Philippines forum

I haven't been to Cagayan de Oro yet but that is a safe destination for tourists. The advise to avoid the "southern parts" is too general.

I don't know yet exactly when. I'm in Thailand now and how long I stay here depends on for how long I'll be able to get my visa extended. I got as many answers for this as many tourist information offices I've visited so far.

But I'm planning to go to Cagayan de Oro City sometime this spring. I just want to know if there is a possibility of me getting kidnapped by the local islamist rebel gang - MILF or whatever it is called - for ransom or something.

Also, I would like to know people's oppinion about traveling from Manila to southern parts by other means than airplane. I mean, is it possible to get from Manila to region of Mindanao by going from island to island on boats or ferries? If yes, approximatelly how much minimum time it would take?

Understood. :) And thanks for the links.

And thanks for all the replies.

I don't know if you have been to Cagayan de Oro, but just in case...

Northern Mindanao is safe for tourists. That includes foreign travelers. I advise you to take a plane from Manila to Cagayan de Oro. Travel time is about an hour and a half.

The local airport is quite far from the city proper. You have the option to take a jeepney (cost about 7 Philippine pesos or a fraction of a US dollar) or a taxi (cost about 150 pesos or 4-5 US dollars).

The weather is generally fine all year round. Not far from the airport is a river, which is the city's popular tourist destination. Local travelers go there for water rafting. It's quite an experience especially if it's raining.

You may want to visit Malasag Eco-Tourist Village. It's located on an elevated area facing the city. On a clear day, Malasag offers a panoramic view of Misamis coastline. You can go around and check the native huts and the mini-zoo besides it.

Not far from Cagayan De Oro are the provinces of Bukidnon (a treat for mountaineers and cave explorers), Lanao del Norte (more than 20 falls are found there), and Camiguin (a volcanic island with white beaches and springs).

Many provinces in Mindanao are among the Philippines' poorest, and tourism is underdeveloped. But based from my experience, many of the inhabitants there are nice and accommodating.

You may want to get in touch with the Department of Tourism in able to know the contact numbers of the Cagayan De Oro Tourism Office. I'm sure they'll be glad to assist you.

One more thing: Mindanao's dangerous areas are mostly populated by Muslims. They are found in the island's southern and western regions. Mindanao is far from perfect (like the other regions in the Philippines), but it's not bad as the foreign media pictures it.

Hi Tapsi,

The only guesthouse/inn that I can mention at the moment is Willshire Inn (Yacapin Street corner Aguinado Street); this is where I spent the night when I visited Cagayan de Oro last year. Their cheaper room rates range from 450 pesos (economy rooms) to 880 pesos (superior rooms). Their suite room rates range from 1,250 pesos to 1,850 pesos.

I don't recall what (cheaper) room I stayed in; I was excited about the water rafting. It's not a bad place to spend the night if you're not looking for class and style. Their contact numbers are (08822) 72-05-31 and (08822) 72-07-62. Mobile phone number is 0915-2332734.

Willshire is located near Xavier University. I remember other lodges and hotels nearby. Like Vines Lodge, Fem Lodge and Maxandrea Hotel. If you're not satisfied with Willshire, you can check out the other three.

I'm not sure about the motor bike rental services. There's probably one. You can ask the Department of Tourism Office in Cagayan de Oro. Their numbers are (+638822) 723696 and (+638822) 726394. Email addy: dotr10@yahoo.com. I'm sure they can recommend other guesthouses in the city.

I hope this helps.

Babalugats

Thank you Babalugats, you are more than helpful.

I will call that Tourist Office for sure since I have plenty of more questions.

Two days left till I arrive there, I hope I can arrange everything. Thanks again.

Tapsi

Hi Tapsi,

How was your trip to Cagayan de Oro? I hope nothing unpleasant happened.

First I stayed at YMCA Hostel but I wouldn't recommend that. Their best room was 450 pesos for one night but it was stinky, dirty, no TV, no working air conditioner and most importantly, the lock of the door was broken therefore I had to sleep with unlocked door. And despite it was in a little bit remote part of the city there were no any guards at night. I went out for smoke at night and the gate was opened and the receptionist guy was sleeping in the hall on a sofa. I just stayed there one night because I arrived too late and it was already dark so I didn't want to stroll the dark streets looking for better accommodation with my notebook on my back.

After that I found a place called Executive Pension. The room there was a lot better but a bit small. It was 500 pesos for one night. Working air-conditioner, cable television, relatively clean room, clean bathroom with soap and new towels every day, free wifi internet access (quite slow though), guard at the gate 24/7 and there was a friendly small restaurant on the ground floor in the hall.

I enjoyed my trip after all. The only thing that was bothering me a bit that I drew pretty much attention even with just walking on the streets because there were no any other tourists at all, at least I didn't see any and whenever I went there hundreds of eyes were on me every time. It's was nice that I got a "Hello sir. How are you sir?" on every corners but if you look strange to the locals you don't draw only the attention of the nice people but the bad guys notice you easier as well.

Overall, it was a good experience. But I would suggest only the experienced travelers to visit there alone. I don't consider myself experienced since I traveled only across Thailand - which is not a big deal - before this CDO trip and if there hadn't been a local family that could help me with getting around it would have been pretty hard. Or at least, it requires lot more preparation than a Thailand trip that's sure.

I was in Cagayan de Oro and then onto Initao two years ago and it was very safe.

We are going there again in mid December. If I think it is still safe then, I'll post up.

If I don't post up, then I'd be worried....LOL....just kidding!

Cagayan de Oro is a safe destination for tourists. Macahambus Adventure Park is a must place to visit when you're in CDO.