There’s a new cozy hotel in Cagayan de Oro good for backpackers, traveling couples, business trips and even for family and friends. INNER SPACE HOTEL looks to draw tourists in the suburbs away from the city proper yet still providing amenities for your comfort and convenience.

Inner Space Hotel is specifically located along EM Salon Street cor. Narra Street in Reyes Village Subd., Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City. From the highway, look for Thai Keka Spa fronting Del Monte Cannery (indicated in the map below) then turn right towards Reyes Village. It’s on the right side fronting Spring of Alliance Fellowship Church. It’s a walking distance from Del Monte Cannery.

The small hotel has eleven (11) fully air-conditioned rooms equipped with hot & cold shower, free wifi and cable TV. Promotional Rates are as follows:

DORM TYPE – P600/head (2 pax per room); COZY ROOM – P1,500 (2 pax per room); WOW ROOM – P1,500 (2 pax per room); FABULOUS ROOM – P2,000 (3 pax per room); FANTASTIC ROOM – P2,750 (3 pax per room). Check-in time is 1:00PM and check-out time is at 11:00AM. Except for the Dorm Room, all other rooms have FREE breakfast for 2.

It also has a restaurant – CAPTAINS AND KNIGHTS CAFE which serves breakfast. It is open daily from 7:00am to 12 midnight.

For bookings, you can call (088) 850-8141 or 09161514846. Check out more photos below.

All photos courtesy of James YanYan Gadian Ebcas and Inner Space Hotel.

We got a lot of questions about the exact location of the newly inaugurated View Deck at Lanise in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Here’s a map indicating its GPS coordinates.

As shown, the View Deck is at 8.6323593 Latitude, 124.946068 Longitude (courtesy of Project LUPAD). It is more or less 9.6 kilometers from Claveria Town Proper at Municipal Hall or some 3.7 kilometers from JaCo’s Stopover along Route 955. It is much nearer than Doalnara and the Flight 387 Memorial.

So, hopefully this answers all the queries. Read related posts below.

After months of waiting, the BUKIDNON PROVINCIAL ZOO will finally have its GRAND OPENING this coming February 26, 2019 at Kaamulan Park, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The public zoo will feature a variety of animals including crocodile, bear cat, deer, peacock, several specie of birds including ostrich, wild boar, snakes, lizards, tiger and a lot more. This will be open daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM with noon break from 12:00-2:00PM.

Entrance fees are as follows:
5 years old below – FREE
6-14 years old – P5.00
15 above – P20.00

Browse over some photos below courtesy of Carlston Barcenella Maglangit.

Here are some rules of the zoo.

Here are some aerial photos (grabbed from Experience Bukidnon FB page).

Watch these teaser videos below.

The ongoing redevelopment of Plaza Rizal in Valencia City, Bukidnon is now almost done with the Dancing Fountain now operational.

The whole plaza renovation which started last year also includes Benches, Gazebo, Basement Parking, and Playground. Check out the Dancing Fountain below as local residents enjoy the newest attraction at night.

Watch this short clip below.

Here’s the proposed redevelopment.

Where can you see white sands in landlocked Bukidnon province? Just recently, adventurers made a discovery of a good campsite on a sandbar beside Amusig River in the northeast portion of Bukidnon, one of the main tributaries of Tagoloan River.

As shown in the photos below courtesy of Ant Farm Outdoors, the small sandbar is just what campers need – shade, clear water and proximate to the outdoor destination. Accordingly, this site is near the boundary of Manolo Fortich and Impasug-ong and also near Malitbog.

The adventure also includes spelunking (cave exploring) and visit to a falls.

Ant Farm Outdoors is currently finalizing plans for an overnight camping adventure at the site next month. So for those interested, keep posted for announcement and details or visit its Facebook page below.

Watch this clip below.

This could be a good outdoor activity this summer.

The planned redevelopment of Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro’s foremost public plaza located at the city proper into a modern climate-resilient public park is set to start next month.

The project dubbed ‘Project Lunhaw’ will include a new amphitheater, basement parking, office building with footbridge and ramp, open theater, rentable spaces and sun shelters, and viewing decks facing Cagayan de Oro River. Accordingly, Senator Aquilino Pimentel has allotted some P80 million for the said project and project bidding is now ongoing.

With the project, the Divisoria Police Station will have to be relocated as well as the area where the blind masseurs operate. Talks between City Hall and DPWH are now ongoing relative to relocation.

Project development will be divided into five areas namely: Duaw Park, Riverside, Landside, Amphitheater, and Divisoria Park as shown below. As shown, the whole development (colored) will start from Duaw Park (beside St. Augustine Cathedral) and along riverside towards Maharlika Bridge and the whole stretch of Divisoria Park from Burgos to Corrales.

The initial phase will start along Burgos Street at the old amphitheater area. View some screenshots of the project below.

Watch this clip below.

Read more details at SunStar CDO articles in links below.

Need a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature including some bird watching? Check out BOARDWALK MANGROVE ECO PARK located in Purok 5, Barangay Baybay in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

It literally has a boardwalk across a protected mangrove area. The site is also very accessible. Just drop off at Alubijid town proper and ride habal-habal to the site. You can also bring your own vehicle. See the map below.

Entrance Fee is only P20 and you can rent some cottage for a fee ranging from P300 to P2,800 depending on the size. You can also bring your own food. However, the municipal government is very strict particularly on waste management so you’ll have to bring your own trash with you when you leave. Browse over some photos below courtesy of Katawa CDO Doodzkie.

The place is open daily from 7:00AM to 10:00PM. Read Katawa CDO Doodzkie’s post below for more info.

With the increased popularity of Mt. Anggas as an outdoor destination, the Municipality of Gitagum in Misamis Oriental has enacted Municipal Ordinance 01-2019 or the Anggas Range Trekking Ordinance in a bid to promote tourism as well as maintain Anggas Range as the town’s natural wealth and preserve its cultural integrity, ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.

The ordinance requires all trekkers (foreign or local) to register with the Municipal Tourism Office at least one day before the actual trek to Anggas Range.

Also, the ordinance classifies two types of trails as follows.

Beginners:

• Madre to Kiluy-a
• Sikiton Hills to Madre
• Mondejar Hills to Abaga Falls

Professional/Experienced:

• Madre to Anggas Peak
• Sikiton Hills to Anggas Peak

No camping is allowed at Anggas Peak but only at Sikiton Hills and OGBI.

Below is a summary of fees required for Anggas trekkers.

• Registration fee – P250 (to be paid at Municipal Treasurer at least one day before trek)
• Local trekker (bona fide resident of Gitagum) – P125
• Residents of G. Pelaez – FREE
• Porter Fee – P200 for 15 kg max; P25 for every excess baggage (max of 20 kgs)
• Tour Guide Fee – P250/day; 1 tour guide per 6 trekkers will be allowed

Fee for Tour Guide and Porter depend on the trail:

Orientation shall now be mandatory among trekkers which shall include:

• Entrance fees
• Guiding and porterage policies
• Dos and don’ts in adventure/outdoor activities
• Cultural sensitivities along the trails; and
• Solid waste management

Some prohibited acts were also listed as follows:

• Unregistered climbers/trekkers (foreign or local)
• Creating fire for cooking or heating purposes
• Creating bonfire
• Destruction of watershed and greenbelts
• Unauthorized tourist guide and porter
• Littering or improper solid waste disposal
• Illegal taking/harvesting of animals/plants in the area
• Sitting or standing on top of any big rock formation
• Bringing of illegal drugs and deadly weapons, except survival knives with a maximum of 3 inches long
• Unnecessary noise and boisterous acts
• Bringing of liquors/alcoholic drinks
• Painting and carving on rocks and trees

Appropriate penalties will be imposed on violators. First offense will pay P2,000. A second offense would mean a fine of P2,500. A third offense will be meted a fine of P3,000 and automatic ban at Anggas Range.

Read full text of ordinance below courtesy of Libertad Mis. Or. News 24/7 FB page.

Read related posts below.

Local carrier SKYJET AIRLINES is set to finally start direct flights from Manila to Camiguin this coming May 2019.

This was finally confirmed by SkyJet CEO Patrick Tan in his Facebook post.

The initial schedule revealed that flights from Manila to Camiguin will be available daily except Tuesday and Wednesday for the months of May and June 2019 but will be available daily starting July 2019.

SkyJet CEO Patrick Tan (2nd from left) is shown below with Department of Tourism Regional Director May Salvana-Unchuan during his latest visit.

SkyJet initially launched its Manila-Camiguin flight last December 8, 2017 with eight Miss Universe Pageant candidates on board the inaugural flight but no follow-up flights took place after that. See our old post below.

Hopefully, this May, it will now be regular. Keep posted.

One unique spot frequented by couples who prefer some quiet time alone in Valencia City, Bukidnon is CAFE DE BORA AND FISH FARM located in Sitio Pagotpot, Barangay Tongan-Tongan, some 10 kilometers east of the city proper. It is a dining spot built on a large pond filled with koi.

For those not familiar with the place, see the map we prepared below. From Plaza Rizal at Valencia City Proper, cross the new Batangan Bridge and take the Valencia-Talaingod-Kapalong Highway. Around 3 kilometers from the bridge, you will see PetroClear Gas Station on your left. Turn right towards Batangan Central School. Just follow the road (colored orange in the map) until you reach a fork at Tongan-Tongan. Take the right and head straight towards the end of the road. Turn right and just ahead is Cafe de Bora.

If you prefer commuting, just go to the old terminal and ride jeeps bound for LALIGAN which is just south of Tongan-Tongan. Just tell the jeep conductor to drop you off at Boracay, which is the common name of the place.

By the way, there’s NO ENTRANCE FEE and use of COTTAGES are also FREE. It’s just a small place but first-come, first-served. Check out some photos below by Bryan Humprey Pesasico.

The place is not just for couples but also for small groups looking for some quality time talking about anything. Watch this video below.

More photos in the link below.

SEVEN SEAS WATERPARK, the first and largest pirate-themed waterpark in the country located in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental will finally re-open today, February 23, after a month-long maintenance and refurbishment.

Waterpark hours will now be from 10:00AM to 6:00PM. Check out latest aerial photos below courtesy of Engr. Elpie Paras.

Meanwhile, watch this video below.

Kyle ‘Kulas’ Jennerman has just brought another foreigner friend to Cagayan de Oro City. Guess what, he didn’t take him to the mall, resort or a popular tourist site…he brought him first to Cogon Market.

In his latest Facebook post, Kulas took his Canadian friend Bret Maverick to the city’s largest public market because according to him…

“… if you can handle the local market, then you can handle anything in Cagayan de Oro…”

And Kulas was also surprised to see that Cogon Market has leveled up with the addition of clean benches. See some photos below.

Read his full post below.

Perhaps you may have seen the movie ‘Love Me Again’ which starred Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin? The 2008 film was shot at the 642-hectare COMMUNAL RANCH, the country’s only government-owned ranch located at Capitan Bayong in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon province.

Due to its green mountain scenery and natural landscape, the vast grassland has become a favorite spot for filmmakers, photo shoots and others events. Here are a couple of photos from the movie.

Because it’s a government-owned ranch, visitors will have to drop by the Tourism Office at the Municipal Hall before going to Communal Ranch. There, you’ll pay entrance fees (P20) and will be given directions and inputs in going to the ranch. The office is open only on weekdays so if you’re going on a weekend, you’ll have to visit the office prior. Here’s a map of the Communal Ranch. Note that the access road will be rough in going to the site so only motorcycles and 4×4 vehicles are allowed.

If you’re not familiar with the place, make a stop at the Impasug-ong Tourism Center (see below) located along Sayre Highway. It sits at the intersection of Sayre Highway and the old highway which leads straight to Impasug-ong Proper (refer to map above).

Summer is the best time to visit the ranch. Roads could be muddier during the rainy season.

There are also many things to do at the ranch and basically you’ll be living like a cowboy like riding a horse and tending cows.

Overnight accommodation is available too. Rates are at P2,000 per night (just inquire at Tourism Office for updated rate). And be reminded though – there’s NO ELECTRICITY, NO WATER, NO MATTRESS AND NO BLANKETS at the ranch. Because it’s so cold at night, you’ll need to bring your own blanket and mattress.

Check out more of excellent aerial shots below taken by The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato courtesy of The Lost Boys PH.

For inquiries, just contact Impasug-ong Tourism Officer Mr. Orland Bongcales (0965-673-5658). Browse over more photos in the links below.

With summer just around the corner, there’s nothing better than getting wet and soaking into Bukidnon’s newest nature park and resort. CARMEL WATERS located in Linabo, Malaybalay City is now officially open.

Carmel Waters is very accessible. Just head on to Aglayan Crossing along Sayre Highway and turn left (if you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro) towards Barangay Linabo Proper. Landmark is C Gas Station. See map below.

The resort initially had its soft opening last October 20, 2018 and was overwhelmed with the reception that they had to cease operations after just 5 days for necessary operational and system adjustments.

Now, perhaps it has completed the necessary adjustments to handle a big crowd. Entrance fees are as follows:

• P40 (for ages 10 years above);
• P25 (for ages 1-9 years old).

Picnic tables and cottages rates range from P250 to P1,200 depending on size.

• Picnic Tables – P250 (8 person capacity); common sink and grill area
• Pool Side Cottages – P600 (10-12 person capacity); common sink and grill area
• Middle Cottages – P600 (10-12 person capacity); common sink and grill area
• Family Cottages – P1,000 (15-18 person capacity); private sink and common grill area
• Family Poolside Cottages – P1,200 (10-15 person capacity); private sink and grill area
• Large Cottages – P2,000 (20-30 person capacity)

Below are photos of the picnic tables and cottages (courtesy of Carmel Waters)

By the way, Carmel Waters has rules for guests so be prepared. Read them below.

In addition, HARD LIQUORS and drinks from outside vendors ARE NOT ALLOWED. P10 per bottle will be collected if you plan on bringing some. And the good news – NO CORKAGE for foods.

Check out the kiddie pools which adults can also enjoy.

And of course the pool and slides…

With its beautiful design, the spot is also perfect for your selfies and Instagram accounts. Browse over more photos below.

Plan your visit now…

Tourists going to High Ridge, the city’s hilltop restaurant with the best overlooking view of Cagayan de Oro City’s downtown area, will soon have a trouble-free access road with its concreting project now almost complete.

As shown in the photo below courtesy of Marilou Cadiz Schmidt, the entire stretch is already paved. Curing time of concrete pavements usually take at least 7 days on the average.

Prior to the road project, sedans and smaller vehicles had to endure the unpaved uphill road to High Ridge.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be celebrating its 78th anniversary with over 2 million discounted domestic and international seats starting March 1, 2019.

Accordingly, the promo will offer one-way base fares of P78 for domestic flights and $78 for international destinations. This comes after PAL’s recent system upgrade to Amadeus Altea resulting in faster and more convenient transactions at all points of contact, including reservations, ticketing, check-in, and boarding.

Meanwhile, PAL cautioned the public on fake ads circulating online, the latest of which states that “Philippine Airline is celebrating their 78th birthday by providing two free tickets to all” under a bogus website named philippineairlines.comflyone.com. Read the advisory below.

Read the press release on the system upgrade below.

Cebu Pacific has just announced its “Super Seat Fest” with a P299 seat sale promo for all domestic flights. Promo is valid only until tomorrow, March 2, with travel period from April 1 to July 31, 2019.

Watch below.

This comes after Philippine Airlines started its 78th anniversary seat sale promo today with P78 for all domestic flights and $78 for international flights. Link below.

PAL’s largest seat sale starts Friday, March 1

Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao is virtually landlocked but offers some of the most breathtaking and scenic views of the Philippine countryside featuring its beauty.

Bukidnon’s promising adventure spots are widely shared among local adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. But with social media, these tourist destinations such as the CEDAR Waterfalls, vast Pineapple Fields, the Communal Ranch, the scenic Panimahawa Ridge, the Hobbit House, among others, are slowly making the rounds at the national level. Watch this short video below courtesy of The Lost Boys PH and The Island Nomad which basically summarizes the beauty of the province.

Executives of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc., port authorities, travel agencies and invited guests were on hand to witness yesterday’s formal launching of M/V Trans-Asia 19 at Cagayan de Oro Port in Macabalan.

The brand new ROPAX (roro-passenger) vessel departs Cagayan de Oro for Tagbilaran every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:00pm. It’s main route is Cebu-Tagbilaran-Cagayan de Oro and vice-versa.

M/V Trans-Asia 19 which was built at Kegoya Shipyard in Japan was delivered to the Philippines last November 2018 and offers modest accommodations such as economy non-aircon, air-conditioned tourist, tourist deluxe and private rooms – all designed to provide comfort and convenience while onboard.

Other amenities include an onboard convenience store (Starsy Shoppe) and Dynamic Cuisine Restaurant that cater onboard meals.

M/V Trans-Asia 19 actually had its maiden voyage last February 19, 2019 and serves the Cebu-Tagbilaran-Cagayan de Oro rout and vice-versa.

Browse over photos during yesterday’s launching below courtesy of Iam Gee.

Browse over more interior photos below courtesy of Cathy Alipoyo.

Watch some of the video coverage below of the launching courtesy of Philippine Ship Spotters Society.

Heree’s a short tour inside the ship.

Along the southeast coast of Guinsiliban town in Camiguin is a small fishing village called Cantaan and is home to a giant clam sanctuary popular among tourists and perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Established in 1997, Kibila Giant Clam Sanctuary has over 2,000 clams of six different species of giant clams including the famed Tridacna gigas, one of the most endangered clam species.

Here’s a map of the Kibila Giant Clam Sanctuary. A 1.75-kilometer well-paved road from the junction at Camiguin Circumferential Road ends at the white beach of Brgy. Cantaan where the sanctuary is located.

For an entrance fee of just P25, visitors can have a tour of the clam conservation site. Village children act as tour guides and give explanations on clam conservation and importance of marine life. They could even tell you the scientific names of the clam specie.

But if you want to view the vast giant clam sanctuary at the bottom of the sea, you can also snorkel. Rentable snorkeling equipment are available onsite. Snorkeling allows you to view the extent of the giant clam sanctuary as shown in the photos below courtesy of The Island Nomad.

So if you’re visiting Camiguin, include this in your bucket list.