What are the most popular tourist spots in Misamis Oriental aside from those in Cagayan De Oro? Are there attractions for cultural explorers and avid adventurers? What are the best things to do including the laid-back attractions and destinations to see? Here is a comprehensive list.
Misamis Oriental may not be in the map of Philippines’ popular tourist destinations. But don’t let that stop you from visiting this tropical paradise.
Unknown to many, Misamis Oriental hides numerous fascinating wonders such as cascading waterfalls, enchanting mossy forests, unspoiled mountains, pristine beaches, and so much more. you’ll surely love immersing yourself into the province’s off-beaten destinations.
Now, if you’re set to visit Misamis Oriental, here are the must-see destinations you should not miss. Again, most of these are rustic and unspoiled by mass tourism and commercialization.
Let’s go!
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Behold Misamis Oriental Tourist Spots
1. Sagpulon Falls and Spring
Cascading like a long bridal veil, Sagpulon Falls is one of the best of Misamis Oriental tourist spots. It measures more than 180 feet and has carved a very deep pool.
Here, you can have an invigorating swim. For non-swimmers, there are man-made pools are Sagpulon falls where you can swim while gazing at the falls’ majestic beauty.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy San Isidro, Jasaan
- Things to Do: Rappeling, Swimming, Rafting, Cliff Diving/Jumping
2. Mount Balatukan
Mount Balatukan is the highest peak in Misamis Oriental, rising to more than 2,450 meters above sea level. It features a massive triangular-shaped caldera that is 15 km long and 10.6 km at its widest.
Its pristine mossy and dipterocarp forests feed the Balatukan River. Home to a plethora of wildlife species, Mt Balatukan is one of the protected Misamis Oriental tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Kalagonoy, Gingoog City
3. Mt Lumot
Mt Lumot is one of the peaks in the Mt Balatukan mountain range. It became popular when Cebu Pacific Flight 387 crashed on the mountain, killing everyone on board. Because of that, it is called the “Mountain of Souls.”
Today, Mt Lumot is one of the emerging tourist spots in Misamis Oriental, owing to its breathtaking mossy forests, and cascading waterfalls. It also hosts numerous wildlife species such as the Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Harrohay, Brgy. Lunotan, Gingoog City
- Hours to the Summit: 8 hours
4. Agutayan White Island
Agutayan White Island has a long stretch of a sandbar with powdery white sands. Add to this the cerulean blue waters that gives the island a breathtaking view.
It is an ultimate getaway for beach goers. Because it is uninhabited, it remains as one of the most pristine of Misamis Oriental tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Jasaan
5. Mapawa Nature Park
Mapawa Nature Park is your ultimate adventure getaway. It is an ideal site for a solo traveller or those with friends and families.
Among the fun-filled activities you can do here are horse riding, waterfall chasing, ziplining, swimming, and trekking. Get immersed with nature. Mapawa Nature Park is one of the most accessible tourist spots in Misamis Oriental.
- Location/Jump-off: Malasag Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City
- Operating Time: 7 am to 5 pm
6. Malasag Eco-tourism Village
Malasag Eco-Tourism Village showcases replicas of indigenous houses in the region. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, a swimming pool, a museum, regenerated forests, and cottages. The Philippine Tourism Authority operates this eco-village.
- Location/Jump-off: Malasag Hill, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City
- Contact: 0917 896 8873
7. St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral
St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral boasts of a century-old and gothic-inspired architecture. Because of its intricate exterior design, both Catholics and non-religious love coming to gaze at the church. It is one of the top Misamis Oriental tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Cagayan De Oro City
8. Initao Nature Park
With more than 57 hectares of dense forests, Initao Nature Park is a perfect destination for tree huggers, nature lovers, or adventure junkies. Don’t let its small size fool you. The park is home to a myriad of flora and fauna species, some of which you’ll only find here.
- Location/Jump-off: Initao
9. Divine Mercy Shrine
Located on a beautiful hill, the Divine Mercy Shrine showcases a huge statue of the Divine Mercy Jesus. This makes it a popular pilgrimate site. A lush landscape of flowers and green bushes give the spot a rustic view.
Both locals and tourists love to come here to medidate or simply enjoy the sights.
- Location/Jump-off: El Salvador City
10. Duka Bay
Duka Bay does not only showcase a pristine beach likened to those found in Hawaii, USA. What’s more interesting here are the pristine coral reefs and the amazing marine biodiversity.
That is why divers different areas and countries come here to witness its rich and diverse ecosystems.
- Location/Jump-off: Medina
Explore Other Misamis Oriental Tourist Spots
11. Macahambus Cave
Macahambus Cave offers you a stunning view of limestone rock formations. Catch sight of different shapes and sizes and intrigue your imagination with these earthen wonders. From the mouth of the cave, you can view the mighty Cagayan de Oro River.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Bayangan, Cagayan de Oro City
12. Tubajon Aquamarine Park
Tubajon Aquamarine Park is one of the protected Misamis Oriental tourist spots. It is a perfect rustic getaway for families and even solo travelers.
Here, expect to see lush mangrove forests, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. But not only that, you’ll experience how the simplicity of rural life.
- Location/Jump-off: Laguindingan
- Entrance Fee: Php 30
- Boat Ride: Php 300
- Cottage Rent: Php 300 – Php 1000
13. San Roque Falls
San Roque Falls is one of the most accessible tourist spots in Misamis Oriental. It measures around 60 feet high amidst a verdant background. It carved a wide and deep pool with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Jump from one of the surrounding rocks and have an invigorating swim here.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Aposkahoy, Claveria
14. Tiklas Falls
Tiklas Falls is another waterfall in Misamis Oriental you should see. Cascading like a curtain of water, Tiklas Falls has a naturally-built pool where you can have a rejuvenating swim.
The pool is deep, however. So if you’re not a swimmer, there is a nearby man-made pool where you can swim while gazing at the waterfall’s majesty.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Talon, Gingoog City
15. Calamcam White Beach
Want to experience “Boracay” in Misamis Oriental? Check out Calamcam Beach, known for its white and powdery sands. Though it is popular among locals, it is actually less touristy compared to other beaches. Experience pristine beauty at its best here.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Calamcam, Talisayan
16. Mount Mangabon
Mount Mangabon is one of the least known tourist spots in Misamis Oriental. It rises to more than 2,510 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the Philippines.
Despite decades of logging and commercial farming, Mount Mangabon remains a haven of rich wildlife diversity. It is home to the critically-endangered the Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle.
Trekking to the summit will lead you into breathtaking mossy forests and panoramic mountain views.
- Location/Jump-off: Claveria
17. F.S Catanico Falls
F.S Catanico Falls is one of the cascades found along the Cugman River. It takes a thrilling motor ride to get here. The cascade measures around 40 feet high with a natural pool surrounded by giant boulders.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy F.S. Catanico, Cagayan de Oro City
- Entrance Fee: Php 2
- Cottage Fees: Php 10 – Php 25
18. Museo de Oro
Museo de Oro features artifacts, materials and pictures depicting the rich culture of the indigenous peoples in the province. Aside from learning about the local culture, you’ll also get immersed into the city’s rich history here.
- Location/Jump-off: Xavier University, Corrales Ave, Cagayan de Oro City
- Contact: (08822) 723166
19. Mantianak Tree Park
Mantianak Tree Park is a small park where you’ll find a mini-zoo. It is an ideal site for family trips. Kids will surely love exploring the wild plants and animal species here.
- Location/Jump-off: Sugbongcogon
20. Opol Ostrich and Crocodile Farm
As the name suggests, the farm is home to ostriches and crocodiles. If you’re a fan of these species, visiting here should make up to your bucket list. Although it is not fully developed, locals love coming here because of it costs much less. Surely, visiting here would give how it’s like living on a farm.
- Location/Jump-off: Opol
- Operating Time: 8 am to 5 pm
For Your Information:
If you need more information to help set up your itinerary to Misamis Oriental’s tourist spots, do contact the Provincial Tourism Office via the following:
- Email: exploremisamisoriental@gmail.com
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Photos Courtesy of Velrey Nale-loyola Omandac Ohay, Mariles Bandala, Clifford Limpahan, John Michael Lu, Che Eugenio Contawe, Harvs Jachomes, Trip Advisory, Erwin M. Geli
