10 Best Tourist Spots in Mindanao

Mindanao is the second largest island group in the Philippines and it is also called as the Land of Promise. More of the Filipinos here are in agricultural industry since the land has a lot to offer. It has the largest group of minorities in the Philippines.

Mindanao is a home of many species since it is mostly covered in forest and jungle. It has many mountains, caves, lakes, falls and rivers. It is where you can find the highest mountain in the Philippines which is Mount Apo. Philippines’ tallest waterfall, Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City.

Check out the following destinations in Mindanao if you want to know more and have a glimpse of its amazing beauty.

10 Best Tourist Spots in Mindanao

1. Mount Apo

geoffmaterna – flickr

Mount Apo is considered as the highest mountain in the Philippines. This is the most popular destination in Mindanao for mountain climbers. It is standing in the magnificent height of 2, 954 meters above sea level. “Apo” means grandfather, so Mount Apo means Grandfather of Philippine Mountains. It is situated in  between Davao City, Davao del Sur and Cotabato Provinces in the island of Mindanao.

2. Lake Sebu

junsjazz – flickr

Lake Sebu is one of the frequently visited among the tourist spots in Mindanao. Lake Sebu provides quite beautiful scenes: the lake, the birds, misty leaves, the mountains and more. One of the main attraction in Lake Sebu is the Seven Falls Zipline that will give you a top view of 3 out of 7 waterfalls. Lake Sebu also supplies irrigation to Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines.

3. Lake Bababu

michael litang – flickr

Lake Bababu is believe to be a secret place of healing by the natives living near the lake. It is surrounded by walls of granite and forest. There are 2 ways to get to the lake whether to trek or to dive. There is an underwater cave that connects the lake to the sea and most technical divers love this adventure. Lake Bababu is located in Surigao, Mindanao, Philippines.

4. Lake Holon

rawen balmaña – flickr

Lake Holon is a beautiful crater lake of Mount Parker. Though trekking is a challenging one, many trekkers are going to the lake setting up a tent and bonfire and doing their things. Kayaking and swimming are also a popular activity in the lake. This beautiful lake is hidden in South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines.

5. Naked Island

Naked Island is really naked. It is an island without trees or something really visible afar but just white sand and clear waters. This is a perfect place for swimming but it’s gonna be hot since you got nowhere to hide. Do not forget to bring your sunblock. This beautiful and naked island is located in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao.

6. Mount Matutum

gary todd – flickr

Mount Matutum is one of the luring mountains in Mindanao to mountain climbers. The mountain is a cone shape volcano not as perfect as Mount Mayon but it has something to boast. It is clothed with forest where different kinds of plants and animals are living. The soil at the foot of the mountain is fertile where you can find the Dole Pineapple Plantation. It is required that before climbing the mountain, you have to plant trees first.

7. Siargao Island

manley cardinez – flickr

Siargao is a very popular among the tourist spots in Mindanao when we talk about surfing. Siargao is the Surfing Capital in the Philippines where you can find the 9 shaped-wave known as Cloud 9. Surfers around the world love this kind of wave and that’s one of the reasons why they keep on visiting Siargao. There are also tourist spots near Cloud 9, like Naked and Dako Islands. Siargao is located in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines.

8. Maria Cristina Falls

elah tusit – flickr

Maria Cristina Falls is a majestic and most beautiful among the waterfalls in Mindanao and in the country. This is also called as the Twin Falls since a rock at the top divides the falls into two.  Gazing at the 98 meters drop of powerful waters will fill you with awe. Being developed by Angus VI Hydroelectric Plant, Maria Cristina Falls primarily provides electric power to the City of Iligan, Mindanao, Philippines.

9. Samal Island

chandlerbong – flickr

If you are looking for a place to go in Mindanao where it is so popular in relaxation and recreational activities, come and visit Samal Island in Davao City. There are around 70 resorts in the island that offers  world-class accommodations. The island is also popular for its white sand beach and clear waters. Monfort Bat Cave which has the largest colony of fruit bats in the world can be found in Samal Island.

10. Cagayan River

arbung – flickr

Cagayan De Oro River is starting to carve its name in the list of tourist spots in Mindanao where it became a popular destination for whitewater rafting and river trekking. The wild clashing waters will surely bring out adrenaline rush.