Top 16 Cagayan de Oro Tourist Spots & Nearby: Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines

1. Experience Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro is the most popular and must-try adventure-filled activity you can do when visiting this province. In this recreational activity, your group will be riding a raft that will navigate Cagayan de Oro river. 

You’ll be treated to stunning views while getting splashed on by the water as you paddle, sometimes even falling off the raft but don’t worry, it’s all part of the experience.

• Book this Seda Centrio Cagayan de Oro tour package
• Check out this Davao to Cagayan de Oro Mindanao tour package

There are over 25 rapids to take on, with the trained guides leading you and your crew for navigation and safety. This experience is also for all types of rafters, even beginners.

If you’ve tried whitewater rafting before and want to take on a more challenging course, there are rapids that are for advanced rafters too and it is one of the best rainy season activities in the Philippines.

There are many tour companies offering a Cagayan de Oro whitewater rafting package. The entire experience usually takes up half of the day, with some including lunch on the riverbank.

Make sure you have dressed appropriately so you can maximize this experience in Cagayan de Oro!

2. Try River Tubing and Hop on a “Donut”

River tubing is a less rigorous way to explore the river. Instead of rafts, you’re given a donut-shaped innertube to hop on to. You can still explore the river in groups, but you get your own “donut” or “biscuits.”

• Check out these tour packages:
  • 4D3N Cagayan de Oro tour package
  • 3D2N Cagayan de Oro tour package

The river conditions dictate the type of tubing experience you’ll get. If the river is calm, tubing can be a relaxing experience. Otherwise, it can be as exhilarating as whitewater rafting but without the crazy rapids.

3. Have Some Water Fun at Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort

The “pirates” theme is evident in every part of this popular waterpark and resort in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Bring the whole family and enjoy exploring the resort’s Shipwreck Island, Treasure Island, and Pirate Lookout Tower.

Apart from the impressive man-made attractions, the main highlights here are the massive slides.

In fact, Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort is home to the longest waterpark slide in Mindanao and the biggest dual wave pool in the Philippines, the Buccaneer Bay.

For a hassle-free experience, book a Seven Seas Waterpark Cagayan de Oro day pass with transfers.

4. Go on a Day Trip to Camiguin

If you love the beach and some water activities, a day trip to Camiguin Island is for you. Apart from the white sand beaches, you can also explore its waterfalls, jungles, volcanoes, and of course, its local eats.

The day tours include the following spots: Gui-ob Old Church ruins, Hibok-Hibok Ardent Hot Spring, Katibawasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery, and Old Volcano Walkway.

You can also choose between two white sand beaches, White Island or Mantigue Island for a relaxing afternoon swimming in its azure waters. For a hassle-free experience, book a Camiguin White Island & countryside tour.

While you’re in Camiguin, make sure to try their famed delicacy, the Vjandep Pastel. This bun has a sweet custard filling that will satisfy your tastebuds from the first bite. Make sure to bring some with you when you go home.

5. Conquer Asia’s Longest Dual Zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park

The longest dual zipline in Asia is in Dahilayan Adventure Park located in the province of Bukidnon, a couple of hours away from Cagayan de Oro. Grab a friend and head to the launch pad set at 4,700 feet above sea level and enjoy a thrilling ride at 90 kph. 

Don’t worry, this 840-meter ride is fun and safe for all types of passengers, even for seniors!

If you’re not a fan of ziplines, you can still enjoy the cool weather with your family and friends.

• Book a Dahilayan Forest Park package with a Del Monte pineapple plantation tour

Try the 8-Story Sky Tower Base Jump

Also located at the Dahilayan Adventure Park, this 8-story base jump tower is the highest one in the Philippines so far. If you’ve always wanted to try base jumping, you should definitely include this activity in your list of things to do in Cagayan de Oro.

The split-second free fall gets your heart pumping. After this, you can enjoy the views during the slow descent and the soft landing. And all these happen in less than 10 seconds.

6. Enjoy the Outdoors at Garden of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

Located in Barangay Cugman, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day checking out the botanical gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village. More than the butterflies, you can find birds, deers, and other animals at the eco-tourism resort.

There’s also a museum, swimming pools, a mini zoo, and an in-resort restaurant. If you want to take a break from all the adventure tripping in Cagayan de Oro, spending a day and even overnight here is a great way to destress.

This 7.2-hectare eco-tourism resort is a great alternative to many Cagayan de Oro hotels. Guests can stay overnight at any of the villas, cottages, and even camping tents.

7. Visit the Divine Mercy Shrine

While you’re in Cagayan de Oro, make sure to pay a visit to the Divine Mercy Shrine. The shrine’s most striking landmark is the 50-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ.

However, it’s not just any ordinary statue. The “rays” that radiate from the statue’s body is actually a staircase that is said to lead the faithful up to Him.

The overall depiction is a spectacular sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset. The shrine is located on the summit of Divine Mercy Hills.

At the base of the giant statue is a healing chapel. If you go up the staircase, you will find a chamber of adoration.

It’s a popular attraction included in a day trip to Iligan City. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately as you should if you’re visiting a place of worship.

8. Go Solo and Try River Kayaking

For more experienced rafters, you can take on the river kayaking in Cagayan de Oro. Instead of paddling in groups, you’re on your own so expect your core and arms to work double time. 

Depending on the river’s state, kayaking can still be relaxing but it is often more thrilling than whitewater rafting and river tubing combined.

9. Spend a Relaxing Afternoon at Catanico Falls

Nature lovers will surely enjoy this beautiful waterfall in Cagayan de Oro. It’s not as tall as other waterfalls in the Philippines but people go here to spend a relaxing afternoon in one of the city’s natural attractions.

Located in Barangay F.S. Catanico, you can spend a day here and even have lunch at one of the picnic huts. If you still have more time, you may also book a Cagayan De Oro Sinulom Falls & Bolao Cold Spring tour.

10. Go Spelunking at Kweba de Oro

As the Philippines' adventure capital, you can also go spelunking in Cagayan de Oro, particularly at Kweba de Oro. To enter the cave, you need to take on a 40-meter descent.

It’s a challenging experience since there are parts of the cave where the water level almost touches the ceiling. You need to do a short dive so you can reach the small pond illuminated by sunlight.

If you’re up to the challenge, taking on Kweba de Oro is a rewarding experience. It’s another natural attraction that you should add to the list of things to do in Cagayan de Oro.

11. Enjoy Extreme Sports at the Macahambus Adventure Park

If you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, then don’t miss this adrenaline-pumping must-visit adventure park in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Located in Barangay Lumbia, which is about 10 minutes away from the airport, you can go rappelling from a 150-feet gorge. This amazingly thrilling experience gives you an unrivaled view of the forest from above!

For a more heart-pounding ride, you can also take on the 120-meter zipline! If you’re not a fan of extreme rides, that’s fine. You can head to the 135-meter-long Sky Bridge and enjoy the majestic views of Mother Nature, including the century-old trees.

12. Paragliding at Sierra del Oro

If you want to experience the feeling of flying, you can in Cagayan de Oro. This thrill-seeking free-flying experience is a must-try for adventure enthusiasts. Paragliding can also be enjoyed by everyone, even newbies.

​Head to Sierra del Oro in Indahag Hills and try the tandem flights. Here, you don’t need to do any maneuvering. As a happy passenger, you can simply enjoy the views with your pilot navigating the skies.

13. Visit the Capitol University’s Museum of Three Cultures

The Capitol University is a famous landmark in the city of Cagayan de Oro and one of its main attractions is the Museum of Three Cultures. You can visit it as part of a Cagayan de Oro tour.

As the name suggests, there are 3 galleries that showcase the cultures of Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro, and Marawi.

You can spend a leisurely afternoon here, gazing at ceramics, photos, and artifacts so you can learn more about the 3 cultures. Don’t miss seeing the ceremonial swords, the royal beds, and the beautiful paintings. 

14. Visit Larry’s Hill Adventure Hub

If you want to see the Transformers in Cagayan de Oro City, go to Larry’s Hill Adventure Hub in Barangay Indahag. This elevated, outdoor adventure land should be on top of your things to do in Cagayan de Oro especially if you are traveling with the whole family.

This is located just 30 minutes away from the city center. As the name suggests, this adventure hub offers a lot of adrenaline-pumping activities like rappelling, zipline, maze adventures, bungee trampoline, ball pits, and more!

It’s an amazing experience for the kids and the kids at heart. An afternoon here is a great workout too for the adults.

15. See the Hobbit House at Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Farm

Enjoy time away from city life and explore Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Farm. It features many amenities such as a hot pool, fish pond, eco-park, and natural forest.

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the so-called Hobbit House up close. Make sure to take photos while you’re in the vicinity.

The farm is actually located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon but its close proximity to Cagayan de Oro makes a popular go-to destination and even accommodation. 

16. Visit the Bukidnon Pineapple Farm

Also located in Bukidnon, the 5,000-hectare Del Monte Plantation is a popular side trip destination for people visiting Cagayan de Oro. The fruits produced here are shipped to countries like Japan and the USA. You can visit the farm and other tourist spots when you book Bukidnon tours.

Its crowning jewel is the pineapple farm. Here you can find a giant pineapple statue, American-style houses for the farm employees, and of course, the manufacturing plant where they make pineapple delicacies like jams. 

If you love pineapples, do include this side quest in your itinerary. While you're here, you can also go on a Bukidnon flower farm & cafe tour.

See You at the Adventure Capital of the Philippines

Whether you’re looking for extreme sports to cross off your bucket list or you’re dreaming of a breathtaking getaway in nature’s wonders, Cagayan de Oro is the perfect destination for you.

As the Philippines’ adventure capital, we encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and experience a different kind of travel, one that would take you to different heights and give you that much-needed adrenaline high to inspire and make you feel refreshed and renewed.

Come and visit Cagayan de Oro, Philippines and see for yourself why people keep coming back here for the thrills.

If you’re planning the ultimate adventure getaway to Cagayan de Oro, make sure to explore Cagayan de Oro tours and activities to help you conveniently plan an adrenaline-pumping trip. You can also check out options for accommodations in the Philippines or Davao car rentals if you're coming from the region.