Iligan City: Maria Cristina Falls

After enjoying ourselves at Tinago Falls, we proceeded to Maria Cristina Falls. Though we’re running out of time, we didn't hesitate to go there. Why? Because I personally didn't want to go back to Manila half hearted.

Maria Cristina Falls is located inside the premises of NPC (National Power Corporation). It is also called “The Twin Falls”. Also, there’s the Maria Cristina Hydroelectric Power Plant which is the main source of electricity for the whole Mindanao region. There’s an entrance fee of 35 php and you have to sign up the registration form.

We climbed on the top of Maria Cristina Hydroelectric Power Plant to have a better view. Though even from afar, you can see how majestic the falls is.

Those raging water currents’ like inviting you to go on kayaking. Hehe.

Bukidnon: Dahilayan Adventure Park and Forest Park

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Let’s leave the past and embrace the future.

Continuing my Bukidnon Trip, we arrived at Dahilayan Adventure Park around 10am. It’s located at Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Dahilayan Adventure Park is the home of the longest dual cable zipline in Asia which is 840 meters long. This zipline is actually the reason why we went here.

Actually, it was my first time to try zipline. So for me, it was mixed emotion. Nervousness and excitement.

After zipline, we roamed around, appreciate the surrounding and take picture. I noticed how serene the place is. You can hear the Pine trees whistling. It’s very relaxing since you’re surrounded by nature.

I wanted to try the rope course but then it was hot at that time and none of my officemates wanted to accompany me.

After we roamed around, we went to Forest Park. There's a playground inside and once again, we became kids longing to play around. Kids at heart. Yey!

We wanted to try the ATV and Buggy Ride, unfortunately with us, they require that we must know how to drive. Since only 2 in our group knew how to drive, we dropped the idea and it was very disappointing on my part. I must learn how to drive. I promised to myself that I will come back here and try ATV and Buggy Ride.

There you have it, my Bukidnon experience. It was fun and I enjoyed every moment of it. We all went back to Cagayan de Oro with a smile.

Side Trip to Bukidnon

During our 3 weeks stay at CDO, my officemates and I weren’t able to tour around the city because of work. Yeah, sad to say we didn’t get a chance to try the Whitewater rafting. So busy at work that my officemates and I have to stay awake until 2am to finish all my designs. So to complement our work, our boss decided to treat us at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon. It was actually the recommendation of my officemate.

Bukidnon is quite far from CDO city proper and it took us around 2 hours travel time. That 2 hours is actually not boring but an adventure itself. And I love the fact that you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Upon arriving at Bukidnon boundary, we were required to step on the chemically treated mat meant to prevent spread of Foot and Mouth disease. About an hour and a half, we arrived at Camp Phillips. Camp Phillips is where the Del Monte pineapple plantation is located.

Expect a bumpy ride as the road is not yet paved but the view is beautiful. Mountains, corns, bananas, vast pineapple plantation and more! And oh, the cool fresh air! The scenery is indeed breathtaking.

A jump shot picture at the vast pineapple plantation.

After about 30 mins, we were able to reach our destination. Dahilayan Adventure Park.

I'll blog later about our adventure at Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Iligan City: Tinago Falls

2:25 flight to Manila isn’t hindrance for us not to go to Iligan City. My boss wants to go there, so did I. That’s why even with limited time, we travelled to Iligan City.

Iligan City is located in Lanao del Norte, the northern part of Mindanao. It is called the “City of Majestic Waterfalls.” Indeed, it is majestic with Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls as their front liners. There are about 23 waterfalls in Iligan City.

We first went to Tinago Falls. “Tinago” is a Filipino word for “hidden.” As the name implies, Tinago Falls is hidden from the view. You cannot actually see the falls unless you trek down. There were 434 steps called the winding staircase. Trekking down can be difficult especially of you’re not used to it but it’s so worth it. 

 

What truly amazed me was the color of the water. It’s blue! And I just stare at the water for about a minute. I can’t help but to admire it. It’s such a beautiful sight.

 During our visit, we we're the only tourist there, so we took that opportunity to swim and explore Tinago falls. 

There's a bamboo raft that you ride to go near to the falls.

The lagoon is about 65 ft deep according to the tourist guide. So, it's a must to wear life vest. And so we're ready to swim, relax and enjoy the amazing view. I really feel at peace when I'm surrounded by nature.

 Tinago Falls is so serene and it deserves another round on my travel list.