Location: Sitio Aura, Barangay Mambuaya (starting point) and Barangay Kabula (endpoint), Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
|
View Cagayan River in a larger map |
|---|
It is dated February 14, 2011, a part of my February 11-14, 2011 CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon Trip with my companions: Alan Valenzuela, Rome Frias, Cesar Garcia and Benedick Manalang. We were based in Cagayan de Oro City at the ancestral house of our good friend, Rome Frias. His brother, Enrique and wife, Gina, served as our hosts for food and free vehicles. Alan Valenzuela funded our round trip airfares.
As early as 6:30 A.M., we met our tour operator in Divisoria near Xavier University where his service vehicle awaited our group. Our tour provider was the The Red Rafts headed by our tour guide, Richard Labor with assistants: Glen Caduguan, Junjun Caballero and Roy Damasco. Maurice Cepriano and Erwin Ladaran were our photographers under the Red Rafts. Our service vehicle driver which is 35 minutes from Divisoria (CDO) to the rafting starting point was Rickson Magallanes. This was our second time to hire their services.
Our package is at P900 per head (with lunch or an additional of P200) and P1,500 is the video and unlimited pictures during the whole course of the rafting. P1,500 could be lesser if the group is bigger where the cost can be divided equally among the members of the group.
We were into two rubber boats where on the other boat were our acquaintances: Fayette Zagala and Mavy Lomibao with her friend. All of us were operated under the Red Rafts.
In our briefing, we were told that since we had opted the Beginner rafting package, it will be for a 2 and half hours course consisting of 14 rapids varying in classification as to Class II and III 1/2. Class II (easy to moderate). We will be experiencing small-to-medium-sized regular waves with some obstacles. Some maneuvering is required but passages are clear. Splashy and fun! Class III: (moderate to exciting). Numerous waves that are bigger and a bit irregular with currents that can be tricky. Big splashes and exciting rides! Obstacles require maneuvering, but the narrow passages are generally straightforward. Scouting from shore is recommended and usually required. Big splashes and exciting rides!
We have been briefed that the starting point of the rafting course is in Sitio Aura of Barangay Mambuaya and will end in Barangay Kabula, still a part of Cagayan de Oro City. Sitio Aura's opposite river bank is already a part of the municipality of Baungon of the province of Bukidnon.
We stayed an hour at the briefing station since there were souvenir stores there where we bought some. I even bought there my arm's sun screen for I find it very colorful at neon green. Thus, we started the actual rafting at 9:06 A.M.
Though, it was our second time, we still faced the first rapids with excitement. Rome, Cesar and I were all eyes to Alan and Benedick who were just first timers of this white water rafting.
We finished the whole beginners rafting course at 11:34 A.M. after we hurdled the 14 rapids. The water in the river was obviously murky as it has heavily rained the day before. The current was so turbulent and whirlpools are so strong that you will be sucked at one point if not rescued, otherwise, the strong under water current will carry you away. However, our lifeguards were really well-trained to rescue us.
We ended up in Barangay Kabula with a sumptuous lunch where we stayed there until 12:30 Noon. Our group drove back home just having an ample time buying pasalubong since we had our 5:15 P.M. PAL PR 284 flight for Manila.
THE RED RAFTS CONTACT DETAILS
Facebook Account The Red Rafts
Richard Labor Mobile Number: 09351307893; Email Address: red_raftrich@yahoo.com
INCLUSION OF THE TOUR PACKAGE OF P1,500 PER HEAD
✔ Roundtrip service vehicle CDO to rafting site and vice versa
< ✔ Rafting fee
✔ Life vest
✔ Helmet
✔ Paddle
✔ Raft guide/life guards
✔ Lunch
✔ Actual rafting unlimited pictures provided in CD
✔ Video coverage of the actual rafting provided in CD
OTHER CONCERNS
There is a provision of one photographer and one videographer who are separate rubber boats. The package is a minimum of four persons.
Looking at the pictures, you will find rafting as a risky activity. However, the experienced guides provides a highly safe rafting course. Besides, the briefing and/or orientation will give you the necessary instructions. It is important to note that, it takes a teamwork skills when paddling towards one desired direction.
THE LEVELS OF WHITEWATER RAFTING OFFERED BY THE RED RAFTS
While our group availed the beginners level, the two others are Advance and Extreme.
The difference between the three is the number of rapids you are going to try. In the briefing, we were told that the Extreme Course has a different route from the Beginners and Advance Course.
The Beginners Course has only 14 rapids, whereas the Advance Course has a total of 22 rapids to navigate with. It includes some major rapids, minor rapids, and technical rapids.
If you decide to avail the Advanced Course, you will still be able to try the Beginner’s Course because it has the same river route, though much longer.
HOW TO GO THERE
Take any daily flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. There are also flights coming from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro City as an alternative route.
From Cagayan de Oro to the jump-off point in Sitio Aura of Barangay Mambuaya, a private jeepney is provided by the tour operator.
