Ozamiz City was established back in the Spanish era as a garrison to defend against pirates coming from Lanao. Today, it is fast growing due to its rich waters and lands, which provide a good living for residents through fishing and agri-business. Its rapid development, however, does not hide the fact that this once served as the center of influence in Northern Mindanao.
1. Cotta Fort
It can be argued that one of the reasons why Ozamiz city was established was because of Cotta Fort.
Back in the Spanish era, pirates from the Lanao provinces attempted to enter the area through Panguil Bay. As such, the El Fuerte de la Concepcion del Triunfo, or simply Cotta Fort, was established as a garrison in 1755, with part of it also serving as a religious shrine for the Virgin of Immaculate Conception (Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion del Triunfo), much like Zamboanga City’s Fort Pilar. At the same time, it also served as a dock for the Spanish fleet. The fort has seen combat during both the Spanish and Japanese occupations in the Philippines.
Climbing the fort wall will allow you to get a glimpse of the province of Lanao del Norte, which is roughly a 2 hour car journey from Ozamiz.
Cotta Fort
Address: Rizal Avenue, Ozamiz City
Price: from 10 PHP (0.20 USD)
2. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is home to the second largest pipe organ in the country, next to the one in Manila Cathedral. The church was able to acquire the pipe organ through the efforts of Fr. Sean Lavery, an Irish Columban priest, and the residents of Ozamiz City. Two German companies worked together in order to build the pipe organ, which was funded through donations and fund-raising activities by the Roman Catholic population of the city.
The pipe organ was inaugurated on July 16, 1967.
Immaculate Conception Chapel
Address: Burgos St., Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
3. Bukagan Hill Bell Tower
The four bells – St. Peter, St. Marien, St. Joseph, and St. Michael – were originally bought for the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the city, proper. However, when the bells were delivered to the church, they realized that they were too big and heavy for the belfry. They eventually decided to construct a new structure in Bukagan Hill, one that would be able to support the bells’ combined weight.
One will need to ride a habal-habal (passenger motorcycle) in order to reach Bukagan Hill Bell Tower. The fare rates are not standardized, so expect to pay between 100 to 300 PHP (2 USD to 6 USD) to get there. Given the distance of this location to the city, it would be a good idea to go to and from here before it gets dark.
Bukagan Hill Bell Tower
Address: Oroquieta National Highway, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
4. Heritage houses
Various heritage houses, which were constructed during the Spanish era, can be found along the streets of Ozamiz City. One such home is on the corner of Valconcha and Ledesma Street.
Spanish-style heritage houses
Address: Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
5. Naomi’s Botanical Garden and Tourist Inn
Naomi’s Garden and Tourist Inn, which is roughly 10 minutes away from the city, has become a tourist attraction because of the number of fruit trees and ornamental plants there. Included in the botanical collection are rare species of orchids, flowering plants, and bonsai. The property covers roughly 13 hectares (32 acres).
Naomi’s Garden and Tourist Inn is also frequently used as an events venue, so those who are planning on holding a big event or celebrating a big occasion may want to consider this. Lodgings can also be provided.
Naomi's Botanical Garden
Address: Barangay Banadero, Ozamix City, Misamis Occidental
Contact: +63 88 521 2441
Website: Naomi’s Botanical Garden
6. Mount Malindang Golf and Country Club
Mount Malindang Golf and Country Club used to be a pre-war army facility. It has since been converted into a 9-hole golf course.
Mount Malindang Golf and Country Club
Address: Barangay Bagakay, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
Contact: +6388 521 0164; +63917 322 1888
7. Mount Malindang Range Natural Park
Mount Malindang Range Natural Park has been declared by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2011, after it was discovered to be the home of several endemic and endangered species of animals in the Philippines. Most of its 53,262 hectares (131,613 acres) remain unexplored territories. Mount Malindang is an extinct volcano.
Part of the Mount Malindang Range is the Lala Eco-Park. It is here where you can find Cobra Falls, which has just recently been discovered. The falling waters, which feed the Bati-Bati River, are framed by lush green plants, giving it an otherworldly look.
Mount Malindang Range Natural Park
Contact: +6388 531 2184
Website: Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park
8. Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park and Dolphin Island
About 15 minutes way from Ozamiz City is Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park, located in the municipality of Tudela. It was developed by the local government with the intention of creating a sustainable aquatic environment for the fisherfolk by creating a breeding ground for fishes through its mangrove forest and fish hatcheries. Those that are grown in the hatcheries and nurseries will eventually be released into the wild.
Aside from aquatic life, the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park also has a mini-zoo, where you can find different kinds of monkeys, birds, and reptiles. There are also some turtles in the sanctuary.
The entrance fee is 100 PHP (2 USD) per person.
The highlight of the park is the Dolphin Island. It is not a real island but instead is a manmade structure which provides a sanctuary and a rehabilitation facility for injured dolphins. Activities that can be done here include feeding and swimming with the dolphins inside the pen.
The Dolphin Island also has a fish sanctuary where you can snorkel. Different varieties of fishes and marine life such as groupers, clown fish, and giant clams can be seen here.
The Dolphin Island has a 300 PHP (6 USD) entrance fee. You will also need to pay the same amount should you wish to swim with the dolphins. It is possible to rent vests and snorkeling gear from the facility itself.
Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park
Address: National Highway Ozamiz-Oroquieta, Tudela, 7202 Misamis Occidental
Price: from 100 PHP (2 USD)
Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm
Contact: +6388 586 0157
Facebook: Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park
9. Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park
Like the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park, Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park is outside Ozamiz City itself, located in a neighboring town. This attraction is found in the municipality of Tangub, which is roughly 45 minutes away from the city. It is so named because the stones that the chapel was built from came from Hoyohoy.
Those who are looking for a quiet place to rest and relax will be able to do so here. Those who are looking for adventure can also find it here, as the Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park is home to what is promised as the longest and highest zipline in the country.
In actuality, two ziplines can be found there. One is 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) long, while the other one is at 2,000 (6,562 feet). Riding the zipline will cost 60 PHP (or 12 USD). On a clear day, the zipline will allow you to get a glimpse of Lanao del Norte, the neighboring province.
The park has its own hotel, so those who want to spend a longer time away from the city can opt to stay here. Rates start at 2,200 PHP (44 USD).
Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park
Address: Hoyohoy, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Price: from 30 PHP (0.60 USD)
Opening Hours: 8 am - 8 pm
Contact: +63917 326 7878
10. Eat the best tasting Halo Halo
Enjoy a cool treat after exploring Ozamis city with the famous ‘halo-halo’ from Mon’s Grill. Their version of ‘halo-halo’ is a mix of a little of everything nice of Filipino desserts from sweetened banana, ‘leche flan’, ‘ube’, ‘macapuno’, ‘langka’, ‘sago’, ‘garbanzos’ and ‘gulaman’. This is topped with a scoop of ice cream, grated cheese, and cereals. Its crushed ice is creamy as it has been generously poured with milk. This treat is loved by locals and even visited by customers from far-flung places. Make sure to include visiting Mon’s Grill in your itinerary to taste this renowned Ozamis city’s sweet delight.
Mon’s Grill
Address: Prime Arcade Building 7016 Pagadian City
Website: Mon’s Grill
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Enjoy traveling back in time and seeing present-day attractions in Ozamiz City
Ozamiz City combines the best of both worlds: old and new, relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff or someone who is out for a new experience, the city has something to offer for you.