Things to see and do Mindanao

This marine park offers visitors the possibility to explore the world of sea in scuba diving or in snorkeling (possibility of renting on-site) and admiring the sunset. There are bungalows for six people each, and you can go camping.

Built in honor of the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957), it is one of the city's oldest parks. With a surface area of almost three hectares, it features an amphitheatre, a roller-skating and skateboarding area, several restaurants, bars and boutiques, a children's playground and a chapel. Ideal for cycling or picnicking. Finally, there's also a tribal village where you can learn more about the customs of the eleven tribes of the Davao region.

This small park is often called the "Petit Baguio" because of its many pines.

This pine-covered park is perfect for getting a breath of fresh air in nature, jogging, biking, meditating, camping and even rodeoing. The park is particularly popular with families, as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied. After a thirty-minute walk, it's possible to reach a summit from where the view of Malaybalay and the surrounding area is really quite good. Take a trip to Kaamulan to discover the daily life of the city's Filipino families.

The Bislig Tourism Office in the Philippines is located in the City Hall building on Laurente Street in Poblacion.

Located less than a fifteen-minute drive from downtown GenSan, the Olaer Spring Resort is not strictly speaking a resort, but rather a sort of leisure park featuring a network of warm spring-water pools, linked by canals and ideal for swimming. It's best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the air is cooler. All around, bamboo and nippa cottages are available for rent. Families love to gather here to share a picnic.

It houses 64 ha of fauna and flora and a reserve. A joint project with Japan's Environment Organisation, OISCA.

A charming site in the middle of coconut and other tropical plants.

To get a glimpse of Dipolog and its surroundings, we recommend climbing the three thousand steps leading up to Peak Linabo, which is only 460 metres above sea level. The walk is not long, less than two kilometers, but quite physical. A fine view of Dapitan and Dipolog awaits you. At the summit, a chapel where some come to meditate. At the foot of the peak, you can refresh yourself at the Balintawak spring, next to which a camping area has been set up (5 kilometers from the town center).

The rehabilitation center is home to tropical animals and plants, as well as a variety of rare bird species. The majestic Philippine eagle reigns supreme. This superb bird of prey, haribon (as it is known locally), with its 2 m wingspan and 1 m height at maturity, is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. For this reason, it became the country's emblem when Fidel V. Ramos was re-elected in 1995.

It belongs to many small owners. You can rent huts and spend some moments relaxing.

Its white sandy beach and coral garden make it ideal for sunbathing as well as for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Extent of black sand surrounded by centuries-old trees.

Its waters are turquoise blue and the corals nearby are a shelter for a large number of fish.

On Camiguin the beaches are volcanic sandy for the most, and Kabila Beach is an exception, because its sand is white and very fine. Kabila is the smallest fishing town in Camiguin and is part of the municipality of Guinsiliban.

It has a white sandy beach, turquoise waters and colorful corals.

It attracts many visitors due to its pool fuelled by hot springs and cold water sources. It is even said that its sulphur waters have curative virtues.

This nature park is located in Impasugong, in the north-central part of Bukidnon province, with its twelve mountains, medicinal plants and trees and impressive varieties of birds. It's a great place for nature lovers and walkers, with hikes ranging from a few hours to a full day. The most courageous can climb Mount Kitanglad. This mountain range, the^4th highest in the Philippines, rises to over 2,900 metres.

The National Museum of Northern and Eastern Mindanao is in fact a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines that was created in Butuan in the 1970s when archaeologists realized the historical importance of this town. It comprises two main galleries. The prehistory, archaeology and ethnology sections give an interesting insight into the region's cultural communities, the Manobos, Mamanwas, Higaonons and Butuanons of the plains. There is also a collection of ceramics, gold ornaments and ancient art.

Pleasant to climb. Lower, it reaches about 1 800 m above sea level. It is located in southwest Cotabato.

For organized treks, contact the tourist service at General Santos's town hall.

The museum is located on the campus of MSU, Mindanao State University, also known as the University of Marawi. On display are Muslim art objects indigenous to Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan. A fine ethnological collection, for enthusiasts to discover the way of life of the Mindanao tribes (weapons, wood carvings, architecture and folk dances). As is often the case in the Philippines, this public museum is a little dated, but nonetheless an interesting place to learn more about the region's history.

Just eleven kilometers from town, this is the closest and most easily accessible of the twenty or so waterfalls in the Iligan area. Less than thirty meters high, they don't fall into a tranquil natural pool, but rather flow powerfully between huge boulders, creating a multitude of small cascades. It's a truly photogenic sight. It is possible to swim, however, in other pools. And there are picnic areas.

This memorial was erected to commemorate the celebration of the first mass held in the Philippines in 1521. For the record, there has been a long-running debate (which resumed in 2021 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of the Philippines) as to where the first mass was held For Magallanes and Butuan, no doubt, it's here, but for Limasawa, south of Leyte, it's on its territory... In any case, in 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines and celebrated the first mass on March 31, 1521.

Located fifteen minutes from San Francisco, Mount Magdiwata, or Diwata, nicknamed the "mystical mountain", rises to 600 meters. Legend has it that a pregnant fairy(diwata) died here, hence the shape of a reclining pregnant woman. At its foot, a spring provides drinking water for the local inhabitants. The mountain is home to a lush forest and many tropical plants and animals, including wild orchids and rare birds. The peak offers a beautiful view of the Agusan valley. The ascent requires little effort and can be completed in a day.

The monastery is famous for its pyramidal architecture and the views it affords. The monks produce coffee, which is used in Selecta's coffee crumble ice cream, and peanut-based sweets. They are also developing other crops such as rice, corn and soya. Profits go to help pay for the schooling and healthcare of farmers' children. It is possible to stay at the monastery for a total spiritual experience.

It's located in the Capitol in Mambajao (on the left, after the hospital), on the way out of town. The staff at the provincial tourist office are very helpful and dynamic. They can be a rich source of information on what to do in the area and what to see. They can also help you if you're looking for a guide to climb Mount Hibok-Hibok, for example. It might be worth dropping in when you arrive on the island.

Inaugurated on July 6, 1986 by President Cory Aquino, this museum features a collection of numerous objects from Mindanao's tribes, mainly Bukidnons and Manobos, but also Maranaos, T'Bolis and Mandayas. Other objects from archaeological discoveries are also on display, including a Neolithic skeleton from the Huluga caves. A must-see for visitors interested in the history of the city and Mindanao.

Located in one of the wings of Fort Pilar, the National Museum of Western and Southern Mindanao is a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, whose main collections are of course in Manila. It's a must for those curious about local history, lifestyles, indigenous tribes and, of course, art on the Zamboanga Peninsula. An interesting cultural visit.

At the limit of Maputi and Puntalinao. Its area is less than 1 ha. There are lots of shells on the coral beach, making it an ideal place for picnics and swimming.

A small spiral road (in increasingly poor condition, it must be said) takes you 90 meters above sea level. At the top is a large bell and four smaller ones. They had been ordered for the city's cathedral, but on arrival proved too big and heavy. So they were placed here. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the town of Ozamis, Panguil Bay and the province of Lanao del Norte. There's not much else to do.

Davao's avant-garde cathedral blends Romanesque and Muslim styles. Named after the city's patron saint, San Pedro, this unusual cathedral traces its history back to the ^19th century. In 1847, a small neo-Gothic church was built by the Spanish conqueror Don Jose Oyanguren. In the 1960s, the desire arose to enlarge it, and it became an avant-garde concrete construction with a striking arched roof.

We leave Samal Island and drive three hours from Davao, between Mati and Governor Generoso, to one of the most extreme points in the Philippines. San Agustin Cape (also known as Parola) and its lighthouse offer 360-degree panoramic views of the Celebes Sea and the Gulf of Davao. The lighthouse keepers will be delighted to tell you all about its history. You can watch fishermen at work on their bancas, contemplating the immensity of nature and its beauty amplified as the sun sets.

This bay is famous for its grey sandy beach. From here, the breeze is fresh and the view over the bay is lovely. For around 500 PHP, we can ask fishermen to take us to islands of sand and coral that are only visible at low tide and are ideal for snorkeling. At sunset, there are many fishermen on small bancas. Unfortunately, the bay's waters are becoming increasingly polluted as a result of the many industrial projects being developed along its shores.

Museum founded in 1979 with ancient ships. The Balangay Shrine is the superb maritime vessel that forms part of the excavation area 5 km east of Butuan. Here are preserved the remains of the first watercraft called balangay and now better known as the "Butuan boat". This South Asian boat, made entirely of wood, resembles a large outrigger canoe. It is thought to date from 320 AD. Its component parts are tied together with a sturdy rope. The huge wooden planks measure 15 m in length and 3 m in width.

Some fifteen kilometers from the town, the Dodiongan Falls rise to a height of twenty metres. The waters flow over extremely smooth rock faces, separated into two falls. They are often compared to two angel wings. They plunge into a pool of more or less blue water (depending on rainy days), surrounded by vegetation. It's the perfect place for a refreshing swim and a quiet rest. Remember to bring good shoes to avoid slipping on the way (you have to cross a river twice).

Zamboanga City, located in the Department of Tourism region, is an attractive tourist destination in the Philippines. The city's Tourism Office is a point of reference for travelers seeking information on local attractions, activities and events.

It is located just past the town hall. It was the center of Spanish investigations when the town was colonized, and later served as protection for the inhabitants of the town and surrounding islands against pirate invasion and Moro attacks. Built in 1635 by the Spanish authorities, with the help of engineer and Jesuit priest Melchor de Vera, it was abandoned thirty years later before being rebuilt in 1718. Today, Fort Pilar has been declared a national monument and houses a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines.

It lies near the village of Pilar (to the east of the island) and gives the feeling of being one of those adventurers who know living in harmony with nature.

Just a thirty-minute drive from the town of Cagayan de Oro, Catanico Falls is one of the region's natural wonders. After spectacular rapids between boulders, the waters cascade powerfully into a natural pool surrounded by large boulders. Please note, however, that we strongly advise against swimming here due to the force of the water. Moreover, care should be taken when moving around there, as the rocks are always wet and therefore slippery due to the ambient humidity.

An unmissable destination for surfing enthusiasts, this is where the 10,500-metre-deep Pacific Fault passes through to form magnificent, powerful waves, especially at high tide and between August and October. Non-surfers can admire the surfers from afar, sipping a juice at one of the beach huts. For beginners, head next door to Jacking Horse, where the waves are more suitable and there are plenty of instructors on the beach. Be careful, it's crowded! And always a great atmosphere.

Marked by a huge white cross floating on a pontoon, this is one of the island's most popular tourist sites. It is visible from the surface at low tide. It was an earthquake in 1871 that submerged this cemetery, where it is now possible to dive, accompanied by a guide. The nearby church was buried by ash from the eruption of the Daan volcano, which means "old volcano". Only the bell tower and water tower were not completely covered.

On the way to Mount Diwata, it's worth stopping off at Gold Processing. The gold is processed into jewelry for sale on the San Francisco market at reasonable prices. Around a hundred bags of stones arrive every day to extract the gold. The stone is crushed and then mixed with water. It takes six hours before the mercury is visible. the mercury contains 30% gold, which is transported to the refinery and then to San Francisco to the Davao Central Bank.

Located in Baungon, near Valencia, in Bukidnon province. It is possible to explore the rainforest and walk on small suspended bridges after climbing 70 m using ropes and harnesses.

From General Luna, it's a 40-minute scooter ride to Del Carmen. Just before town, fishermen can take you on a banca to discover one of the country's largest mangroves, a fascinating universe of millions of trees and isolated islands. While this complex system of over 4,000 hectares is best appreciated from the air (drone owners beware), there's something magical about strolling through these peaceful waters, especially at sunset. If you're lucky, you might even spot crocodiles in the wild.

This beach located in Fort Triunfo, not far from Ozamis, offers shelters for visitors who wish to picnic on these clear blue waters.

This tourist office is the place to go if you want to climb Mount Apo. The website lists around ten sworn mountain guide agencies, so you can choose one with complete confidence. A two-day ascent costs a minimum of PHP 2,900 per person per group of five for a guide and permit (excluding food and camping equipment). The Mandangan Trail is the most popular.

A little out of the way, this museum is a center for preserving and promoting the heritage of Davao and Mindanao. The museum exhibits the province's colorful heritage, its culture through its various ethnic groups: ethnological maps, photographs, traditional tools, costumes and musical instruments. On the second floor, in the modern gallery, contemporary artists are exhibited. A traditional Mandaya house is located just behind. An interesting cultural visit.

As its name suggests, the park is located in barangay Cogon, around 25 kilometers from Dipolog. This thick tropical forest covers 300 hectares. It is classified as a protected reserve by the government to ensure that an ecological balance is maintained. The park is open to all, and is a pleasant getaway for short hikes in the heart of the forest, as well as for macro-photography enthusiasts, thanks to its rich and accessible flora and fauna. The place is always very quiet and relaxing.

Near the pebble beach, there is a source of hot water. It is fun to feel this contrast between the "cold" water of the sea and the hot water from the source.

Located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, these springs are filled with water flowing at temperatures of around 40°C, rising to 60°C near the spring. Given the temperature of the water, it's advisable not to exceed a bathing time of 20 minutes. It's best to go for a swim in the early morning, just after sunrise or late afternoon, and to avoid weekends. There's a small restaurant next door.