Misamis Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital and provincial center is Cagayan de Oro. The province borders Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon to the south, the Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to the east, and to the north is Bohol Sea with the island-province of Camiguin just off its northern shore.

 

Name of the Province

“Misamis” is derived from the word “MISA” which is the Spanish term of mass. When Christianity was yet new in the Philippines, the word “MISA” was shouted by converts everytime priests traveled in area around the province. Thus, over a period of time, the Spanish Missionaries started calling the province by the name Misamis.

Other sources revealed the word “Misamis” is derived from “KUYAMIS”, a variety of sweet coconut, which was the staple food of the earliest known Negrito settlers of the territory. The word “KUYAMIS” was corrupted to Misamis when the Spanish colonizers came.

 

Climate

Two types of climates in the province are based on rainfall distribution. The first type, which occurs in the eastern municipalities of Kinoguitan to Magsaysay, has a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January and generally wet the whole year. The second type, which occurs in the central and western part of the province, is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

It covers the municipalities of Sugbongcogon, in the east and down to Lugait in the west. The climate is usually pleasant with warmer days and cooler nights.

 

How to get there

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines maintain negular flights to and from Lumbia Airport, near Cagayan de Oro City. Several shipping companies are plying routes to and from Cagayan de Oro port. There are direct ferries, for instance, to and from Manila and Cebu. There is also a fast-ferry service between Cagayan de Oro and Cebu and Camiguin.

Several bus companies maintain regular services to major towns and cities along the coastal highway, as well as to southern cities such as Davao, Cotabato and General Santos.

 

 

Agutayan Reef - Also called White Island, Jasaan. This is a small island with a wide expanse of coral reef. On the side there is a drop-off starting at 50 ft. down to 150 ft. There are plenty of cracks and crevices along the wall. Pelagic fishes such as surgeon fish, barracuda, tuna, eagle rays, and occasional sharks can be sighted here.

Constancia Reef - This is a shoal approximately 3 has. in size with the shallowest depth at 20 ft. below the surface. On the south side, the coral reef is in good condition teeming with colorful tropical fishes, pelagic and territorial fishes, sea fans and sponges.

Sipaka Point - Known for its strong current, the spot is good for more experienced divers. The natural current feeds the marine ecosystem resulting to a majestic underwater garden. Huge seafans, basket sponges, hard and soft corals and feather stars abound in this area as well as stringrays, snappers, groupers, and colorful small fishes.

 

Talisayan Shoal - This is a very small shoal fronting the town of Talisayan. It takes only about 10 minutes to get there from the Mantangale Alibuag Beach Resort. The shallow part of the shoal is covered with a very good coral growth with plenty of small colorful fishes, shells and other plants and animals. Turtles are often seen here as well as other pelagic fishes.

Sta. Ines Wreck - At the sandy and steep slope, there is an old WW 2 pontoon wreck at depths starting at 30 feet to about 150 feet. This wreck is now is now covered with fan corals, black corals and other marine growth and also serves as home to a lot of big and small fishes as Lapu-lapu, jacks, sweetlips, red snappers, surgeon and batfishes.

Medina Springs - Approximately 300 yds. from the white beach, at the edge of the shallow coral reef are two excellent dive spots. “The Paradise” is at 90 to 110 feet deep. It looks like a canyon with lots of cracks and holes. There is even a cavern that can be explored using an u/w flashlights. “The Aquarium” is good spot to make a second dive since the depth ranges only from 20 to 70 feet. In both spots, the unique attraction here are the underwater springs locally called “alibuag” which spews out large volumes of very cold fresh water from the bottom towards the surface. The marine life here is also very rich and abundant. The spot is located in Medina.

Punta Diwata - Located at the eastern tip of Gingoog Bay and part of the town of Magsaysay about 1 hr. by boat from the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort. The dive spot has a stair step type of carolline slope. The ledges and walls are beautifully covered with marine out-croppings, seafans and sponges. Fish inhabitants include colorful tropical fishes, lapu-lapu, sweetlips, snappers and occasional manta rays glide. This dramatic seascape is excellent for wide photos.

Manongul - Just out front of Mantangale is a busy reef called “Manongul”, the dialect for coral gardens. Here one finds shallow sandy areas with coral paths excellent for snorkeling or a long scuba dive. Blue spotted stringrays, convict damsels, lionfishes, colony of soft and hard corals and a variety of clown fishes are among the permanent inhabitants in the area. Having good visibility for most of the year it is suitable for U/W photography, a leisurely paced plunge or a night dive.

Sagpulon Springs & Falls (San Isidro, Jasaan) - It offers the serenity and pristine beauty of Mother Nature where one can still get tranced by the sound of birds, fascinated by the kaleidoscopic vista of the wild flowers and virgin forested trees. Luxuriate under its showery waterfalls one can enjoy the cool, clear and gently flowing swimming pool. Excellent for weekend and family picnic or relaxation with cozy cottages and nature cooled rest houses. Only 45 minutes ride from the city.

Caves - The rare beauty of the caves captured the interest of spelunkers, anthropologists and tourists alike due to their amazing formation and the value they represent. Some of them are: Buslo Cave, Cave 1, Sicolon Cave, Liang Baho 1, and Cave 3. 

 

 

Duka bay - In the laid back town of Medina is a tranquil, pleasant place called Duka Bay Resort. Occupying a sandy shore and part of a hill, Duka is soothingly shaded by a cluster of large ancestral trees. Seven villas -- spacious, elegant, and fully furnished -- provide a breathtaking view of the bay and the island of Camiguin.

A freshwater stream winds its way from behind the open-air restaurant, where one can savor an abundant variety of local and foreign cuisine. Using hook and line, visitors can experience the excitement of getting fish right from the stream. And for sports buffs, there are kayaks, bancas, water bikes, and gears for scuba diving.