Introduction

Hey there, fellow travelers! Whether you’re a loyal follower or a first-time visitor to my blog, I’m thrilled to have you here. I hope life has been treating you well. It’s been a bit of a journey getting to part 3 of my Mindanao adventure, but I promise it’s worth the wait! In case you missed it, you can catch up on part one and two here: Wow, Mindanao! Celebrating my Birthday with Loved Ones – Lakwatsa Ni Say and Mindanao Unveiled: Discovering the Philippines’ Southern Jewel – Lakwatsa Ni Say

Now, if you’re eager to uncover the hidden gems, savor delicious bites, and explore the less known tourist spots that Mindanao has to offer, then you’re in for a treat! This guide will take you on a virtual tour of this captivating land. But wait, there’s more! My blog is your gateway to a treasure trove of travel tales from around the globe. So, whether you’re a fresh-faced explorer or a seasoned globetrotter, feel free to delve into my other adventures. Your wanderlust journey starts now! If ever you’re thinking about going on an international tour, feel free to read about my South African trip and how I got my South African visa. You can also subscribe to my vlog channel for a more immersive experience!

What You Need To Know/Bring

Going on an adventure is a thrilling thing, but it does come with a fair share of preparations and logistics. Depending on your chosen destination, you might find yourself navigating the maze of vaccinations, visas, and assorted travel documents. It’s all part of the grand journey, and you’d do well to start your research well in advance.

Safety is paramount when you’re traveling. That means staying informed about potential hazards like crime and political instability and taking prudent steps to protect yourself during your travels. As for my recent Mindanao escapade, the good news is that you won’t be buried under a mountain of paperwork. Just tuck your trusty vaccination card into your travel essentials; some places might request it, so it’s best to have it on hand. But nowadays it’s quite rare since it’s been years since the country opened itself up after the pandemic. But as usual, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Now, if the mere thought of sifting through flight options has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret! Streamline your journey with ease by paying a visit to Filo Online Ticketing. They’re your go-to source for hassle-free flight bookings and reservations. Smooth skies are just a click away! You may check out their page here: Filo Online Ticketing.

Wow, Mindanao!

Welcome to Mindanao, the Philippines’ southern gem, a land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Mindanao often remains overlooked by travelers, overshadowed by more popular destinations in the country. However, I’m here to tell you that Mindanao is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. Join me on this unforgettable journey as we explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of this remarkable island.

I just asked my Ate Ken to join me in my trip to Camiguin and we could do a side trip in nearby provinces–which is also part of my Project 82. [Insert more info about this project]. I was also lucky enough to avail of a promo fare at that time. Another tip for newbie travelers: Always check airline websites for promos! 

Lucky for me, Ate Ken agreed and we pushed through with our trip. We availed of our ticket through Filo Online Ticketing. They make the process much more seamless and smoother! We bought round-trip tickets from Manila to Cagayan de Oro. 

Day 1

On our first day, we arrived at CDO Laguindingan International Airport then headed on to Iligan City. We decided to commute and ride on a UV Van which costs around 250PHP as of 2023 from the airport to Iligan City– the stop which was Robinson’s Mall. From Robinson’s, we rode a UV bus to Buru-un which costs around 24PHP as of 2023. Fortunately, we were able to stumble upon Ate Annabel’s store which serves affordable yet delicious meals. We ate breakfast there, and we also had the chance to interview her about her small business and her suggested tourist spots/activities within the area. If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to here:

Ate Annabel also referred us to her connections– a couple of habal habal riders, to help us with the tour.

Our first stop was Tinago Falls. It was very magical and beautiful– it looked like it came out of a storybook. But it was very tiring to reach. You have to walk for a couple of minutes before reaching the star of the show– which is the falls itself. But the walk is worth it because you’ll get a nice view of nature, particularly of various trees. You will feel immersed in nature. I think it was a good choice on our part to visit this first because it was so worth it right away. As of 2023, there’s an entrance fee for Tinago Falls which costs 140PHP. It’s a small price to pay for the view that you’ll definitely won’t forget.

Our second stop was Mimbalot Falls. There’s no entrance fee but they’ve set up a “donate-what-you-can” system. We gave out of respect and also to help out the management with maintenance costs. 

After the fulfilling first leg of our trip, we ate lunch with the habal-habal drivers near Maria Cristina Falls. This was supposed to be our third stop but unfortunately, it’s not open for visitors because it’s under rehabilitation due to a landslide that happened a few months ago. The Vice President of Napocor Mindanao explained that a series of landslides, specifically along the road connecting the Agus 6 and Agus 7 hydroelectric power plants, occurred as far back as April 19 last year and had continued intermittently especially during prolonged heavy rains, making travel to the area quite risky. We were quite saddened, but we understood it was for everyone’s safety. 

Maria Christina Falls is one of the well-known waterfalls in the Philippines. It’s famously known for being the second-highest one in the country.  It is sometimes called the “twin falls” as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city. It is also the primary source of electric power for the city’s industries.

In the afternoon, we went on a Marawi Tour. It wasn’t an entirely pleasant experience because when we arrived, it was raining. And take note, we were aboard motorcycles so it wasn’t the most convenient experience. There was also flooding, and we also felt the heavy atmosphere considering that there was fighting that occurred in the area among the military and the rebel groups. Civilians were also caught up in the middle of it all. We went to the ground zero and we discovered the various infrastructures being built aside from rebuilding the very city itself. Our rider told us that it was a project of Sen. Robin Padilla. 

After our stint in Marawi, we went back to Buru-un at Ate Annabel’s place. We were able to catch the last bus going back to CDO. We booked our accommodation in CDO Center at G-Galynx Innhotel. It was affordable and we booked the 1 person per room option which was good for 12 hours. It was the better option since we didn’t stay there for one whole day.

Day 2

The next stop in our itinerary is to visit Camiguin. Ate Ken and I left early and we hailed a taxi going to Agorra. We headed on to the Balingoan Port to ride a ferry going to Camiguin. The boat fee was 359PHP as of 2023. We also had the chance to meet a family on the ferry boat. They’re doing a DIY trip and they’re looking for a guide. I asked them to come with us to save money. It’s a win-win situation for us since they were able to save up on their expenses for a tour guide.

Upon reaching the Camiguin port, we were met by our guide.

Their main mode of transportation is the multi-cab, which is also what we used for our tour. Our first stop was the Sto. Niño Cold Spring. The entrance fee was 75PHP. It was beautiful and perfect for the hot weather. But safe to say that whatever the season, you wouldn’t want to miss this spot. 

Our next stop was the Tuasan Falls.

It was simple but not as breathtaking as the Tinago Falls. It’s one of the three waterfalls in Camiguin. It could also be easily accessed by anyone. 

Our third stop was the Soda Water Pool. Comparing this to the typical swimming pools with steady water and chlorine that hurts your eyes– the water in this pool is all-natural and constantly flowing.

Our fourth stop was the Old Ruin Church but we didn’t explore it anymore because we felt tiredness creeping in. We reserved our remaining energy for the Sunken Cemetery because that’s what intrigued us more. As its name implies, this burial ground is located underneath the waves off the northwestern coast of Camiguin. Its spot is marked by a large cross that you can spot from Camiguin. The story of the Sunken Cemetery can be traced back to the 1800s when Mount Vulcan was still an active volcano. It first erupted in 1827, followed by a second one in 1862. However, its third eruption in 1871 was its most destructive, causing the cemetery to sink. It sanksunk deeper when Mt. Vulcan erupted once again in the 1960s. Following the tragedy, the local government erected a large cross in its spot to mark the burial ground’s location. Since it sanksunk, the locals of Camiguin head to the nearby shore every November 1 to offer flowers and wreaths to commemorate the people who passed away. It was partly chilling and touching to learn of such history behind such a well-known tourist spot. 

After that, we went to the Tongatok View Deck. Our last stop was the Ardent Hot Spring, which was fitting since the hot spring was very relaxing after a long day of exploring. 

After our tour for the day, our guide left us off at our respective accommodations. Ate Ken and I ate dinner at a nearby place. Good thing we booked our place near food hubs.

Day 3

Our third day was devoted to the Camiguin Island Tour. Our first stop was the Camiguin Signage so we could have our souvenir photo taken there. After that, we went to the White Island and I flew my drone there to get some majestic aerial shots! One memorable part of this stint was eating sea urchins. I never knew sea urchins come in different colors– in white and black! It was definitely an acquired taste but I’m glad to have experienced it.

The last stop of the island tour was Matingue Island. Safe to say it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been! It was beautiful and majestic here– it looked like it came straight out of a movie. I also took the chance to fly my drone here to preserve its beauty. 

Overall, the tour was tiring, but definitely a worthwhile experience.

Here’s my vlog part 2:

Day 4

We eventually came back to CDO to prepare for our flight back home. Our last itinerary though– and probably the most fun and thrilling! The water rafting. Ate Ken and I both love adventures so this was perfect for us. We booked with Bugsay Water Rafting, and it was a seamless experience. Some instructors taught us the basics and all the safety precautions. We had the time of our lives going through the rocky and strong waters! It’s truly an adventure to remember. 

In the afternoon, we ate our late lunch and found a laundromat to wash our soiled clothes. Luckily, it all dried in time. Afterwards, we attended church service at Victory CDO. After such a heartwarming session, we waited for a bus going to the airport. We got there just in time for our flight back home.

Goodbye for Now, Mindanao!

Nestled in the Philippines’ southern corner, Mindanao often remains an undiscovered gem for travelers. Yet, beneath its unassuming surface lies a world of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and heartfelt hospitality just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re scaling the peaks of Mount Apo, lounging on the unspoiled shores of Siargao, immersing yourself in the culture of Lake Sebu, or water rafting in Camiguin– Mindanao promises an enriching adventure like no other. I had the time of my life exploring this wonderful place, and more people should do as well!

Don’t let this well-kept secret slip through your fingers; go on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Mindanao and unearth the unparalleled beauty that thrives off the beaten tourist track. Wishing everyone safe and happy travels! In the meantime, you may check out my adventures on my Youtube channel. Catch you in the next one!