Are you looking for an exciting outdoor adventure? Are you craving a break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than the Mapawa Nature Park in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. This beautiful forest park is teeming with waterfalls, swimming pools, ziplines, and other thrilling activities that will leave you exhilarated and rejuvenated.
In this beginner's guide to Mapawa Nature Park, we'll walk you through all the exciting activities and sights you can experience on your visit.
Getting to Mapawa Nature Park
First things first, let's talk about how to get to Mapawa Nature Park. From Cagayan de Oro City, take a 30-minute ride towards Malasag. Once you reach the Mapawa entrance, take a 4x4 vehicle or a motorcycle ride up the hill to the reception area of the park. Don't worry; the ride to the reception area is a thrilling adventure in itself.
The Adventure Begins: Rappelling and Horseback Riding
Upon arriving at the reception area, you will be greeted by the breathtaking view of the forest park. You can start your adventure by rappelling down a 65-meter cliff, the highest cliff drop in Southeast Asia. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can opt for a horseback ride instead.
Waterfalls Galore: Trekking and Cliff Jumping
One of the main attractions in Mapawa Nature Park is the waterfalls. The park boasts of six waterfalls, each with a unique beauty that is worth exploring. You can embark on a trek up to the falls to get up close and personal with the cascading waters. The trek can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which falls you want to visit. Once you reach the falls, you can take a dip in the refreshing pools or try out cliff jumping if you're feeling brave.
Swimming Pools and Waterslide: Chill and Relax
If you want to take a break from all the adrenaline-pumping activities, you can head over to the swimming pools. Mapawa Nature Park has two swimming pools - the bamboo pool and the blue pool. You can just chill and soak in the natural beauty of the park or take the waterslide for a fun ride into the pool.
Zipline: High-Flying Adventure
For the ultimate high-flying adventure, you can try out the Mapawa zipline. The zipline is 450 meters long, and you'll experience a bird's-eye view of the park as you glide through the air.
Tips for Your Visit
Now that you're all set to explore Mapawa Nature Park, here are some tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan on taking a dip in the waterfalls or swimming pools.
- Pack a water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen as there are limited food and drink options in the park.
- Book in advance for activities like zip-lining and horseback riding to ensure availability.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the park for your safety and the preservation of the environment.
Mapawa Nature Park is a gem of a destination that is well worth the trip. With its waterfalls, swimming pools, zipline, and other thrilling activities, the park offers something for everyone. So, gather your friends or family, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure-filled escape to Cagayan de Oro City's best-kept secret.
