My best experiences and destinations of Mindanao

Amongst my favorite destinations in the country, Mindanao has a good share in my list, and it is sad that some people are pre-empted with fear when pointed to this direction. Yet, it is this same fear that made me excited about Mindanao and with less crowd, it opens up to more experience with that pure genuine hospitality of people.

I once told myself, and immediately posted in facebook, that, at this point in travelling, it is no longer the destination, but the experience that comes with getting and being where you want. And this neglected part of the country sure offers a lot more for the keen traveller.

1. Swimming and underwater shots of Enchanted River, in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. 

With pictures online, it is not hard to get excited about seeing this river. The deep blue shade of the water, coming to think that it is a river. As some pictures are heavily edited, I thought it will be as great to see even counting off assumed enhancements on the picture. To my surprise though, it was even bluer in person. 

2. The ride to Asik Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato.

I knew it will not be easy getting to this falls, but never expected the ride to be that slippery and hard. None in regrets, but all was fun. 

3. Being at Awe at the strength of Maria Christina Falls in Iligan, Lanao del Norte.

Visiting this place on a weekend, and almost closing, with me being the last and only guest in the vicinity's cart, one word i uttered as I saw the falls - a big blind unexpected WOW! 

4. The atmosphere of Camiguin. 

No traffic, cool and shady weather, bountry of fruits, humble people - countryside living at its finest.

5. Staring at the tall and (feeling so small) Sugpalon Falls in Jasaan, Misamis Occidental and driving a boat in Agutayan island.

A not so popular destination in Misamis compared to the crowd that flocks to CDO, yet, a bare 45 minute jeep ride from the city gets you to a small beautiful island and a neck breaking tall waterfalls. 

6. Tawi Tawi, The climb to Bod Bongao and the Culture of the Tausug.

I've been with trekkers bringing their 4 year old or so baby along with them on the trail, but not village people hiking with their newborns on a cloth tied around their bodies. It is a practice for locals for good omen to their life and kids. 

Meantime, I have gotten curious about this town having noticed a unique culture, from language, food, living and fellowship.

And, how can I forget, a bridge (between Sanga and Bongao) with white sand and blue water underneath.

7. The feared and yet silent beauty of 11 islands in Brgy Dita, Zamboanga City.

I have been warned several times both by LGU, locals, and even online about this destination as a safe for extremist rebels, but still pushed on going here. On my arrival, as usual, no apparent reason to fear. It is a solid muslim community, yes, and just like what I observe, people are equally, if not more, behaved than the rest of the country. I asked locals around, and yes, they confirmed that a lot of the MORO fighters during Marcos time came from their village, but that was then. 

8. Meeting a newfound family in Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City.

From rather just looking for a place to nap while waiting for a travel buddy, my usual "do you have hot water" random conversations with locals ended up having just like a family in this remote corner of Zamboanga city.

9. Waters, Sand, and Reef in Pinagasinan, Sulu.

Having almost half day left (6 hours) and nothing more to do in Jolo, and while waiting for the trip back to zamboanga, i walked into the port, and sought any fishing boat to get me to an appealing island off the port. In about 1 hour, we reached Pinagasinan Sulu, and amazed with the crystal clear and jade-ish color of the water.

10. Watching turtles lay eggs in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del sur.

Thanks to the Pitogo Municipality who upon my insisting on visiting the island, allowed me to camp overnight in the island with hospitable armed escorts who showed me around the islands. I was already almost drunk when they insisted on me standing up and walk around the island to see the turtles. Each Turtle took 1 hour to release more than 100 eggs each, and witnessing all that happen was... nowhere else.

There's a lot more, and certainly Mindanao will always be a place for me to explore..


Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Amongst my favorite destinations in the country, Mindanao has a good share in my list, and it is sad that some people are pre-empted with fear when pointed to this direction. Yet, it is this same fear that made me excited about Mindanao and with less crowd, it opens up to more experience with that pure genuine hospitality of people.

I once told myself, and immediately posted in facebook, that, at this point in travelling, it is no longer the destination, but the experience that comes with getting and being where you want. And this neglected part of the country sure offers a lot more for the keen traveller.

1. Swimming and underwater shots of Enchanted River, in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. 

With pictures online, it is not hard to get excited about seeing this river. The deep blue shade of the water, coming to think that it is a river. As some pictures are heavily edited, I thought it will be as great to see even counting off assumed enhancements on the picture. To my surprise though, it was even bluer in person. 

2. The ride to Asik Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato.

I knew it will not be easy getting to this falls, but never expected the ride to be that slippery and hard. None in regrets, but all was fun. 

3. Being at Awe at the strength of Maria Christina Falls in Iligan, Lanao del Norte.

Visiting this place on a weekend, and almost closing, with me being the last and only guest in the vicinity's cart, one word i uttered as I saw the falls - a big blind unexpected WOW! 

4. The atmosphere of Camiguin. 

No traffic, cool and shady weather, bountry of fruits, humble people - countryside living at its finest.

5. Staring at the tall and (feeling so small) Sugpalon Falls in Jasaan, Misamis Occidental and driving a boat in Agutayan island.

A not so popular destination in Misamis compared to the crowd that flocks to CDO, yet, a bare 45 minute jeep ride from the city gets you to a small beautiful island and a neck breaking tall waterfalls. 

6. Tawi Tawi, The climb to Bod Bongao and the Culture of the Tausug.

I've been with trekkers bringing their 4 year old or so baby along with them on the trail, but not village people hiking with their newborns on a cloth tied around their bodies. It is a practice for locals for good omen to their life and kids. 

Meantime, I have gotten curious about this town having noticed a unique culture, from language, food, living and fellowship.

And, how can I forget, a bridge (between Sanga and Bongao) with white sand and blue water underneath.

7. The feared and yet silent beauty of 11 islands in Brgy Dita, Zamboanga City.

I have been warned several times both by LGU, locals, and even online about this destination as a safe for extremist rebels, but still pushed on going here. On my arrival, as usual, no apparent reason to fear. It is a solid muslim community, yes, and just like what I observe, people are equally, if not more, behaved than the rest of the country. I asked locals around, and yes, they confirmed that a lot of the MORO fighters during Marcos time came from their village, but that was then. 

8. Meeting a newfound family in Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City.

From rather just looking for a place to nap while waiting for a travel buddy, my usual "do you have hot water" random conversations with locals ended up having just like a family in this remote corner of Zamboanga city.

9. Waters, Sand, and Reef in Pinagasinan, Sulu.

Having almost half day left (6 hours) and nothing more to do in Jolo, and while waiting for the trip back to zamboanga, i walked into the port, and sought any fishing boat to get me to an appealing island off the port. In about 1 hour, we reached Pinagasinan Sulu, and amazed with the crystal clear and jade-ish color of the water.

10. Watching turtles lay eggs in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del sur.

Thanks to the Pitogo Municipality who upon my insisting on visiting the island, allowed me to camp overnight in the island with hospitable armed escorts who showed me around the islands. I was already almost drunk when they insisted on me standing up and walk around the island to see the turtles. Each Turtle took 1 hour to release more than 100 eggs each, and witnessing all that happen was... nowhere else.

There's a lot more, and certainly Mindanao will always be a place for me to explore..


Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Read More »

Agutayan Island and Driving a boat

As i always say when asked why I travel.. I say to experience something new. Sometimes, the highlight of a trip is not really the fine white sand, the greens and landscape, marine life, nor the tall magnificiebt falls; sometimes its the experience; like the odds in getting to the destination, especially the transportation, or even the people and their way of living, or perhaps, the challenge of getting to places most people will be scared off.

In the van, on the way to camiguin, I was seeing this white sandbar on the left side, off the coast of Jasaan. I told myself I'm going back for it. 

Then, for this next 5day trip to CDO, i put it first in my itinerary (along with Sugpalon falls also in Jasaan).

Upon arrival in CDO, i headedstraight to Jasaan. I have asked the driver to drop me right where I can scout a boat for Agutayan. I was dropped in Liyang Resort.

I knew I will be on tourist rate If i were to get the boat from te resort, so i walked past it. I stopped by a sari sari store, asked for coffee, and sat on another cottage next to it; A man seated and I began the talk. Later, he offered to help me find a boat.

We walked about 500meters further away from the resort. Unfortunately, his friend was asking 500 pesos which I think is still expensive. I had the gut feeling i'd get 300 pesos. I just said I'd check out the resort first if tey may have gesta bound for the island that I can share costs with.

I walked back towards the resort and tried my luck indedd but there's none. They were asking for P1500 or P1200 if I were to go alone. Of course, I left;

A little asking from the people around and they pointed me next to the church. They said Thats were I might get a small boat.

A flock of youngsters were playing coin toss games under a tamarind tree. I excused and aske where I can possibly get a boat. 2 boys from the flock stood up and escorted me to the parked boats. Later, they asked if I'm ready to pay 500. I said i had thesame offer and did not refuse for nothing. They dropped to 400, asked 300 til we close at 350! Done deal! They pulled the fuel, and filled the engine.

The water was so calm though not so clear. I was told there was a heavy rain the night before, and when this happens, it saturates the water.

Just about 15 minutes and we were in the island! A lot of logs lay loose on te ground, and im not sure how they got there or ehat their use is. Took some pictures of the sand, and ten asked if I can snorkle on the clams. We aske permission from the island caretakers, and they eacorted us. The water was too stirred up to have a clear view of the clams (to think that the water was too shallow; waist level only). I also had the idea that there will be thick corals when they mention marine sanctuary in their signages, but if not for the clams, there doesn't seem to be anything in there. I went back to the boat instead and thanked the caretakers an prepared to leave for mainland.

I asked the boys if they can let me drive the boat, and they were happy to let me. Learnig to drive a boat is one of the short term goals in travelling actually; i always want to know how to run these transport systems i tend to use in travelling; in the untoward event that the driver is unable to, I will be able to do it myself.

Its fairly easy. You pull that nylon rope to adjust the speed. Theres a rubber knob that holds the nylon rope so driver dot have to be holding it at a pressure during the trip.

Meantime, you pull frward the bamboo to steer the boat to the right, and pull backwards to steer to the left (or the other way around ;-) lolz).

 I also have that plan of buying a small boat, later, and roaming around the archipelago through my self driven boat. I'm done with learning to drive motorbikes and tricycles, now done with boat, next is that 'skylab' habal habal.

How to go to Agutayan Island:

Make your way to agora Terminal. In agora terminal, look for the jeeps bound for Jasaan. Ask to be dropped in Liyang Resort. Fare is P25.

In case you need to contact my boatman (or boatboy for that matter) call jay Ar (0926) 330 9092.

As i always say when asked why I travel.. I say to experience something new. Sometimes, the highlight of a trip is not really the fine white sand, the greens and landscape, marine life, nor the tall magnificiebt falls; sometimes its the experience; like the odds in getting to the destination, especially the transportation, or even the people and their way of living, or perhaps, the challenge of getting to places most people will be scared off.

In the van, on the way to camiguin, I was seeing this white sandbar on the left side, off the coast of Jasaan. I told myself I'm going back for it. 

Then, for this next 5day trip to CDO, i put it first in my itinerary (along with Sugpalon falls also in Jasaan).

Upon arrival in CDO, i headedstraight to Jasaan. I have asked the driver to drop me right where I can scout a boat for Agutayan. I was dropped in Liyang Resort.

I knew I will be on tourist rate If i were to get the boat from te resort, so i walked past it. I stopped by a sari sari store, asked for coffee, and sat on another cottage next to it; A man seated and I began the talk. Later, he offered to help me find a boat.

We walked about 500meters further away from the resort. Unfortunately, his friend was asking 500 pesos which I think is still expensive. I had the gut feeling i'd get 300 pesos. I just said I'd check out the resort first if tey may have gesta bound for the island that I can share costs with.

I walked back towards the resort and tried my luck indedd but there's none. They were asking for P1500 or P1200 if I were to go alone. Of course, I left;

A little asking from the people around and they pointed me next to the church. They said Thats were I might get a small boat.

A flock of youngsters were playing coin toss games under a tamarind tree. I excused and aske where I can possibly get a boat. 2 boys from the flock stood up and escorted me to the parked boats. Later, they asked if I'm ready to pay 500. I said i had thesame offer and did not refuse for nothing. They dropped to 400, asked 300 til we close at 350! Done deal! They pulled the fuel, and filled the engine.

The water was so calm though not so clear. I was told there was a heavy rain the night before, and when this happens, it saturates the water.

Just about 15 minutes and we were in the island! A lot of logs lay loose on te ground, and im not sure how they got there or ehat their use is. Took some pictures of the sand, and ten asked if I can snorkle on the clams. We aske permission from the island caretakers, and they eacorted us. The water was too stirred up to have a clear view of the clams (to think that the water was too shallow; waist level only). I also had the idea that there will be thick corals when they mention marine sanctuary in their signages, but if not for the clams, there doesn't seem to be anything in there. I went back to the boat instead and thanked the caretakers an prepared to leave for mainland.

I asked the boys if they can let me drive the boat, and they were happy to let me. Learnig to drive a boat is one of the short term goals in travelling actually; i always want to know how to run these transport systems i tend to use in travelling; in the untoward event that the driver is unable to, I will be able to do it myself.

Its fairly easy. You pull that nylon rope to adjust the speed. Theres a rubber knob that holds the nylon rope so driver dot have to be holding it at a pressure during the trip.

Meantime, you pull frward the bamboo to steer the boat to the right, and pull backwards to steer to the left (or the other way around ;-) lolz).

 I also have that plan of buying a small boat, later, and roaming around the archipelago through my self driven boat. I'm done with learning to drive motorbikes and tricycles, now done with boat, next is that 'skylab' habal habal.

How to go to Agutayan Island:

Make your way to agora Terminal. In agora terminal, look for the jeeps bound for Jasaan. Ask to be dropped in Liyang Resort. Fare is P25.

In case you need to contact my boatman (or boatboy for that matter) call jay Ar (0926) 330 9092.

Read More »