Elaine O. Ratunil, OIC/Regional Director
Eco-tourism destinations by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran
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orthern Mindanao is famous for its captivating islands, enchanting falls and caves, exotic parks and rivers, and lush greeneries of mountains. It is one of the well-sought ecotourism sites in the country.
Cagayan de Oro River White Water Rafting: The rafting stretch provides striking panoramic view of the rocky walls, lush vegetation, and breathtaking challenging varied rapids of less than 10 minutes intervals. The river is also best to do tubing (an indigenous pinoy version of wild water adventure) as well as kayaking. Other features if this site is the exciting walk in a 120m long skybridge suspended 120ft from the ground. Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park : Famous for its dolphins viewing area, the 200-hectare aquaculture production center, mangroves, and wildlife sanctuary is located in
Sinacaban town, about 20 minutes by land from the Ozamiz Port. Highland Gardens: Located in Barangay Hoyohoy is a popular destination in Tangub City. It is a botanical garden and a museum of living plants as well as site of the upcoming popular grass skiing. Camiguin Island: An eco-tourism destination famous its rich natural attractions found in waterfalls, hot and cold springs, marine life, islets of fine white sand, diving areas, caves, old church ruins, and centennial-old houses. Canopy Walk: situated within the rainforest of Barangay Mag-Bais in Claveria town in Misamis Oriental is a well sought destination in the region being one of the earliest canopy walk in the country, he cited. Its best features are the varied sceneries of the site as one manages to transport himself to the seven decks all atop some 150 feet from the ground where tourists are greeted with the scent of forest and brilliant display of flora and fauna. Agutayan Island: Located in Jasaan town, it is a marine sanctuary and nursery of five species of giant
clams. Mantianak Zoological Park: Experience nature tripping in Sugbongcogon which features flora and fauna, tigers, and various bird species.
Lasang Boardwalk and Treetops (Initao-Libertad National Park Seascape and Landscape) : It offers an adventurous experience and marvellous sight of the woodland. Developed as a theme park, its seascape is home to centennialold trees, endemic flora and fauna, tarsiers, rare ferns and wild orchids, as well as a cave habituated by noseclip bats. Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village: Nestled in the 7.5 hectare hilly reforestation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. The garden features tribal houses, souvenir shop, open air coffee shop, swimming pool, multi-purpose air-conditioned building, guest cottages, dormitories, orchidarium, wide camping ground, picnic area, jogging lane, and open amphitheatre.
Lake Apo: a 25-hectare lake surrounded with lush greeneries of hills and mountains, huge ferns and endemic plants, as well as orchids and other flower plants. Located at Guinoroyan in Valencia City, Bukidnon where tourists can cruise around the lake in bamboo rafts. Kaamulan Park: a theme park located at the heart of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon encompassing vast natural surroundings of pine trees, hilly area, endemic plants and landscape for leisurely walks, horseback riding, and off-the-track races. Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort in Balingoan and the Duka Bay Resort in Medina: For those who want to experience the limitless aqua adventure, these resorts offer wide range of facilities like scuba diving spots, fish watching/feeding, cavern diving, wreck diving, night diving, and underwater photography. Tourists can also enjoy cool respite in Tiklas Falls in Gingoog City, Maria Cristina Falls and Hindang Falls in Iligan City, as well as Tinago Falls and Cathedral Falls in Lanao del Norte province.