A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E takes flight at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

Can I just say how much I loooove this CDO-Bukidnon-Camiguin tour!  
{Next post, Camiguin Tour} 

Please click here for our CDO Whitewater Rafting Adventure..

I am so proud of this pic kasi, this was taken while we're in the car, moving car I mean.

{Getting there}

I never expect that this could be one - hour drive alone from the entrance gate of the vast pineapple plantation before you could actually reach the Forest and Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukindon.  Naiinip kasi ako but did not bother to ask Kuya Jericho (the driver) of how still far the park is because I enjoyed seeing the whole plantation and the breathtaking view of Bukidnon's pride!

Buffer dinner @ Mindy's

After the ultimate ride of our life at WHITEWATER RAFTING and after a buffet lunch prepared by Kagay in Mindy's , we hop in to our service van to our next stop, BUKIDNON! 
Bukidnon is considered by Filipinos to be the food basket of Mindanao.  It is used to be the major producer of rice and corn in the region. It's also known of owning one of the most visited plantation in the country w/c is PINEAPPLES, bananas and sugarcane. 

When you're in C.D.O, for sure you would not want to miss out "Bukidnon"  on your bucket list. Sarado na kasi ang airport dito, (Malaybalay Airport) so you have to travel by land from Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental Province.b

At 3pm, we  we're lucky to be at Bukidnon already, we were able to surpass the heavy rain.  We traversed the two hour drive and finally reached the wide array of pineapple plantation.  Pero hindi muna kami bumaba, we directly go to DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK, na nasa dulo ata ng Bukidnon sa layo. hehehe.. It was remote area, very bumpy but the view going there was so breath-taking! 

Very commendable scenery, Pineapple plantation. After the rain, here comes the sun? saan? :p

{ZIPLINE, sends shiver down to your spine}

Cast a spell on Dahilayan Adventure Park!

Captivating Forest Park, with somuch activities to offer

Zipzone here we are! Tignan natin ang astig mo!

Time to relax, chill, feel the rush and unwind

{First to try the 320m + 150m Dual Zipline} 

We availed and shell out P600 worth package of all the zipline { 320mt + 150mt. + 840mt).  Syempre we wanted to make the most of our stay here. Then we were instructed to go directly at the assigned zipline area. {First launch was about 320m plus going back was 150m.}

Although I have tried several Zip line before, it was still thrill to put on test while being flipped by the breeze air and taking shots by the view at my right hand habang umiikot ka sa sarili mong harness, all by myself...

It can be done by one or two persons and for the lucky me who took the last leap, (dahil ako nga photographer ng familia) have had to sit on my harness alone as I zipped away screaming sweetly in pride and joy while taking only vivid picturesque/video of the whole adventure camp below.
 

My EPIC RIDE alone..the last avenger! hihihi.

It was a delightful feeling kahit mag-isa ako. I just enjoyed the spectacular sight of the green scenery while the cool wind blows through my face as I tossed gradually off the ground. Kaso yung vid ko, di maayos, as in iikot ka talaga while doing it.  At ang sikip ng harness ko, mejo aching sa singit! Hehe, I can't imagine panu pa yung mga boys.. hahaha!

Other sports you can enjoy to Dahilayan and Forest Park:

Rope Course

Drop Zone,

Winch Boarding,

Zorb Ball

ATV Ride
Buggy Trail
Treetop Adventure and alot more

*All with different price range*

Soon after I landed safely and sound, I saw them all at the ground seems playing like those kids waiting for the last playmate to join...

We all filled with glee; everyone came back to childhoodnezz!

Enjoyed oh! Hindi halata! Hala! anjan na ang dark clouds

We never waste any time to savor this very moment ;O

Kanya-kanyang kapit sa pinong puno {Pine Tree}

One of best deals here is that, you feel like in Baguio at the same time because of the Pine Trees that surrounds and beautify the whole camp.

Super rich lush green trees

l used to love Pine trees... charot

We had so much fun!

After such photo ops, everyone dashed out off the ground to avoid the upcoming rain. (yes, na naman!) At bago pa kami tuluyang maging basang sisiw, we immediately ran and back at the camp site to try the longest zipline in Asia!

The PineGrove Lodge

All guests of Pinegrove are entitled to 20% discount on Zipline Rides. Discount only applies to registered guests per room.

Please check their site here: http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com/pine-grove-lodge/

{THE LONGEST ZIPLINE IN ASIA} 

Then the rain came. Very timely when we're back already.

So, it only means that yung zipline kanina is just a warm up! PERFECT! PERFECT!

We have to ride at the small 4x4 getaway vehicle of the park not merely because it was raining but it was quite far, (di ko lam tawag kaya small 4x4 nalang dahil sa rough road that this car had gone thru).  Kahit umuulan, ang mga staff dito pina gora pa rin kami to the next level. Trel and I who brought cams were worried.  Pero dahil napaka simultaneous ng adventure dito sa Dahilayan, GO!!! 

The rain kept pouring the mountainous side of Bukidnon.  Ramdam mo ang simoy at lamig ng hangin. 

At some point, I felt a little uneasiness towards to the staff here, kasi parang minamadali ka talaga nila. {E nag eemote ako dahil sa cam ko.} Hehe, pero okey lang naman, the rain eventually stopped, thank God and they were able to assure me where should I put my cam to avoid getting wet.

Familia picture, para matanggal ang kaba!

O Kuya, nakisali talaga sa picturan. hehehe

Oh, yes! The foggier, the scarier and the grandest! Look down to the thousands Pines Trees.... Baka tamaan kayo!!!

Sa ganda ng picture wala akong pa caption, gusto ko lang maging poetic ")

At the ramp of this final zipline, Mavic and I figured out who go first so we can plan the shot. 

As I've mentioned, it was simply me who tried the 320m+150m zipline. 

This time ayoko na. I insist na may kasama. Hmp! So Trel, magpahuli ka naman! Takot ako magisa. hehehe

So we ended up sending him the least so we can have the pictures also.hehehe, thanks!

Such a heart throbbing moment, wait where's my cam? I can't remember though

Buti umabot ang isang kamay.. PAK na PAK sa SIYAM!

What makes it the longest in Asia? 

It is best known for 4,700 feet above sea level with dual carrying cables each of 840meters long from the starting point. With elevation drop approximately 100 meters with estimated speed ranging from 60-100kph. That was quite fast, high and definitely, the LONGEST!

Upon launching, I was literally squalling like a bird..tweeet.....tweeet...tweet!

Sabi ng instructor, syempre habang nasa gate palang, keep your arms at the side, wag excited! eh panu ka nga naman aandar kung nakaharang ang braso mo noh! toinks! At pag launch, you can now stretch your arms wide open so you could feel more the rush and have a little air resistance.. So I basked myself to the cool breeze!!

Yes, I may have  jitters, of course! Pero nawala din eventually. Just enjoy the moment when you're up there. Anyway, we will never know when to experience this once again.

All in all, it was an adventure to our heart's content!
We totally enjoyed our short trip at Dahilayan. Sino ba naman ang hindi matutuwa at magagandahan sa lugar na ito!

Very foggy day

Dynamic Duo

ANSABE???!

Oops, sorry guys, hindi ako naka stocking, I was just toasted at the Whitewater Rafting..hehe

It's a surreal experience for the whole family and barkada and must be included in your bucket list when you visit Bukidnon. Perfect for adventure seekers! 
We supposed to try other activities in Forest Park but due to time constraints, we opted to go back in C.D.O at around 6pm.

Contat details of Dahilayan Adventure Park 
0922-8801319
0917-6223204 
Landline:
(088) 857-2663 / (088) 8562102
Locals: 251 /404
 
Forest Park 
0917-7154399
(088) 855-5346 

CDO Office: Forest Park: 
Unit 1A 52nd Business Center Gaerlan St. 9000 CDO Phils. 
(088) 855-5346/
0917-154399

Dahilayan Forest Park is located 1½ to 2 hour drive from Cagayan de Oro City. There are regular flights and ships from Manila and Cebu to Cagayan de Oro (CDO). From CDO take the BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao) Highway then turn right on the Alae Junction (which is about a kilometer past the quarantine stop). Go straight passing through Camp Phillips, through their soccer field to your right and through the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation. Just continue until you reach Dahilayan Forest Park. You will see several directional signs along the way to guide you.

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Go for Cagayan De Oro: White Water Rafting

First time to set on foot in Mindanao. 

Thrill.  Adventure. Fun. Excitement.
All of these are the things we experienced last Feb 27-29, and it all started in Whitewater Rafting, Cagayan De Oro.

Blame it with the CDO-Bukidnon-Camiguin trip of the family and friends. Until now, I cannot move-on. Gusto ko na bumalik agad-agad at itry ang extreme with hulog/lunod factor! At hindi pa rin ko makapag upload sa FB. hehe
  
The 3d2n staycation ay katas ng napurnadang flight back to Manila on the last day ng family from Coron trip last year. But I considered it blessings because we were able to avail the Travel Fund and experienced such adrenalin rush brought by the White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro!

Our flight was early as 4:15am. Most of us did not sleep nor had even time to nap. We reached terminal 3 at around past 2am. Take note, too much to my disappointment I forgot my Tripod at the cab! siengot lang! Hay...sayang. Excited kasi. Grrrr!

Although Cagayan De Oro was among those hardly hit by tropical storm "Sendong" last year, still it does not stop us to visit the said province in Mindanao. Sayang ang "miles" noh!

From Lumbia airport, it was still early so we grabbed our breakfast first to those pile up Carinderia (eatery) at the left side corner of the airport while our chosen host to this adventure (Kagay, the Cagayan de Oro's Premiere Whiterwater Rafting Voyages) is waiting for us.  

Jeepney service by Kagay. 

Kagay (which means river) offers not only a higher level of adventure and safety but also a different kind of memories/experience! That is why, even we were all FIRST TIMER, we availed their Advance Course wherein it would lasts from 3 to 4 hours. 

Kagay operates for 6 years now.
Kagay offers: Beginners
                        Advance
                        Expert/ Extreme White Water Rafting!

Why is it called WHITE WATER? 
Water naturally flows downhill because of gravity. When it constricted, it pushes in from the sides and sides and sides and speeds up. Speed also increases when the gradient gets steeper and obstructions makes the water swirl around as the flow tries to find the best way to follow gravity. Each of these events causes rapids and the resulting turbulence churns the water, resulting in "WHITE WATER." 

Originally, rafting was the last itinerary but we opted to put it first in line. Along the way, our guide showed us what does the water looked like at ang nakita namin from the bridge ay kulay kape gatas na ilog! This was due to typhoon Sendong. Hopefully, the city continue recovers from its tragedy.

So hold your breath

Be ready to get wet, but

don't taste your muddy sweat .... :)

Keribels mag pose kahit kabado :O

Safety first of course! 
Once the gears are all set in (life vest, helmet, paddle), we go right away for the briefing. Let me tell you, this briefing closely freaked me out and almost, made my mom to back out! It was led by Kuya Joel at masahol pa ang takot ko dito kesa sa actual rafting! Yabang naman...hehe. Honest to goodness, it was a scary briefing! (OA ko noh!)

 Hindi halata sa mga muka namin na may masaya, natatakot at aral na aral ang briefing!

Though I knew, most of us had nearly acquired nervous breakdown when we finally absorb that this thing that we were about to going through is dreadful one, we still able to pursue it! Kaya tara na nang matapos na! Hahahaha! (That was the thought at the back of my mind). Yes, indeed when you did not listen on how to do it right, you might considered it dangerous adventure. 

STARTING POINT

Advance course: Estimated time 3 to 4 hours/ 17 kilometers/ 24 rapids. GO.Go.GO!

 Let us start this, before we all start thinking to back out!

We were blessed of a very fine weather then..

We would not let our fears interfere our long waited trip to C.D.O

Honestly, all of my fears and apprehension were gone after a few rapids...

We were divided into two groups. Maximum no. in one inflatable boat is about 6 to 8 persons. On our boat, we were six (6) two of them were the guides. Another boat consists of one guide and that is Kuya Joel, the great!

While on water, do not forget to follow instructions given by the guides:
1. Forward -  my favorite!!!
2. Backward
3. Stop (favorite ni Ronnel) hihihi.
4. Buckling In - (lock one's feet) By tucking them on the boat, the passengers can avoid from falling. (An automatic gestures for all of us). Pag ngawit na ko, nilalabas ko paa ko para makahinga naman. ")
5. Hi5!!! - For every succeed rapids, and for not falling from the raft, we shout hi5!! (Kapag nalagpasan ang unos, hindi malulunod!)

Guide: Shouting, "Forward"! Two strokes!
Me: Nel, Forward daw.... paddle! 
Here comes the big waves....
Ronnel: "Sorry, Che ang lakas ng alon. Hindi ko kaya!" Hindi ako maka paddle". 
Me&Nel: bwahahahahaha! Stop na nga lang! Sabay kapit sa handle..

Kitang kita ang ebidensiya oh Nel.. FORWARD!!

STOP! Cool down

Hi5!!

Hi5 to the max!

Wala kaming shots ng backward eh.. Oh hindi lang halata...hehe

In the middle of the wide river, there was once particular moment when our boat suddenly stopped and rotate facing backward, kinabahan ako bakit. Buti nalang our two guides were best maneuvers. There was just this rock which apparently stuck in to our boat. 

Taas kamay Nel.. Kapit na kapit ha.

Cagayan River is one of the rivers draining the northern central part of island of Mindanao. The river has its headwaters on the  Kalatungan Mountain Range found in the central part of the province of Bukidnon.  

Rapids are formed by three factors - constriction, gradient and obstruction. Ano meaning, alamin niyo nalang!

 

smile lang kami...wala yang rapids na mga yan!

Rapids, pede relax...teka, san na sila dito.. waaaah. losers!hahaha

ENJOY nga lng!

It was such a breathtaking experience/view!

 "Discover the thrill of nature at its wildest! It has everything that makes a memorable experience with awesome roar and power of water cascading over rocks and boulders."

Saraaap! More rapids....

Advance o Extreme?

Rapids attack!

Spell ADRENALIN RUSH

Pag nilalamon na ng rapids ang boat, makikita mo ang different facial expressions :)

There were times during still water, we just enjoyed watching great scenery of Cagayan River

A_S_T_I_G

We have no dull moments, guide keep on wento kahit minsan di na namin maintindihan.. hehe

Still water runs deep, right peeps?

And there were series of calm waters, our guides (two boat) required us to stand up, wasn't it crazy but we did and it was hilariously, dangerously hell funny experienced!!!

Whoooo!! Ang galing ng mama kong tumayo ay, nakaupo pa la siya, si Trel nalang..kitang kitang nakakapit pa rin!

Can't help but shout na whooo! While gripping tightly at the handle of the boat! Nel, umiiyak!!!

One of the tricky part of the course

Oh, ingget kayo sa the MOVES namin noh...

Ang galing ng guides, they were able to maneuver right away when we're about to hit the huge rock! 

The challenge, you have to lean your body backwards to be able your boat to pass swiftly and safely to these big rocks.  Thanks for the helmet!

Ayun na nga! Sumayad na eh...hehe, but still controlled by the " 3G" great guide guys.

enjoying the falls

nice one guys.....

see the boulders around the river?

Let your strength and endurance be tested by the harsh rapids

Presented also during the trip was the variety pictures of plants in C.D.O, extraordinary rocks/ boulders 

Our guides have techniques so that the rafting journey would be memorable. They let us go down from the raft and enjoyed each other's company while having some pictures and while we were all submerged to the color brown surface of the water...

un oh, parang mga kalabaw lang. hehe

Sendong, really affects rafting industry in the area. The water turns into a muddy color. Big boulders were actually crushed into a smaller rocks and it lessen harsh water which is more enjoyable for visitors!

Amazing rapids but you will not win over us!

the mere sounds of the running water, keeps my heart a bit.. (kanta?)

It was tiring but SUPERB one!!!!

At 11:30, we successfully at the ground again, sound and kicking with NO ONE FALL out of the raft! It was really an adventure of a lifetime. It all made more special, more thrilling and more exciting when you spend it with your love ones!

Hep Hep, HOORAY!! HI5!!!

Sabi nila, mas cool kung may nahulog (I think so, that would be alot happier though), pero okay na rin yun. After all, we prefer FUN and a SAFE trip!!

Things to bear in mind:

1. The Cagayan River has two important sides: Facing upfront, the Cagayan is always at the left side while the Bukidnon is always at the Right side.  (to further explain, please try the rafting, hehe).
2. Whitewater rafting has a certain risk factor. SAFETY is of the greatest importance! All rafters truly need to wear the helmets and life vests in all time.
3. Follow instructions from the guide
4. Do not swallow the water, otherwise.... Eh napanganga ka while the rapids hit your face. ok lang yun! hehe
5. Relax if you ever fall, just go with the flow. 
6. Wear something light and which you can protect from sunburn. (or sublock) The journey would take until 4 hours, under the heat of the sun. Bring aqua shoes, or any comfortable shoes. Kami nga nelas lang. hehe7. Bring water with you. Long hours of dry mouth is not good to your system. You need some liquid.
8. Sum up all your valuable things. Be sure to lock it up so you won't shock when your stuffs get lost during the whole period that you do rafting. 
9. Trust your guide and team mates! (in short, teamwork)!
10. Enjoy the scenery and the whole adventure!!! Hi5!!


Enjoy the Video..Special thanks to all our guides and all KAGAY team..!
Cheers!

 

CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEXT STOP: DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK, BUKIDNON

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