Mindanao travel

Mindanao

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Overview

Despite jaw-dropping beaches, killer surf, rugged mountains and indigenous cultures living much as they have for centuries, Mindanao, with the exception of Siargao and to an extent Camiguin, remains off the tourism industry鈥檚 radar. Of course, the conflict that has simmered for several generations (and the 2017 declaration of martial law in the region) bears much of the responsibility for this. That鈥檚 not to say, however, that there isn鈥檛 development and the woes that go with it 鈥� the southern city of Davao is, for example, fairly cosmopolitan.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Fort Pilar Museum

Mindanao

At the southeastern end of town near the waterfront is this solid and squat building, partially restored to maintain its historic character. Inside is a鈥�

Museo Dabawenyo

Davao

An excellent museum with two floors of well-designed galleries exploring the complex patchwork of indigenous tribal groups, religions and ethnicities of鈥�

Kublai's Gallery

Davao

An unconventional setting for a fine-art gallery, paintings by artist Kublai Millan fill the walls of this large space. Take an elevator to the 4th or 5th鈥�

Binangawan Falls

Camiguin

At 15m or so this is the shortest of the falls on Camiguin and one of the most difficult to reach. You can go on your own or with a guide arranged through鈥�

White Island

Camiguin

Uninhabited White Island, a pure white-sand bar a few hundred metres offshore, is accessible by boats (P450, up to four people) that leave from a spot鈥�

Davao Crocodile Park

Davao

Around 5km north of the city centre is this large complex spread out along the Davao River. A combination conservation centre and zoo, there are croc 鈥�

Sunken Cemetery

Camiguin

Between the hillside and Bonbon you鈥檒l see an enormous white cross floating on a pontoon in the bay, marking the spot of the Sunken Cemetery, which鈥�

Santa Cruz Island

Mindanao

Great Santa Cruz Island is around 7km off the Zamboanga City waterfront, and is home to only a few dozen families from the Samal tribe. Visitors come to鈥�

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