First Time and (Mis)adventures in Mindanao

Finally, I get to share one of my unforgettable and exciting trips last year which was visiting Mindanao for the first time. We experienced a series of misadventures but Northern Mindanao gave us loads of fun, surprises and adventures that we don't mind coming back again.

Exploring Northern Mindanao

Just to give you a short background, we initially planned for a trip to Camiguin only but eventually discovered that Northern Mindanao has a lot more to offer. We've learned that Cagayan de Oro is not only a gateway to Camiguin and other provinces but is an attraction itself. CDO is popular for the whitewater rafting activity while its neighboring provinces and cities such as Bukidnon and Iligan City are famous for the dual zipline and gorgeous waterfalls, respectively. So aside from the usual sightseeing, we thought this was gonna be an adventure-filled and exciting trip.

Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City

In fact, this became one of my most adventurous trips last year (both in a good and bad way) and a trip of many "firsts". This was my first time to set foot in Mindanao, my first time to try whitewater rafting, my first time to experience zipline (yes, I'm acrophobic!) and my first time to celebrate my birthday by taking a trip (and the most adventurous one, that is).

Dual zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

We only had five days to explore Northern Mindanao so we made sure to cover as many places as possible. We're glad that we had a flexible itinerary because some things didn't turn out as planned. On our first day in Cagayan de Oro City, we had plans of going to Iligan City (which wasn't definite yet due to our arrival time) to see its famous waterfalls such as the Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls. Sure enough the trip didn't push through.

White Island, Camiguin

When we arrived at Budgetel (will do a separate post about this hotel), I found out that my untrusty laptop wouldn't turn on. Talk about being unlucky. Thank God, a friend in CDO was able to meet me and help me find a repair shop. So the rest of the day was spent fixing my ancient laptop and staying at the hotel. Despite the cancellation of Iligan trip, we managed to readjust our itinerary and placed it on our fourth day, meaning we're pushing through with it. The question is, did it really push through? :)

Actually, what happened on the first day was only the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that took place in our entire trip.

Whitewater rafting, Cagayan de Oro

Watch out for my next post. :)


Read more about my Northern Mindanao trip:

• Part 1 - First Time and (Mis)adventures in Mindanao
• Part 2 - Braving Asia's Longest Dual Zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon
• Part 3 - Divisoria Night Market: Food Trip and Ukay-ukay in Cagayan de Oro City
• Part 4 - Getting from CDO to Camiguin via Balingoan Port

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