See the Mindanao Tourist Destinations (visited all 27 Provinces)

Mabuhay tayong mga Filipinong Manlalakbay para sa Turismo ng Pilipinas! ^_^

I have visited all 27 provinces in the Mindanao region on my quest to sight-see and recognize entire 81 provinces of the Philippines' nature and man-made wonders. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is called The Land of Promise. Mindanao is the only area of the Philippines with a significant Muslim presence.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MINDANAO

1. Mindanao is Philippines second largest island.

2. Mindanao is comprised of 27 provinces and six regions.

3. Mindanao is home to 3 sultanates: Maguindanao, Maranao and Sulu.

4. Philippines highest mountain, Mt. Apo (2,954masl), is located in Mindanao.

5. Among the 3 main islands, Mindanao is regarded as having the warmest temperature at 29'C average

See the Mindanao Tourist Destinations (visited all 27 Provinces)

MINDANAO ARCHIPELAGO
Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)	SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
55. Zamboanga del Norte	68. Cotabato
56. Zamboanga del Sur	69. Sarangani
57. Zamboanga Sibugay	70. South Cotabato
	71. Sultan Kudarat
Northern Mindanao (Region X)
58. Bukidnon	CARAGA (Region XIII)
59. Camiguin	72. Agusan del Norte
60. Lanao del Norte	73. Agusan del Sur
61. Misamis Occidental	74. Dinagat Islands
62. Misamis Oriental	75. Surigao del Norte
	76. Surigao del Sur
Davao Peninsula (Region XI)
63. Davao de Oro	Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
64. Davao del Norte	77. Basilan
65. Davao del Sur	78. Lanao del Sur
66. Davao Occidental	79. Maguindanao
67. Davao Oriental	80. Sulu
	81. Tawi-Tawi

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Zamboanga City (revisited)

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

1 Day Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

Visiting Southwestern Mindanao (Zamboanga City) (Nov. 2011)

Southernmost Philippines day 5: Zamboanga city revisited, back to Pasonanca park and Abong-abong Hill (I was here almost 12 years ago).

Southernmost Philippines day 6: Zamboanga city revisited, short visit in Caragasan Beach and Bird Sanctuary.

Southernmost Philippines day 7: Zamboanga city revisited, at the Paseo del Mar

Zamboanga City - stayed in Kamfai Backpacker Hostel (with wifi, private toilet, a/c room PHP 600, I think the cheapest a/c room I had as backpacker). I initially visited this city almost 12 years ago, went back to Pasonanca park and Abong-abong Hill for drone videos. City stroll and food trip in Paseo del Mar. Sta. Cruz Island requires online booking, roundtrip boat fare PHP 1,000, walk-in / solo joiners not allowed. 

Day 05: April 24, 2022 Sunday

0700H ETA Zamboanga City; walk to hostel

KimFai Backpacker Hostel 2N 1,200 / Jollibee lunch 180; jeep to Pasonanca 9

1400H Pasonanca park; jeep to Abong-abong 20 / Abong-abong Hill; snacks 28

1600H ETD Abong-abong; walk back to main road

1645H ETD Pasonanca; jeep 10; dinner 140

Total: PHP 1,587

Day 06: April 25, 2022 Monday  

Breakfast 40; jeep to Recodo 40

1130H Caragasan Beach; lunch 92; jeep back 25

1630H Bird sanctuary; dinner 225

Total: PHP 422

Day 07: April 26, 2022 Tuesday

Breakfast 40; lunch 113

1200H Hostel check-out; jeep to airport 10 

1615H ETD Zamboanga; flight 5J 860

1755H ETA Manila; ​public transport to Home ​40​

Total: PHP ​203​

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Zamboanga City (revisited)

1 Day (over night) Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

Southernmost Philippines day 4: My 79th Province, Sulu. Solo stroll in the capital. Local transport and hitchhike to Mang Sali's fine white sand beach

Southernmost Philippines day 4: Ten hours ferry ride at night from Jolo, Sulu to Zamboanga city for PHP 610 fare (economy bunk bed)

Sulu - stayed inside Military Camp (Sulu Peacekeepers Inn (no wifi, a/c room PHP 950). I stroll in Jolo and Parang. Again, I stayed short because of very weak data signal. I visited Maubu beach, Central Mosque and Provincial Capitol in Jolo and Mang Sali's beach resort in Parang (fine powdery white sand like in Boracay, walk-in entrance PHP10). Fare to Parang is PHP 100, terminal near the Central Mosque and market.

Day 03: April 22, 2022 Friday

1730H ETA Jolo; tricycle to hotel 20 / Sulu Peacekeepers Inn 1N 950; dinner 85

Total: PHP 2,615

Day 04: April 23, 2022 Saturday 

Breakfast 95; walk to Maubu beach; tricycle 50

1030H ETD Jolo; van to Parang 150

1115H ETA Mang Sali white beach

1200H ETD Mang Sali; hitchhike

1300H ETA Jolo; hotel checkout; lunch/snacks 260

2000H ETD Jolo port; economy bunk bed 610

Total: PHP 1,165

1 Day Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City 7-Days Full Itinerary

Southernmost Philippines day 1: On the top of the southernmostSouthernmost Philippines day 1: On the top of the southernmost peak of the Philippines, Bud Bongao 342masl 

Southernmost Philippines day 2: My 78th Province, Tawi-tawi. Morning chill walk in Bihing Tahik White Beach Resort 

Southernmost Philippines day 3: Nine hours boat ride from Bongao, Tawi-tawi to Jolo, Sulu for PHP 1,500 fare

Tawi-tawi - stayed near the market / boat pier (Rachel's Place Hotel, no wifi, a/c room PHP 1,350). I stroll only around Bongao island due to I can't stay longer because of weak data signal. I hiked the Bud Bongao, 342masl (southernmost peak of the Philippines and Tawi-tawi's highest mountain) and visited the Bihing Tahik beach resort (fine white sand, walk-in entrance PHP100). Tricycle fare between PHP 40 to 80.

Day 01: April 20, 2022 Wednesday

1200H ETD Home; Grab Car to Airport 850

0100H ETA NAIA Terminal 3; check-in; snacks 160

0400H ETD Manila; flight 5J 861

0550H ETA Zamboanga; 4 hrs transit; breakfast 60

1000H ETD Zamboanga; flight 5J 839

1100H ETA Tawi-tawi; tricycle to hotel 70

Rachel's Place Hotel 2N 2,700 (deposit 500) / Tricycle to Bud Bongao; snacks 65

1245H ETA Bud Bongao; registration fee 20

1330H Bud Bongao 342masl; drone shots

1500H ETD Bud Bongao; tricycle 50; dinner 130

Total: PHP 4,105

Day 02: April 21, 2022 Thursday 

0800H Breakfast 50; tricycle to Bihing Tahik 50 / Bihing Tahik entrance 100

1400H ETD Bihing Tahik; tricycle 40; lunch 220

Total: PHP 460

Day 03: April 22, 2022 Friday

0700H Hotel check-out (deposit 500); breakfast 60

0830H ETD Bongao; boat 1,500

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines

Last Two Provinces to Complete the 27 Mindanao Provinces (I traveled alone WITH NO LOCAL/POLICE ESCORT)

April 20 to 26, 2022

My 101st solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, Tawi-tawi and Sulu served as my 78th and 79th province respectively on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Pandemic doesn't stop me of my dream and excitement to visit places I've never been. Coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, this itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Series following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020, (4) American Continent Jan. 2021, (5) Mindanao Nov. 2021, (6) Visayas to Luzon RORO Trips Feb. 2022 and (7) Mindoro Island Mar. 2022.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is an autonomous region located in the southern Philippines which composed of 5 provinces; Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

7 Days. 2 Additional Provinces. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TAWI-TAWI AND SULU. 

Visited all 27 Mindanao Provinces and 79 of 81 total Philippine Provinces.

#philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #solotravel #solobackpacker #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #livealifeyouwillremember 

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi)

Malagandis Falls and Magdaup Beaches in Zamboanga Sibugay

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

Mindanao Day 10: My 70th Province, Zamboanga Sibugay. Habal habal joyride to Malagandis Falls #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #waterfalls #daytrip 

How to Go: From Ipil (Zamboanga Sibugay) Rotunda gasoline station, ride jeep going to Titay, 15 minutes travel for PHP 40 fare. Then ride habal habal, PHP 200 for return going straight to Malagandis Falls. Habal habal travel time is around 30 minutes. Entrance fee to the Falls costs PHP 10.

Day 10: November 18, 2021 Thursday (Zamboanga Sibugay; my 70th province)

0700H Jollibee breakfast 125; jeep to Titay 40

0800H ETA Titay; habal2 to Malagandis Falls 200 / Malagandis Falls 20

0930H ETD Titay; jeep to Ipil 40; snacks 28 / Hotel rest; snacks 35

1430H tricycle to Magdaup 30 / Magdaup beaches (Anduhol, Katipunan)

1600H Tricycle to Ipil Market 30; dinner 60

Total: PHP 608

Malagandis Falls and Magdaup Beaches in Zamboanga Sibugay

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)

Mindanao Day 05: My 65th Province, Davao Occidental. Very short visit due to 10% booking capacity of beach resort and no movement policy on Sunday

Mindanao Day 08: My 69th Province, Lanao del Sur. Short visit due to no hotel around the city, failed to visit Ground Zero due to traffic (rained hard also) #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #lake #daytrip 

Day 05: November 13, 2021 Saturday (Davao Occidental; my 65th province)

0630H ETD Hostel; jeep to Ecoland 10; breakfast 70

0700H ETD Ecoland; bus to Sta. Maria 202

0930H ETA Sta. Maria (advance booking required) / Davao Occidental no movement policy on Sunday

0945H ETD Sta. Maria; van to highway 50

1030H ETD Highway; bus to GenSan 165 

Day 08: November 16, 2021 Tuesday (Lanao del Sur; my 69th province)

0800H Hotel check-out; Jollibee breakfast 125

0830H ETD Cotabato city; van to Marawi 700

1200H Stop-over lunch 95

1400H ETA Marawi; look for hotel / No hotel in area. Ground Zero heavy traffic (rained hard).

1530H ETD Marawi; van to Cagayan de Oro 500

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Great Mosques Afternoon Trip in Maguindanao

Mindanao Day 07: My 68th Province, Cotabato (Northern). Habal habal joyride to Asik Asik Falls #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #waterfalls #daytrip 

How to Go: From Cotabato City Bus Terminal (earliest bus is 0630), ride Cagayan de Oro bound bus then drop off to Alamada (2 hours travel on PHP 140 fare). Then ride habal habal, PHP 500 for return going straight to Asik Asik Falls. Habal habal travel time is around 1 hour. Entrance fee to the Falls costs PHP 100.

Day 07: November 15, 2021 Monday (Cotabato; my 68th province)

0700H Jollibee breakfast 121

0830H ETD Cotabato; bus to Alamada 140

1030H ETA Alamada; habal habal to Asik Falls 500 / Asik Asik Falls 100; refreshments 75

1300H ETA Alamada; lunch 45

1345H ETD Alamada; bus to Cotabato city 140

1545H ETA Cotabato city; dinner 157 / Hotel Filipino

Total: PHP 1,278

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)

Great Mosques Afternoon Trip in Maguindanao

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

La Palmera Mountain Ridge Morning Trip in Sultan Kudarat

Mindanao Day 06: My 67th Province, Maguindanao (Ma-Ganda-Now!). Payong payong joyride to famous Mosques (the Grand, the White and the Pink) #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #mosque #daytrip 

How to Go: For the Pink Mosque and White Mosque, its just near the main road and ride any Gensan-Cotabato bound bus / van. For Grand Mosque, drop-off to Bubong road then ride a payong payong for PHP35 per head. Wear long pants and shirt with sleeves. 

Day 06: November 14, 2021 Sunday (Maguindanao; my 67th province)

1145H ETD Tacurong (Sultan Kudarat); van to Cotabato 200

1230H Pink Mosque (Masjid Dimaukom) 

1315H ETD Pink Mosque; jeep to Cotabato 100

1400H White Mosque (Masjid Al Nasser) 

1445H ETD White Mosque; jeep to Cotabato 10

1515H ETA Bubong; payong payong 70

1530H Cotabato Grand Mosque; refreshments 33

1545H ETD Grand Mosque; payong payong 30

1600H ETD Bubong; jeep to Super 25 / Hotel Filipino 2 nights 1,600; dinner 205

Total: PHP 2,273

Great Mosques Afternoon Trip in Maguindanao

La Palmera Mountain Ridge Morning Trip in Sultan Kudarat

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Awao Falls Day Trip in Davao de Oro

Mindanao Day 06: My 66th Province, Sultan Kudarat. Habal habal joyride to La Palmera Mountain Ridge #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #mountain #daytrip 

How to Go: There are two ways to go from Tacurong bus terminal. 1st, van schedule from Tacurong is 1100H and 1300H only. 2nd, take any Davao / Cagayan de Oro bound bus, drop-off to Datu Paglas then take habal habal for a negotiated return fare of PHP 500. Entrance fee in La Palmera costs PHP 100.

Day 06: November 14, 2021 Sunday (Sultan Kudarat; my 66th province)

0730H ETD Tacurong; bus to Datu Paglas 62

0830H ETD Datu Paglas; habal-habal to La Palmera 450

La Palmera Mountain Ridge 100; drinks 50

1045H ETA Datu Paglas; van to Tacurong 70 

1130H ETA Tacurong; lunch 90

Total: PHP 822

La Palmera Mountain Ridge Morning Trip in Sultan Kudarat

Awao Falls Day Trip in Davao de Oro

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Mt. Apo (2,954masl) Day-Hike (Sibulan Trail)

Mindanao Day 04: My 64th Province, Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley). Skylab joyride to Awao Falls #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #waterfalls #daytrip 

How to Go: From Davao City Ecoland Terminal, ride any Butuan bound bus then drop off to Monkayo (4 hours travel on PHP 250 fare). Then go to Skylab Terminal (walking distance from the bus terminal) and look for Awao sign board. Negotiate the roundtrip ride as it's very hard to share with another local passenger, PHP 500 going straight to Awao Falls and return (will take much time to full). Skylab travel time is around 1 hour. Entrance fee in Awao Falls costs PHP 30.

Day 04: November 12, 2021 Friday (Davao De Oro; my 64th province)

0530H ETD Hostel; jeep to Ecoland 10

0620H ETD Ecoland; bus to Monkayo 280

0830H Tagum stop-over; breakfast 90

1040H ETA Monkayo; skylab to Awao 400; balsa 100

1200H Awao Falls 30; snacks 35

1330H ETA Monkayo; bus to Davao 225

1800H ETA Ecoland; jeep to hostel 10; dinner 170

Total: PHP 1,350

Awao Falls Day Trip in Davao de Oro

Mt. Apo (2,954masl) Day-Hike (Sibulan Trail)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Full Itinerary and General Information

Mindanao Day 02: Rainy day hike (Sibulan trail) to the highest peak of Philippines, Mt. Apo (2,954masl). Hiked on 24km difficult backtrail distance at 15 hours with 1,800m elevation gain. My 6th of Seven Natural Wonders of the Philippines #davao #philippines #pinasnaman #trekking #mindanao #pandemictravelling #taongbundok #hiking #dayhike #pilipinas #lakbayPinas

Preparation:

Cebu Pacific Super Pass Flight Manila - Davao 800

Cebu Pacific Super Pass Flight Cagayan de Oro - Manila 800

Day Hike down payment 1,000 / Barangay Health Certificate (free) / Saliva PCR Test (Red Cross) 1,600

Total: PHP 4,200

Day 01: November 09, 2021 Tuesday (Davao City Arrival)

1030H ETD Home; grab car 875

1230H ETA NAIA Terminal 3; snacks 25

Davao City Airport requirements: QR code & Negative PCR Test

1440H ETD Manila; flight 5J 977

1635H ETA Davao City; taxi to Roxas Market 250

Dinner 150; La Anclar Hotel check-in 250 / Pack Snacks 200; meet up in Ateneo Roxas

Total: PHP 1,750

Day 02: November 10, 2021 Wednesday (Mt. Apo Day-hike)

0000H Meet up Ateneo Roxas Davao City (van) 

0200H Brygy Kapatagan Centro; habal-habal/van to Sitio Tompis

0300H Sitio Tompis; start trekking; tribe fee 200 / Trail: very muddy, slippery, mossy forest 

0700H Camp 1 Tinikaran (breakfast) / Trail: very muddy, slippery, mossy forest 

1000H Boulder Face / Trail: huge rocks, exposed to sun, trail not marked

1200H Whitesand camp (lunch) / Trail: short, rocky

1300H Mt. Apo summit / Trail: 87 degree hike, exposed to sun

1900H Sitio Tompis; habal-habal/van to Kapatagan Centro

2000H Brygy Kapatagan Centro / Mt. Apo Dayhike balance (Sibulan trail) 2,000

2200H Davao City; Jollibee dinner 250 / Megiko Dormitel 2 nights 1,200

Total: PHP 3,650

Mt. Apo (2,954masl) Day-Hike (Sibulan Trail)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking

Davao City going to Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur to CDO

November 09 to 21, 2021

My 98th solo backpacking trip, 4th local long travel after Panay Island Jul. 2016, Babuyan Islands trip May 2016, Mindanao Eastern Side Aug. 2012 and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, this was my 64th to 70th provinces on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Just after around more than 4 months of hiatus coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, these itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Season 5 following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020 and the (4) American Continent Jan. 2021.

Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, after Luzon and seventh-most populous island in the world. Mindanao is divided into six administrative regions: the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, the Caraga region, the Davao region, Soccsksargen, and the autonomous region of Bangsamoro. Mindanao is considered the major breadbasket of the Philippines, with eight of the top 10 agri-commodities exported from the Philippines coming from the island itself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

13 Days. 7 Philippine Provinces. THANK YOU VERY MUCH MINDANAO!  

(Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay)

Visited 25 of 27 Mindanao Provinces and 70 of 81 Philippine Provinces.

#philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #livealifeyouwillremember 

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking

5-days Family trip in Mindanao last Part; Butuan's Discovery Park

another self-guided family backpacking across Northeastern Mindanao's best

July 24 to 29, 2014

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 4th Part; Surigao del Sur's Enchanted River

Day Five: From Surigao del Sur back to Butuan City then airport departure to Manila
Morning boat and habal-habal ride to Hinatuan highway, bus going back to Butuan City then a zip-line and zorb adventure with nice weather.

ITINERARY July 28, 2014 Monday and July 29, 2014 Tuesday
0700H    Breakfast and dinner bill 935
             Sibadan fish cage resort one night family room 1,500
             boat back to river 100
0710H    ETD Enchanted River
             habal-habal ride to Hinatuan main road 300
0730H    ETA Hinatuan Highway
             ordinary bus to Butuan City 907
             snacks 88
1200H    ETA Butuan City
             lunch at Weegol Restaurant 715
             multicab to Butuan Sports Complex 36
1430H    ETA Delta Discovery Park
              Delta Discovery Park lodging 2,000
              jeep roundtrip transportation 500
1830H    dinner 710
             zipline & zorb 900
TOTAL:    PhP 8,691

0800H    breakfast 105
1015H    ETD Delta Discovery Park
             multicab to Gaisano mall 32
             Jollibee Bucket lunch 639
1200H    multicab to airport 32
             terminal fee 600
1600H    ETD Butuan
1740H    ETA Manila 500
TOTAL: PhP 1,908

5-days Family trip in Mindanao last Part; Butuan's Discovery Park (swimming pool area)

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 4th Part; Surigao del Sur's Enchanted River

another self-guided family backpacking across Northeastern Mindanao's best

July 24 to 29, 2014

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 2nd Part; Dinagat Islands

The Province of Surigao del Sur was created as the 56th Philippine province on June 19, 1960 by virtue of RA 2786 and was formally organized or separated from its mother province, Surigao del Norte, on September 18, 1960. Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the CARAGA region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City. Surigao del Sur is located at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces the Philippine Sea.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Sur

Day Four: From San Francisco, Agusan del Sur to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
Morning mini-van ride going to Hinatuan then motorbike backride to Enchanted River and a night stay in fish cage resort with nice weather.

ITINERARY July 27, 2014 Sunday
0630H    Breakfast 760
0715H    ETD Villa Teresita Resort
             multicab to terminal 40
0745H    ETD San Francisco
             van to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur 340
0900H    ETA Hinatuan
             habal-habal to Enchanted River 300
             Entrance fee + cottage 280
             lunch paluto 642
1500H    ETD Enchanted River
             boat tour 160, cave 40
1600H    ETA Sibadan Fishcage Resort
             refreshments 90
1900H    dinner
TOTAL: PhP 2,652 ($61)

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 4th Part; Surigao del Sur's Enchanted River

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 3rd Part; Agusan del Sur

another self-guided family backpacking across Northeastern Mindanao's best

July 24 to 29, 2014

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 2nd Part; Dinagat Islands

Villa Teresita Resort  is a large complex with concrete and native-style bungalows. The hotel’s dining area abuts a large pool; be wary of the periodic forays of the resident monkey. This resort was famous before for being the only Forest Resort in CARAGA (Northeastern) Mindanao Region. It looks creepy now (but very, very safe) and have not been regularly maintained due to illness of the owner. 

Agusan derived its name from the local dialect, "agasan", meaning "where the water flows", referring to the Agusan River that splits the land and meanders south to north in a 250 kilometres (160 mi) rush to Butuan Bay. It is third largest river in the country and served as highway for the Spanish colonizers in gaining access to inner northeastern Mindanao. Agusan del Sur is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Prosperidad and borders, from the north clockwise, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agusan_del_Sur

Day Three: From Dinagat Islands to Surigao Pier then to San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
Morning boat ride to Surigao Pier, bus ride from Surigao City bus terminal then arrived in San Francisco downtown, Agusan del Sur with nice weather.

ITINERARY July 26, 2014 Saturday
0545H    Breakfast 100
0620H    ETD Dinagat Islands 430
0800H    ETA Surigao Boulevard
             snacks 105
             multicab to terminal 36
0900H    ETD Surigao bus terminal 1,210
1200H    ETA Butuan stop-over 295
1220H    ETD Butuan
1430H    ETA San Francisco downtown
             multicab to Villa Teresita resort 80
             Villa Teresita Resort one night 700
TOTAL:    PhP 2,956 ($68)

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 3rd Part; Agusan del Sur (Villa Teresita Resort)

5-days Family Trip in Mindanao 2nd Part; Dinagat Islands

another self-guided family backpacking across Northeastern Mindanao's best

July 24 to 29, 2014

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 1st Part; Agusan del Norte's Butuan City

Once in Dinagat Islands, adventure-seekers and beach lovers who have only heard other places of the Philippines will be surprised to see the wonders of this island. The truly remarkable sites and attractions are as diverse as the topography of the islands and islets. Most activities are be enjoyed. 

Dinagat Islands had been a part of the First District of Surigao del Norte Province until becoming a province on its own on December 2, 2006 with the approval of Republic Act No. 9355 (Authored by Cong. Glenda B. Ecleo), the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands, in a plebiscite. The Dinagat Islands  is a group of islands constituting a province in the Philippines, located on the south side of Leyte Gulf. The island of Leyte is to its west, across Surigao Strait, and Mindanao is to its south. Its main island, Dinagat, is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from north to south.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinagat_Islands

Day Two: From Butuan City to Surigao Pier to Dinagat Islands
Morning bus ride to Surigao Pier then a boat ride to San Jose Port with bad weather.

ITINERARY July 25, 2014 Friday
​0530H    Jollibee breakfast 450
0630H    ETD Butuan city, ordinary bus 816
0940H    ETA Surigao bus terminal, multicab 47
1030H    ETA Surigao Central, Mang Inasal lunch 677
             multicab to boulevard 37
             boat to San Jose Port 430
1200H    ETD Surigao Pier boulevard
1330H    ETA San Jose Port, Dinagat Islands
             Sophia's Bed (P-1 Poblacion, San Jose) 850
1600H    San Jose motorbike backride tour 210
            Islander Castle, Sta Cruz beach
            Dinner 486
TOTAL:    PhP 4,003 ($92)

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 2nd Part; Dinagat Islands (Sta. Cruz Beach)

5-days Family Trip in Mindanao 1st Part; Agusan del Norte's Butuan City

another self-guided family backpacking across Northeastern Mindanao's best

July 24 to 29, 2014

My 13th family outing initiated, their 2nd visit in Mindanao archipelago (following the Davao trip last August 2012), and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Butuan-bound round-trip tickets purchased last 26-Sep-2013 via Piso fare of Cebu Pacific Airline. For 4 adults and children under 8 years old, total fare costs PhP9,536.24 ($219) only, a huge budget savings.

Butuan is a city in the Agusan del Norte. Located at the Northeastern part of Agusan Valley sprawling across the Agusan River is Butuan City, known for its colorful history and culture. Butuan is believed to be derived from the sour fruit "Batuan". On August 16, 2000, the seat of provincial government was transferred from Butuan City to Cabadbaran by virtue of Republic Act 8811.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Butuan 

Day One: From Manila to Butuan City then a short City tour
Early morning arise going to airport then arrived in Butuan City with nice weather. 

ITINERARY July 24, 2014 Thursday
​0400H    ETD Home, Taxi 500
0445H    ETA NAIA Terminal 3, Refreshments 225
0800H    ETD NAIA Terminal 3
0930H    ETA Butuan Airport
             jeep to downtown 100
             Windsor Hotel family room 1,792
1430H    Jollibee lunch 684
             Butuan City tour via tricycle 300
1800H    ETA Windsor hotel
             Dinner 860
2100H    Family KTV 222
             Spa and Massage 2,000
TOTAL:    PhP 6,683 ($153.63)

5-days Family trip in Mindanao 1st Part; Agusan del Norte's Butuan City (Banza Church ruins)

Surigao del Norte's Some Nature Landmarks

solo exploring of eastern mindanao in 4-days

saturday to thursday august 04-09, 2012

soul-searching in siargao island

The last day of my 4-day provincial trailing in this part of the Philippines. I took the 1000H schedule of ferry bound to surigao city, around 1300H was my ETA. Afterwards I rode a multicab bound to downtown, asked the locals then proceed to the game plan for the day

Lumondo Waterfalls and eco-park

an almost forgotten nature wonder. It because when I arrived there, the trail going down is very savage. It has been neglected due to the roads en route is very very rocky. How did I go? from surigao downtown, I rode a multicab bound to alegria then asked the driver to drop-off to alegria bus stop. Good thing there is a signboard that tells where this waterfalls goes when I arrived in alegria. Then I rented a habal-habal for only 60 pesos roundtrip.

ferry boat going to surigao city

Soul-Searching in Siargao Island

solo exploring eastern mindanao in 4-days

saturday to thursday august 04-09, 2012

tinuy-an falls, surigao del sur's window to the world

I spent the night before in downtown area of Butuan city , Agusan del sur where the main road bound to surigao city is just a walking distance.

how to go here:

there is flight from cebu pacific directly on manila-siargao bound. If coming from Butuan city, ride a bus or a van bound to surigao city with approximate travel time of 3 hours. Then, ride a multicab just infront of the surigao bus terminal bound to surigao pier. Ferry fare cost range from 180 to 250 pesos depending the boat that will depart.

Schedule of ferry from surigao pier to Dapa pier of siargao island (2012):

0545H, 0600H, 1200H daily

Schedule of ferry from Dapa pier to surigao city (2012):

0600H, 1000H, 1030H daily

cruising to siargao island