Where should I go next?
Over the past year, I have really turned into a traveler. Particulary, I am a traveler of Mindanao
As I have started traveling to different places in Mindanao, I find that almost as soon as I return from one trip, I want to go somewhere else and check it out! I already have two trips planned in April, and I am always looking for new places to visit that sound interesting.
Do you have any ideas on places that are a little off the beaten path? Why not leave a comment with your recommendation so that I can put it on my list of possible future trips! Almost anyplace in Mindanao that I have not already been is a possibility, so don’t hesitate to make any recommendation.
Hi Vangie – thanks for the tip. That sounds like just the kind of place that I’ve been looking for! I will see if I can check it out next time I head down south!
hi bob,
i have been to Lebak, Sultan Kudarat in 2003. It was an interesting 13 hour motorcycle ride from GenSan by the mountains of SK. ‘Twas the first time I encountered untamed nature and the experience was overwhelming that i felt i ecountered the creator Himself. We stayed at Salangsang, one of the barangay up in the mountains. I say, please try to visit the place, though the road was already paved, the 13 hour ride can now take you six to eight hours.
The view was magnificent if you go with the idea of nature in its wildest.
Hi Jeff – thanks for the tip. Already been there, though!
hi bob!
have you heard about Tinuy-an Falls of Bislig, Surigao del Sur?
check this link.
http://ewew.multiply.com/journal/item/4
Hi Jul – yeah, I understand. Although Camiguin is flooded with tourists in October for the lanzones festival, I still have a desire to go there and see that festival. I’ve been told that it’s quite a beautiful festival.
Camiguin is flooded with pilgrims/visitors during the Holy week and lanzones festival, Bob. The resorts are certainly crowded and I just don’t appreciate the drivers from both local and out of town who drive like they’re kings of the road. The best time to visit the island though is summer time because the sea is not rough and island hopping is more enjoyable. I believe reservation for lodging accomodation isn’t necessary unless it’s peak season of visitors. you can pitch you tent anywhere, however if you can’t have any accomodation, just bring mosquito repellant …just kidding.
Hi Andrian – you are right, I have been to CdO many times. I actually go there maybe 4 times per year or so, it’s a nice place. Camiguin is one place that I have yet to visit, but it is another one on my list of “must do” places. Thanks!
Hello Bob,
Although I am from CdO and i am pretty convince you have been there… have you tried Camiguin? Been there two times and all that i could say is that it has that certain Hawaiian appeal — less of the corruptive commercialization though but nature sites worth visiting.
Hi Robert – Thank you for the information on that area. It sounds like that part of the Zamboanga Peninsula is pretty nice, and would make for a beautiful trip! Also, I do have plans for that trip through Surigao along the coast. I haven’t been to Tandag yet, only a little south of there. Thanks for giving me some ideas!
Letty – I will keep in mind about your younger brother, and let you know if I need assistance when I take that trip! Thanks for the offer.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for the concrete information. I was travelling with my parents at those routes as I was in grade 1 to 5. I have 24 and 19 years old girls today, you can just imagine how long it was. But, I still remember the names of all the places you are mentioning, I also have travelled with my very active mother to some of those places, those days.
Hi Bob,
As I said, a younger brother of mine lives in Pagadian, he was with us in Germany for more or less 2 years. I guess, he can be a good guide.
Hi Letty & Bob,
I know the route from Zambo City to Pagadian and also the route to Dipolog City very well because as I said earlier, I was a route salesman covering these territories for six years.Curuan is about 50 kms. from Z.C. There are more places along the way like Vitali whick has a Vista Point and the view is awesome. It is a must to stop at this point. Ipil will be your overnight stop and there are fine hotels there. Ipil is a junction and you may decide either to go north for Dipolog or east to Pagadian.
If you have plans also for Siargao in Surigao City, be sure to take the route home via Tandag passing the so called Red Mountain. The view there is also terrific. Bob, you mentioned you’ve been to Surigao del Sur, but maybe you did not reach Tandag.
Hi Bob,
I am a very poor information center of the right route to Curuan, but, the comment of Robert Bula in “what about Zamboanga” can help me answer your question, he is the best route center to be of help for you to find it. Besides, I also have a brother who lives in Pagadian, he can be of help. I can only remember that we drove kilometers long away from Curuan to Zamboanga and viceversa. I am getting old Bob.:-)
Hi Letty – Pagadian is most certainly on my list of go-to places, as I have not visited that part of the island yet. I am not familiar with Curuan, is in the area of Pagadian?
Hi Eric – I do believe that Bohol is a beautiful place and worthy of a visit, but not at this time. I have certain goals set that I intend to accomplish this year, and those are based here in Mindanao. I consider it pretty important to travel widely in Mindanao this year. I will keep your suggestion in mind, though in the future.
Tina – I have traveled the southern part of the eastern coast of Mindanao (Surigao del Sur), but I do need to go to the area of Surigao del Norte and will be doing so this year. I have also heard good things about Siargao Island, and intend to pay a visit there!
On a side-note, Tina, I will be having coffee with your brother tomorrow morning! Am looking forward to meeting him.
Hi Bob,
Just wondering, have you been to the eastern coast of Mindanao? You can start with Siargao Island and drive your way back down to Davao by the coast. I bet you that would be a beautiful drive. Haven’t done it but I plan to do that one of these days… So much to do, so little time
Sorry Bob.. It’s not Mindanao but…. travel to CDO & catch the ferry to Bohol. I did that and a highlight was the approach in to the island. It’s like boating into a forgotten paradise.
On the island you can’t help notice the beaches. A friend in Australia asked me if the Philippines was more Asia or Pacific. It is definitely more Asia but some of Bohol is like a Pacific island. The Chinese influence is also very evident in the style of buildings and the Xmas decorations.
There are not too many large towns in Bohol. Only one I think. This adds to the beauty. A visit to the tiny Targier monkeys is recommended.
I stayed in La Hacienda near Alicia. Nice place & great people. I think of it fondly & if anyone from that area wants to get in touch please feel welcome: harrisej@esc.net.au
I have great memories of travelling in the back of a truck with 30 or so other people in the rain (& under a tarpaulin!)… Fun!
In Bohol I remember grown men singing their goodbye songs to my face…. I was overwhelmed ! I remember an older man relating his childhood to me: Japanese soldiers shooting up the town ….. Mostly I remember the smiles and the singing. Salamat La Hacienda.!
I have heard Camiguin is worth a visit also…… next time…
Mabuhay !
(Mabuhay malaki tainga! Cheers big ears !)
Eric
Hi Bob,
My smile tickled me to write some places. Maybe, it will also be interesting for you. How about visiting places like Pagadiana and Curuan? I think, you will find some interesting shots out there and besides, it will also tickle my memories rewinding some childhood thoughts. I will appreciate it very much.