Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park

This is the eleventh part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

The main reason why we went to Bukidnon is to go to Dahilayan Adventure Park. Dahilayan Adventure Park is known for its Asia’s Longest Dual Zip Line. It is an 840 meter zipline with a drop of 100 meters at 4,500 above sea level from the launch tower. There are also other ziplines to choose from: the 320m + 150m dual zip lines which is ideal for beginners. The park also features a new attraction which is called the Dropzone, it is a 120 feet freefall into a man-made lake. Other attractions in the park are: ATV ride, mini boat ski ride, Zorbit, Horseback riding, wall climbing.

Dahilayan Adventure Park

You have to take a Habal-Habal ride passing through Camp Phillips. Going there is an adventure itself. Before arriving to Dahilayan, you would be passing by a huge expanse of fields/farms and plantations which has numerous pineapples and other fruits/vegetables. The ride is a bit of a rough road but that’s the thrill of it. Most noticeable also is the cold air that you would feel even if the sun is shining brightly.

Kuya Bibot and Habal-Habal

Camp Phillips

Road Going to Dahilayan

Lots of Pineapple Plantation

Once we arrived at the park, my fear was growing rapidly inside of me. I am a self-proclaimed scared of heights person and this was my first time to try a zipline. J immediately bought the all rides package for 600php which includes all 3 ziplines, while I bought first the 350 + 120m zipline package for 250php because I’m not ready for the longest dual zipline. I was literally cold all over when they were strapping me in. But, it was an amazing experience!! The harnesses looked really safe and the zipline was over before you knew it. And probably because of the adrenaline pumping through my veins, I immediately paid for an additional 450php to try the 840 meter zipline.

Safety First!

The Short Zipline

The ride going to the launch tower is also very exciting. You get to ride a huge jeep with rough roads and the scenery was just amazing. Once up the launch tower, you would get a glimpse of how high and how long the zipline would be. And that’s when my heart just started pounding, blood draining from my face and I was just about ready to back-out. But the guides didn’t give me a chance because I suddenly found myself strapped in and then in just a blink of an eye, they pushed us out of the launch tower. And what an amazing, amazing ride!! I was screaming the whole time but it was a scream of joy and exhilaration. The view was amazing, the cold air was amazing, basically, everything was amazing! When we got to the end, we were smiling like crazy to the people who just watched us land. I had like a “what’s-up-I-just-conquered-this-zipline-and-I’m-so-cool” grin in my face and I was grinning at everybody hahaha. J was also doing the same thing. We were just full pumping of adrenaline and were just so very proud of ourselves for doing this. We purchased the pictures included to remind us of this crazy adventure we went to.

The Starting Point of the Longest Dual Zip Line

The End Point

Tips to enjoy the dual zipline: spread your arms wide, don’t close your eyes, and just scream as loud as you can! And don’t forget to smile and put your head up high when you’re nearing the landing area because someone will be taking your picture and you don’t want to look like you’re scared and not enjoying right?

The Picture We Purchased

After the adventure at Dahilayan Park, we decided to go back to CDO so we could scramble over to go to Iligan (amazing race-like). But before that, a detour in one of the pineapple plantations!

Read more:
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Getting to CDO and Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon

This is the tenth part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

For our 4th day in CDO, we decided to do a little side trip going to Bukidnon to experience the Dahilayan Adventure Park. Going to Bukidnon is easy, but going to Dahilayan Adventure Park is a bit of a challenge.

Bukidnon is a landlocked province located in the Northern Mindanao Region. The name “Bukidnon” means highlander or mountain dweller. It is considered to be the food basket of Mindanao.

Here are two options on how to commute to Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon from CDO:

1. Go to Agora Bus Terminal. From there take either a van or a jeepney going to Barangay Camp Philips, Manola, Fortich, Bukidnon. Once in Camp Philips, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) going to Dahilayan Adventure Park. It is advisable to contact the habal-habal ahead of time to assure that you have a ride going there.
2. Via the Zipzone Shuttle from CDO. This is available every Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:30 am which is found at Coffeeworks in Divisoria. Round trip fare is 350php/person. You can also ride it going back to CDO which leaves Dahilayan at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For reservation, contact 09228801319.

Welcome to Bukidnon!

What we did was option 1, riding a jeepney to Bukidnon. Luckily, we were able to look up a habal-habal in the internet, Kuya Bibot. He gave us a price of 500php round trip. So when we arrived in Bukidnon, he was waiting for us immediately to take us to Dahilayan Adventure Park.

The Famous Pineapple

Read on for our Dahilayan Adventure Park Escapade!

Kuya Bibot
Habal-Habal (motorcycle) Driver in Bukidnon
Mobile No: 0916-2864637

Read more:
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Getting to CDO and Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall

This is the ninth part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

After our DIY City Tour of CDO, we decided to call it a day and find a place to eat. Again, we haven’t researched about this so we just decided to go to Limketkai Mall where the popular Missy Bon Bon is located. Limketkai Mall is one the biggest malls in CDO and houses various stores from restaurants, bars, shopping stalls, etc.

Once we got there, we went straight to Missy Bon Bon Breadshop because we were hungry. Missy Bon Bon serves a variety of food, from pastas, to breads, to rice. But of course, being a breadshop, their specialties are their baked goodies. Also, they are very popular with their gelato which we weren’t able to try. But I did try the Milo Dinosaur. It was good, though not as great as the one I was able to try in Singapore. There is also free wifi in the store!

The Interior of the Place

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Very Cozy Looking

After resting a bit, we headed to Bigby’s Restaurant even though we were already full. Bigby’s is one of the most popular restaurants around CDO. I would probably compare it being like T.G.I.Fridays in Manila. Since we were already very full, we decided to just order their platter of Appetizers just so we could taste their food. The platter consists of cheesesticks, buffalo wings, fries, quesadilla. I don’t know if it was just because we were so full but the food wasn’t up to par to what I was expecting. It was too oily and, well, not that good.

Bigby's Platter of Appetizer. Not that good.

With our tummies bursting to the brim, we decided to return back to our hotel and rest for the night. Up next, Bukidnon and Iligan City!

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop
Rosario Drive, Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, CDO
Ground Floor, Gaisano Mall, CDO
Contact No: (088)856-6852
Email address: missybonbon.cdo@gmail.com


Bigby’s Café and Restaurant
Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center, CDO
Contact No: (088) 857-5511
Ground Floor, SM City CDO, Upper Carmen, CDO
Contact No: (088) 859-1358


Read more:
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Getting to CDO and Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO

This is the eighth part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

After our very tiring and adventurous morning, we decided to just rest a bit and then continue on with our ‘do-it-yourself’ city tour of CDO. This was a spur of the moment idea so we weren’t able to research a lot about places to go to in CDO. Since our hotel is located near Divisoria, we decided to just walk around and see what tourists spots are around it.

GASTON PARK
This is just a few blocks away from Divisoria Plaza, you can walk to it. It’s basically a park with a huge fountain in the middle. It was named after the first Mayor of CDO, Segundo Gaston. It served as a training ground for the local revolutionaries during the 1900s. The park boasts of its giant fountain but unfortunately, when we were there the fountain wasn’t working. There's also a nice-looking playground at the side.

The Fountain

The Playground at the side

CITY MUSEUM
Located just a stone’s throw away from the park. This was, unfortunately again, closed.

The Museum which was closed. Boo!

ST. AGUSTINE CHURCH
Located also just beside the park. This church is the city’s main Catholic Church and the seat of the Archdiocese of CDO. The original church was built in 1845 but was destroyed during the American bombardment in 1945. The only survivor of the church is the wooden cross found in front of the church. We weren’t able to go in since there was a mass going but nonetheless, the exterior of the church was still very overwhelming.

St. Agustine Church

St. Agustine Church

VICENTE DE LARA PARK
This is just beside the Misamis Oriental Provinicial Capitol. From Gaston Park, we rented a motorella to get us there. This is previously known as the McArthur Park and is popular venue for joggers or just those who wants to relax and stroll around. In the middle of the park, you would notice a huge monument called the Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental designed by Eduardo Castrillo. It honors the rich cultural heritage of Misamis Oriental.

Lots of Trees all around Gaston Park

Gaston Park

Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental

Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental

MACABALAN WHARF/MACARTHUR MARKER
From the Vicente De Lara Park, we hailed a jeepnery right in front (I forgot what signboard, we just asked the locals around) to take us to Macabalan Wharf where the MacArthur Marker would be found. On the way there, we were thinking that the place might be crawling with tourists since it looked very nice when we searched for it in the internet. So imagine our surprise when we got there. The jeepney told us to get off an isolated place with one gate near the road. When we got near the gate, we were surprise to find the white hat of MacArthur inside. So this is Macabalan Wharf. Haha. It doesn’t look that ‘touristy’ or maybe because there were no people around when we got there. Anyway, the Macabalan Wharf was the place which was occupied by the American forces during the Philippine-American War in 1900. This is also the place where Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in Mindanao in his route to Australia.

Macabalan Wharf Plaque

MacArthur Marker

We had a comedy moment while taking pictures. We thought that the side facing the entrance gate was the front of the hat of MacArthur so we were taking a lot of poses there. Then suddenly, the caretaker went out of his office and told us that he will take pictures of us in front of the hat. Then he showed us the front of the hat which was opposite to where we were taking pictures haha.

The Real Front of MacArthur's Hat

Closer Look

Anyway, you could learn a lot about the history of the place inside. There are several plaques, stories, etc. it was a very insightful tour.

That ends our City Tour of CDO. Up next, food tripping at CDO!

Read more:

Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City

This is the seventh part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

Our 3rd day consists of White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro City. CDO is known as the white water rafting capital of the Philippines and with its very low rate (the local government has standardized the rates), it is a must to try it out if you’re in CDO.

RATES FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING:

• Beginner’s Course – 700php/person, 3 hours river run, 14 rapids (class I-II)
• Advance Course I – 1000php/person, 4 hours river run, 24 rapids (class II-III)
• Advance Course II – 1500php/peron, 5 hours river run, 27 rapids (Class III)
• Extreme Course – 2000php/person, 5 hours river run, 18 rapids (Class III-IV)

To further deepen your fear and apprehension:

• Class I – very easy, fast moving water
• Class II – easy to moderate, small to medium sized regular waves with some obstacles
• Class III – moderate to exciting, numerous waves that are bigger and a bit irregular, currents can be tricky
• Class IV – exciting, longer rapids with powerful waves and strong currents
• Class V – difficult, massive waves, violent rapids
• Class VI – limit of navigation, rarely run, considered un-runnable

There are several rafting companies to choose from, each one of them with different packages to avail. We chose the 1st Rafting Adventure Beginner’s Course. We added 250php for the CD of pictures. VERY IMPORTANT to note, if you’re travelling in a group of 2-3, make sure to contact any rafting companies in advance to make sure that they could include you in another group. I think the minimum number of people in a raft is 4. Luckily, we were able to join a family of 4. The jeepney picked us up early in the morning and we traveled for around 1 hour going to the rafting site.

The View Going to the Rafting Site

RAFTING COMPANIES TO CHOOSE FROM:
1. 1st Rafting Adventure Philippines
Telephone Nos: (088) 875-1270, (088) 856-3514
Mobile Nos: 0917-3255544, 0908-8849575
Email address: riverguide95@yahoo.com, riverguide95@raftingadventurephilippines.com

2. Kagay White Water Rafting
Telephone No: (088) 310-4402
Mobile No: 09177122323
Email address: dankaamino@yahoo.com

3. Red Rafts Cagayan de Oro
Telephone No: (088) 857-7238
Mobile Nos: 0919-5023617, 0917-8556983, 0922-8973175
Email address: nelson.cee@gmail.com

4. Great White Water Tours
Telephone No: (088) 856-2352
Mobile No: 0920-9380677

5. Golden Friendship White Water Rafting Corporation
Telephone No: (088) 858-9007
Mobile No: 0919-4924488

6. CDO Bugsay River Rafting
Mobile No: 0917-3284729


At the rafting site, the guides will be instructing you on the commands used during the ride as well as safety precautions. Of particular interest is the part wherein they will teach you what to do when you fell off the boat. Very, very important to listen to these instructions because even though you have helmets and life vests, rocks jutting out from the river can still scratch you up.

The Starting Point

Our Guide Giving out Instructions (from the CD pictures)

A Panicked Kid at the Starting Area haha

4 most important things to remember: Forward!, Stop!, Paddle back!, Paddles up high five! These are the instructions the guide would be shouting at you during the river ride. It is a team sport so paddle very vigorously to avoid flipping the boat off. If you can’t paddle anymore, hold on to dear life haha.

The Look of Fear while listening (from CD pictures)

The Raft

Also found on the starting site are several stores where you could buy sunblocks, arm guards, souvenirs, etc. What to wear? Just make sure to have your arms and legs covered or placed with sunblock since you would really be baking under the sun. Also, wear shoes/slippers that have straps so as to avoid it being plunged into the river. You could also opt to not bring underwater cameras/waterproof cameras since there would be a guide paddling in a kayak ahead of you taking action shots/videos. It’s very worth it to purchase it.

After lots of briefing and lots of thinking of backing out, we are ready to try out our first ever white water rafting!

All Set! (from the CD Pictures)

The beginner’s course consists of 14 rapids and in between those rapids, there are some peaceful clearing wherein you could swim or just relax. The water is very cold but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. It was a bit disconcerting at first though because even if you don’t exert any effort, you will find yourself slowly gliding down the river, which, if you have a paranoid brain as mine, you would imagine yourself being left by your boat and finding yourself in the rapids in no time haha. Another IMPORTANT thing to note, once you’re in the boat, it is imperative that you remember that to your right side is Bukidnon and to your left is CDO. I don’t know why haha but the guide told us it is our bearings if ever we fell of the boat (luckily, that didn’t happen to us).

Here we go! (from the CD Pictures)

Fighting the rapids! (from the CD Pictures)

Adrenaline-pumping ride! (from the CD Pictures)

Not only are there rapids, there are also caves seen (from the CD Pictures)

It was a very exhilarating adventure. Not only is your adrenaline pumped up, but you could also enjoy an amazing view! From rocks, to trees, to falls, the river is just one majestic place! And the rapids did not fail, at one point I was just holding on to dear life and not paddling anymore and shouting at the top of my lungs hahaha!

High-fives all around! (from the CD Pictures)

Ahoo! Ahoo! (from the CD Pictures)

Enjoying a refreshing, cold dip (from the CD Pictures)

Anyway, after 3 hours of rapids, paddling, swimming, and lots of high fives with the paddles, we finally emerged at the drop-off point. It was such a huge achievement for us since we are both afraid of rivers and both of us don’t know how to swim. We finished at around 1pm. We decided to pass by the hotel and then after do some city tour of CDO.

So if ever you find yourself in CDO, NEVER miss an opportunity to try out their Whitewater Rafting!

By the way, the CD pictures will be picked up at their office a few hours after the rafting. It is located at #86 Jongko Bldg. Arch. Hayes Street, CDO. For us, it was a walking distance from Victoria Suites.

Up next, City Tour of CDO!

Read more:
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Getting to CDO and Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

Read More»