Cagayan de Oro
A friendly river city in Northern Mindanao, famous for its whitewater and green hills.
Quick answer
- Where: the capital of Misamis Oriental and gateway to Northern Mindanao.
- Nickname: the City of Golden Friendship.
- Rafting: the Cagayan de Oro River has more than 20 rapids and is promoted as the country's whitewater capital.
- Festival: the Kagay-an Festival in late August, around the feast of St. Augustine on August 26.
- Nearby: ridges, waterfalls and the Bukidnon highlands.
Why it is a wonder
Cagayan de Oro, on the north coast of Mindanao, is known as the City of Golden Friendship for its welcoming people. For visitors, it is best known for its river. The Cagayan de Oro River runs down from the highlands through gorges and forest, with more than 20 rapids, and the city promotes itself as the country’s whitewater rafting capital.
Rafting trips bounce through the rapids, swim in calm stretches and end with a riverside meal. Around the city, green ridges and waterfalls such as Sinulom offer cooler escapes, and the Bukidnon highlands are just up the road.
Beat the crowds
- Book rafting on a weekday morning.
- Choose your run: beginners’ routes are gentler, advanced runs are wilder.
Getting there
Fly to Laguindingan Airport, about an hour from the city. Rafting operators usually provide pickup. CDO is also the ferry gateway to Camiguin.
A perfect day
- Morning rafting trip on the river.
- Lunch by the river after the run.
- Afternoon at a ridge or waterfall.
- Dinner downtown on local grilled dishes.
Through the seasons
- About June to November: higher water and bigger rapids.
- Late August: the Kagay-an Festival.
- Drier months: gentler rapids, good for first-timers.
Respect the place
Raft only with registered operators and follow your guide. Check government travel advice for the region before you go.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to go rafting?
No. Operators provide guides, helmets and life jackets, with routes for beginners and more advanced runs.
When are the best rapids?
Usually in the wetter months, roughly June to November, when water levels are higher.
What does Cagayan mean?
It is linked to the local word kagay, meaning river.
Is Cagayan de Oro safe?
It is a busy, generally welcoming city. Check your government's travel advice for Mindanao before you go.
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We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
