There’s a memorable place that I want to share with you today. In this post, which is my official entry to the Iligan Blogging Contest 2012, let me share with you the best things found in Iligan City and how the place helped me achieve a beautiful life.
Dear Manok is one of my favorite restaurants in Iligan City.
In 1997, I’m one of those high school graduates who want to study in Iligan Institute of Technology of the Mindanao State University. For a decade, the city embraced my existence and shaped my spiritual, intellectual and physical well-being through its generous, innovative and wise inhabitants. Even though I left the city in 2007, my mind still walk around in all of its corners with a bleeding heart if anything bad happens in any part of it and with a happy soul for all of its achievements.
The Beauty of Iligan City
The first time I laid my eyes on the beautiful city, there’s an overflowing love within me. The place is like a lovely goddess who is ready to welcome a stranger with all her heart. Its beauty is beyond question. So, I’m inviting all tourists, backpackers, travelling bloggers, students and foreigners to visit Iligan City.
With an invitation to explore the culture and fabulous places of Iligan, I’d like to remind my dear readers that the place is truly captivating with a host of natural resources working in unison to please a beholder. The highly urbanized industrial city, found in the north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, has provided its inhabitants and guests a bountiful life. Known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, I’m sure you will never regret once you have visited the enthralling area of Mindanao. The beautiful places around the city are accessible via jeepney, taxi, foot-pedaled tricycle, horse-drawn carriage and motorcycle.
What would you get in visiting this splendid place?
The stunning Ma. Cristina Falls
Uncompromising Relaxation
The well-known waterfalls in Iligan City are Ma. Cristina Falls, Mimbalot Falls and Tinago Falls. These tourist spots are geographically located in angles of each other tracing an invisible triangle outline.
Ma. Cristina Falls is Iligan’s greatest heritage, the landmark of the city. It is the most beautiful among the 20 plus waterfalls. It is lso known as the “Mother of Industry” and “Fountainhead of Progress” and is 320 feet high, spews 130 cubic meters per second of water and the reliable source of industrial power in the city. The famed travel spot is situated at the borders of Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un, 9.3 kilometers away from the city proper.
Mimbalut Falls is not so high and mighty with a drop of approximately 90 feet high and is 18 ft. wide, but very captivating with its naturally crystal-clear water. It is located 11.0 kilometers away from the city proper.
Tinago Falls
Tinago Falls is literally hidden in a deep ravine. It has a dazzling view with the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool, clean, and deep with icy cold water. It has an elevation of approximately 420 feet. It is 13.8 kilometers away from the city proper. (Source: Scenic Spots)
Other Tourist Attractions. There are other interesting places to visit in the city. I’ve been to Iligan City Hall with some of my friends and every time I visit the place I always feel happy in the midst of its amazing landscape. Nestled at the top of Buhanginan Hills, it is the best location to have a glimpse of the gorgeous sunset by night. One of its features is the Anahaw Open Amphitheater which is obviously well-built and the favorite location for early morning exercise. Taking an adventurous trek to Mount Agad-Agad is also highly recommended. I’ve seen the fantastic view of the whole city there.
Timoga Swimming Pool is definitely stunning.
One of the best things in Iligan is the elegance of Timoga Swimming Pool. I’m inviting you to drop by at Timoga for a pool party and sumptuous lunch with family and friends. In that beautiful place, I’ve tasted my favorite pork lechon and sweet potatoes after a swimming activity. You can also visit many beaches such as Regs Beach Resort, Chelina Beach Resort and Bucana Beach and other seashore areas to have fun in the sand.
Food and Accommodation. To complete an adventure, a traveler needs a comfortable accommodation and delectable cuisine. To enjoy a posh fine dining experience, you can call for a reservation at Maria Cristina Hotel and Restaurant or Cafe Hermoso. It is also recommended to try dining at Gazpacho’s Food House, Sunburst Fried Chicken, Big Dipper Restaurant, Epay’s Lechon Manok, Peek ‘n Berry and Dear Manok. I’ve also heard about Jacko’s Kan-anan and I can’t wait to try their cripsy squid.
For a truly rejuvenating respite after a day out in Iligan, the city has a wide array of economy class hotels, pensionne houses, modest inns, and several lodging houses offered in reasonable prices. Every visitor in the city can have an adequate accommodation with any of Iligan’s best hotels such as Elena Tower Inn, Maria Cristina Hotel, Casa Royal I, Casa Royal II, Cheradel Suites and Famous Pensionne House.
…Karenade (center) with law school classmates Joy, Felrim, Sharon and Yan-Yan at CASS, MSU-IIT before Civil Law I class…
Quality Education
Iligan Institute of Technology of the Mindanao State University, the jewel of the State Universities and Colleges in Mindanao, is the best educational institution established in the city. It has produced the finest teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, writers and other successful professionals who are now scattered working in all parts of the world. I’m one of the recipients of its quality education, highly organized academic agency and closely-knit community.
To my dear readers and fellow bloggers, I can fully affirm that the beauty of the city will bring you good luck. So, don’t forget to include Iligan City in your travel plans. Cheers!