Roaming Around Gingoog City and its Superb Tourism Spots

Gingoog City is a famous second-class city in the province of Misamis Oriental that is endowed with great bounties of nature and numerous tourist spots.

The city’s name is derived from a Manobo word which means “good luck,” thus implying good fortune. With a total area of 744 sq km, Gingoog has around 112,000 people based on the 2007 Philippine Census.

Audie Ocampo, city tourism officer, said Gingoog was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1750 and has become the oldest city in the province since.

Among the breathtaking spots in Gingoog is the Tiklas Falls. Upon arriving in the center of the city, tourists would have to travel nine kilometers to reach the falls and another 350-meter walk to reach the heart of the spot. Caretakers of the area say tourists must bring their own food and drinks since there are no business establishments near the area.

The entrance fee to Tiklas Falls costs 10 pesos. Cottages are for rent for 50 to 100 pesos.

Gingoog City - Tiklas Falls

To ensure the safety and security of the tourists, Ocampo said they have set some rules in visiting the area. They do not allow tourists to swim at the foot of the falls since the power of the water’s current may cause accidents and injuries.

Pools for adults and children are provided so everyone can enjoy the cool waters of the falls.

Aside from the pools in Tiklas Falls, tourists can also enjoy swimming in the JJJ Inland Resort in Barangay Libertad and Guadjus Resort in Barangay Santiago.

Children can also enjoy the city’s children’s playground located near the port of the city. The playground is a project of the Gingoog City Tourism Council headed by retired Judge Potenciano R. delos Reyes Jr. with an investment of almost P2 million by the organization and the city.

The city also boasts of local talents who have performed in several places in the country and have helped in promoting the city.

Currently, the city has been taking strides in boosting tourism in the area. Ocampo said that as of February 2013, they have conducted a coordination meeting with the city’s tourism-related establishments which aim to give a new checklist for inspection of hotels/lodge/inns, restaurants, gas stations, snack centers and entertainment facilities. (Recthie T. Paculba/EOR/PIA10)