MINDANAO

It is located in the southernmost part of the Philippines and it has a lot of places to visit that are very suitable for relaxation. All of them are definitely worth one’s time and money, especially for all those who are thrill-seekers by heart! Though many people especially foreigners think that Mindanao is a place that should be avoided due to conflicts, we have to say that Mindanao is a peaceful province and the people are very friendly. Mindanao has a lot of natural wonders and it has many natural resources that are waiting to be uncovered. Many of the places are also not yet commercialized, plus you can visit these tourist spots without spending so much money. Mindanao is the best place to spend a cheap yet fun week and getaway.

Evidence of human occupation dates back tens of thousands of years. In its largest city, Davao, the Philippine Eagle Centre and Davao Crocodile Park showcase local wildlife. The urban People’s Park features statues of indigenous people and the Durian Dome, named after the spiky, smelly fruit that grows in abundance on Mindanao. Southwest, the Mount Apo volcano has trails and a lake.

The KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL is an annual festival in the city of Davao in the Philippines. Its name derives from the friendly greeting “Madayaw” from the Dabawenyo word “dayaw” meaning good, valuable, superior or beautiful. Previously, this festival held in the third week of August every year which was highlighting the 11 tribes of Davao City. In 2019, the celebration was extended and held from 2 to 31 August. In 2020, Kadayawan Festival was celebrated from 10 to 17 August.

LANZONES FESTIVAL

LANZONES FESTIVAL is an annual thanksgiving celebration for Camiguin Island’s bountiful harvest. The town of Mambajao holds the feast during the third week of October in time for the season of the tropical fruit Lanzones. It was also known as langsats, is a type of tree in the Mahogany group of plants, and whose edible fruits are a favorite for many people in the Philippines.

T’NALAK FESTIVAL

T’NALAK FESTIVAL also know as Tinalak festival, is a festival held to celebrate the anniversary of south Cotabato and is observed every July. The festival’s unique name is attributed to a popular piece of colorful cloth woven by the local T’boli women.

TUNA FESTIVAL

TUNA FESTIVAL is an incredible part of General Santos City. The city’s other moniker is Philippines’ “Tuna Capital” thanks to the abundance of tuna fish. Tuna Festival is celebrated on first week of September of every year.

Island Garden City of Samal- Samal, officially the Island Garden City of Samal is a 4th class component city in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 104,123 people.

Magpupungko Rock Pools - Magpupungko is a natural rock pool, best visited on low tide, that can be found on the east coast of Siargao Island. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots that can’t be missed on your list of places to visit Siargao.

Hinatuan Enchanted River - The Hinatuan Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan Sacred River, is a deep spring river on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is found between the boundaries of Barangays of Talisay and Cambatong.

Naked Island - Naked Island fits the description of a beach destination — fine white sand and cool clear waters. It got its name because of its ‘nakedness’; there’s no shade or almost anything on the island. It is only a few minutes away by boat from General Luna. After riding the famous cloud 9 waves, Island hopping is the next popular activity in Siargao.

Guyam Island - Guyam Island is a tear-drop-shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 780 kilometres southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It is around 2 kilometres south-southeast of General Luna municipality. It is a popular stop for tourists doing island-hopping trips.

Daku Island - Daku has fine bone-white sand, emerald waters, and swaying coconut trees — all of which make it the perfect tropical destination. It also has a barangay with friendly locals. Daku Island is a part of the island hopping tour that also includes Guyam and Naked Islands. Daku is the biggest of the three; it has soft white sand that fits perfectly between your toes and refreshing mirror-like waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Camiguin– Camiguin is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometres off the northern coast of Mindanao. It is geographically part of Region X, the Northern Mindanao Region of the country and formerly a part of Misamis Oriental province.

Cape of San Agustin - Cape San Agustin is the most southeasterly point in the Philippines situated in the island of Mindanao, between the capital City of Mati and the coastal town of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, facing the vast raging waters of Celebes Sea on the south and the calm waters of Davao Gulf on the west. Known of old as "Provincia de Caraga, 1609," which stretches from the Cape of Surigao in the north-end, and down to the Cape of San Agustin, it was considered a most important strategic navigational demarcation during the Spanish colonial era. The area was also of strategic importance for the Americans and Japanese in World War II where both forces had radar installations near the Cape. Cape San Agustin was a favorite hunting ground by American submarines in WWII, and many Japanese shipwrecks are reputed to lie in this area.

Lake Cebu– Lake Sebu, officially the Municipality of Lake Sebu, is a 1st class municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 87,442 people. The bestselling Lonely Planet described Lake Sebu as a place located in a “bowl of forests and mountains.”

Siargao Island - Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometres. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar.

Gumasa Beach Sarangani For years, locals have referred to Gumasa Beach as the “Small Boracay of Mindanao” or “Boracay of South” because of the quality of the sand, crystal-clear waters and uncrowded shores reminiscent of the famous party island 20 years ago. But Gumasa Beach has its own unique charm that needs no comparison.

Lake Holon- A hidden gem in South Cotabato. Sitting idly in one of the peaks of Mt. Melibingoy (Mt. Parker) in T’boli, South Cotabato.

Dinagat Island - Dinagat Islands is a young island-province at the northern tip of Mindanao. Many describe Dinagat Islands as a hidden gem of the Caraga Region XIII.

Bemwa Farm- Bemwa Farm is now one of the a must-visit spots in Marilog. It offers a nice spot to rest, take photos, and eat heartily. Located in Davao – Buda National Hwy, Marilog District, Davao City, Davao del Sur.