Cagayan de Oro

DESTINATIONS philippines cagayandeoro

Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro is a modern, multi-cultural city that lies on the northern shores of Mindanao Island of the Philippines. It has gourmet restaurants, fine hotels and is the shopping capital of the island. Known as the "city of golden friendship" because of the hospitable nature of the kagayanons, Cagayan de Oro always offers a special welcome to visitors, wherever they may come from.

The City

The city is known as the ‘Gateway to Northern Mindanao’ because of its key location on the shores of the island. The capital of the Misamis Oriental province and the regional government and commercial centre for Region 10, the northern district of Mindanao Island, Cagayan de Oro is a bustling, cosmopolitan city. It is home to leading universities, including the Capital University, Xavier University and Liceo de Cagayan University, recognised for their work in medicine and agriculture. They give the city a vibrant edge and a large student population. Bookshops can be found on almost every corner. The city is surrounded by vast plantations, including those of the Bukidnon province, famous for its pineapples. Not to be confused with the Cagayan province in Northern Luzon or Cagayan islands, the city of Cagayan de Oro can trace its history back to the 1st century AD. Little remains of the original city due to a fire that destroyed most of its buildings in 1901. As a result, the Plaza Divisoria, a huge area of parks that divide the city, was designed and developed as a fire break. Today, it is where residents can be seen jogging, reading in the sunshine or quietly contemplating. Within the Plaza Divisoria is Bonifacio Park where local soldiers who fought for the country are honoured.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The city offers residents and visitors many things, including fine restaurants, great hotels and the chance to enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking along the Cagayan de Oro river, festivals, golf, spas, museums like the La Castilla Museum and the Museo de Oro, famous for their antiquities, and horse riding or trekking in the Mapawa Nature Park. With many huge malls, the city is also the shopping mecca of the Mindanao region.

Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

This is a living museum designed to capture how the indigenous tribes of Mandanao island lived in centuries past, including replica houses and crafts, as well as regular tribal shows. The village stands in tropical gardens with panoramic views out over the …

Whitewater Rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River

Cagayan de Oro is famous for its whitewater river rafting and kayaking, and there are many companies that specialise in the sport (Kagay Whitewater Rafting being one). Most are easily found along the riverside. The river has a series of rapids, rocks and boulders that make it a thrilling …

Macahambus Adventure Park

Macahambus Adventure Park is a natural park where visitors can see the spectacular Macahambus Gorge, take a walk across the Sky Bridge that is elevated some 120 feet off the ground, take a slide ride through the undergrowth and walk through ancient …

Catanico Falls

Catanico Falls is one of several natural wonders for which Cagayan de Oro is famous. An area of boulders and rock formations through which raging water passes and then falls in a spectacular fashion, it is a wondrous sight. Journey time from the city is around 30 minutes. …

Mapawa Nature Park

Activities like horse riding through forests, trekking to see waterfalls and nature trails to enjoy flora and fauna can all be found at the Mapawa Nature Park. There is no public transport to get here so it might be a good idea to hire a taxi for a …

Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy this 18-hole par 72 course designed by the famous designer Robert Trent Jones II. It is considered one of the best in the Philippines. There is a clubhouse, driving range and practice greens - everything to make for a great golfing experience. …

Rodelsa Hall

Rodelsa Hall is a cultural centre for the performing arts and this landmark building includes a concert hall with state-of-the-art technology. There are areas dedicated to exhibitions too. It is located within the Liceo de Cagayan University and regularly offers a programme of live musical and artistic events and displays. …

Opol Beach

Only minutes away from the city centre lies Opol Beach, or rather a long stretch of land where several smaller beaches sit next to each other. Boat trips to a nearby island are on offer. There are a number of resorts directly in the area, and affordable cottages available for …

Museum of Three Cultures

Located at the Capitol University, the museum holds a fascinating cultural archive of Northern Mindanao and Butuan. It contains a vast array of artifacts of the Manobo and Higaonon cultural traditions, which includes art objects, ceramics, photographs and even furnishing of old sultans' …

Vicente de Lara Park

This centrally located, small park is beloved by the city residents for the jog-perfect, tree-shaded paths, weekend Zumba classes taught by professional instructors (anyone is welcome to join in!), and the food stands with an array of snacks on …

Dining

Eating out in Cagayan de Oro can be as extensive or as light as you wish. Many of the local dishes comprise fish marinated in wine, lemon, and spices (such as the popular Kinilaw). Grilled meats and poultry can usually be found on the menus of most eateries as well. As befits a cosmopolitan city, there are restaurants to suit all tastes. Keep an eye out for French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and, of course, Oriental eateries. Many restaurants offer al fresco dining. Below are the best places to eat in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines:

Grand Caprice Restaurant

With an elegant oriental themed décor, subtle lighting and an extensive Chinese gourmet menu, the Grand Caprice is popular with discerning diners and local business people. A fine wine list adds to its reputation as being a place to go for a dining …

Dynasty Restaurant

This is a spacious restaurant with a distinctly oriental theme, located at the Dynasty Court Hotel. The Dynasty serves an extensive range of traditional Chinese dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Its speciality is Peking Duck and Shark-fin …

Thai Me Up

Find all your Thai cuisine favorites and more at Thai Me Up - a restaurant that adds a little local flavor to the beloved pad thai, spring rolls, chicken satay, crab and more. All-you-can-eat deals are available weekly. Don't miss the chance to try crocodile meat served …

Redtail Shrimps & More

Those convinced that shrimp and crab aren't really their cup of tea should give Redtail Shrimps & More a fair shot at changing their mind - the establishment might just succeed. Try the fresh seafood seasoned with signature sauce, now served directly in hot, steaming …

Kagay-Anon Restaurant

For those new to Filipino cuisine, Kagay-Anon Restaurant is a great place to start familiarizing yourself with local culinary delights. Try the Ostrich Salpicao, or any of the other authentic dishes served in artisan wood platters. Orders can be shared in …

High Ridge

With its elevated outdoor terrace and panoramic views over the city, High Ridge boasts a truly unique setting and unique ambiance that becomes most apparent at night, when hundreds of lights shine below. Serves international cuisine with an emphasis on American and …

Cafes

Cagayan de Oro has a cafe society lifestyle with many establishments having outside eating areas. The city’s cafes offer a great way to eat quickly and informally while out sightseeing or shopping. Here are some of the best cafes in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines:

Bigby’s Café and Restaurant

There are two Bigby’s in the city, both offering a wide selection of international dishes such as grilled chicken, steaks, fish and seafood dishes, pasta, stews, salads, and fabulous desserts. Specialities include Kamikazee Balls, salmon, along with sweet Mango Chantilly …

Goldilocks Bakeshop

For some great cakes, pastries, and desserts head for Goldilocks. Specialities include Blackforest dessert, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Fresh Lumpia, Crema de Fruta, and Filipino specials like Guisada, Rellenong Bangus, and Dinuguan. A number of locations operate around …

Pancake House

Not only are there pancakes with all manner of toppings served at the Pancake House, but also a great selection of American-style salads, roasted chicken and pan-prepared meat dishes, spaghetti dishes and waffles. Great for an informal and inexpensive …

Candy's Cafe

Candy's Cafe is a cosy, ambient establishment with a large selection of high-quality sweet and savory foods on offer. Among the highlights are Italian classics (pizza and pasta) and the heavenly desserts - pecan pie and Red Velvet cake among others. Two locations currently operate in the city. …

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Conveniently located at the Limketkai Mall, Missy Bon Bon Breadshop is a hit with both locals and tourists. A one-stop location for quick savory snacks (breakfast menus available) and a varied array of sweets, coffee and gelato. Treats from Missy Bon Bon make for perfect "pasalubong" to bring …

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife in Cagayan de Oro is a mix of nightclubs and bars that are open from around 7 pm through to midnight, or later on Friday and Saturday nights. Cagayan de Oro offers bingo halls, evening sports events, and restaurants. There is something to suit all ages and preferences, as befits a vibrant, cosmopolitan city like Cagayan de Oro. Below are the best bars and nightclubs in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines:

Lifestyle District

Lifestyle District is an outdoor beer garden of all sorts, a cool hang out spot for the young locals that gets busy after sundown. There is a number of bars, restaurants, dessert shops, and entertainment venues in the area (KTV included) to make for a pleasant night out on the …

Plaza Divisoria

A bustling nightlife hot spot, Plaza Divisoria comes alive after sundown when dozens of vendors set up shop in the street and fast food stalls operate in full mode. Live music is played in the streets, and the area is closed off to traffic every weekend after 6 …

Pulse Live Music Venue

Microphone Hero

This bar attracts a young and happy crowd (most patrons are in their twenties). It offers live music, DJ's and themed nights. Come here to meet new friends and have a great party night, and try out the KTV - an entertainment form beloved by the locals. …

Flamenco Café and Bar

Flamenco Café and Bar is a welcoming evening venue that prides itself in being frequented by locals and visitors alike. The establishment serves quite an array of foods from Western, Chinese and Filipino cuisines, as well as a variety of drinks and desserts. In- and outdoor seating …

Shopping

Cagayan de Oro is famous for being ‘the’ place to shop in northern Mindanao. Shopping malls and specialist shops dominate the city centre, and it’s possible to find just about everything from crazy fashion items to works of art, household items and electrical appliances. Some of the popular shopping areas are along the Don Apolinar Velez Street and Jr Borja Street. Of the malls, the first and one of the largest is the landmark Limketkai Shopping Mall in Lapasan. It has department stores and numerous shops selling fashions, cell phones and home furnishing goods to restaurants, four cinemas and children’s play areas. Visitors can get their eyes tested, have a spa treatment, do some banking and have their photos printed too. An atrium in the centre often hosts exhibitions and concerts. Other malls include Makro in Kauswagen highway, Gaisano City Mall in Corrales Street, Ororama Supercenter and Megacenter, and the SM City at Upper Carmen, Pueblo de Oro Business Park. The city has many markets too, the most notable being the city centre Cogon Public Market.