This is a month late post! So the very first thing I did on my first weekend (July 6, 2012) in Cagayan de Oro was try what it it known for- Whitewater Rafting along the country's longest river. We only contacted Kagay a night before and the good things is, they accept walk-ins. So the next day, the car service arrived and fetched us at the Mullberry Hotel at around 7AM. If you have plans of visiting Cagayan de Oro, Kagay's booking office is located at #1 Rivera St. Cor. Corrales Avenue or you may contact 09177123232.
You have three options for your whitewater rafting course (includes back and forth transportation to Dvisoria and safety gears):
Begginers Course (Php700/head) wherein you will pass through 14 rapids for more or less 3 hours
Advance Course (Php1000/head) wherein you will pass through 24 rapids for more or less 4 hours
Experts Course (Php1200/head) wherein you will pass through 14 rapids but expect the rapids to be stronger
You have three options for your whitewater rafting course (includes back and forth transportation to Dvisoria and safety gears):
Begginers Course (Php700/head) wherein you will pass through 14 rapids for more or less 3 hours
Advance Course (Php1000/head) wherein you will pass through 24 rapids for more or less 4 hours
Experts Course (Php1200/head) wherein you will pass through 14 rapids but expect the rapids to be stronger
Now, I know you are all excited with this whole whitewater rafting experience, most especially for people who want to try new things. BUT before going on trips or extreme adventures, always take time to survey and ask what to prepare/bring.
What to wear?
I know most of you, especially the ladies, will choose to wear their shorts/sando/sleeveless shirts,etc. But if you don't want to get sunburned under the extreme heat for 2-3 hours, you gotta think twice and choose something comfortable that will sufficiently cover your skin. The local people are aware of that, that's why they sell leggings/long sleeves at the first rafting station, just in case you forget.
Who will take my photos?
I know, our generation is fund of taking photos but no need to worry, Kagay has an official photographer who will take your extreme experience. The photographer rides in a kayak and goes ahead of the rubber boats so that he can take shots of you. After the whitewater rafting course, you can proceed to their office and pay Php250 for the soft copy.
Before rafting...
And lastly, before rafting, be very attentive during the orientation. The guides will give a brief discussion on the do's and don'ts during rafting and what you should do in case you fall from the rubber boat at specific distances. Don't let your excitement hinder your focus from listening. You will surely enjoy your whitewater rafting course as long as you listen and follow the guide's instructions.
My whitewater rafting experience was fun and it was a time for me to fully appreciate God's wonders. It was not just about the experience but I also was exposed to the beauty of God's creation. So we arrived at the first station around 9AM and I was immediately asking the official photographer to take photos of us. Haa! We were divided into 3 groups and there where 4 of us in one rubber boat. First thing's first- the orientation.
What to wear?
I know most of you, especially the ladies, will choose to wear their shorts/sando/sleeveless shirts,etc. But if you don't want to get sunburned under the extreme heat for 2-3 hours, you gotta think twice and choose something comfortable that will sufficiently cover your skin. The local people are aware of that, that's why they sell leggings/long sleeves at the first rafting station, just in case you forget.
Where can I keep my valuables?
Kagay provides waterproof bags that are tied to the rubber boat where you can store your food and valuable items you don'want to leave behind. There are times that you will pass through still waters for a long time, waiting for the next rapid and so, that is the time for you to relax, talk with your team and eat.Who will take my photos?
I know, our generation is fund of taking photos but no need to worry, Kagay has an official photographer who will take your extreme experience. The photographer rides in a kayak and goes ahead of the rubber boats so that he can take shots of you. After the whitewater rafting course, you can proceed to their office and pay Php250 for the soft copy.
Before rafting...
And lastly, before rafting, be very attentive during the orientation. The guides will give a brief discussion on the do's and don'ts during rafting and what you should do in case you fall from the rubber boat at specific distances. Don't let your excitement hinder your focus from listening. You will surely enjoy your whitewater rafting course as long as you listen and follow the guide's instructions.
My whitewater rafting experience was fun and it was a time for me to fully appreciate God's wonders. It was not just about the experience but I also was exposed to the beauty of God's creation. So we arrived at the first station around 9AM and I was immediately asking the official photographer to take photos of us. Haa! We were divided into 3 groups and there where 4 of us in one rubber boat. First thing's first- the orientation.
And the most awaited part- rafting! One guide was assigned for each rubber boat. The guide is a big factor for you to enjoy your water rafting. Our guide, Denden, was very funny and he kept on throwing jokes during the silent moments. He also gave trivias about Cagayan de Oro which was very informative. The big rocks underneath the river cause the rapids, that's why you experience a stronger current and "waves".
From another rubber boat..
We almost fell from the rubber boat in this photo, but just as what Denden told us, "ang higpit nyong kumapit!" Quite true, since no one fell from the rubber boat for the entire trip.
After some time, I asked the photographer if I can try kayaking and he was very generous to say YES.
We finished at around 12nn and I felt fulfilled! This whole experience and my deployment in Mindanao area has never occurred in my mind before. I am just so thankful for this opportunity of seeing what the Philippines has to offer. It really is, more fun in the Philippines. <3





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