Mr

by Melbourne
(Worcester, UK)

Arrived here on Holy Thursday. Good Friday at the crack of dawn, there is a grand procession through the city visiting the Stations of the Cross with a giant Jesus holding a cross float, which is well worth doing.

The Tingago Falls Resort fell on hard times and the holiday village is a romantic ruin, but the falls are impressive.

The Timoga Pools offer swimming within sight of the Presidential Abode (Gloria being president at the time).

Tried several hotels, and were turned away from others because there was a graduation ceremony on, but settled at the Celadon Pension House near the Medical Centre College, which I felt was better that the Cheradel Suites (the poshest hotel in town) and half the price. The rooms were simple but comfortable and clean, the location was very good - opposite a little park on a quiet street, but with easy access to jeepneys 15 minutes from the centre. It had a nice little restaurant with a good cook serving simple meals, and a friendly atmosphere and fascinating rabbit-warren architecture, easy to get lost in corridors going in all directions. It also had a generator, crucial since Iligan was suffering from daily power cuts.

There was a pretty little hotel about three doors down, but sadly this did not have a generator.

Locals are paranoid about Muslim terrorists and other low life, and most reluctant to go out alone at night. It can lead to a certain sense of imprisonment. It felt safe enough to me, but I tend to trust the locals' instincts in this. Many have had relatives kidnapped and held to ransom by some warlord or other raising funds for their cause.

A good hotel to stay near Cagayan Airport is the Golden Pension House in Pueblo de Oro not far from the Shopping Mall. It is 15 minutes clear run to the airport if you need an early start. This is also pleasant enough with a reasonable restaurant.

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