Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Rediscovering Initao, Misamis Oriental
Travelling to Initao gives me such familiar feelings—general sense of joy. The first time I set foot in this land was when I was with a group of students going to Cagayan de Oro City to have an educational trip. We got down, because of their famous “bibingka.” The second time was when I was invited in a birthday celebration of my then board mate “Hym Hym.” The third time was when I was with a friend singer Ruby when they had a band gig. The fourth time was when Iligan Blogger’s Society Inc., had our annual strategic plan. However, in this recent visit to Initao whats all in my mind is to rediscover the place. Adventure! Why? Because I was with my friends who are also my fellow bloggers and not just an ordinary bloggers they are Philippine Travel Bloggers.
Though, Initao is just an hour or so from Iligan City. People
rarely stop by and pay a visit this town. It’s true, a town situated between
two competing cities—Iligan and Cagayan de Oro will really groped to have that
attention from people who are more fascinated with malls and etc., For me, the
town of Initao is not an attention seeker. I just thought that people have
noticed the place, but they are too busy to stop and experience what are the
best things yet to enjoy in this humble land.
However, for some people the town of Initao is as precious as
the other. There are things that are found in Initao that cannot and will not
be found in Iligan and in Cagayan de Oro City. I hope that through this writing
these things will then become a reason for people to stop and visit Initao.
Midway White Sand Beach
Midway White Sand Beach
Amazing! that was the only word I have in mind when I discover
that Northern Mindanao has a white sand beach! Yes, I was really amazed because
all along I thought white sand beaches in Norther Mindanao are only at the
island of Camiguin. But, during the Strategic Plan of the Iligan Bloggers
Society which is held at Midway White Sand Beach—I realized I was wrong!
Initao
National Park
Whenever I am on a bus from Iligan going to Cagayan de Oro City
or vice versa, when I was a kid, every time the bus passed by at the forested
highway over at Initao I would surely closed my eyes. Wonder why? The reason is
that I have heard a lot of stories of “Aswang” that are living Initao and every
time I’m on a bus and it passes that forested area, it scares me to death.
Pathetic right, but that was long ago. Later did I know that the thick forest
along the highway is a protected area. Trees in that forest lived hundred years
already and I just discovered that. The entire area is divided into two. If you
are from Iligan the left side of the highway is the Initao National Park where
you can see the cliff over the troubled water, bat caves and etc. On the right
side is the Lasang Secret Adventure where you can climbed a spiral stair and
walk from one tree top to another tree top.
Canopy Walk at Lasang Secret Adventure
At P250 you can conquer your fear of heights by challenging
yourself to try their Canopy Walk Adventure. Basically, you are required to
wear a helmet before allowing you to the canopy walk which involved a short
walk towards this spiral stair. While walking a tour guide will introduce you
to the kind of species of trees that are found in the said forest. Then, you
have to take this spiral stair towards the first station. For people who are
not used to being far from the ground I guess this is the time you really have
to calm yourself—It’s a swaying spiral stairway so be careful. When you are at
the first top station all you have to do is enjoy the view from above. It’s
quite refreshing above. Hearing the birds sing and feeling the gentle breezy
air while being swayed. Then you will realize the true essence of being free!
When you are at the top you will then walk through this shaky,
swaying and hanging interconnected bridges. Basically this bridge is connected
from one giant tree to another giant tree. By the way, make sure to make enough
distance with your peers while walking on these hanging bridges. I guess five
meters is enough? By doing this the bridge will not sway so much and of course
the weight will be equally distributed. After moving from one tree to another,
you can rest for a while before the guides will dressed you up for the final
feature—zipping down that will signal the end of the walk.
Where you
can eat while in Initao?
When hungry while traveling and passing through the highways
over at Initao one would really notice this boys wearing a reflector blowing
their respected whistle giving the signal to commuter and travelers to park.
Then why not stop and have your meal at this eateries along the highway?
Based on my experienced I would highly recommend the Kambingan
and Native Chicken Restaurant—Lami ang ilang food compared sa atbang ^^
All the experienced that I had at Initao can be summed up into
one statement “It’s awesome to rediscover Initao!”
So if you love travel and adventure—get your travel plan now and
write “Initao, Misamis Oriental” ^^
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