Are you a water adventure junkie? The Philippines being surrounded by a lot of water bodies offer infinite choices for a fitting adventure. From sea water (SCUBA, surfing, skin diving) to inland water (kayaking, river rafting, lake paddle boarding) adventure, the list could go on. For the more bold traveler, white water rafting is veracious up your brook.

There are 3 well-known water rafting spots in the Philippines, 2 of which are in Mindanao. The most established one is in Cagayan de Oro City in the province of Misamis Oriental. It is considered by most rafting enthusiasts as the best white water rafting destination in the country. I was fortunate that I had my first rafting experience in this city way back 2009.

The Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting is an adrenaline-inducing experience that also allows visitors to see the striking scenery of the Cagayan River. There are several rafting companies that offer this adventure and would usually pick up people in the city center. Then, the rafting mostly begins at the starting location in Barangay Dansolihon.

The Rafting Know-How

Upon reaching the starting point of the river, we were prepared with the proper gears and had basic lectures on water rafting. We then did a short trek down the river which was a pretty easy walk and was greeted by our colourful rafts. We were introduced to our guides and further safety briefing (like essential do’s and don’ts) were given. Each raft consisted of 5-6 people, guide included. We then proceeded to start our rafting trip.

The beginning was actually quite smooth, that gradually became wilder as we go on. I am not very good with words (in terms of describing how the epinephrine rush the activity was giving me). At one point, we were cruising at a steady pace, and the next thing we all know, we were already screaming and our hearts thumping. Waters splashing and slamming against boulders!!! Amazing experience! There were times when everything was smooth and it gave us a great deal of time to marvel at the surroundings. The mostly verdant scenery was absolutely stunning and made me appreciate the beauty of nature even more.

Overall, we had a blast, I had a blast! I just loved the wonders along the river and the amazing experience of paddling through the river! I promised to do this activity again (which I did the following year in Davao). So, for those of you have this yearning to try something new and adventure-filled, go and grab an oar and try this exciting rafting adventure on the Cagayan River.  Whether you are 10 or 60, experienced or newbie, white water rafting is definitely a fun and a magnificent experience to be enjoyed.

White Water Rafting companies in Cagayan de Oro City

The following companies offer white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro City:

• Great White Water Tours (http://www.riverraftingcdo.com/)
• Kagay (http://www.kagaycagayandeororafting.com/
• The Red Rafts (https://www.facebook.com/TheRedRafts)

How to Get to CDO:

From Manila, fly your way to Cagayan de Oro. Philippine Airlines. Air Asia and Cebu Pacific fly regularly to CDO. Once in Laguindingan Airport, which is roughly 46 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro, several shuttle services offer transportation options for travelers. Boat travel is also available. Cebu Ferries travels to Cagayan de Oro once a week from Cebu, Dumaguete, and Jagna (Bohol). Lastly, if you are coming from mainland Mindanao, you can come to Cagayan de Oro by bus. There are two major bus terminals in the city, one in Bulua and one in Agora. Once in CDO, choose a WWR company and arrange for reservations and agree on the schedule of your choice.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’.