Standing on the peak of Philippines' highest mountain early in the morning, one can't help but wonder at the beauty of the vast Mindanao countryside.

From the peak of Mt. Apo, one can see rolling hills, and carpets of white clouds blown across the land by a cool breeze. It is a picture rarely seen by most, except for brave souls who dare climb Mt. Apo's rugged trails.

The 2,954-meter-high mountain, however, is far from being the only wonder in Mindanao. As the second-largest island in the Philippines, Mindanao holds a number of wonders and overwhelming sights which include forest mountains, heritage trees and various animal species, lagoons, waterfalls, and rivers.

However, in order to be able to appreciate all the beauty offered by Mindanao, visitors should note that they should be prepared for a sweaty, challenging trek.

Despite the trials met by trekkers, the trip can top many people's lists of their best experiences in a lifetime.

In the northern area of Mindanao, recommended for nature loving or adventure seeking tourists to visit are Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Here are a few spots thrill-seekers can venture:

1. Dahilayan Adventure Park (Bukidnon)

The Dahilayan Adventure Park is Mindanao's version of a summer capital. Located just about two hours from Laguindingan airport in Cagayan de Oro City, the area has a serene environment perfect for relaxation, and facilities built for adrenaline junkies.

Among the most thrilling attractions here are the Zipzone, Asia's longest dual zipline; Skytower Base Jump, the highest parajump in the country with an eight-story cell site; Dropzone, a 120-feet free fall, the Philippine's first extreme pendulum swing; and the Python Roller Zipride Zip, Asia's first zipline roller coaster.

2. Mapawa Nature Park (Cagayan de Oro City)

According to the local tourist guides, the Mapawa Nature Park was named for "Pawa", or the climbing bamboo trees that cover most of the 2,500-hectare property.

The forest holds various types of trees and over 110 species of birds. What stands out from the rest is the heritage tree of Dau, which is known to have been there for about 350 years. It is located at the heart of the forest that is 15 minutes from the Mapawa river.

River trekking or canyoneering is the main attraction in this park where tourists enjoy exciting activities such as sliding through various natural rock formations, at least three times, and taking a quick dip into its blue green basin of ice cold water. There are other adrenaline-filled activities to try like cliff jumping and rappelling down a 65-feet cliff of the what the locals call the Treasure Falls.

3. White water rafting (Cagayan de Oro River)

In Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro City is regarded as the best place for white water rafting. There, thrill seekers can traverse a total of 21 river rapids, a ride for beginners and advanced rafters that can last up to two hours.

According to the locals, the rapids refer to portions of the river where a collection of rocks are stuck with each other creating "white water" waves.

According to a local tour guide, it would be best for beginners to raft in the morning.

Peak season for rafting is usually summer, or during the rainy season starting June until December, when the river gains a chocolate color due to loose soil.

Peso-pinching tourists who want to get a discount can come visit the river when the water rafting companies do their regular clean-up drive every three months. According to the local tour guide, visitors can get as much as half off the original rafting package price.

4. Waterfalls hopping (Iligan City)

If tourists flock to Pansol, Laguna for various hot springs which dot the area, they come in droves to Iligan to visit waterfalls, which are just as numerous.

Iligan City, dubbed the "City of Majestic Waterfalls", has over 39 reported waterfalls across town. The most prominent ones are the Mimbalut, Maria Cristina, and Tinago falls.

Just a few minutes away from the city proper, Mimbalut Falls is the most accessible to visitors. There are available cottages and picnic tables for a dine-in stay by the falls. Apart from the usual waterfalls and a catch basin, Mimbalut's unique feature boasts a stunning staircase-like rock formation where the water falls, although without a pool to swim for.

Maria Cristina, on one hand, is the most popular among the three waterfalls. It is a must-visit site in Iligan, where its waters flow from one of the outlets of Lake Lanao, the Agus River. The falls supplies hydroelectric power to the entire city of Iligan and other provinces in Mindanao producing 200-megawatts of electricity through the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.

But the best, as the locals say, is the Tinago Falls, which is tucked away in the deep ravine of Barangay Buru-un. To get a good sight of the falls, visitors must endure a total of 365 winding steps going down, and another 365 steps climbing up, which can be surely compensated by the breathtaking view of the 240-foot falls. A dip into the deep blue green basin is a bonus too.

To fully enjoy this kind of trip, there are some quick travel tips that people should keep in mind: pack lightly, dress comfortably, bring your best smartphone and a power bank, and of course, book your flights early.

A trip to Cagayan de Oro can be easy with Laguindingan airport as a perfect jump-off point to destinations like Bukidnon and Iligan City. Although it is small, Laguindingan is one of the seven main hubs of Cebu Pacific, having over seven flights from other airports daily.

This February, Cebu Pacific will be flying its 10 millionth passenger. For sure, there will be exciting surprises awaiting the lucky winner!

Cebu Pacific seats for Philippine destinations are also on sale again. Check out their website to know more about the promos.

Watch three of the Lakwatsero episodes here, and join Robi Domingo in a sweet escapade to some of the best local restaurants and delicacy shops in Bacolod, Negros, and Iloilo City.