MINDANAO TOURIST SPOTSMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The island of Mindanao is larger than 125 countries worldwide, including the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Taiwan and Ireland.

Cagayan de Oro (CDO)

This famous city south of the Philippines is gateway to the major tourist spots in the landlocked provinces of Mindanao. It has its own domestic airport as well as seaport that make the life of any traveler easier. Among the top favorite thing to do in CDO is its white water rafting adventure. Get your hearts pumping on this wild river ride, caution though this adventure is not for the faint of heart because you will need to navigate the river aboard a small rubber boat while strong rapids threaten to overturn your boat and your fellow adventure seekers. Best pasalubong or local delicacy food item from CDO is Pastel, that bread with sweet filling goodness and Chedeng’s roasted peanuts, and the delicious CDO Jamon de Cagayan.

Cagayan de Oro’s white water rafting

Eco Village of Cagayan de Oro City

Muse de Oro located beside Cathedral Church

Camiguin Island

Lanzones, Underwater Cemetery, Hibok-hibok Volcano, Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool in Catarman, the white sand beaches, easy rural living are the great tourism draw of this tiny island in the northern part of Mindanao. Be charmed with the beauty of Camiguin and feast your eyes on laid back island sceneries.

Binangawan Falls is located in the municipality of Sagay. The falls is fed by several miniature and gigantic waterfalls that gush through granite stones.

Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery

White Beaches Aside from the white beaches of White Island and Mantigue Island, a white beach can be found also in Guinsiliban and is called the Kobila White Beach. The beach is near the place where giant clams are cultured and offshore is a beautiful site for diving.

– If you are dreaming of that huge rolling waves and cloud 9 barrels then head to Siargao, an island that faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep on the northeastern part of Mindanao. Siargao Island is the Philippines’ surfing capital and fast becoming one of the world best surfing haven, in fact every October the island is host to an international surfing competition that attracts the best surfers across the globe. Siargao belongs to the province of Surigao del Norte. Surigao Del Sur on the other hand offers hidden gems like Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City..

SIARGAO ISLAND

TAWI-TAWI

Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province.

DAVAO CITYDavao City – Davao province is the commercial and economic center of Mindanao and you can do a lot of things in Davao City, its capital. Here you can find one of the Philippines famous resorts The Pearl Farm as well as the highly popular Samal Island with white sand beaches and an assortment of resorts that caters to every budget. Davao is a major fruit producer for the country from the pungent smelling but tasty durian fruit to sweet sour pomelo to marang and export worthy bananas. Nightlight is bustling in Davao’s Matina Square in downtown area. If you are interested in wildlife you will not be disappointed because there are many wildlife conservation centers in Davao from the centers that focuses on the Philippine Eagle and Philippine Crocodiles. The Philippines highest peak, Mt Apo can also be found in Davao.

The Philippine Eagle Nature Center

Crocodile Farm

Eden Mountain Resort

Island Garden City of Samal

MT. APO

Zamboanga City

This unique city on the northwestern part of Mindanao speaks a dialect with most words inspired by the Spanish language. Zamboanga City is famous for its colorful vintas that sail its waters and the curacha, a large type of crab, batiks and malongs, dried fish and more.

Zamboanga city earned the moniker “Asia’s Latin City”; old colonial edifices that are great reminders of the Spanish colonial era are still well-preserved here and are great tourist attractions.

Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum – This 1635 Spanish garrison is by far the most splendid fortress I’ve seen in the Philippines.  The Royal Fort of Our Virgin Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza houses the shrine of The Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza, Spain the patroness of the city which is attached to the eastern wall.

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