For those who are looking for a different vacation spot this summer, there’s an appealing option beyond the popular white sand beaches and the usual water fun parks.

Somewhere in the northern side of Mindanao lies Iligan City tagged as the “City of Waterfalls” because of numerous cascades overflowing in the hearts of its lush forests. About 20 water falls are found in the city, the former capital of Lanao del Norte.

The most popular is the magnificent Maria Cristina Falls along the Agus River which supplies electricity for parts of Mindanao from its powerful current, a source of hydroelectric power. There is also Tinago Falls, an amazingly beautiful curtain, pristine lagoon and jaw-dropping wonder for first-timers.

A three-day or a week stay in Iligan will allow you to explore the many wonders of the city and its nearby attractions, culture, the unique warmth of its people and more than 20 other waterfalls.

Nearby the city of Cagayan de Oro, an hour and a half drive by bus offers equally enthralling vacation spots like that of Iligan. Among the popular adventure activities is white water rafting. Visitors can make side trips to this Misamis Oriental capital – a booming city in Mindanao. Fruit stalls of durian and a variety of exotic picks line the streets offering a succulent feast to tourists. Nearby, too,  are the cool Bukidnon  slopes known for their  pineapple plantations,  the Lanao provinces and the beaches of Camiguin, a convenient trip from Cagayan de Oro.

Back in Iligan, vacationers can frolic in the spring of Taytay and Timoga, a haven for kids and adult alike who wanted an endless splash to its many swimming pools. While beaches and picnic grounds are also popular among visitors and excursionists.

Interestingly, Iligan is also famous for the old house of the Macapagals, where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spent many summers of her youth. This home turned into museum is  near the Timoga resort. For arts and culture buffs, Iligan, through its premier learning institution, the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, has a dynamic and widely-recognized performing arts group and is home to a summer creative writing workshop.

Majestic cascades, rich Muslim culture, more than a dozen industrial sites, more sites make up Iligan overflowing with summer adventures, which are very accessible to Negros via commercial vessels, like those of Negros Navigation, through overnight trips. NN’s  M/S St. Joseph the Worker sails Bacolod to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan every Tuesday at 12:30PM.

Those who would like to avail of tour packages to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan may contact NN  at (034) 708-0461. Ishmael Algara