Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Museums
If you're in Cagayan de Oro and want to visit museums, you can check out the Museo de Oro located in the Xavier University Campus. It showcases a collection of pre-colonial artifacts and archaeological finds from the Northern Mindanao region.
Alternatively, you can also visit the Xavier Center for Culture and Arts (XCCA) Museum which features various artworks and cultural pieces from different parts of the Philippines.
If you would like to explore similar types of museums near Cagayan de Oro, you may visit the Vicente de Lara Park and Mini Museum in Iligan City or the Balangay Shrine Museum in Butuan City.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Cagayan de Oro are:
1. Satti - a popular breakfast dish made of grilled meat (usually chicken or beef) skewered on bamboo sticks and served with a spicy peanut sauce.
2. Kinilaw - a type of ceviche made from fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chili peppers.
3. Lechon - a roasted whole pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually served during special occasions such as fiestas.
4. Sinuglaw - a combination of grilled pork belly (sinugba) and kinilaw, creating a unique sweet and sour flavor.
5. Binignit - a traditional dessert made with sweet potato, taro, bananas, and coconut milk, usually served during the Lenten season.
6. Chicharon - deep-fried pork rinds that are crunchy and salty, often served as a snack or a side dish.
7. Pastel de Camiguin - a pastry filled with meat (usually chicken) and vegetables, wrapped in a soft and sweet bun, originating from the nearby island of Camiguin, but widely available in Cagayan de Oro.
Activities
Here are some fun activities that local people in Cagayan de Oro enjoy:
1. Whitewater rafting: Cagayan de Oro is known as the "Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines" and offers different levels of rapids for both beginners and advanced rafters.
2. Zip-lining: You can experience a thrilling ride with a view at Dahilayan Adventure Park, which offers zip-line rides up to 840 meters long.
3. Food trip: You can explore Cagayan de Oro's food scene by trying out local specialties such as lechon baboy (roasted pig), sinuglaw (grilled pork belly and raw fish salad), and pastel (soft bread filled with sweetened meat or vegetables).
4. Island hopping: You can take a boat ride to nearby islands such as Camiguin and explore their natural wonders like waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches.
5. Nightlife: You can go bar-hopping in Cagayan de Oro's nightlife districts like Divisoria and Limketkai Center, where you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
