Just searching for “Cagayan de Oro tourist spots“? Then worry no more; just continue reading our Cagayan de Oro travel guide as we give you a tour of the best places to visit in Cagayan de Oro!
Looking for somewhere to be entertained, be in awe, or just wanting to get out of the city and explore Cagayan de Oro’s lush environment? Then please read on further in this article as we give you our take on the 20 best tourist spots to visit and the things you can do in Cagayan de Oro!
But before that, how to get to Cagayan de Oro? And where to stay in Cagayan de Oro!
Read here our favorite 15 Beaches Near Manila and 35 Tourist spots in the Philippines!
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagen if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
GETTING TO CAGAYAN DE ORO BY BUS
Buses and regular trips are going to Cagayan de Oro from Iligan City, Butuan, Balingoan, and Davao City. We took a night bus coming from Davao and it took us 8-9 hours to get to Cagayan de Oro.
GETTING TO CAGAYAN DE ORO BY SHIP/BOAT
There are regular trips to and from Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Bacolod, Iloilo. The schedule and the trips can be modified and cancelled because of weather conditions, especially during rainy season.
Click here to book your boat ticket from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro!
CAGAYAN DE ORO TRAVEL GUIDE
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get straight into our main topic: Cagayan de Oro tourist spots.
Read here our 27 favorite Instagrammable places in the Philippines!
HERE ARE SOME CAGAYAN DE ORO TOURIST SPOTS TO VISIT!
1. SEVEN SEAS WATERPARK
This is a newly built recreational area and the first ever world class waterpark established in the country, so this is one of the Cagayan de Oro tourist spots to see. It has grown quite a name for itself and has been visited by many tourists and locals because of the many thrilling rides and slides such as the Cyclone and Abyss Tornado Ride.
The Seven Seas Waterpark can be found at Barra, Opol, so go ahead and visit this place where no one is too young or too old to have fun!
HOW TO GET TO SEVEN SEAS PARK AND ENTRANCE FEE
Its located in Opol just 10 kilometers North of Cagayan de Oro. It opens from 9 am to 5 pm. Prices for adults from Monday to Thrusday 800 PHP and 1000 PHP in the weekends. Prices for kids below 4ft 500 PHP weekdays and 600 PHP in the weekends. Kids below 3 ft free entrance.
Click here to get a discount at Seven Seas Park with Klook!
2. LARRY’S HILL AND HUGO SKY LOUNGE
This is one of the newest attractions in Cagayan de Oro, specifically at Amaya View (formerly Sierra del Oro) at Barangay Indahag. The place has a wide variety of things to enjoy like paragliding from the highest peak in Cagayan de Oro.
Larry’s Hill doesn’t only have all these amazing attractions to enjoy but also has a stunning view of Cagayan de Oro’s Western area. There are surely more developments coming their way so better visit the place and maybe snap a photo of the four ‘Transformers’ figures seen near the entrance.
On the other hand, Hugo Sky Lounge is another wonderful place where you could get a stunning view of the entire city and its surrounding green nature. You can also grab a bite here since this is also actually a restaurant. They sure serve great food!
ENTRANCE FEE TO HUGO SKY LOUNGE
The entrance fee is 50 PHP. The prices for the activities are Ball Pit 150 PHP, High Ropes Sky Level 250 PHP, High Ropes Grass Level 150 PHP, Zip Line 2 Ways 250 PHP, Rapelling from Helicopter 2 Jumps 150 PHP. It opens 8 am to 6 pm and it’s located in Indahag 10 Kilometers South of Cagayan de Oro.
3. HIGH RIDGE
If you want to enjoy another picturesque view of the city while dining in a restaurant, you can visit High Ridge. Why not view the sunset while enjoying a meal with a couple of friends or perhaps a special someone?
Now, that sounds like a great date! The view from High Ridge at night is considered one of the best in the city. I mean, who wouldn’t love to admire the downtown part of Cagayan de Oro from this wonderful tourist spot?
HOW TO GET TO HIGH RIDE AND ENTRANCE FEE
There is a free shuttle going to High Ride from Barangay Macasandig Covered Court from 11 30 am- 1 30 am, 5 pm – 5 30 pm, 7 pm – 7 30 pm and drop off Macasandig Covered Court 9 pm – 9 30 pm only. Entrance fee is 100 PHP consumable and children below 12 years old are free of charge.
4. MAPAWA NATURE PARK
One of the most beautiful and breathtaking tourist spots in Cagayan de Oro is the Mapawa Nature Park. This forest park is located at Barangay Cugman, and it offers wide variety of things to do such as climbing or swimming near the waterfalls, horseback riding, canyoneering and also cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave!
You would not only enjoy all the activities they offer but you could also have fun with nature surrounding you. When you visit Mapawa Nature park, you can just relax, go on a hike, or maybe even set up a camp in the forest. Just be sure to clean up after yourself. Leave no trace behind!
HOW TO GET TO MAPAWA NATURE PARK AND ENTRANCE FEE
The river trek package is 1300 PHP per person with the entrance fee, lunch and bottled water. The environmental fee is 50 PHP, camping is 100 PHP, horseback riding 200 PHP per one hour, swimming pool 75 PHP, Zipline 325 PHP, Trail Run Hike 300 PHP and View Deck Big 1000 PHP and Small View Deck 500 PHP.
It’s opened from 7 am to 5 pm everyday. It’s located in Barangay Cugman you can get a jeepney until Mapawa Crossing and take habal-habal from there.
5. CATANICO FALLS
This is one of the several wonders of nature located in Barangay F.S. Catanico, Cagayan de Oro which is only 20 minutes away from the heart of the city. You can rent out picnic huts here and they also have public bathrooms for you to use. Truly a pocket paradise for nature lovers! Click here to read our experience in Kawasan Falls, the most amazing waterfalls in the Philippines!
HOW TO GET TO CANTICO FALLS AND ENTRANCE FEE
It’s only 20 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro and the entrance fee is 20 PHP per person.
6. MINTUGSOK FALLS
This is yet another amazing waterfalls for the outdoor enthusiasts! Mintugsok Falls is just between the central point of Indahag and Malasag Mountains which could be accessed in two ways: trail hiking from Indahag and river trekking from Mapawa Nature Park.
Yes, it is near another destination featured in this article, so we’re sure you’ll enjoy back-to-back adventures in those lovely spots. This is definitely an interesting Cagayan de Oro tourist spot!
7. ULTRA WINDS MOUNTAIN RESORT
Planning to get out of the loud city to unwind and just be one with nature? Come visit Ultra Winds Mountain Resort where you get to stay on a resort sitting on top of a mountain and overlooking Cagayan de Oro City! This is truly one of the best places to go and it is also a great venue for weddings!
They offer very nice and spacious rooms, a restaurant, as well as a gorgeous infinity pool. It’s definitely one hell of a view while relaxing by the pool.
HOW TO GET TO ULTRA WINDS MOUNTAIN RESORT AND ENTRANCE FEE
It’s located in Bukidnon just 20 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro. Entrance fee is 100 PHP per person consumable and additional 150 PHP to have access to the pool per person.
MORE CAGAYAN DE ORO TOURIST SPOTS TO VISIT IN NEARBY PROVINCES!
Now we want to introduce to you some of the wonderful and truly beautiful tourist spots in Cagayan de Oro’s nearby provinces like Bukidnon, El Salvador, and Iligan City!
8. DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK
Ever feel like enjoying the great outdoors and just feel the cool breeze of the nature? You’ll definitely find it here at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, a place not far from Cagayan de Oro! If you want to try out ziplining, racing down the hill or doing a 120-foot drop, you should head on to this amazing attraction that you’ll instantly fall in love with.
They not only have great activities to enjoy with your friends and family, but also offer places to stay if you plan on spending a couple of days here. Dahilayan Adventure Park also has a restaurant right by the entrance where you could warm yourself up with a cup of coffee (because it could get really cold here) or dine with an amazing view of nature. I definitely guarantee you’ll leave this amazing place begging for more!
HOW TO GET TO DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK AND ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee to Dahilayan Forest Park is 200 PHP per adult and 50 PHP per children. There is a package for all the rides (Luge, Hanging Bridge, Mini Golf, Go Cart and Bumper Boat) 750 PHP.
If you do Forest Luge 600 PHP per person, ATV 750 PHP, Buggy Trail 1200 PHP for two people, Forest Putt Mini Golf 50 PHP, Treetop Adventure 250 PHP per person, Zorb 250 PHP per person, Barrel Train Ride 50 PHP per person, Bumper Boat 150 PHP per person, Hanging Bridge 100 PHP person, Monkey Tree Challenge 50 PHP per person, Bungee Bounce 150 PHP, Net Trampoline 50 PHP.
Click here to get a discount at Dahilayan Adventure Park with Klook!
9. DIVINE MERCY SHRINE
You can visit a beautiful Catholic pilgrimage site located at El Salvador City, which isn’t too far from Cagayan de Oro also. This has become an amazing tourist attraction and many devotees flock to Divine Mercy Shrine to attend mass or join the events during Holy Week, the Feast of Mercy and the Celebration of the Immaculate Concepcion.
You can attend mass in the field shown in the photo above or inside their spacious chapel just behind the 50-feet statue of the Divine Mercy Jesus. You can also climb to the heart of Jesus guided by the people working there, and you can silently pray inside the heart. Isn’t that just lovely? They also have a lot of souvenir shops and food booths if you’re feeling hungry.
Helpful tip: If you plan on visiting the shrine, please avoid being too loud or causing so much attention since many people come not just to snap photos and enjoy the view but also to pray and reflect quietly. Please clean up after yourself as well especially if you plan on camping during their feasts. Overall, Divine Mercy Shrine is a beautiful place and a must-visit tourist spot!
HOW TO GET TO DIVINE MERCY SHRINE
It’s 20 kilometers far from Cagayan de Oro in Salvador City. You can get by van, bus and jeepney. There is no entrance fee just donation. Remember to bring a skirt since it’s required for the visit for girls.
10. TINAGO FALLS
Looking for place to relax and cool down? Head on to Iligan City’s amazing Tinago Falls! Iligan City is just about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro and is truly one of the most breathtaking places to visit. If you enjoy trekking, then you’re in luck because it is quite a hike to reach Tinago Falls.
However, we can assure you that once you’re there, you’ll immediately be stunned by its beauty! The water is really blue and cold, and you can go under the waterfalls by riding the raft. There are cottages just across the waterfall if you decide to stay for a while and bring some food. We definitely recommend you visit here and enjoy the lush nature!
HOW TO GET TO TINAGO FALLS AND ENTRANCE FEE
It’s located in Illigan. From Cagayan de Oro make your way to Illigan City. And take a jeepney going to Buru-un or Linamon. There are also buses going to Ozamiz or Pagadian. From here by Habal habal you can reach Tinago Falls 100 PHP for the ride. The entrance fee is 50 PHP.
11. MT. KITANGLAD AGRI-ECOLOGICAL TECHNO-DEMO FARM
Well, that was a mouthful! This is one of the newest tourist attractions in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and it’s currently under development. This is a really great place for fans of the wonderful book and film series The Lord of the Rings as the structures here closely resemble the Hobbit’s house! The lodges in the farm are still being created so we should definitely watch out for those.
HOW TO GET TO MT. KITANGLAD AGRI-ECOLOGICAL TECHNO-DEMO FARM
You have to get a bus to Malaybalay terminal. From here ride a multicab going to Casisang Central School and get a Habal habal to the final destination.
You can stay overnight in a tree house for 750 PHP 2 people and in a tent 350 PHP two people.
12. DAY TRIP TO CAMIGUIN ISLAND
If you can do a day trip to Camiguin Island hopefully a couple of days if you have time. You can enjoy Mantigue Island is a paradise to discover and it’s not crowded yet! You can bring your snorkeling gear and avoid paying 200 PHP rental fee on the island. It’s only allowed 4 hours to stay in this island.
You can bring your own food to the island. Also, you can even buy fish in the market and they will cook for you for 100 PHP. There are available cottages for rent and you can buy snacks, sodas and beers.
13. MACAHAMBUS ADVENTURE PARK
Macahambus Adventure Park is located 15 kilometers far from Cagayan de Oro City. It’s popular to walk the Sky Bridge. It’s 120 feet and it will be a great opportunity to hike around the forest.
You can also try to the zipline if you love the adventure! Macahambus Adventure Park entrance fee is 300 PHP and includes the zip line and sky bridge.
HOW TO GET TO MACAHAMBUS ADVENTURE PARK
If you want to get to Macahambus Adventure Park from the airport is only a few kilometers far from the airport. The best way to get here is by privat transportation.
14. EDEN’S SOLACE
Eden’s Solace is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset at the top view of Cagayan de Oro City. It’s located at Upper Sumpong Indahag and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a drink. There is an entrance fee 100 PHP consumable.
HOW TO GET TO EDEN’S SOLACE
If you want to get to Eden’s Place from Ayala Mall you will have to ride a motorela to Corpus Christi in Macasandig for 12-15 PHP. And from Corpus Christi in Macasandig you can take a habal habal to Eden’s Place for 30 PHP.
15. MAI’S PLAYGROUND
Mai’s Playground is a perfect place if you are traveling with kids in the Philippines. And also if you love colorful places to take pictures. It can be a fun experience!
HOW TO GET TO MAI’S PLAYGROUND
Mai’s Playground is little bit far from Cagayan de Oro and you will have to drive 70 kilometers to Bukidnon. The best way is going by private transportation if you are planning to visit Bukidnon.
16. PANIMAHAWA RIDGE
Panimahawa Ridge If you like trekking is perfect for a day trip. You will have to hire a guide it costs 350 PHP per person until 5 people. The trekking can take from 1-2 hours to go to the View Deck depending how fast you can go up.
HOW TO GET TO PANIMAHAWA RIDGE
If you want to get to Panimahawa Ridge is the highest peak near Cagayan de Oro. You have to go to Agora Bus Terminal and ride a bus to Malaybalay and you have to stop at Impalutao School. From here you will have to get a habal habal to Ant Farm where you will start the hike Panimahawa Ridge View Deck.
17. GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO-TOURISM
Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism is located in Malasag Hill. It’s a perfect palce to hike and enjoy the nature. Just 30 minutes drive from Cagayan de Oro you will enjoy the nature. Gardens of Malasag entrance fee is 50 PHP. It’s opened from 6 am to 10 pm.
HOW TO GET TO GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO-TOURISM
If you want to get to Gardens of Malasag. You will have to take a jeepney to Cugman and get off at Malasag, then take a motorcycle to get to the Gardens.
18. TUBAJON AQUAMARINE PARK
Tubajon Aquamarine Park is located one hour driving from Cagayan de Oro. It’s a resort inside the mangrove forest with a swimming area and cottages. You can also go around by boat. A perfect place if you are traveling with kids.
Tubajon Aquamarine Park entrance fee is 30 PHP. If you want to rent a cottage prices are starting from 200-1000 PHP. You can also rent kayaks 200 PHP per hour and renting a boat is 300 PHP per hour.
HOW TO GET TO TUBAJON AQUAMARINE PARK
If you want to get to Tubajon Aquamarine Park. You will have to ride a jeepney from Cagayan de Oro to Laguindingan at Bulua West Bound Jeep Terminal. You will have to stop at Laguindingan Public Market and ride a tricycle to Tubajon Aquamarine Park.
19. FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET DIVISORIA
Friday Night Market in Divisoria is the perfect place at night. Around 6 pm the traffic is blocked. You can eat street food and buy clothes. It will be full of people and if you like Filipino street food as we love it. You will have so much fun! Our favorite Cagayan de Oro tourist spots in the list for sure!
20. ST. AUGUSTINE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1624 by Fray Agustin San Pedro. Archbishop James Hayes, SJ in 1946 rebuilt the Cathedral and the Convent until 1946.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
RED PLANET
Red Planet Cagayan De Oro is located within a 10-minute walk of Gaisano Mall, Limketkai Center and Centrio Mall. It features a 24-hour front desk, nonsmoking rooms and a luggage storage service. Fitted with a comfortable bed, air-conditioned rooms feature a ceiling fan, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen cable TV and free WiFi access.
The private bathroom has shower facility and hairdryer. Their double room starts at $28 a night. This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Cagayan de Oro!
Click this to check their prices and availability!
SEDA CENTRIO HOTEL
Set within Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro, Seda Centrio features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is also available throughout the hotel. All rooms at Seda Centrio come with a flat-screen cable TV, and iPod dock, and a personal safe. A seating area and private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer, and free toiletries are also included.
The hotel offers its guests with an outdoor swimming where they can lounge and relax. The fitness center is also open for guests use. Laundry, ironing, and dry clearning service are available, as well as airport shuttle services and car rentals at an additional charge. The meeting/banquet facilities may also be used at an extra cost, while the business center is free for guests use.
With the extensive service you can get in this hotel, their room rate starts at $102 a night.
Click here to check their rates and availability!
You should definitely do lots of research about where to stay in Cagayan de Oro. But if you want to stay in budget hotels or affordable ones near the heart of the city and as a few hang out spots, check out establishments like GC Suites Hotel in Pabayo-Hayes St., Traveler’s Pod near SM Downtown Premier, Mallberry Suites Business Hotel which is just a few minutes walk from Limketkai Mall, and many more!
There are a number of Cagayan de Oro hotels and inns around city that are walking distance to malls and other cool places. You can also heck the links below for more info.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAGAYAN DE ORO? CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH AGODA.
WHERE TO EAT IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
If you want to try out a unique style of street food, head on to Kanto! It is located in Don Apolinar Velez Street. Just right across it is a famous milk tea shop in Cagayan de Oro, Chingkeetea! If you’re feeling hungry and just want to chill out for a while, those two places are one of the best combinations to munch on anytime of the day.
While you’re there, you should definitely visit and walk around Cagayan de Oro’s Divisoria.
HIGALAAY FESTIVAL IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
Held during the 28th of August is Cagayan de Oro’s famous festival called Higalaay. Literally meaning “Friendship Festival,” the Higalaay celebrates the warmth and color of Cagayan de Oro’s culture.
There are several traditional events during Higalaay Festival like a carnival parade, a float parade, a religious procession in honor of the city’s patron Saint Augustine, a 3-day culinary competition and a fireworks competition.
SHOPPING IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
You’ll see different boutiques to buy really cheap outfits from here and there are also quite a few thrift stores around the place. Class A shoes of brands such as Nike, Adidas, Vans and many more are available in Divisoria.
HISTORY IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
Plaza Divisoria which is formerly known as Golden Friendship Park, is a place filled with that are dedicated to local and national heroes like former President Ramon Magsaysay, Dr. Jose Rizal, and former Mayor Justiniano R. Borja.
Plaza Divisoria also has quite a bit of history since the Kagay-anon soldiers who fought during the Philippine-American War were buried underneath the monument in the park.
These are some of the best and most picture-worthy tourist spots in Cagayan de Oro and it’s nearby provinces to visit! You’ll surely enjoy each and every one of these amazing destinations.
Hope you liked our Cagayan de Oro tourist spots guide. Are we missing any spots? Let us know in the comments below.
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Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.