Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

The thrilling white water rafting is the main attraction and destination in Cagayan de Oro City. But, did you know that they are also  known as the "City of the Golden Friendship?" Though there's a language barrier, I totally agree that they are the city of friendship because I was able to experience such hospitality from the jeepney driver and the taho vendor I met. By the way, nothing special happened during my stay here. Since it's the center of Northern Mindanao, transportation to my next destination (Bukidnon) is not a problem. It is also the gateway to the province of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan and the city of Davao.

Top 3 Best Tourist Spots in Iligan City: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Iligan City is dubbed as the "City of the Majestic Waterfalls" because of the established and non-established waterfalls. Though the city is independent, it serves as the center of commerce and tourism in the province of Lanao del Norte. Maria Cristina falls is the grandest among the 20+ waterfalls but it was close during my visit. Transportation is not a problem, like the other provinces in the Philippines, "habal-habal" is one of the mode of transportation to visit the tourist spots and destinations in the city.

Pulang Bato Falls, Negros Oriental: A Complete Backpacker Guide

Pulang Bato Falls is one of the top tourist spots in Valencia, Negros Oriental. It is a 30 feet waterfalls with a unique picturesque because the limestone walls by the water is covered with red due to sulfur deposits. By the way, its name literally translates to "red rock" in English. This waterfall is surrounded by beautiful landscape, including the man-made hanging bridge and colorful ornaments.

Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor: A Backpacker Guide

The Cambugahay Falls is the top tourist attraction in Lazi, Siquijor. It is a 3-tiered waterfall with a free flowing cool and crystal clear waters. The area is surrounded with luscious greens that create a relaxing ambiance. If you want a thrilling experience, why not try the prominent "tarzan swing." Get a water massage! Water raft can be rented, with a local, to go to the spot where the waters are falling. Brace yourself because the sound of the rushing water will make your day a lazy day. Also, locals are great photographers.

HAGONOY ISLAND, Surigao del Sur - a 2023 Travel Guide

Be transformed as you meditate at the garden of vines that heals every soul’s weary at the Hagonoy Island – that’s their slogan here. This islet is really small, just a hundred meters long or maybe less but has a fine white sand shore and surrounded by crystal clear waters. Hagonoy is an islet with few coconuts and trees, so expect for a darker skin tone after your visit because of the sun rays. It is the cutest among Britania Group of Islets.

Experience The Plunge at Danao Adventure Park, Bohol

The Plunge or a canyon swing, an extreme activity at Danao Adventure Park, is now climbing to be one of top tourist spots and destinations in Bohol. Situated on the area where the longest Philippine Revolutionary Movement took place, led by Francisco Dagohoy, a Boholano hero. The boulders and limestone formation in area might have witnessed the most important stage on how these Boholano heroes plotted the revolution against the Spaniards. Today, the facility is being run by the local government and it is a center of Eco-tourism, recreation and adventure in the province awaiting to be discovered.

Alubihod Beach, Guimaras

After Trappist Monastery, we headed to Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Traveling to this gorgeous beach via habal is easy because the roads are all concrete. I was welcomed by the courteous staff of Raymen Beach Resort. Settled the entrance fee and walked to the beach area. Though the shoreline is not white as Boracay Island and Anguib Beach in Cagayan, Alubihod Beach is pretty in its own way. The picturesque is instagram worthy because of the rock formation highlighted by the creamy white sand with corals and pebbles. The ambiance by the beach is relaxing because of the sea breeze is cool.

Guisi Lighthouse, Guimaras

Touching the walls of Guisi Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran is the most exciting part of my backpacking in Guimaras. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, lighted up for the first time in 1894. This structure was erected in the 18th century to guide the mariners passing by the waters of Ilo-Ilo and Guimaras. Its structure is made of metal from France, tisa from Portugal and cement from England. The floor plan, based on the ruins, is similar to Burgos Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte and the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erect. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the cool sea breeze.

Location, How to Get Here, My Travel to Guimaras: 

The nearest airport in Guimaras is in Ilo-Ilo City. From the airport, take a cab to Parola Port (the gateway to Guimaras). In my case, since I stayed in Ong Bun Pension House Ilo-Ilo City, I followed the instructions provided by the guard. Just two blocks away, I rode in the jeepney with ARU/GPU signboard and alighted by the entrance of Parola Port, for a minimum fare. Then, bought a ferry ticket bound for Guimaras Wharf. The dock and go of the ferries are continues every 30 minutes. The travel time from the port to Guimaras is only 15 minutes.

GUIMARAS TOURIST SPOTS: The Smallest Plaza - a 2021 travel guide

The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines is located in Guimaras, the first tourist destination we visited. It was also the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title. From the port of Guimaras, it's 15 to 20 minutes habal ride. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters area with the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the middle, and right beside the highway and residents houses. According to Kuya Ken, my habal driver/tour guide, during their annual fiesta, all the attendees are being fit into this small plaza. This means that this tiny plaza also witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.

Tappiya Falls, Banaue, Ifugao - a Travel Guide

In the middle of the mountains of Ifugao, we found a hidden gem called Tappiya Falls situated in "Batad," a secluded village in Banaue. Getting to this majestic beauty includes 7 to 12 hours land travel and 2 hours trekking. It's a bit challenging but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape that can only be found in this region, including the world famous Batad Rice Terraces. Not just artistic in creating the terraces, the people of Batad also know how to value and preserve whatever their ancestors left, such as their rituals.