Can I travel to Mindanao – Is it safe?
Update: If you are planning to travel to Mindanao
Every day, I receive many e-mails asking the same question – “Is it safe to go to Mindanao?” No single answer can be correct for each time the question is asked, but let me try to address the issue on this post.
For the most part, Mindanao is a safe destination for your travel. There are some serious exceptions, though. Parts of Mindanao are extremely dangerous, while the majority of the island is fairly safe. One thing to remember is that in today’s world, there is no place on the entire earth that is perfectly safe. No matter where you go you could be hit with crime, terrorism, natural disaster or some other calamity. This is true in Mindanao as well.
Some places in Mindanao are very dangerous and should be avoided by the average tourist. The United States and other nations have issued travel advisories warning their citizens that travel to Mindanao is dangerous, and perhaps should be avoided altogether. Personally, I feel that in many ways these warnings are overblown, and were mostly issued by people who have never been to Mindanao, and also know little about the place. As an example, I have lived in Southern Mindanao (General Santos and Davao Cities) for six years now, and have never felt that I was in any danger at all. But, I also know that if I went to Basilan, Sulu, or even Cotabato City, I would have to exercise caution. or avoid those areas altogether. There are some places that just are not suitable for tourism. At this point in time, I would say that the entire ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) is in that category. Others may disagree, but this is just my opinion.
While this is not a widely known fact, at most times there are United States troops on the ground in parts of Mindanao. I have seen American troops here with my own eyes, so I know they are here, and personally I am happy that they are here in Mindanao. Now, under the Philippine Constitution, foreign troops are not allowed to operate in the Philippines. They can only be here in a training capacity. Now, you can make your own decision. The photo of the Humvee with the soldiers on patrol is of US troops patrolling in Jolo, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold. Does it look like training? All I can say is that I hope that the training mission is very successful.
Now, as I said earlier, terrorism and war is not a huge concern, because places that have those problems are very isolated and few. However, there are many things that can still cause problems on your trip. People who went to Thailand for Christmas of 2004 saw that first hand when the Tsunami hit them. There are earthquakes, floods and such around Mindanao virtually all the time. But, again, it is not the entire island that is hit, only small areas. No matter where you are, in Los Angeles, London or Mindanao, you can have your day spoiled by a pickpocket, right? The key is, use common sense wherever you go. If you are in Mindanao and concerned for your safety, don’t go out on the town until 3am, that could lead to trouble anywhere you go. If it is night time, and you are out on the town, if you see an alley way with a bunch of thugs hanging around, you can bet that this is not a good place for you to explore. Move on to another area! The key point here is this – Use Common Sense!
So, in my opinion, it is safe to go to Mindanao. It’s a beautiful place, I am sure that coming here for a visit will be something you will remember fondly for a lifetime. But, to make sure those memories are fond, do a little research before you come! Check out and see if the city you are planning to visit is safe. Don’t go around flashing a lot of money (here in the Philippines, even $20 is a lot of money to many people). Be aware of what is going on around you. Don’t be careless or stupid! This is just good advice, even if you were going to vacation in Disneyland.
Come visit in Mindanao! Enjoy your stay! If you have a question or concern about a specific area, e-mail me and and I will send you a full copy of our Mindanao.com Travel Advisory, which is updated whenever the safety situation changes. If you decide that you want a more detailed safety evaluation of the area you plan to visit, we can provide that for you as well.
I cannot and will not guarantee your safety, but I am happy to give my advice. The final decision is yours. When it comes to advice, remember that actions can speak louder than words…. and I live here! That should say something.
This is princess bai’s Blog which i host http://www.princessmaleihabajunaidcandao.com/2010/08/24/once-in-ones-life/
Your readers may be interested in visiting it
her facebook is http://www.facebook.com/PrincessofSultanKudarat
Also here is Lila shahanis facebook and Blog
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=693582659#!/lila.shahani
http://lilashahani.blogspot.com/
maybe if people actually see whats going on they’ll begin to understand and we can all work together to show off these beautiful islands in their true colors instead of all this B/S
Ingat Bro
I just read your article and put it on my facebook hahahaha … I have an open blog run from my servers http://www.myphilippines-myvoice.com you would be welcome to contribute. it may be interesting for you to associate with some of my friends on my facebook too such as PRINCESS MALEIHA BAJUNAID CANDAO she is the great great granddaughter of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat and a true Muslim Princess and Lila Ramos Shahani the niece of President Ramos who works for the UN all involved heavily in the peace movement for Mindanao … It may be usefull for you to get them involved in your page to help lay to rest the stupid myths about Mindanao straight from the mouths of the people at the sharp end of the stick.
This is my facebook …. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=693582659#!/profile.php?id=693582659
Hi Alfie – Sorry to say, my friend, but I have never been to Ormoc City before, so I can’t really offer any thoughts on that. Wish I could help…
I wrote an article today on my other website, if you are interested in my thoughts on the Manila Massacre last week.
Hi Bob,
How are you? My post is a little different this time hahahaha … I just wanted to pick your brains about Ormoc City Leyte, I know its not Mindanao, but have you any information about the place? Better still have you been there? I know there’s a little NPA activity around that way, but that doesn’t bother me too much.
Michelle is asking can we move there when I come home and i’ve agreed to do that.
I will be home the end of November, beginning of December.
Just a little note id like to say before all the questions regarding the hostage taking in Manila…..
This was the action of one man who was a disgraced police officer. yes it got messed up a little but please accept that those situations are unheard of in the philippines and what you saw on Television is reflective of neither Philippines culture or of the PNP. Please don’t condemn our Filipino Brothers and Sisters for this outrage. criminal acts happen everywhere and this mans motives were to commit suicide by police and bring the PNP into disrepute … which he did quite well … It was a difficult situation dealing with a man who had recieved the same training and was far more experienced than the people who were trying to deal with the situation.
Please don’t let that put you off visiting our beautiful Islands.
Hi Randy – I don’t think you should have any worries going to that area.
I have a business trip that will take me to Mindanao, they call it the Villanueva Plant and say they name them after the city they are in. How do you fill about this area?
The adddress I think is:
Bo. Katipunan
Villanueva, Misamis Oriental
Philippines
Hi catherine – Palawan is remote and mostly relatively undeveloped. For example, you would never find a condo on Palawan, such a thing simply does not exist. Davao is a beautiful area, and I have lived here for nearly a decade already. I believe that it is indeed a great place to live or retire. You can buy a nice, but small condo here for P3M to P5M.
Thanks Bob. I’m 60, single, USA citizen of Asian descent. I’d worked in the United Nations Development Programme, NYC for 14 years. My pastor is from the Philippines and he recommends I look into Palawan for retirement. However, my other Filippino friends recommend Davao, Mindanao. I enjoy beaches, tranquility as well as city life. I’m Blessed with networking talents and I hope I can make a difference in the place I choose to retire in.
Can you give me an idea how much a decent condo town house, with full amenities and security will cost in Mandanao? Any suggestions as to where?
Thanks in advance for your help.
catherine
Hi John – I would anticipate no safety problems in GenSan, it is a relatively safe area. Don’t dress flashy or wear flashy jewelry.
The nicest hotel in GSC is East Asia Royale Hotel.
Really, there is no need for any vaccinations. Local food is OK to eat. Drink only bottled mineral water.
Take care.
Is Gensan a safe place to walk around for a caucasion from the US? I have some friends I’d like to visit in Gensan, but I’m a little concerned about safety. Are pick pockets and robings a concern, should I carry my passport in a moneybelt? Any certain way not to dress or bring attention to myself?
Are there any resorts or nice hotels in Gensan?
Is there a website listisg interesting things to do in Gensan?
How long does it take to drive from Gensan to Davao, and is it safe?
The CDC recommends vaccination for Hepatits A and B, Typhoid, Malaria. What about the local food and water? Has restaurant food been prepared with water that could make an american sick, etc?
Thanks so much for this service!
sarangani is a very nice place..there’sa lot of undiscoverd white beaches..nice place for soul searching just kidding..hehehe..=)
mindanao is a nice place..it’s unfair being called as the wild2 image of the philippines or the war torn mindanao,they judge mindanao based only in what they heared and seen in news..some part of mindanao is not safe because some minority people live there and cotinue to struggle for self determination..if you only read the history of mindanao..you will understand their struggle because of the injustice..inequality done to them..some people said they are terrorist with out understanding their struggle…to give some info.. mindanao is a very rich islad..almost 50% on the country’s income is from mindanao but only 10% of it is coming back to us for development..is it fair? ex..we have 8 tuna plants in the country..6 from gensan…mindanao..hoping that they would stop sacrificing mindanao for their self interest and stop using mindanao as their scapegoat in their failures in rendering good services.its realy true that there is money in war..they spent billions for this war..some funny,annoying true stories about war.a man cried because his comrade died in the battle..what hurts most is that their own weapon kill him…hehehe..they sold it to the rebels? when i askd an ex army..is game of generals true? he said..possible..because if we are near the camp of rebels..they call for ceasefire…some journalist ask the militars that they already killed a lot of rebels using their canons..they said..none..they are not already there..they are playing only..wasting a lot of money or to hide corruption …davao airport bombings..they said the rebels did it..on the second thought how the rebels enter the area if it has a tight security..when sen trillanes admit they did it..where is he now? ehehe..they are no from mindanao but they are the third party who is destroying the image of mindanao..because of money and greediness in xtreme power…im writing this for u to know the real situation in mindanao..how can we get the long lasting peace that we want here if the peole who are instrument in implementing peace are the one promoting conflict here..this is not the time to tell lies and hide facts…alliance of corrupt politicians is using mindanao…muslims and xtians should unite for better mindanao..thank you..=)
Hi Ben – My pleasure! Don’t have fears about coming to Davao, it is a very safe place. I love it here! Davao, in fact, is now considered by many to be the safest City in the Philippines! You are so right, the people who say not to come are usually people who have never been here before!
My favorite resort on Samal Island is Chema’s by the Sea. If you go there, tell Quincho, the owner, that I sent you! He is my friend and will treat you great!
Bob thank you for putting my fears to rest. My Filipino friends have all been trying to talk me out of a planned trip to Davao, but to be honest I don’t think any of them have ever been there. I’m flying in to see a girl and visit her family in Compostela. I don’t really have a question other than asking if you have a resort you prefer on Samal Island. I really just wanted to say thanks for giving me some confidence for my trip.
Ben
Thank you for your input, and your kind words, BJ.
Great page you have here! Me I have stayed on Mindanao for many yrs. now. Most of my time has been spent about 15 K. west of Sibagat in the mountains and south east of Bayugan Mt. Carmel and Mt. Olive If i spelled them right LOL Being from the south U.S.A. I feel more at home in a small place than A City. I have always felt safe here BUT Spending half my childhood in and out of Sri Lanka .and 6 yrs in the Army I have learned to be carefull and how to carry my self. Like anywhere there is good and bad but over all this is a great place to be. I love it here and call it home now. And would welcome anybody to come and see our Island If you can find a trusted guide to take you places here out side the cities some of the waterfalls and the caves the Gold mines are so beautiful here. But as always you must plan ahead and always be careful As for me my G.F. is from the Manobo tribe here And my trusted Guide and this helps me with safety as far as when and where I can go. I have been so lucky to see things and do things that most people even here will never see or do! I can’t think of a better place to be right now guys A island in Asia never gets cold and your money goes a long ways here And it is great to see someone like Bob here spending his time to help others with info. and answer everybody so maybe they can see the great Island of Mindanao. O as far as the Pic. of the U.S. Army here they do run small Units here from what i have seen. When I was in Army our unit was 5 men only 1 radio,2 spotters or readers and 2 trigger at least they have a hummer our recons 2-3 wks. at a time on foot. We seen one recon unit here 9 Phl. and 2 U.S. troops Training ya right! Well keep up the great work Bob I have you booked marked now. I will check in time to time to see what is new GREAT BLOG
Hi irene – I have always enjoyed visiting Zamboanga… the Latin City of Asia! It’s a nice place, and I have found it peaceful there when I visited. Of course, just the other day there was a bombing at the airport… but still I find it quiet there overall.
I agree with you Bob..not all places in Mindanao are unsafe..I live in Zamboanga but then I find this place peaceful…
Hi Alfie – I’m doing fine, hope you are too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Bob, How are you there? I’m still stuck here in the Uk working
wish i was home. 
… Just wanted to comment on a couple of things … Gregorio you have it just about right all Pinoy’s want from you is a little respect. Unfortunately Personally i find many white people an embarrasment and i tend to avoid anyone who doesnt come with a strong recomendation from one of my friends.
Norbert, here is a serious warning to you. I.D can be obtained very easy … late reg birth certificate … about $6 us penalty … Postal id easily obtained from a post office … power and water bills are often taken as proof of id, …Barangay clearance is usually free ……. Police clearance is easily available immediately in most cases … NBI clearance is cheap and fast if your prepared to wait ….
Why am i warning you to be careful my friend … I’m assuming that you are sending this money via Western Union because she doesnt have a bank account …. She would need this very same idd to pick the money up in the Pina’s … You put the pieces together yourself brother and what does that tell you??? Can’t hear the alarm bells going yet??
thanks, great site btw, glad that i stumbled upon this site. keep up the great work
I would not expect any problems on that trip, Darren, and I don’t think there is any need to hire security.
i was planning a trip to balingasag, misamis oriental, i heard it is a 3 hour drive there from the airport, how safe will the drive be, i should i drink some 5-hour energy or something to make sure i dont fall asleep, im from hawaii and this will be my first trip outside of manila, any recommendations on how to hire a personal driver? or even security if needed.
Tell her to go to the Post Office and get a Postal ID, with that she will be in business.
Hello Bob. I am just watching your side again and I know that you are almost friendly to give some informations as good as you can. My friend in Mindanao
told me, that she has no ID and for that also no Passport. But she wants to have one now cause its important to find a job and perhaps open a bank account. She asked me for help coz she had to pay for a personal ID. I like to help her, so thats not my question. I want to know: is it really true and practise in Philippines that someone doesnt have a personal ID when he was born? You know, here in Europe its normal to have passport and document of birth, also to get an ID with which you can travel and so on. So please help me and tell me, is it possible? What should she do to get ID and of course, how much does it cost? I really want to help her, but also want to understand. Thank you very much Bob. I like your side and i remember your honesty to help as its best. Thanks and bye for now, Norbert
Hi Dom – I would be in agreement with what your military friends say. Pretty safe… but always keep an open eye on the situation… Enjoy your trip!
HI Bob,
I’m planning on taking a trip to visit my girl in Tampakan in October. After reading that Koronadal City is fairly safe, what’s your opinion of Tampakan? I’ve had some friends in the military tell me it’s pretty safe, but to keep my eyes open!
Thanks,
Dom
Just be and act normal don’t show off, yes your white and that’s already a beacon for the locals but if you talk shit and flash your money then you become a target. I’m an American born and raised there and been there since I was 18 never have I had any problems in Cebu or parts of Mindanao, My dad was a MSgt. at Clark Air Force Base after he retired we moved around allot, I even rode my bicycle around the whole Cebu island and not even a hint of trouble but that was 15 years ago. It would be helpful also if you learn a few words, people are very nice in the PI don’t take advantage of that be polite in return and they will not harm you. The truth I feel safer in the Philippines than in California. Maraming salamat (Thank you very much) keep up the good work Mindanao Bob
I will be visiting Iligan City in the very near future. My wife’s family lives there. This will be the first time her parents have seen our kids in person. We were waiting until they were a little older before we took the trip. They are 5 and 4. Are there any nice resorts in Iligan? Her sister helped them build a house there, but of course there is not enough room for all of us. She has a few brothers living with her parents. She also wants to have a wedding there to renew our vows with her parents in attendance. Any issues with that?
My advice, Jim? Have a great trip and enjoy yourself in Davao.
Hi Chris – I had Dengue last year myself, you can read about it here. There is no drug or other treatment to cure dengue, you just have to ride it out and take care of yourself. Tawa Tawa… there is no medical evidence that it works, but lots of people swear by it. I personally did not feel that it helped me, but that is my personal opinion.
I am British and I’m thinking about going to visit a lady in Davao who I have been chatting to online for about 18 months now. I am considering going to live there on a semi permanent basis, she has her own house. I am at an age when I am close to retiring, and she is 41. Any constructive advice you can give me ???
Hi Bob
I have read in the Blogs that Dengue fever is becoming a problem. I have also read that while the Hospitals can only treat the symptoms that the local cure of Tawa Tawa works pretty well. Do you know how well it works?
Thanks
Chris
To Joe. Dipolog City is indeed safe. There are lots of foreigners who settled here. Try Top Plaza Hotel, it’s located at the heart of the city. you can also try Camilla 2 Hotel.
I generally feel that Cotabato City is OK to go to, although it is certainly marginal. If you will be working for an NGO, I expect that they will take good care of you, though.
Hello Bob
I’m going to Cotabato city to work with an NGO for a long period. Do you think it’s a dangerous place in general to work in or there are only some places that should be avoided ?
Thank you
Hi Chris – I am not certain about the place, but I suspect that getting transportation out there could be difficult.
Hi,
I am interested to hear what you have to say about surfing some islands that are off the coast near Claver and Tandag , I know you probably cannot comment on wave conditions but i was curious about how easy it would be to get out to these islands? One of the islands is called Hewie’s Ayuki Island (this could just be a surfer’s name for it).
Hope to hear back from you and any information would be greatly appreciated
Regards Chris
For the past five years I have been to General Santos and surrounding areas, I have not encountered any problems, in fact I have found this a refreshing change from the tourist areas of the Philippines, the beautiful beaches, the friendly people, the co-operation between muslim people and the people who have migrated there, the only hassle is there are too many tricycles in Gensan, each time I go there it seems they double in number. and the conveyance from Glan to the beaches in Gumasa is only by motorcycle, no choice, no helmets, something else is needed for this area to grow.
Hi Norm – I would say that Davao City is VERY safe. Bislig City, to me, is relatively safe. I’ve been there a number of times, and I would not consider it worrisome.
Hello there Bob,
I am a Canadian man and I will be travelling to Davao, and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur in late July and the 1st part of August to visit my gf for the 1st time. I am wondering if Bislig in particular is a safe place to visit. I will stay there about 8 days or so then return to Davao which I understand from reading here is relatively safe.
Is there aany way I should dress so as not to draw attention. Any other advice regarding attitude or demeanor would be appreciated.
Norm
Happy to do so, Norg. Thank you for visiting.
Bob–
Great site–thanks for taking the time to provide such useful information
Thanks
Hi Abraham – Thank you very much, my friend!
Bob, you’re doing Cagayan de Oro and other very safe places in the Philippines a lot of good, if I may say, more than what any Filipino except perhaps Manny Pacquaio can.
Thank you.
Hi Larry – There have been a few problems in Iligan over the years, but nothing serious in recent years. I would consider Iligan to be a pretty safe area to visit, in fact, I visit there relatively often myself. Enjoy your trip.
Hi Bob,
I have met a wonderful lady online from Iligan. She appears to be very honest,
sincere and oh did I mention she looks gorgeous too. I am tentatively planning to visit her there in Mindinao. I have read the blanket travel warnings against American travel to that province. In your opinion is Iligan a relatively safe area provided I use a modicum of common sense and avoid stupid behavior ? She has told me her cousin is the mayor and has other related family members in the congress. She says she owns several small businesses and appears to be a successful entrepreneur as well as an off road racer of sorts. She says she is Catholic. Thanks for your insight.
Larry
Hi Joe – you should be find in Dipolog. Sorry, I don’t have a hotel recommendation for the area.
Hi Bob,
I was reading here as I am planning to meet my fiancee’s family in Dipolog in late August. My fiancee will meet me in Manila for 5 days and then we will fly to Dipolog for another 4 days. From there I will fly back to manila and back to the States. My question was about safety yet I feel you have answered that for me in the previous messages I have read. Although reassurance ias always comforting. Also can you recommend some hotels for us in Dipolog. I would very much appreciate your advise, Thanks Joe
Hi Colette – I would not be worried about going to Kidapawan, it’s a nice little place, and relatively safe there.