Mindanao is the southernmost major island in the Philippines, blessed with an abundance of picturesque sights; from spectacular white-sand beaches, to majestic mountains, dense rainforests and everything in-between. It also happens to be the ideal destination for a family getaway, a solo backpacking adventure or even a romantic honeymoon, if you happen to live in Brunei, Indonesia or Malaysia. Why? You may ask.
Here’s the answer to why Mindanao is a gateway to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia tourism!
Image Credit: By Hu9423, on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5
With Mindanao lying just above Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, the island is just a couple of hours away by plane. It is just close enough for you to be comfortable taking along toddlers, and far enough to make it seem like an exotic holiday destination. Most major airlines fly to Davao, the largest city in Mindanao.
Image Credit: Kenneth Paige on flickr
The second largest island of the Philippines, Mindanao is a melting pot of cultures and religions - with indigenous tribes of different religions, that live high up in the mountains, by rivers, and in rural parts of the island - to this date using traditional practices on their farms and fields and while fishing. Learn about the area’s fascinating culture and history and the tribes by taking a day trip to a traditional villages, or by paying a visit to Museo Dabawenyo and Davao Museum in Davao City.
While Filipinos are renowned to be extremely friendly, Mindanao is home to some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet on any of your travels. We think the people really do play a huge role in making or breaking a trip, and we’re absolutely certain that the friendly faces of the locals will make you wish your stay was longer.
Image Credit: PINOY PHOTOGRAPHER on flickr
Mindanao is home to attractions you will never be able to forget. From awe-inspiring mountains like the sacred Mount Apo, stunning islands like Samal Island and Camiguin Island, and eco-tourism destinations like Lake Sebu, to breathtaking sites like the Hinatuan Enchanted River and sanctuaries like the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Philippine Eagle Centre, Mindanao has it all.
While the island is no longer Muslim dominated, there are still plenty of Muslims living throughout, and therefore mosques and Halal food can be found – with bigger cities, such as Davao City and Marawi, being more Muslim-friendly than smaller ones. In fact, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is made up of five provinces, namely; Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan (excluding Isabela City). These provinces are predominantly Muslim and thus finding prayer facilities and Halal food here will be quite a bit easier.
In the country’s recent efforts to become an attractive destination to Muslims, numerous hotels throughout the Philippines have been Halal certified. Hotels like the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City and the Pearl Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island are known to serve Halal food and to offer other Muslim-friendly facilities and services.
