Initao, Misamis Oriental | Things to DO

Initao is a third-class municipality in  Misamis Oriental Province, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 33.902 inhabitants. It is located in a landlocked area with a population density was 305 people per square kilometer. Located 29 kilometers east of the city of Iligan and about 767 kilometers south-southeast of the Philippine capital, Manila. 

The road network connects  Butuan City-Cagayan de Oro City-Iligan City Road. and the nearest airport is Laguindingan International Airport, 39 minutes from Cagayan de Oro. The volcanic hazard assessment primarily identifies it as having no immediate volcanic hazard threat based on its location relative to the nearest active volcano. 

Economic activity in the region depends primarily on fishing, agriculture, retail trade, tourism, and government services located also in this municipality. Various festivals promoting tourism are also spearheaded by  LGU and Misamis Oriental Provincial Government.

Brief History

It is said that the primitive community of Initao was ruled by three brothers named Datu Hukom, Datu Tamparong, and Datu Pulagoyan who had to protect the first settlers of Initao from the Moorish invasions of the province century sixteen Due to frequent threats from Moro pirates, the people of Initao became belligerent. 

Hence the word Initao comes from the word init meaning "hot" and tao meaning "people". They were people who were constantly ready to fight their enemy to defend their territory and community. The legend also says that the Moro invaders were defeated and the people planted bamboo along the Initao River as a symbol of peace and truce between them.

The word Initao, written initially as Ynitao by the Spanish, was mentioned in the Inventory of Livestock, Fruits, Exotic Plants, and Cereals of the Province of Misamis in the 1800s. In 1838 Initao was a Spanish city made up of several lakes. 

Things to DO in Initao

Initao is famous for its protected native forests and wonderful water adventures which is a place to consider. Nothing could be stopping this paradise from becoming Mindanao's next tourist destination. Misamis Oriental Province Tourism Bureau's posted the latest promotional video from this amazing town showing the beautiful destination and other stunning scenery of Initao promoting comfortable accommodations and resorts for tourists and visitors.

1. INFAMOUS BEACHES

•  The Minkay Restobar and Beach Resort on Midway White Beach, Enjoy and relax with your loved ones, strolling down the long avenue of warm white sand and the sparkling water surface of the beach. The resort offers affordable water sports activities such as Banana boat riding, Fly Fish, Jetski Riding, Torpedo, and Bullet Boating. Interactive playgrounds and children's rooms can also be enjoyed.

• Kinason Restaurant and Resort; This resort features crystal clear waters that will make you ignore the heat of the sun. It's also perfect for a reunion and romantic date. Kinason Restaurant and Resort is also famous for its local chicken dishes and kinds of seafood. 

• Moonbay White Beach Resort; from a white sandy beach to a resort with affordable rooms, as if you never left home. 

• Other Resorts that can be explored at Initao, they are equally beautiful
• Hapitanan Beach Resort,  Mastersons Resort
• Isidro's Beach
• Blu Sands Beach Resort
• Don Arc Beach Resort
• Coral Resort Estates
• Kawayan Cliff Resort
• SJ Tellights Mountain Resort. 

2. Agritourism Site

For those who don't like sunbathing in the beach water, the Initao also promotes the Farms and Agritourism Spots;

• Buhian Diversified Farm and Kitchenette; located in Barangay Poblacion, it houses a large area of ​​1.4 hectares of natural and organic agriculture. It is also home to farm animals such as ducks, chickens, and pigs. The farm is famous in Initao for giving importance to the cultivation of coconut plants, which local farmers and aspiring farmers are encouraged to do.

•  Mkians Agri Tourism Site is another agritourism farm located in the uphill part of the town where visitors can spend a day relaxing whilst enjoying the farm produce and food display.

3. FOOD TRIP

Vacation was not complete without the subsequent habit of being hungry and eating.  Initao also promotes various food houses and restaurants for eaters

• Morning J Inn and Fastfood were given offers of sorts of our all-time favorite Filipino meals. 

• Echavez Kitchenette offers Filipino kakanins along with assorted “sumans” and “putos” famous amongst traffic for its unique seafood dishes mainly their specialty “seafood curry".

• Bahay ni Kuya is an all-round dining spot and bar and one of the favorite spots for youngsters

• Lasang Echavez Kitchenette in which numerous neighborhood merchandise may be offered and loved to eat.