Northern Mindanao / Misamis Oriental / Cagayan de Oro

High Ridge viewpoint view

High Ridge viewpoint

Best for

  • Viewpoint
  • Cagayan de Oro

Map address

Bontula, Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental 9000, Northern Mindanao

Why it matters

High Ridge in Upper Macasandig is a hilltop restaurant on Aluba Hill offering 180-degree views of Cagayan de Oro's city lights and Macajalar Bay. It operates daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, with dinner service as its main draw. As of 2026, entrance is P100 per person with P50 consumable toward food and drinks. A new infinity pool launched in 2026 costs P300 for adults and P200 for children. Signature dishes include Beef Cheesy Caldereta (P375) and Crispy Pata (P595). Arrive by 5:15 PM for sunset; city lights become strongest after 6:30 PM. The road up is steep and winding; taxi or Grab from downtown costs roughly P150-P250, and negotiating a fixed waiting rate for the return is recommended.

Local context

The Best Seat in Cagayan de Oro

If you want to understand the layout of Cagayan de Oro, there is no better vantage point than High Ridge. Perched on a steep hill in Upper Macasandig (Aluba), this hilltop restaurant offers a 180-degree panorama that spans from the dark river corridor to the glowing downtown core and all the way to the industrial lights of Macajalar Bay.

It is like the city's living room with a view, where families and groups of friends gather to escape the humidity of the lowlands. In 2026, High Ridge expanded beyond just being a dining spot.

The biggest addition is the new infinity pool, which lets you swim while looking out over the city skyline. It has turned a place people once came to only for dinner into a place for most of the day, especially on humid weekends when the elevation provides a bit of natural cooling. High Ridge is open daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, though dinner service is when it is most busy.

Dining with a View: Menu and Fees

Entry to High Ridge costs ₱100 per person, but it is one of the fairest deals in the city because ₱50 of that fee goes toward your food and drinks. The menu is a solid lineup of Filipino comfort food and Western style platters designed for sharing.

The Beef Cheesy Caldereta (₱375) is a consistent local favorite, as is the Crispy Pata (₱595), which pairs perfectly with a pitcher of iced tea or a cold beer as the city lights begin to flicker on. If you are visiting with a group, the Pinoy Fiesta Platters are the way to go, offering a mix of grilled pork belly and roasted chicken that easily feeds four to five people.

Arriving around 5:15 PM ensures you get a table right at the railing for the sunset. Entrance is ₱100 per person; ₱50 of this is consumable for food and drinks, and it typically includes a free bottle of water. Signature dishes include Beef Cheesy Caldereta (₱375), Crispy Pata (₱595), and Roasted Chicken, which is ideal if you're ordering their group 'Fiesta Platters'.

Navigating the Aluba Hill Road

Getting to High Ridge is an adventure in itself. The road up Aluba Hill is notoriously steep and winding. While it is fully paved in 2026, the incline is sharp enough that you will want a vehicle in good mechanical condition. If you are driving yourself at night, be extra cautious.

While the view from the top is bright, the access roads can be dimly lit and narrow in several sections. For those without a car, a taxi or Grab from downtown (Divisoria or Centrio) will cost between ₱150 and ₱250.

However, there is a catch: taxis do not usually wait at the top. To avoid being stranded, most locals negotiate a "pakyaw" or fixed rate with the driver to either wait for an hour or return at a specific time. Expect to pay an additional ₱100 to ₱200 for this convenience, but it is well worth it to avoid the long, steep walk back down to the main junction.

2026 Visitor Tips

The City Lights effect is at its peak after 6:30 PM, but the restaurant can fill up fast on Friday and Saturday nights. If you want a prime spot for a large group, calling ahead for a reservation (+63 917 326 1361) is highly recommended.

The infinity pool access is ₱300 for adults, which is a separate charge from the restaurant entrance. For a quick sunset coffee or a full family meal, High Ridge is the first place to get your bearings in the city.