There are more good things than bad in Mindanao. It’s just a matter of keeping an impartial mind to appreciate this part of the Philippines.

Mindanao lies in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s called the land of promise for its rich natural resources and great economic potentials. Unfortunately, sporadic incidents of violence and crimes due to so many complicated reasons threaten the otherwise peaceful regions. This dark image is even more magnified in the media.

But in reality, there are far more good things than bad in Mindanao. It’s just a matter of keeping an open and impartial mindset to appreciate what this land really is. Mindanao covers a massive area to be generalized as bad.

Mindanao is home to the happy, friendly, and warm Filipinos. In fact, there’s a city here called “the city of golden friendship”. That is Cagayan de Oro City!

Not only Mindanao welcomes you with warm happy smiles. It also offers you so many other good stuff - from food, beautiful landscapes, to exciting local attractions.

Destination Mindanao is an experience of a lifetime

Just as it is rich in natural resources, Mindanao is also filled with exciting activities that anyone can indulge in. An increasing number of local and foreign tourists have come to this place for refreshing holidays.

Here are some of the favourite destinations in the land of promise.

Zipline adventure

Asia’s longest dual 840-metre ziplines are found in Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao. It’s a real fun adventure for those who love to experience ‘flying’ at 4,750 feet above sea level. You just head to the Dahilayan Adventure Park and you’ll be in for a high adrenaline rush. Zipline adventure is just one of the many activities you can be busy with in cool Bukidnon.

White sandbar hopping

Northern Mindanao has, at least, two known stunning white sandbars. These patches of uninhabited lands are surrounded by turquoise clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Many locals, too, just go there for a unique picnic and fun while the tide is low.

● White Island. This virgin sandbar is generally like a horseshoe in shape. Although the tides constantly reshape and resize it. It’s around 1.4 kilometres off the northern shore of Mambajao town in Camiguin Island. It takes a short 10-minute boat ride from the mainland to reach this sandbar. From the sandbar, you get a vantage point of the sunrise and sunset over Camiguin.

● Agutayan Island. This is a 5,000-square metre sandbar shaped like a crescent moon. It is located in Macajalar Bay, five kilometres away from the mainland Jasaan town in Misamis Oriental. The sandbar sits on a 3-hectare marine sanctuary, where the endangered giant clams are bred. Aside from snorkeling and swimming, the water around the sandbar is also perfect for diving.

Waterfalls to fall in love

Summer in the Philippines is really inconveniently hot, more so during this period of El Niño phenomenon. But residents and tourists in Mindanao have a better and cooler place to go. They head to some of the best waterfalls in the land of promise.

● Iligan City, Northern Mindanao. It is in Iligan where you can find at least 24 cool waterfalls. The most famous of which is the Maria Cristina Falls. This is also the city’s landmark and primary source of electric power. Waterfall-hopping, in fact, has now become a popular activity among eco-tourists in the city.

● Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Going southwest from Iligan City, you’ll find the Cathedral Falls. It’s the most accessible waterfalls in the Philippines. Cathedral Falls is popularly known for the beautiful and unique rock formations.

● Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The 95-metre wide and 55-metre high Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City is the widest in the Philippines. It’s been dubbed the Niagara Falls of the Philippines due to its similarity to the latter. It’s a multi-tiered white water curtain that flows in three levels. Actually, there’s a fourth level. But it’s hidden from view.

● Alamada, North Cotabato. Asik-asik Falls look like a curtain of spring waters flowing down against the rocks. Its waters actually come from the rocks, instead of from a stream. It would be an understatement to say it’s an awesome sight. You better visit Asik-asik yourself and see how you may describe its beauty. Asik-asik Falls is located in Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato.

● Cateel, Davao Oriental. The multi-tiered Aliwagwag Falls is surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a very refreshing experience to be there.

● Monkayo, Compostela Valley. The Awao Falls is considered the hidden gem in this part of the Davao region.

These places are just a handful of the many popular holiday destinations in Mindanao. If you are the observant and adventurous type, you will discover so much more awesome places to behold in off-the-beaten paths.

Food galore

Because of its multi-cultural setting, Mindanao abounds in a wide variety of food. Even a single dish can have multiple ways to prepare. Each locality has its own way of preparing it. And this does not only apply to the main dish.

Desserts and sweets can be prepared in so many unique ways, too. Take the typical ice cream, for example. Didn’t you know that in Davao City, there’s an unconventional type of ice cream? The city is known for its delicious crocodile ice cream. No kidding! They use crocodile meat as its main ingredient. And it tastes really great!

Davao region, too, is where mangosteen and the spiky and pungent durian fruit abound.

Mindanao is never short of delicacies that you can take home with. In every locality you go, you will surely find something that appeals to your taste buds.

The land of promise is also home to several tribal communities. Their cultures are still very well preserved.

It takes only an impartial attitude to make a destination Mindanao adventure. And you’ll discover that the greater part of this massive land is, indeed, filled with positive vibes.