Weekend Wander (Iligan-CDO-Bukidnon) Part 1

Once upon a time there were 3 girl friends who planned on an adventure, taking advantage of a seat sale and finally booking a trip to Mindanao.

The trip happened but sadly with only 2 of them. But, it didn't hinder them to make the trip so worthwhile and unforgettable. How? Here..

2 days. Yes. Sat and Sun. Who would have thought we could actually explore 3 provinces within this time frame? But we did. Haha. That's the best part.

Our flight from Cebu to Cagayan De Oro was at 5:50 am and after less than an hour, we set foot in Laguindingan Airport.

We went outside to find Super5's booth but after seeing it unmanned, we rode another van and alighted at the Super 5 terminal just adjacent the national highway.

There were a lot of people who patiently waited for the next bus with 20 mins interval. If you're going to CDO and Iligan, this is the best spot to wait for your ride. You can actually munch something from the convenience store also located there. We tried their Taro Chips. Haha

Our first goal was to go to Iligan since it's nearer the airport. After buying tickets, we settled in the bus and started our almost 2-hr journey.

Iligan City

Iligan City is part of Lanao del Norte. We were just amazed of their soil. It's clay, i believe. When we arrived at the Integrated Bus Terminal, we immediately asked the information desk what particular jeep do we need to ride to go to Tinago Falls.

He was so helpful to really talk to the driver of the jeep and told him where we were going. Actually, it was not a one-ride journey. He dropped us to a place where Jeepneys going to Tinago pass by. Knowing where it was, we searched for a restaurant in the area for brunch. We would have wanted to try their local restos but could not find any, so we settled in Chowking.

We went back the jeepney parking area and started our quest for Tinago Falls. The fare wad 14 pesos per person.

After around 20 mins, the driver stopped and told us to ride motorcycles to the falls. So, we rode one and the fare was 50 pesos per person.

Before going into the falls, one has to pay the entrance fee of P25. I thought the falls is just few steps away from the building but a whooping 400+ steps down. Haha.

Going down was no big deal. It may be kinda tiring but seeing Tinago Falls, with all its grandeur and beauty, would make it all worth it. It was one-of-a-kind!

We rented life vests and a small table to put our things on then started our, of course, picture-taking!

After making the most of all its angles, we freshened up, walked up to the main entrance (so tiring. Haha) and rode a motorbike to Maria Cristina Plant (75/person).

We actually went back our track. It's up to you where you would wanna start your falls-hopping but we  opted for Tinago since it's farther.

Maria Cristina Plant or the NPC is just a few walks from the main highway. We paid the entrance fee as well as the shuttle service. You would have to pay for the whole shuttle if you have no other companion and the shuttle has mandatory stops you can do nothing about. Haha. But they were worth it. It's like having the best for last for the falls!

When a shuttle arrived to fetch us from the botanical garden and zoo, we boarded and alighted to the last stop. At this point, you can already see a small part of Maria Cristina Falls.

And when you walk closer, you would see her, soooo strong as it drops water. And you would be amazed seeing it personally when you just hear it on discussions of your Hekasi or Sibika at Kultura class. Another place off my bucket list.

No one can actually swim into the falls as it could cost your life. And seeing the very strong current from the falls would really scare the hell out of you.

The best part is taking snacks just in front of this postcard-perfect beauty!

The Maria Cristina Plant (which converts the falls' kinetic energy to electricity - correct me if I'm wrong), has a viewing deck which gives you a much closer look of the falls.

Soooo amazing!

After boarding a shuttle to the  main entrance of the plant, we hailed a jeepney that would take us to the terminal. Actually, none would go directly but the driver helped us hail another jeep and talked with his fellow driver. Thank you so much!

We eventually arrived in the Integrated Bus Terminal and bought tickets for Cagayan de Oro City. We took our seats, relaxed and enjoyed our journey to the City of Golden Friendship!

Weekend Wander Part 2