Cagayan De Oro & Camiguin Island, Philippines

The Philippines has a long list of beautiful destinations that's why it's so easy for travelers around the globe to explore it. With around 7,641 stunning islands, there are plenty of places to see, cultures to immerse in, and unique activities to try.  It's no wonder many of its islands have been recognized as the world's best including its top destinations -- Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol.

But in today's blog, I want to focus on two of the most amazing yet underrated islands in the southern part of the Philippines known as Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin Island. These neighboring provinces have a lot to offer to its visitors -- whether you're into travel thrills, nature adventures, or just want to relax by the beach -- these destinations will not disappoint your needs.

Together with my wife and our friends, we explored and toured around these two destinations. From activities that gave us thrills (white water rafting along mighty rapids) to exciting outdoor activities (downhill luge and zip line rides), we enjoyed every minute of this trip. But there is more to it! Watch this video to know where to took our adventures and to see places to visit when you travel to these destinations:

Must-visit destinations:

Sunken Cemetery (Camiguin) - One of the most popular places to visit in Camiguin. This infamous landmark was once a cemetery in the 18th century until the volcano erupted and made it sink under water. Today, what remains visible is the cross that is now teeming with corals and marine life.

Katibawasan Falls (Camiguin) - A towering waterfall with over 70 meters of strong, clear, cascading waters. It lies within a lush forest filled with trees, flowers, and wild ferns.

White Island Sandbar (Camiguin) - A small and isolated destination known for its long-stretched, white-sand island that emerges only during the low tides.

Museum of Three Cultures (Cagayan De Oro) - A museum that exhibits three essential galleries, namely Kasaysayan, a collection of old photographs and archeological artifacts from the Mindanao Region; Posaka, displays and interesting mix of antique Maranao instruments, textiles, jewelry, and treasures that date back to China's Sung Dynasty; and finally Rawari, showcases a collection of indigenous and lowland cultural materials.  Here you can also witness arts made by local artists.

Hibok-Hibok Hot Springs (Camiguin) - Also known as the ‘Ardent Hot Springs’, this nature destination is a great place to unwind while soaked in heated mineral waters that run down the vents of the active Hibok-Hibok volcano.  

-Forest Park Adventure at Dahilayan (Bukidnon) - Located in the neighboring province of Bukidnon, this tourist destination offers a variety of fun activities for visitors of all ages. Two of the most popular activities to try here are the downhill luge and zip line rides.

Must-try activities:

Zipline Luge ride at the Forest Park -  Dahilayan Forest Park Resort’s luge ride is a downhill go-cart/toboggan experience that lets you drive through twisted turns with views of the mountains, while their zipline activity allows you to fly like superman from a launch point that is built 4,700 feet above sea level.

White water rafting - If you’re a thrill seeker, don’t miss the chance to experience the great white rapids of Cagayan De Oro. Discover pure adrenaline while water splashes and smacks against boulders, your boat or even your face, reminding you of how powerful nature is and how it can let you experience extreme adventure and fun at the same time.

Where to Stay:

Cagayan De Oro: Seda Centrio Hotel -- A contemporary hotel offering modern comforts to its guests with its world-class amenities that ensure relaxation throughout your stay.

Camiguin: Paras Beach Resort

A paradise built for guests looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape. With the resort's nature-filled ambiance, you'll have the time to unwind and rejuvenate.

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Where will you take your next adventures to? Share it in the comments below.

South Cotabato & Sarangani, Philippines

Adventure travel may not be for all but it remains well-known to travelers who seek for thrill while having unique, cultural interactions with nature.

On my last trip to South Cotabato and Sarangani Provinces in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, I was able to experience the adventure that I never thought existed in those places. Visiting these underrated destinations opened up a lot of opportunities for fun and adventure including one-of-a-kind nature engagements, native interactions and food exploration.

Tuna Encounters

Location: General Santos City, South Cotabato

General Santos City is known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. True to its identity, the city is proud to be the premier producer of tons of huge, freshly caught tunas of the country. 

The General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), covering an area of 11 hectares, is the city’s main port where tunas and other marine products are landed by local fishermen. With high volume of fresh tuna landings daily, it helped boosted the economy of the city, making many business trades and providing jobs to thousands of locals.

Apart from tunas, the city has also other things to be proud of. General Santos City is outside the typhoon belt of the Philippines, making it a year-round destination for all tourists. Here you can expect a sunny, good weather condition throughout the year. Some of the wonderful things to look forward to are celebrations of local festivities, bountiful nature sceneries, good food, and unmatched hospitality.

Seven Falls Zip-line

Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Dubbed as the most scenic zipline ride in the Philippines, the Seven Falls Zipline in Lake Sebu has a ride length of 740 meters and 400 meters, making it one of the longest zipline rides in the country and the highest in South East Asia at a striking height of more than 180 meters.

Get ready to be amazed and shiver as you take on this exhilarating ride that features a lengthy view of lush forests, lakes, and seven amazing waterfalls.

White Water Tubing in Sarangani

Location: Pangi River Mount Maitum, Sarangani (127 kilometers away from General Santos City)

Experience a different kind of water adventure with Sarangani’s White Water Tubing at Pangi River Mount Maitum. Unlike water rafting, tubing on river lets travelers sit on a recycled rubber tires to chase rapids. It may seem scary to sit on at first, but tubers need not to worry because these tires are specially designed by the river guides, making it fit for rough rapids of Pangi.

The experience was, as expected, thrilling. I held on to the tire for balance while feeling the sudden drops, twists and turns of the river, making my adrenaline rush to the fullest. It was the kind of adventure I needed at that time. While tubing on wild rapids seems dangerous, I felt safe knowing that the tire I’m floating on is strapped to a river guide who navigated my ride.

Before taking this trip, the knowledge I had about these places was very limited. All I know was the Southern Philippines, also known as Mindanao, has countless of interesting activities and attractions for tourists. So I packed my bag, went and was very satisfied. 

Apart from these adventures, the experience I had with the natives, especially the T’boli tribe, and the delight of having to share good food with great acquaintances are wonderful memories from the trip that I will never forget in a long time. 

Until next time, I am your friendly global traveler, Johnny, wishing you all more meaningful adventures to come.