Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro hosts one of the more popular white water adventures the Philippines can offer. Located in northern Mindanao, the city of ‘Golden Friendship’ offers a scenic yet thrilling view of the Cagayan River. Experience the rapids as well as the flora and fauna of both Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon  as the river serves as a natural boundary between the two provinces.

HOW TO BOOK AN ADVENTURE

Bugsay River Adventure offers packages for beginners and extremists alike. Beginner packages start at around PHP750.00. 

The adventure starts at dawn when a jeepney with all the rafting gear picks you up either at the hotel or at the Dunkin Donuts at Divisoria. Make sure to wear proper attire as you will get wet during the adventure. Ideal attire would include:

• Long-sleeved rash guard – you will be rafting for around 3 hours and the sun will get hot
• Leggings or boardshorts – to avoid scratches as you will get in the water and you will encounter some rocks
• Aqua shoes – you can also use open-toe sandals
• Full set of clothes – there will be a resort at the end of the adventure where you can take a shower and/or change to dry clothes as you will surely get wet
• Sunglasses  – to reduce sun glare when pandeling. Best to have straps to avoid losing them

Do not bring any valuables with you.  If you are going straight back to the hotel, you may opt to leave you belongings in the vault as these will not survive the raft ride. GoPro or adventure cameras are also only welcome if you can mount them anywhere except in your hands. You will be needing both your hands 100% of the time.

RIVER RAFTING

Before the adventure the guides will give a lecture on river safety.  Make sure to listen to the commands your coxswain will give you because your pedalling is not optional on the boat.  This makes this activity great for company team building or just bonding with your friends. The beginner course takes around 3 hours and will cover 17 kms of the river. You will conquer 14 major rapids in the process. Your guide will also point out the sites to see, such as the bamboo river crossing and the snake wall.

During the course of your adventure, boatmen with kayaks (also part of the Bugsay team) will be covering you adventure. You can pay an additional PhP500.00 for a copy of the video and photos.

After the adventure you can opt to be dropped off by the jeepney in the city to enjoy a much deserved lunch with your boatmates. Here are some options.

• Minindal Cuisine– Great ribs here
• Circa 1850 – Good brunch place that serves international cuisine
• Kagay – anon – Try the ostrich saplicao. Looks  and tastes like beef.
• High Ridge – great at sunset as the café offers a view of the entire city from a viewing deck
• Missy Bon Bon – the pastel is good for dessert and pasalubong