Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is the capital city of Misamis Oriental province and the regional centre of Northern Mindanao. Known as the "City of Golden Friendship," it is a highly urbanized city and a major commercial, industrial, and educational hub in Mindanao. The city is famous for white-water rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River and its position as the gateway to northern and eastern Mindanao.

By plane

Laguindingan International Airport (CGY) serves flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, Iloilo, and other domestic destinations via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. The airport is about 40 km west of the city centre.

By land

Buses and vans connect CDO to Iligan (3 hours), Bukidnon (2–3 hours), Butuan (4–5 hours), Davao (6–8 hours), and Ozamiz (4 hours). The main bus terminals are Agora and the Bulua terminal.

By sea

The Port of Cagayan de Oro (Macabalan Port) serves inter-island ferries to Manila, Cebu, and other Philippine ports.

Jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and multicabs are widely available. Ride-hailing apps operate in the city. The city has a modern transport system along the main thoroughfares.

• White Water Rafting (CDO River) — One of the best white-water rafting destinations in the Philippines, with Class II–IV rapids.

• Museo de Oro — A museum showcasing Mindanao's cultural heritage.

• St. Augustine Cathedral — The main Catholic church in the city.

• Gaston Park — A historic park in front of the cathedral.

• Macahambus Adventure Park — A nature park with a hanging bridge, cave, and zip line.

• Mapawa Nature Park — A nature reserve with waterfalls, hiking trails, and a canyoneering course.

• Malasag Eco-Tourism Village — A cultural village showcasing the indigenous tribes of Mindanao.

• Divisoria Night Market — A bustling night market along the Cagayan River.

• White-water rafting — The iconic CDO activity, with thrilling rapids on the Cagayan River.

• Canyoneering at Mapawa — A canyoneering adventure through the Mapawa Nature Park.

• Zip lining at Macahambus — A 120-meter zip line over the jungle.

• Night market at Divisoria — Shopping and street food along the riverfront.

• River tubing — A more relaxed water activity on the CDO River.

• Coffee shop hopping — CDO has a vibrant café culture.

• Sinuglaw — Grilled pork belly and fish ceviche combination.
• Lechon — Roasted pig, a CDO specialty.
• Seafood — Fresh fish, crabs, and prawns.
• Pasta and pizza — CDO has a thriving restaurant scene with Italian and international options.
• Kagay-anon cuisine — Local dishes like Kilawin, Adobo, and Hinalang.
• Café Laguna — A popular local restaurant chain.
• The Fat Chef — A well-known restaurant serving Filipino and international dishes.

• Buko juice — Fresh coconut water.
• Coffee — CDO has a thriving coffee culture with many specialty cafés.
• Fruit shakes — Mango, guyabano, and durian shakes.

• Seda Centrio — A 4-star hotel in Centrio Mall.
• Limketkai Luxe Hotel — A premium hotel in the Limketkai Complex.
• Pryce Plaza Hotel — A mid-range hotel on a hill with city views.
• New Dawn Hotel — A budget-friendly option.
• GV Hotel CDO — Budget accommodation.

• Pastel — Local pastries from Cagayan de Oro.
• Dried fish — Local dried seafood products.
• Bukidnon coffee — Premium coffee from the nearby highlands.
• SM CDO Downtown Premier, Centrio Mall, and Robinsons CDO — Major shopping malls.

• Iligan — 3 hours west (Maria Cristina Falls).
• Bukidnon (Malaybalay) — 2–3 hours south.
• Camiguin Island — 1 hour by ferry from Balingoan or Jasaan.
• Davao City — 6–8 hours by bus.
• Ozamiz — 4 hours west.
• Mapawa Nature Park — 1 hour from the city.