Mindanao, as we all know, is the second largest of the three (3) major Philippine Islands. It covers around 97,530 square kilometers and is home to 25% of the country’s population. Mindanao is the farthest island area from the capital Metro Manila, which is why it is frequently overshadowed in the tourism business by its siblings Luzon and Visayas. In this article, you can learn about 2nd Largest Island in The Philippines.
But, make no mistake! Because, through time, Mindanao has grown in popularity not only in the country but also throughout the world. Many travelers are uncovering hidden jewels throughout the region that deserve international notice. Mindanao offers an enormous collection of preserved natural treasures, including mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and anything else you can think of!
Mindanao, the proud island, is also being recognized by the rest of the world! For starters, it has long been renowned as the home of Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ tallest mountain. It is also the breeding ground for the world’s largest eagle in terms of length and wingspan! Yes, I’m referring to none other than the Philippine Eagle. Aside from these natural treasures, Mindanao is proudly represented by various individuals in our current society! First and foremost, the current Philippine president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has ancestors from the major city of Davao. Hidilyn Diaz, our first Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist, is also from Mindanao!
With Mindanao’s current ascent to the forefront of Philippine tourism, I wouldn’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the country’s tourism capital! How am I going to prove it? So, keep reading because we’re going to learn about the top fifteen tourist attractions in Mindanao in this article!
Mindanao: 2nd largest island in the Philippines
Dahilayan Forest Park
When in Mindanao, it’s easy to keep the entire gang on their toes. Take them to Dahilayan Forest Park and you’ll be having a great time in no time. This adventure park in Manolo Fortich is the ideal playground for children of all ages.
On-site accommodations are available, as are attractions such as mini-golf, a forest luge ride, go-karts, and bumper boats. This attraction has a spot for everyone, no matter how small or large your group is. Zorb, Barrel Train, Monkey Tree Challenge, and Bungee Bounce & Net Trampoline are some of the other activities available.
Philippine Eagle Centre
The Philippine Eagle Centre is an 8-hectare wildlife breeding institution in Davao City that houses the country’s only captive eagles and is home to the critically endangered bird species, the Philippine Eagle. The world-class park includes enclosures and towering aviary duplexes similar to those found in Singapore Zoo, as well as smaller cages for other endemic birds.
This wildlife sanctuary not only houses eagles but also macaques and crocodiles. The Philippine Eagle Centre has been educating visitors about the need of safeguarding carbon and its habitat for over 20 years. The wildlife center offers a free guided tour with eagle lectures.
Those interested in seeing raptors in action can request a falconry demonstration. The park also gives lectures about its captive breeding program and current field research on the last wild eagles.
Island Garden City of Samal
If you’re looking for sun, sand, and sea, the Island Garden City of Samal is the place to go. Some of Davao’s most beautiful beaches may be found here, including Samal Island and Talikud Island. These locations will undoubtedly provide you with the necessary relaxation while providing a stunning view of the ocean. It’s one of the top Davao tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
Philippines’ largest Mosque
Every Muslim visitor to Mindanao should not miss the chance to visit the Philippines’ largest and greatest Mosque, the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, or the Sultan Haji Hasanal Bolkiah Mosque.
It was named after Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the current Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei as of 2021. The Sultan contributed to the construction of this palace-like Mosque, which can house at least 15,000 people and is Southeast Asia’s second-largest.
Palafox Architects, a well-known company of architects and urban planners in the Philippines, created the Mosque. Its minarets, the highest of which tower up to 43 meters in height, light up every night and are supposed to have aided pilot navigation.
Cloud 9 in Siargao
First and foremost! Ah, I don’t think there’s a better way to begin this incredible list than by discussing the surfers’ paradise that is Siargao Island. Siargao is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. You haven’t learned to surf yet? Don’t be concerned! There are various surfing lessons available on the island, so you’ll be up and surfing in no time. Another thing that makes Siargao special is how well it has been conserved. Because it is not as busy as other islands in the country, tourists have the opportunity to appreciate its beauty.
According to international broadcasting giant CNN, Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 is one of the world’s top surfing places. Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with Cloud 9’s white-sand beaches, pure and sky-blue waters, tide pools, caverns, coves, reefs, and many more attractions!
Camiguin Island
Stepping foot in Camiguin will give you an idea of how crammed its main attractions are. Camiguin is famous for White Island, a lengthy expanse of white sand surrounded by brilliant turquoise waters. Camiguin is also known for the Catarman Church Ruins, Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls, and a variety of cold and hot springs.
Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park
Keep Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park at the top of your list of Mindanao nature trips. It may be reached through the Compostela-Cateel Road, which runs through the park. This sanctuary in Cateel, Davao Oriental, is a protected area with the country’s highest waterfall, reaching at 1,110 feet (340 meters). On the 84 boulder-like layers, the water cascades beautifully. The eco-park is part of the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape, which also houses the Philippine eagle and other endangered species.
Maria Cristina Falls
The Maria Cristina Falls, commonly known as the Twin Falls, is one of the most stunning waterfalls described in Philippine history books. The 320-foot cascade is a must-see in Iligan, popularly known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Maria and Cristina are gorgeous twin sisters who fell in love with the same man, according to mythology.
70% of Mindanao’s electricity comes from Maria Cristina Falls. It is governed by the National Power Corporation (NPC), which also created a National Power Nature Park near the waterfalls. Guests can try their hand at rock climbing and trekking. Swimming is strictly forbidden due to the strong current.
You might also have a picnic near the Agus River. Within the park, there is even a restaurant and a cafe. You can ride a zipline if you want an adrenaline thrill. Then, take a walk around the Botanical and Zoological Garden to get up and personal with ostriches, monkeys, and crocodiles.
Magpupungko Rock Pools
Magpupungko Rock Pools is an excellent location for cliff jumping, swimming, and exploration. It’s only a 45-minute motorbike ride from General Luna, where the majority of the tourist hotels are located. Its formation is breathtakingly gorgeous, but there is a catch. Some days, Magpupungko is closed to tourists, so make sure to verify before you go. And, before you go, decide what you want because the location offers various experiences during low and high tides.
Immerse in history at Dapitan City
Visitors can learn a lot about this small city in Zamboanga del Norte, northeastern Mindanao. After the publishing of his books, which finally influenced Filipinos to rally for the country’s independence, Spanish colonists exiled Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero, to Dapitan City over a century ago.
Exploring the Dapitan Heritage Zone and the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape is an excellent day trip for anybody interested in experiencing Mindanao life under Spanish control and learning about Rizal’s final years. Most of them are also free.
Hinatuan Enchanted River
On the island of Mindanao, there is a very magical location to be. The Hinatuan Enchanted River, also known as the Hinatuan Sacred River, confuses everyone who encounters it while also making them fall in love with its natural beauty.
A deep spring river with miraculous clear blue water is hidden somewhere in the jungles of Surigao del Sur. It cannot technically be termed a river for two (2) reasons. First and foremost, it is a saltwater river. It empties into the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. Second, it is not long enough to be considered a river. Nonetheless, the name of the river itself answers all of those questions because it is absolutely wonderful.
What’s the best part? The Hinatuan Enchanted River is more than just a tourist attraction. Visitors are permitted to dive and swim in the river in addition to shooting stunning photographs. Remember that this tourist attraction is a lovely natural creation. Let us all do our part to preserve it so that future generations can see it.
Zamboanga City
Because of its charming colonial structures and other tourist attractions, Zamboanga City has been considered one of the major reminders of the Spanish Colonial period. Not to mention, seeing a pink-sand beach, such as that of Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City, is simply amazing, out of the ordinary, more engaging, and gorgeous due to its unique mixture of the brilliant colors of red corals the white sand.
Naked Island
If you want to see a naked beach, Siargao is the place to go. As the name implies, Naked Island is absolutely bare. This Mindanao tourist attraction is surrounded by nothing but white sand and azure waters, with no interruptions from the 360° panorama of the island.
How to get there: From General Luna, simply take a hired boat. It’s commonly included in the three-island trip of Siargao, which also includes visits to Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island.
Monastery of the Transfiguration, Malaybalay, Bukidnon
The Monastery of the Transfiguration is known for two things: the famous Monk’s Blend coffee and the stunning architectural treasure of a church constructed by artist Leandro Locsin. This Mindanao tourist attraction is located around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the center of Malaybalay and is well situated in an area with a serene view of the mountains.
The new monastery designed by Locsin is remarkable in that it is the country’s only pyramid-shaped church. It is a holy spot where Benedictine monks continue to dwell in prayer because it is a monastery. It is also where the monks grow and manufacture Monk’s Blend, one of the greatest coffees in the country. Most visitors to this location come seeking solitude and quiet to reflect on their life. If you want to go on a spiritual retreat, you can stay in the guest home overnight.
Malagos Garden Resort
The Malagos Garden Resort, an agri-tourism resort in Davao City, is up next. It is a magnificent 12-hectare vegetation retreat that brings you closer to nature. Its exciting variety of activities, such as skating, horseback riding, animal feeding, and vegetable harvesting, make it one of the leading recreational resorts in Davao.
Malagos Garden Resort caters to couples, barkadas (groups of friends), and families looking to relax and get away from it all. The resort’s prominent attractions include the Chocolate Museum, Chocolate Laboratory, Chocolate Park, Museo De Mariposa, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird Feeding Dome, Petting Zoo, and Treeline Birdwatching Deck.
The Chocolate Museum, which opened in 2017, provides an insight into the history of the world-class homegrown cacao chocolate bar. At the Chocolate Laboratory, you may even try your hand at decorating your own chocolate bars. Then, at Chocolate Park, you may stand in front of life-size statues of chocolates and cupcakes.
Guyam Island
If Naked Island is absolutely naked, Guyam Island provides guests with a thick cluster of greenery. Except for the island’s caretakers, it is quiet and uninhabited, with a sandy beach on one side and a rocky beach on the other. This palm-fringed island is small enough to walk around in a few minutes. There are a few cabins on the beach where you may relax and enjoy your privacy.
Relax in the highlands of Bukidnon
Bukidnon, which means “mountain dweller” in English, sits smack dab in the middle of Mindanao and has one of the country’s greenest horizons. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by endless waves of magnificent mountain ranges and fresh highland air.
There are numerous free overview parks scattered throughout Bukidnon that provide breathtaking views. However, if you want some privacy while indulging in local delights, Muslim-friendly mountain or farm resorts, as well as tiny cafes displaying stunning Bukidnon sceneries, are springing up like flowers in a field.
Tinuy-An Falls
This waterfall has been dubbed “The Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines.” The stream of water cascades into three (3) distinct layers, giving travelers plenty of room to explore! In the largest tier of the falls, you can also ride a bamboo raft to get closer to the water drop itself.
Aside from pleasant activities like swimming, diving, and trekking, the Tinuy-An Falls also has a thriving ecology with hundreds of different animal and plant species. What a lovely method to bring us closer to nature, isn’t it?
Tawi Tawi
You can never genuinely claim to have had a meaningful experience in Tawi Tawi unless you’ve visited Bud Bongao or Bonggao Peak. Bud Bongao is known as a Tawi-Tawi holy mountain because it is where the villagers go to meditate.
Daku Island
Daku Island is another lovely tourist destination in Mindanao. It is typically where tourists eat lunch during their three-island tour of Siargao. You may enjoy a wonderful supper with the freshest seafood and refreshing buko (coconut) juice. Your Siargao guide will assist you in locating the greatest cook on the island. You can ask locals to prepare fresh fish for you to enjoy during a boodle fight! And, unlike the other two beaches listed, Daku Island has a lot more activities to offer, such as kayaking and fishing.
Chill by Lake Sebu, Cotabato
In this part of Mindanao, the municipality of Lake Sebu has an ecotourism destination. The town is 1,000 meters (over 3,000 feet) above sea level, nestled between the Roxas-Matulas and Daguma Mountain Ranges.
It is well-known for being the home of the T’boli, Severa, and other indigenous people, as well as having three magnificent lakes and an equally magnificent ecosystem. The walk to Seven Falls and boating in any of the area’s three lakes are two of the most popular activities in Lake Cebu. The T’boli Museum, which depicts the tribe’s culture, is also noteworthy. Tour packages for Seven Falls, the three lakes, and other activities are available from resorts.
Panamanian Island
Panamanian Island in Tawi-Tawi is a 12-hectare white sand island dotting the Celebes Sea, with the Philippines’ longest sandbar at 3 kilometers. It’s a hidden paradise with brilliant blue waters and white sand that seems to want you to roam around barefoot.
Tawi-Tawi is the Philippines’ southernmost province, located in the southwestern Sulu archipelago between the Celebes Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is regarded as one of the country’s most off-the-beaten-path sporting locations. Panamanian Island is certainly the most beautiful of its tourist attractions.
It is not only bordered by blue waters, but it is also densely forested with tall coconut palms that provide ample shade. During low tide, the sandbar stretches all the way out to its neighboring islet, Baseball.
Camiguin
Camiguin was previously an unusual tourist destination, but it is now one of the most popular in the Philippines. With so many Instagrammable Camiguin tourism attractions, the island province has grown in popularity. Camiguin is the perfect feed objective for every ‘grammar, from the stunning beaches and jaw-dropping waterfalls to the glorious undersea environment! Camiguin is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Mindanao.
Malamawi Island
For this reason, Malamawi Island is also known as Basilan’s Hidden Paradise. It is a tropical paradise with miles of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundance of marine life! It is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines.
Malamawi Island, in contrast to other established beaches and islands in the country, is not yet overcrowded. However, various resorts have been developing the island for many years, so you can expect a lot of rooms and cottages to be available by the time you arrive!
The best aspect of visiting Malamawi Island is that it appears that you have the entire island to yourself. The waves are crashing, the leaves are rustling, and the birds are tweeting loudly and clearly. Nothing beats a few days of peace and quiet before returning to the rush and bustle of the city, right?
Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon in Siargao is another must-see Caraga Region tourism attraction. It is a popular diving location due to its beautiful scenery and turquoise waters. If you don’t want to dive, you can go snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just take pictures in the vicinity. Whatever the case may be, Sugba Lagoon is a fantastic location!
Sugba Lagoon is about an hour and a half boat journey from General Luna, and an hour boat ride from Del Carmen.
Conclusion
The Philippines, formally the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelago off the southeast coast of Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. 114,145 square miles (295,633 sq km). Population: 112,917,000 (estimated in 2022). Other government offices and departments can be found in Quezon City and other Manila suburbs. Filipinos are predominantly Malay, with Chinese and, on rare occasions, American or Spanish origins.
The official languages are Filipino (Pilipino) and English; the other significant groups are Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Bicol. Islam; Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic, but also Protestant and other Christians). The Philippine peso is the currency in use (peso). The Philippines are made up of around 7,100 islands and islets. The two most important islands are Northern Luzon and Southern Mindanao. The Visayas is in the center of the Philippines, Mindoro is to the south of Luzon, and Palawan is to the west.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2nd Largest Island in The Philippines
What are the two 2 biggest islands of the current Philippines?
The capital is Manila, while the country’s most populated city is Quezon City, which is located close. Both are part of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), which is located on the biggest island, Luzon. Mindanao, the Philippines’ second biggest island, is located in the southeast.
How many islands are in the Philippines?
The Republic of the Philippines is located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of roughly 7,640 islands around 2,000 of which are inhabited that creating an archipelago.
How many islands do the Philippines have in 2022?
The Philippines is one of the most naturally diversified countries in the world. The Southeast Asian archipelago, which consists of 7,641 islands, is located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator.
What is the smallest province in the Philippines?
Batanes – The True Insulars’ Land Batanes is an archipelago province in the Philippines’ Cagayan Valley area. It is the Philippines’ northernmost province, as well as the smallest in terms of population and land area.
What is the largest province in the Philippines?
Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA area. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the country’s biggest province in terms of overall authority. The islands of Palawan run from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest.
What is Leyte known for?
The province is home to the picturesque Kalanggaman Island and its white powdery sand beach. The longest bridge in the country, and a historical World War II location. Apart from these, Leyte is a popular location for diving, waterfalls, and other beautiful beaches. When it comes to tourism spots, Leyte is rather diverse.
Which country has the highest number of islands?
According to the website worldatlas.com, Sweden has the most islands on the earth, with 221,800, the bulk of which are uninhabited. Stockholm, the capital, is built over a 14-island archipelago with more than 50 bridges.
How many islands are on the earth?
There are roughly 900,000 official islands around the globe. There are roughly 900,000 official islands around the globe. Each country has distinct criteria for placing a piece of land on the official island list. This figure comprises all the official recorded islands in each country.
Why the Philippines is a beautiful country?
The nation boasts of immense natural beauty in its numerous stunning beaches, bright weather, and rich wildlife. More than that, the Philippines’ distinct and complex culture, as evidenced by its people, food, and lifestyle, attracts many visitors to visit the nation.
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