Hello Everyone
Okay so let me tell you about this super cool spot I found out about Caluya Shrine in Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental! When I first saw pics of it online i was like wow i gotta go check that out and let me tell you it did not disappoint.
Getting there was kinda an adventure on its own. We drove from Cagayan de Oro and yeah the road is a bit twisty in parts but honestly the views along the way are worth it. Green fields everywhere little villages popping up now and then and you can even catch glimpses of the sea if you are looking hard enough.
When we finally pulled up to the entrance i could already see the big Jesus statue up on the hill its way bigger in person than it looks in photos!
The climb up isnt too bad. Theres two ways to get to the top either take the concrete steps or go via the sloped pathway. Me and my friends took the steps first because we wanted to get a good workout in but on the way back we took the path so we could take it slow and look around more.
The whole place is covered in grass and trees so even on a sunny day its pretty shaded and cool up there.
Once you reach the top oh man the view is absolutely insane! You can see the whole coastline of Sapang Dalaga, all the little islands dotting the sea and just miles and miles of green land stretching out.
And of course the Christ statue is the main star here. Its got its arms wide open like its giving the whole world a hug and standing next to it makes you feel so small but also kinda peaceful at the same time.
We mustve taken a million photos selfies with the statue group shots with the view behind us, close-ups of all the little details around the shrine.
There is also a small chapel up there where people go to pray and even if you are not super religious its a really calm place to just sit for a bit and take everything in. Local folks say a lot of families come here on weekends bringing food for picnics after theyve visited the shrine. We saw some kids running around playing tag on the grass and couples just sitting and talking while looking at the ocean. It feels more like a community spot than just a tourist attraction which i love.
If you are ever in Misamis Occidental and looking for something to do you gotta add Caluya Shrine to your list. Its easy to get to doesnt cost anything to visit and trust me those hilltop views are gonna stick with you long after you leave!