its scenic nature spots, it is also a highly urbanized city teeming with an eclectic array of attractions you cannot miss. At least a half-day city tour is required to have a glimpse of the local lifestyle. You can roam around and check out some of its most significant landmarks, including Plaza Divisoria (Golden Friendship Park), the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museum of Three Cultures, and the Vicente de Lara Park.

To get around, you may explore via commute or charter a habal-habal ride. Car rentals are also available for a smoother, more comfortable city tour.

Destinations + attractions

Plaza Divisoria

Plaza Divisoria in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Location: RN Abejuela Street, Tirso Neri St, Cagayan de Oro. Save on Google Maps.

Vicente de Lara Park & Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol

Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental at Vicente de Lara Park, in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Location: Don Apolinar Velez St, Cagayan de Oro. Save on Google Maps.

Cagayan de Oro Cathedral (St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral), City Museum of Cagayan de Oro & Gaston Park

Cagayan de Oro Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Location: Gaerlan St., Cagayan de Oro City. Save on Google Maps.

6. Mapawa Nature Park

Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

If your idea of a fun-filled trip to Cagayan De Oro involves countless outdoor activities, you should not miss the vast Mapawa Nature Park in Barangay Cugman. This biodiversity hotspot is teeming with leisure pursuits—from horseback riding to trekking, biking, getting through a zipline course, canyoneering, cliff jumping, and more. Daredevils could also try the water slide activity, where you get off 20 feet above, slide through the waterfalls, and enjoy a splash into the cold water.

Some people also love coming to Mapawa Nature Park for its imposing views, which are ultimately soothing to the soul. If you want to spend the night, they allow pitching tents at the camping grounds.

Location: Malasag Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. Save on Google Maps.

7. Paragliding at Hugo Skye Lounge

Another extreme adventure not for the faint-hearted is available at Hugo Skye Lounge at Sierra del Oro Resort. The reason they developed this paragliding activity for daring enthusiasts is to make Cagayan De Oro the Adventure Capital of Mindanao. From the rivers to the sky, people can truly say there is a limitless opportunity to have an unforgettable experience in CDO.

But wait, Sierra del Oro is not just a place for paragliders. It also has several other activities to appease all ages. There are ATV rides, high ropes courses, and zipline adventures for thrill seekers, and a swimming pool and mini zoo for those who like to unwind in a more laidback manner.

Location: Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro. Save on Google Maps.

8. Ultra Winds Mountain Resort

Ultra Winds Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature while bathing in luxury. A sanctuary in the sky, this laidback resort is situated on a lush hillside that provides access to some sweeping views of the Kitanglad Mountain Range. They have well-varied accommodation options to suit every group of family and friends seeking to enjoy quality time and a rejuvenating R&R.

More than being a holiday escape, Ultra Winds Mountain Resort also hosts various celebrations right on top of the world. From weddings to anniversaries and everything in between, they can make your milestone memorable with the elegance of fine dining married with the beauty of surrounding nature.

Ultra Winds Mountain Resort Rooms & Rates

See online rates here

Location: Convention Center Access Rd, Brgy. Pualas, Baungon, Bukidnon. Save on Google Maps.

9. Divine Mercy Shrine

A visit to the Divine Mercy Shrine in the nearby city of El Salvador is a must for any tourist coming to Cagayan De Oro. Completed in 2008, the shrine showcases a church and a massive 50-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ overlooking 9 hectares of greens and charming flower gardens.

The place is serene; perfect for worship and meditation. It is also a spectacular sight to behold, attracting pilgrims and regular tourists alike. The Divine Mercy Shrine stands tall at the summit of the Divine Mercy Hills. To get there, you will have to take a PUV going to Iligan City or anything that would pass by El Salvador. Then, alight at the crossing and hop on a habal-habal ride.

Location: El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. Save on Google Maps.

10. Bukidnon

Del Monte Pineapple Plantation in Bukidnon, Philippines

The beauty of taking the trip to Cagayan De Oro is that the fun never stops. You can explore nearby towns and provinces to beef up your travel memories without adding too much to the cost. One worthy stop is Bukidnon, with its pineapple farms, scenic nature sites, and thrilling activities set against chilly, Baguio-like weather.

For one, you cannot miss exploring Del Monte’s pineapple plantation at Camp Phillips or having a ride at Dahilayan Adventure Park’s 840-meter zipline, about 4,700 meters above sea level. It would be like missing out on all the fun in this lifetime. For another, some landmarks and attractions are also must-visits for a different brand of enjoyment, if you still have time to spare. They include Panimahawa Ridge, Kaamulan Park, Blue Water Cave, Mount Kitanglad, Nasuli Spring, Alalum Falls, and Monastery of Transfiguration.

Location: Northern Mindanao region. Save on Google Maps.

Bukidnon Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

See more: Bukidnon travel tips

10 Places To Visit in Bukidnon

11. Camiguin

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines

Location: Northern Mindanao region. Save on Google Maps.

Camiguin Travel Essentials

Where to stay

See more: Camiguin travel tips

9 Places To Visit in Camiguin

12. Iligan

Location: Lanao del Norte province, Northern Mindanao region. Save on Google Maps.

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

See more: Iligan travel tips

10 Places To Visit in Iligan & Lanao del Norte

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Cagayan de Oro that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro tourist spots, things to do in Cagayan de Oro, where to go in Cagayan de Oro & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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