"The City of Golden Friendship" is a motto the locals of the Filipino city of Cagayan de Oro take very seriously. Known for its hospitable vibe, abundant natural features such as caves and waterfalls, and adventure sports, this small, developing city with a laid-back, provincial atmosphere has numerous places to visit.
Nature
- Nestled in Cagayan de Oro’s Malasag mountains, the 6,000-acre Mapawa Nature Park is home to waterfalls, rivers and lush vegetation. Take a nature walk, swim or camp out under the stars. If you’d like to try a more isolated waterfall spot, visit the F.S. Catanico Falls in Barangay, which is concealed by enormous stone boulders. Rent a picnic hut and barbecue. If you just have a short time, take a stroll through Gaston Park, one of the urban green spaces in the center of the city that was the former main plaza of the city when it was a Spanish colony.
Restaurants
- To take advantage of Filipino cuisine and local seafood, make a stop at Reynadelrio, a former river ferry docked just north of city hall, or try brunch at Sentro 1850. Get inexpensive barbecue meat skewers and rice at Butcher’s Best Barbeque. For something a bit more upscale, head to Cafe Laguna, which resembles a whitewashed colonial-era home, for some grilled fish and mashed potatoes. Cagayan de Oro also has plenty of international cuisine to choose from. If you’re craving Japanese, there’s Ramen Tei; Indian-food lovers should try Karachi Restaurant; for rustic Italian, go to La Tegola; and in case you can’t look at one more bit of grilled meat, try Green Haven Vegetarian & Mongolian Restaurant.
Culture and History
- The 17-acre Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is an outdoor museum that contains replicas of tribal houses from the region as well as a panoramic view of Macajalar Bay. You also will find a couple of minimal museums with artifacts of the city’s history and heritage, including the Museo de Oro and the Cagayan de Oro City Museum. Military buffs should visit the Macahambus Hill, Cave and Gorge, the site of a battle between the Kagay-anons and U.S. soldiers during the Philippine-American War in 1900. The underground cave has a 130-foot circular gorge as well as a ravine filled with enormous trees and plants.
Recreation
- Mapawa Adventure Park has plenty of stimulation for the active traveler. Here, you can try activities from zip lining, canyoneering and whitewater rafting to the more subdued horseback riding and biking. If you’re not into thrills, head to the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club for a day on the greens. When it gets dark, you may want to make a stop at Inilog Grill & Acoustic Bar for karaoke and cheap beer.
