TEN GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN MINDANAO

Ever wondered where to go this summer? Mindanao is pretty big (in fact, Second largest in the Philippines) you'll be surprised to know how many things this island has to offer and at how many beautiful places there is to see in the "Land of Promise".  I can guarantee you can visit these places without hurting your wallet. Trust me, Its paradise.

 Read along to know more. 


1. MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro City

There are various places to visit in Misamis Oriental. One being the liveliest city is Cagayan de Oro and by all means, Cagayan de Oro is synonymous to water rafting. It is a very fun activity for groups, families and friends.  I highly vouch for Kagay Whitewater Rafting Adventures (Corrales Ave. Fronting Bombo Radyo) or you may contact them at wkagay@yahoo.com and/or 0917 712 2323 

Things to do:

• Check out the lively city at night! Karaoke, party clubs, food establishments everywhere!
• Visit the Museum at Xavier University
• WHITEWATER RAFTING! nuff said.
• Visit Divine Mercy Shrine. A popular pilgrim site in Mindanao
• Try "proven" along the streets in Divisoria before sundown.
• Check out Ababu Persian Kitchen (near XU Campus) to satiate your persian food cravings

2. BUKIDNON

Impasug-ong, Bukidon

Bukidnon is located at the very heart of Mindanao. Cool climate, great environment and yes CHEAP and FRESH vegetables everywhere. If you fancy Hiking, Mountaineering, Waterfalling, Cave Spelunking, River Trekking or just simply want to relax? Bukidnon is the place to be. They got great places for both Adventure seekers and those who just wanted a relaxed getaway.

Things to do:

• Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration
• Visit the Kaamulan Grounds
• Visit CEDAR for waterfalling adventure (THREE waterfalls yoh!)
• EAT Binaki. A delicious local dessert made of grated young corn with milk, sugar and water. 
• Visit Lake Apo in Brgy. Lake Apo, Guinoyoran, Valencia, Bukidnon. Click this link to know how to get there.
• Spend a night or two chilly nights in BuDa, Lorega, Bukidnon. I recommend DDD Habitat and Oishi's Place. 
• 6hr river trailing at the Atugan River in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon
• Climb Mt. Dulang- Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad.
• Veggy shopping in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Cauliflower and broccoli can go as low as Php20/kl
• Go caving in Quezon Bukidnon or Rappel down a bridge! contact SP, 09063480236 for guided tours.

3. DAVAO DEL NORTE

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao del Norte

Davao del Norte is a province every Mindanaoan(or well, Mindanaoan from nearby provinces) frequent to for a beach fix. Its my personal favorite quick getaway place. Need I mention awesome chocolates can be found in this province?

Things to do: 

• Visit Tagum City - Capital City of Davao del Norte. The Palm Capital of the Philippines
• while you are at it you may also visit La Filipina Cemetery in Tagum City
• Explore wonderful beaches in the Island Garden City of Samal.
• Beach places to check out: Talicud Island
• Visit one of the Banana Plantations in Tagum City

4. SOUTH COTABATO

Hikong Bente Falls

South Cotabato is home to the dreamweavers. This province is a charm to every adventurer out there. You can hike/trek to lakes, hills, and peaks. Blessed with numerous tourist attractions, this province has remained very laid back.

Things to do: 

• Check out Hikong Alo and Hikong Bente falls in Lake Sebu
• Go on a tilapia eating spree in Lake Sebu
• Visit Magandang Gensan (General Santos City) 
• Check out the Fish port in General Santos to see gigantic fresh tuna catch
• Food trip along Tiongson road in Gensan
• Try the amazing zipline experience in Lake Sebu 
• Visit "Be Lang Dulay, One of the Philippines National Living Treasure in Tukolefa, Lamdalag, Lake Sebu
• Eat Halo Halo in Koronadal City. One of the best I had in my entire life. 

5. MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Swim with the dolphins at MOAP

not known to many but Misamis Occidental boasts gorgeous beaches and has a rich culture still intact. You have to go to this province to experience being transported to a thousand years back with their well intact architectures.

Things to do:

• Visit the town of Baliangao for its beautiful beaches.
• Tangub City for the hot springs
• Oroquita City for the man-made sanctuary for rescued dolphins.
• Jimenez and Plaridel to see the amazing old architectures and any mark of indigenous culture
• Lake Duminagat - Crater lake 

7. ILIGAN CITY

Dodiongan falls in Iligan City

If you crave for more daring adventure, then head straight to Iligan City. Home of the gorgeous and stunningly beautiful waterfalls. Also, food tripping in Iligan is one of the best. I also blogged about things to do in Iligan so yeah CLICK HERE if you feel like reading it.

Things to do: 

• Tourism Triangle: Maria Cristina Falls, Mimbalot Falls, and Tinago Falls.
• .... more waterfalls to check out: Dodiongan Falls, Pampam Falls, Kalubihon Falls, and Dalipuga Falls. 
• FOOD TRIPPING: Try the delicious Durian Shake at Iliganon. THE BEST! 
• Food Establishments to check out:
  Jacko's Kan-anan & Grill.
  Tita Fannies
  Calda Pizza
  Ice Factory
  Fontina
  El Canto Grill
  Brew's Almighty Coffee Shop (Yummy coffee and suman!)
  Mackies Chicken
  Meongs Soup Shack
• Sunset Watching at Centennial Park
• Tartanilla Ride
• buy SUKANG PINAKURAT. 

8. SURIGAO DEL SUR

Free diving at Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Surigao del Sur is one of my favorite province in Mindanao. This little province down south is packed with natural wonders. and and wonderful beaches!

Things to do:

• Visit Brittania Group of Islands
• Visit Enchanted River
• Visit Tinuy-an Falls
• Eat "Mutya ng Bislig" at Gails Restaurant in Bislig. 
• Visit the white beach strip in Cagwait
• White Beach in Carasscal too!
• Go surf in the uncrowded surf breaks of Lanuza.
• Ayoke Island & Cantilan (ohhh such beauts!)
• Visit Libtong's Blue Lagoon

9.  SURIGAO DEL NORTE

Cloud 9, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Norte - Home to warm and peace-loving people (I can highly attest to that). With its urban charm, many local and foreign travellers have been attracted to it. The unspoiled and untouched beauty of this province will surely keep you wanting for more.  With so much attractions to flaunt, one shouldn't leave without doing the following:

Things to do:

• Visit Bucas Grande - Home of the Sohoton Cave
• ofcourse, surf in Siargao. If you are not keen into a little adventure, maybe try it for once and will talk about it after.You're welcome!
• Eat Pan-de-surf
• Stand up paddle board in the wide mangroove sanctuary in Siargao Islands
• Maybe atleast in your life watch a cock fight in Siargao? Every sundays!
• Swim with the stingless jellyfish
• Cliff diving in Bucas Grande. Must try!
• Explore Dinagat Island for a day!
• EAT FRESH SEAFOODS! 

10.  SARANGANI

Coco Beach, Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani

Sarangani Province is a perfect spot for beach bumming and just plain relaxing. It is blessed with a great beach strip you can walk while a beer or two in hand. *Winks

Things to do:

• SARBAY Fest in Sarangani - Epic beach party every summer!
• Well yeah, Gumasa beach with its powder-like sand!
• Freediving/ Scubadiving at The Abyss, Maasim Reef andSumbang Point.
• Where to stay: Coco Beach Resort
• 
  

In case that wasn't convincing enough, please check out our 20 day #TravelMindanao experience  it was one epic journey! sea y'all and have a fuuuuuuntastic summer!