White Water Rafting

White-water action

Live as if you were to die tomorrow-Gandhi

With these words in my mind I decided to embark on a whirlwind, four weeks ,action packed, adventure tour of the Philippines . My adventure kicked off with white water rafting in Bukidnon, afterwards I travelled to Donsol in Sorsogon to snorkel with Whalesharks(for the second year running),I went diving in Malapascua, drove over the mountains of Negros ,went white- water river kayaking in Antique and finally soaked up the sun on Boracay beach. And not once did I get on a plane. Yes, I drove to Antique and Boracay, from Cebu and it was an awesome drive.

In this month’s edition of Philippinewide I am concentrating on the first of these activities; white-water rafting on the Cagayan river in Bukidnon, Mindanao, near Cagayan de Oro City.

River rafting through rapids can and does intimidate a lot of people. In reality the severity of the rapids makes all the difference. A 2+ rapid is enough to give a thrill to most people whilst a beginner can navigate a 3+ rapid with a guide. The experience I had was akin to riding a bucking bronco at a rodeo, but safer, more comfortable and wetter. The whole experience on the water was rip-roaring fun from start to finish, with just enough calm water to allow for some spiritual moments to soak up the tranquility of the surrounding forest bordered canyon, and to take a refreshing cool dip in the clear river water.

In the group of 12 or so rafters were 4 retired pensioners from the UK and I can safely confirm that none of them suffered from a heart attack during the whole 4 hours we were on the water. Nor did any of them fall out of their raft. If a British pensioner can survive I am sure that even the most feminine and sensitive Philippinas would enjoy a ride. In fact the organizers say that anyone over 8 is safe to go rafting. Any younger than that and they say that the children tend to cry a lot. I could have told you that.


There are two rivers near Cagayan de Oro which are used by rafters; the most popular of these is the Cagayan river because it is suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike; the other river is the Bubunawan river which has, as yet, only been traversed by a few hardy adventurers.

Our trip began at Mcdonalds in the centre of Cagayan de Oro at 8.30 in the morning. This is the meeting place for all the participants. After signing a liability release form we all jumped in the back of a jeepney and were whisked off to the starting point on the Cagayan river; a short 30 minute ride out of town.

Once we arrived at the river it was time to don rubber shoes( scuba booties or reef trekkers are best), put on our helmets and life vest, pick up a paddle and listen to the briefing. The instructor/guide told us how and when to paddle and what to do if we fell out of the raft or if the raft capsized. (Neither of which happened).

After the briefing we were organized into groups, with each raft containing no more than six individuals. The raft I was in contained 5. I was in the front, and our guide was right at the back. As the first rapids quickly approached I was filled with apprehension and excitement in equal measures. My feelings soon turned to exhilaration as the raft bounced over the rapids, we were bucked up and down and from side to side in the rubber vessel and splashed from everywhere. It felt like a wet rollercoaster ride or the wash cycle in a washing machine.

The raft easily coped with the turbulent waves which resembled thousands upon thousands of ballerinas in blue tutus with white frills; and it was thrills we were having as
our rafts took turns to lead the way through each succeeding rapid. After successfully negotiating several white water rapids our guide suggested we could take a dip. The water was refreshingly cool and clean, just the right antidote for a hot day. Then he told those of us in the water to practice swimming through the next rapid, which was a rush, facing the direction of travel, with our legs lifted up to avoid contact with submerged rocks.

In-between the rapids there were plenty of opportunities to rest and soak in the surroundings. From time to time native settlements appeared close to the river edge and we passed groups of native children fascinated with our rafts. The whole flora and fauna had that unspoilt look about it that made me glad to be alive. The scenery was beautiful with sheer cliffs leading down to the canyon through which the Cagayan river flows.

We stopped for lunch at a small settlement for our packed lunch and to give us time to reflect on the fun we were having so far. Then it was back in the rafts for the second half of our ride. The whole rafting experience took about 4 hours, including lunch with a further 1 and a half hours in transfers by Jeepney. The cost was a modest P1200 each, and the Rafting is available all year round. There are also some 3 seater kayaks available. To arrange your trip you should book or call in advance to the Dept of Tourism in Cagayan de Oro on 088 8564048 or Rupert Domingo on 0917 7073583 to ensure they are going out on the day you wish to go. Take rubber booties, suncream , be prepared to get very wet and have lots of fun.

Having the time to go to Cagayan de Oro could be an issue to you, if you are not a tourist ,but it needn’t be because you can fly to CagD, go rafting,and fly back the same day or, take the overnight Superferry from Cebu, go rafting the next morning and take the Superferry back to Cebu that same night. Thus you could leave Cebu and be back within 36 hours by boat.