15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Mindanao Cities You Should Not Miss
Many trendy tourist spots in Mindanao are a mix of lively urban attractions and healing nature adventures. You could go white water rafting along the Cagayan River one day, and chillax at a family-friendly resort the next. There are also lifestyle and shopping destinations to choose from if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pasalubong.
No matter what type of tourist you are, there are tourist attractions in Mindanao cities for everybody. Here is a rundown of all the highlights in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz.
15 City Tourist Spots in Mindanao, Philippines to Add to Your Bucket List
Cagayan De Oro City Tourist Spots
Dubbed as the ‘City of Golden Friendship’, Cagayan de Oro City serves as the gateway to the Northern side. It is no wonder CDO is where you can find some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Mindanao.
1. Amaya View
Craving a dose of adrenaline? Go on a hilltop adventure at Amaya View, an outdoor recreational spot in Barangay Indahag. Situated on the highest peak in the area, it is one of the tourist attractions in Mindanao that offers ATV rides, paragliding, rappelling, giant swing, and more. Amaya View also offers family and kids-friendly activities like playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurant, and accommodation options.
2. Eden’s Solace
Chill and be one with nature at Eden’s Solace, another breathtaking getaway in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City. Here, you can order food and drinks to enjoy while waiting for the sun to set. This mountain garden is not just a treat for the eyes, it’s also one of the affordable tourist spots in Mindanao.
3. Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting
No adven-tourist-a leaves Cagayan de Oro without experiencing the white water rafting adventure. Consisting of multiple rapids up and down the Cagayan River, this water activity is a definite must-do. You will be taught and accompanied by an accredited guide on how to get from the city to the jump-off point, how to paddle, and to navigate the raging waters.
4. Museo de Oro
Go back in time at Museo de Oro, one of the best tourist spots in Mindanao for history buffs. Get to know the archeology and heritage of the city and its nearby provinces. There are three galleries to explore, each sharing facts and figures about the culture, development, flora, and fauna of the overall Northern Mindanao region. You can access Museo de Oro by visiting Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
5. St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral
Don’t skip the grand Gothic facade and rich history of St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, located along Gaston Circle. Built by Spanish friars in the 17th century, this religious site had undergone multiple renovations to conserve its state. Today, it is easily recognizable through its towering, sophisticated black exterior, a nod to its original design.
Ozamiz City Attractions
The city of Ozamiz sits quietly along the coast of Misamis Oriental, but within its bounds is a prime destination for business visits, locals, and tourists. When planning a visit there, don’t skip out on these top destinations.
6. Cotta Fort
Cotta Fort, or formally called Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo, is the old Spanish fortress in the city. It was built as soldiers’ quarters and as a watchtower against the Moro pirates in the 1700s. For a small entrance fee of 25 pesos, you can access the fort, roam around, and see curated artifacts at the museum.
7. Asenso Ozamiz Wellness Park
Experience the local vibe at the city’s newest park, one of the free tourist spots in Mindanao. Located just across the Cotta Fort and Shrine, Asenso Ozamiz Wellness Park is where residents gather to play, dine, and hang out. You can find a large amphitheater, food park, playground, outdoor exercise grounds, and souvenir shops. It is also the venue for local shows and events.
8. Cotta Shrine
Set aside a quiet moment to visit the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine of the Birhen sa Cotta. This outdoor shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is a prime pilgrimage spot for visitors in Ozamiz. You can easily visit the site from Cotta Fort and Asenso Park.
9. Cobra Falls
If you’re a thrillseeker, trek through the mountains of Barangay Stimson Abordo (Montol) to marvel at the 30-foot Cobra Falls. Situated near the foot of Mt. Malindag, the falls may seem intimidating or wild, but it is actually one of the more serene tourist spots in Mindanao. Here, you can take a break from the urban cityscape into the lush green forests.
10. Oakhill Park
Shop, dine, and play at the Oakhill Park and shopping complex in Ozamiz. This lifestyle hub has all the shops and services you need for you and your family, such as karaoke rooms, indoor and outdoor sports areas, restaurants, bars, and beauty salons.
Iligan City Tourist Destinations
If you’re looking for more nature-based tourist spots in Mindanao, definitely check out Iligan City. This Lanao del Norte gem boasts some of the most powerful falls, hence the moniker “City of Majestic Waterfalls”.
11. Maria Cristina Falls
A powerful source of energy in the city, the marvelous Maria Cristina Falls can be visited via a viewdeck. It is often called “Twin Falls” because a rock situated at the top splits the flow into two. Through its rapids and roars, the Maria Cristina Falls directly supplies energy to a hydroelectric power plant nearby. Visitors from all over the province come by to witness one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Mindanao, Philippines.
12. Paseo de Santiago
Along the coastal area of Iligan City proper, Paseo de Santiago offers an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy destination for visitors. Known for its Spanish colonial period-inspired architecture, otherworldly cobblestone walks and stone structures, it is one of the tourist spots in Mindanao frequented for its photo spots. Depending on the day of your visit, you can experience a live band and delicious food options.
13. Maze Parks and Resort
Organize a water-fun day with the family or barkada at MAZE Parks and Resort. Located in the town next to Maria Cristina Falls, this is one of the affordable tourist attractions in Mindanao that combines lush flower gardens with spring pools, wave pools, and slides. It is a family-friendly getaway where you can hold gatherings, parties, or casual get-togethers hassle-free.
14. Mandulog River Esplanade
Catch sunsets and jog along the spacious Mandulog River Esplanade. If you’re looking for more free tourist attractions in Mindanao, this esplanade in Iligan City is the best place to bike, walk, jog, or simply watch the sea. At night, the place is lit up by food carts and stalls, where you can grab a bite after touring around.
15. Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House
Get to know the life of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at her ancestral home. The Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House is a time capsule of the family’s daily life and former President Gloria’s early childhood. The house is well-maintained and preserved, with official guides who can provide insightful tours around the estate. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mindanao, particularly Iligan City.
How to Book Manila to Mindanao RoRo Tickets Online
Travel to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz from Cebu via Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. Here’s how you can book your RoRo ferry ticket online.
- Visit the Chelsea Travel booking portal at https://www.chelseatravel.ph.
- Choose “Ferries” as your preferred travel type.
- Input your Origin, Destination, desired Travel Date, and number of passengers.
- Click “Search” and select your preferred trip.
- Settle Payment online and receive the e-ticket voucher via email.
- Bring the copy of your e-ticket and valid IDs to the port to check-in.
- Board the vessel and enjoy your trip!
By exploring tourist spots in Mindanao, Philippines you don’t just get a glimpse of life in the city, but also surrounding nature spots, adventure hubs, and historical sites you might not have heard of before. Experience the beauty of Northern Mindanao when you embark on a sightseeing journey.
ALSO READ: Top 13 Most Famous Mindanao Products
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines is a leading RoPax ferry service in the Philippines. Through years of cargo and passenger services in the Visayas and Mindanao areas, as well as freighter solutions from Manila to any point in the Philippines, we proudly connect every visitor to scenic destinations in the country. Explore your options via Chelsea Travel, our primary booking portal. Select and pay for your ferry and flight tickets online, hassle free. For further inquiries, contact Trans-Asia here.
