If you are the type of traveler who loves the sun, sand, and sea, Misamis Oriental has a treat for you. This beautiful province is a unique beachside haven, and offers a surprising experience to those who are willing to travel here. Don’t let the distance from Manila to Mindanao scare you, for Misamis Oriental is worth the long travel time.
The province of Misamis Oriental is located in the region of Northern Mindanao. It is widely known for its beautiful beaches and amazing sunset views. Being at the northernmost areas of Mindanao does have its perks. Since Misamis Oriental is a coastal province, it has numerous locations that perfectly capture those ideal summer getaways with your families and friends. There are a handful of beaches that you can visit, but there are also other tourist destinations you can find inland. Misamis Oriental offers a breezy, relaxing environment and an unforgettable beach experience for those who love to have fun under the sun.
Flights from Manila to Misamis Oriental’s city capital, Cagayan de Oro, arrive as often as 12 times a day. All major Philippine airlines (PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, and Air Philippines) fly to Lumbia airport. Currently, a new airport in Laguidingan is being constructed, which promises to be better and bigger than its Lumbia counterpart.
If you are coming from Cebu, you can ride a Super Shuttle RoRo from Cebu Pier 8 to Balbagon Port in Camiguin. This method, however, is only available every Friday and you can get to your destination around 8:00 PM. It might not be the fastest, but it is the best way to travel if you are up for a seafaring adventure.
If you are currently in Mindanao and want to get to Misamis Oriental, you will have an easier time traveling. Public transport is readily available from almost all major cities in Mindanao to Cagayan de Oro. This includes buses, shuttle vans and other public utility vehicles.
Exploring the grand landscape of Misamis Oriental is quite simple. There are various modes of transport, and each one offers a distinct commuting experience. Taxis offer a privatized type of travel, but if you want to be with the crowd, choose a bus, jeepney, or van instead. Misamis Oriental also has unique motorized vehicles such as the habal-habal and multicab, which you can find zooming around town.
Misamis Oriental offers tourist attractions that are available both in land and sea. For your typical beach atmosphere, there are five places you can choose from. There is the Birhen Milagrosa Beach, the Punta Gorda Beach, the St. Bernadette Beach, the Mempepe White Beach, and the Alibuag White Beach. However, if you are looking for something more religious, there is the 15-metre statue of the Divine Mercy Jesus in El Salvador City. It is a popular attraction among the most devout Catholics. There is something for everyone in this province, and it is highly advised to check out as many areas as you can.
Although Misamis Oriental has a lot of beaches, it is also possible to sit back and enjoy viewing some of Mother Nature’s other attractions. You can visit the century-old Talisay Gubat trees of Lasan Secret Adventure Eco-Tourism Park; or say hello to the flora and fauna at the Mantianak Zoological and Botanical Park. You can also make new animal friends in the Opol Aviary and Mini-zoo.
For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can explore the depths of the Agutayan Reef or the Constancia Reef. If scuba diving is not your thing, then you can try the alternative – spelunking in the beautiful Monigue Cave. You can also explore the mysteries of similar caves like the Amboy Cave in barangay Dansolihon.
Finally, if you love offering your time to do some volunteer work, you can help the people in Salay Handmade. Salay Handmade is an environmentally-conscious enterprise, whose goal is to spur growth and development at a local level.
There are tons of eateries that cater to every appetite and budget. If you are looking to fill your stomach with local treats, Kagay-Anon Restaurant serves up great Kare-Kare and crunchy Crispy Pata. If you’re looking for other Asian flavors, restaurants like Thai Me Up and Grand Caprice Restaurant offer authentic Thai and Chinese meals in their menu.
If you still have trouble deciding where to eat, then you can simply spend the day walking around the streets of Cagayan de Oro. The city is loaded with all sorts of dining ventures that will surely catch your fancy.
Among all the cities in Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro is the best place to cap the night. There are dozens of late night venues that cater to that certain evening escapade. It is up to you to pick your poison. There are KTV bars such as LED KTV Bar and Watever Family KTV along Corrales Avenue, and an assortment of bars in The Lifestyle District. There are even cafes and grills open late at night for those who are looking for a tamer night out.
One of the great things about Misamis Oriental is that the hotels and lodgings are not as expensive like the ones found in other major cities. There are budget hotels like Conchita Hotel and Country Village Hotel that provide a laid-back atmosphere. But, if you are willing to spend some extra cash, there are resorts like Apple Tree Resort and Ultra Winds Mountain Resort that offer elevated accommodations.
If you have no idea how much the fare costs, always ask a local. You might have the misfortune of meeting a disreputable driver that scam their customers by doubling the fare.
Traveling in groups is always fun! You can rent out vehicles to accommodate your size and take you anywhere in Misamis Oriental. It is also wise to split the rental fee among the travelers.
Make it a habit to bring loose change. Most of the vehicles here cost less than 20 pesos, so keep those coins handy.
Summer is always the best time to be visiting Misamis Oriental. The rainy season is notorious for making the province dangerous, since the rains can make the roads more treacherous and challenging.
Total Accommodation | 111 Properties |
Popular City | Cagayan de Oro, Jasaan |
Popular Hotel | Seda Centrio, 1A Express Hotel |
Popular Landmark | SM City Cagayan de Oro, Limketkai Center |