Boracay’s got the beaches and Siargao’s got the surf, but Cagayan de Oro is undeniably the white-water capital of the Philippines. Located in Northern Mindanao, the southern city—whose name translates to "River of Gold"—is an adventure tourism hub unsurprisingly centered around the Cagayan de Oro River. Less adventure-minded travelers will still find plenty of things to do in Cagayan de Oro and around. Check out the mid-sized city’s nearby waterfalls, beaches, and vibrant cultural festivals, or use it as a jumping-off point to explore the safer parts of Mindanao island.
Cagayan de Oro is at the top of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines, which has a hot, tropical climate. The temperatures stay fairly constant year-round, averaging about 80°F (27°C), but humidity and rainfall are much higher between May and October. While rainy season travel would not be recommended for most of the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro’s famed white-water rafting and kayaking actually make this a good season to visit. From June until about December, water levels are higher and river activities are more exciting.
The city is reasonably large, so there are a range of options when it comes to transportation. Taxis, jeepneys, multicabs, and other shared forms of transport are all common and easy to find. Like most cities in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro has congestion problems, and it can be difficult to find a taxi or a seat in shared transit when it’s raining. Keep in mind that it’s not a particularly walkable city, and cycling can be hazardous.
Cagayan de Oro is located on Mindanao, an island that’s infamously under threat from Islamic extremism. However, Cagayan de Oro is one of the safest places on the island. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is more of a concern than violent crime or terrorism. Many government travel advisories warn against travel to Mindanao, but if you read the fine print, Cagayan de Oro is often noted as an exception. Exercise the same urban precautions as anywhere else in the Philippines.