14 Amazing Tourist Spots in Mindanao (from a Local)

When most travelers think of the Philippines, they picture Palawan’s lagoons or Cebu’s beaches, but Mindanao quietly holds some of the country’s most breathtaking places I’ve ever explored.

It’s often overlooked because of old safety myths, but in reality, Mindanao offers a raw, authentic experience that most travelers crave.

If you’ve already seen the usual tourist spots and want to experience the real Philippines, this guide is for you.

I’ve been to Mindanao several times. My first solo trip was to Siargao, I lived with the locals in Iligan, and I recently backpacked through Tawi-Tawi.

In this post, I’ll share 14 incredible tourist spots in Mindanao that completely changed how I see the Philippines, along with my honest thoughts on how safe I felt in each one.

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1. Siargao Island

Surf, Soul, and Saltwater Serenity

Known as the “Surf Capital of the Philippines,” Siargao is a hit among locals and foreigners alike.

It will always hold a special place in my heart because it kickstarted my experience as a solo traveler in 2017. Back then, there was only a handful of tours and fancy resorts.

It was my first taste of freedom, and to this day, Siargao remains as the safest and most welcoming place to visit in Mindanao.

Top Things to Do

If you’re visiting, start with the classics. Surf at Cloud 9, lounge at Magpupungko Rock Pools, and hop across Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands.

Here’s an overview of their prices to help you plan for your trip:

Don’t leave without trying the pan de surf! This surfboard-shaped bread is pillowy and sweet. You can find them in virtually every food stall in Siargao.

If you need more help with your itinerary, check out my guide to the best beaches in Siargao. I recommend visiting in April or May, when the weather is predictable.

Pro Tip: Many believe that September-November is the best time to go surfing in Siargao. But unless you’re training for the World Surf League, you’ll be just fine riding the friendlier summer waves.

2. Mount Apo

The King of Philippine Mountains
(Climbing Permit: ₱1,500-₱3,000 or $25.55-$51.10)

Towering at nearly 3,000 meters, Mt. Apo is the country’s highest peak and one of the most exciting destinations in Mindanao.

My friends and I took the Sta. Cruz trail for a three-day trek, hiking up to ten hours a day. It was exhausting, but as we passed through mossy forests and sulfur vents, the fatigue turned into awe.

I joined a group with Mt. Apo Adventure Trip. If you ever book them, say “hello” to the guides for me. They took great care of us from start to finish and made me feel completely safe.

To help you reach the summit, you can plan your route and see trail maps on AllTrails.

Pro Tip: If you have extra time afterward, head to Agco Hot Springs in Kidapawan—your legs will thank you.

3. Camiguin Island

The Island Born of Fire
(Motorbike Fees: ₱1,000 or $17)

You can circle the entirety of Camiguin in less than two hours by motorbike. Yet, it packs more natural wonders than most entire provinces.

Nicknamed the “Island Born of Fire,” this tiny gem is home to seven volcanoes, countless waterfalls, hot springs, and historic ruins.

I stayed in Camiguin for two weeks. It’s not as commercialized as Siargao, but it’s equally safe.

We rented a motorbike and just followed the road wherever it led—past sleepy towns, fruit stalls, and coastal views that constantly demanded a photo stop.

Top Things to Do

Don’t miss Katibawasan Falls! This 70-meter waterfall will take your breath away. For those sweeping island views, hike up Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

If you love history, stop by the Sunken Cemetery or Bonbon Church Ruins, which is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

You can visit all these places at once through a private tour.

Pro Tip: Renting a motorbike is one of the most affordable ways to explore Camiguin. Rates could cost up to ₱1,000 if you’ll pay for the driver and their fuel.

4. White Island

The Shifting Sandbar of Camiguin
(Entrance/Boat Fees: ~₱600 or ~$10)

Even though it’s part of Camiguin, White Island deserves its own spotlight.

It’s a beach that disappears and reappears with the tides, framed by the towering silhouette of Mount Hibok-Hibok in the distance. You can only reach it by boat from the White Island Ferry Terminal in Mambajao.

Whenever I would visit this place, I would go at either 5:30 am or 6:00 am for the sunrise.

The sandbar itself is perfect for swimming, drone shots, and a bit of snorkeling. You can rent a mask and snorkel from the kiosks near the terminal for ₱100 a day.

Pro Tip: There are no trees, huts, or shaded facilities on the island. Unless you’re willing to pay ₱150 for an umbrella, you should bring your own to protect you from the sun.

5. Pink Sand Beach

A Blushing Paradise in Zamboanga
(Entrance/Environmental Fees: ~₱600 or ~$2)

Off the coast of Zamboanga City is the Philippines’ very own Pink Sand Beach.

The blush hue isn’t an Instagram filter. It comes from crushed red organ-pipe corals that naturally mix with the white sand, giving the shore a delicate rose tint.

The beach isn’t as vividly pink as the internet might suggest, but it’s beautiful in a more subtle way.

What makes it even better is how peaceful everything feels. Since the city government regulates visitors, you get to fully relax in one of biggest tourist attractions in Mindanao.

Top Things to Do

You can walk along the sand, eat grilled seafood from local vendors, or join a mangrove tour.

Our guide showed us stingless jellyfish and allowed us taste lato or sea grapes.

For most people, this eco-tour is the highlight. But if you have time, go meet the Yakan artisans.

I had the honor of visiting their weaving village, and to this day, it’s still one of my most memorable experiences in Mindanao.

You can read more about the area in my post. To get to the Pink Sands, head to Paseo del Mar and book your trip directly through the City Tourism Office.

Pro Tip: The island closes by 2 pm. Start early so you have time to swim, explore, and take photos before heading back to the city.

6. Once Islas

The Secret Eco Islands of Zamboanga
(Entrance/Environmental Fee: ~₱200 or ~USD $3.40)

Since 2018, Once Islas has become one of best places to visit in Mindanao. While 11 islands form the archipelago, only four—Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Baung-Baung, and Buh-Buh—are open to the public.

The first three have calm waters, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff diving. Meanwhile, the last one is designed for cultural tours.

The boat tours are a bit expensive, but they’re worth the price. For ₱2,000 ($34), you’ll pass by bat colonies and sea birds.

Your guide is a member of the Sama Banguingui tribe, who are the original stewards of these islands. Many of them are women, who have shaped Once Islas into a model for sustainable tourism.

Pro Tip: Out of respect for local culture, refrain from cooking pork, consuming alcohol, or bringing pets here.

7. Davao City

Gateway to Mindanao’s Wild Side

For me and many other travelers, Davao is the calm before the climb. We mostly stayed here because it was our jump-off point for Mt. Apo.

But the city itself is still worth exploring. While it has the high-rise buildings and shopping malls, it never felt crowded.

Davao’s attractions are as diverse as its landscapes. Head up to Eden Nature Park for a taste of cool mountain air, lush gardens, and zipline adventures.

Visit Magsaysay Park to sample fresh durian straight from the stalls, or cross over to Samal Island for a day of sun and sand.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t tried durian before, start with Monthong. It’s a mild variety from Thailand that’s perfect for beginners. For something stronger, go with Arancillo, a local favorite.

9. Tinago Falls

Hidden Beauty of Iligan City
(Entrance Fee: ₱65 or $1.11)

True to its name, Tinago (meaning “hidden”) is found within a forested ravine near Iligan City.

While Maria Cristina impresses with raw power, Tinago charms with intimacy. To reach it, you have to descend over 400 steps, but the reward at the bottom is worth every drop of sweat.

I actually enjoyed Tinago Falls more than Maria Cristina Falls. Here, I had a chance to ride a bamboo raft. The locals even helped us balance on the slippery stones.

Pro Tip: Don’t push yourself. Tinago Falls is not wheelchair-accessible and involves steep climbs without railings.

10. Hinatuan Enchanted River

The Mystical Gem of Surigao del Sur
(Entrance Fees: ₱50 for Filipinos; ₱100 for foreign tourists)

In 2013, the Filipino Cave Divers tried to reach the floor of the Hinatuan Enchanted River, but they only managed to descend until 87 meters. To this day, no one could find the bottom of this pool.

Locals say that the river’s colors were painted by fairies, while unseen engkanto (spirits) guard its depths.

Top Things to Do

Beyond its mystique, the Enchanted River is ideal for swimming and sightseeing.

At noon each day, swimmers are asked to leave the water to make way for the fish feeding ceremony. This is done to the hymn of Hinatuan.

You can also rent boats for island-hopping tours to explore nearby cave systems and rock formations.

If you plan to stay overnight, the Enchanted River Rock Island Resort offers serene views and cozy lodging.

Pro Tips: There’s little to no phone signal here, which only deepens the sense of being somewhere otherworldly.

11. Lake Sebu

Culture and Calm in South Cotabato

High in the mountains of South Cotabato lies Lake Sebu, a placed that buzzes with T’boli culture.

One of my favorite experiences was visiting a T’nalak weaving house. The weavers were mostly T’boli women who explained how abaca patterns are guided by dreams.

Top Things to Do

The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu—locally known as Hikong Alo to Hikong Tonok—cascade through lush valleys.

For thrill-seekers, you must visit the Lake Sebu Zipline. Flying more than 600 feet above ground, it’s one of the highest ziplines in Asia.

Meanwhile, a canoe ride on Lanaw Sbù offers peace like no other. I suggest going at dawn, when the waters are still. You’ll even find lotus flowers floating across the surface, making the experience feel sacred.

You can book a room in Dolores Lake Resort to stay near these attractions.

Pro Tip: Visit from March to May for clear skies. If you want to immerse yourself in T’boli culture, plan your trip around their Helobung Festival in July.

12. Sohoton Cove

Adventure and Magic in Surigao del Norte
(Entrance Fee: ₱100 or $1.70)

Sohoton Cove is just an hour from Siargao, and like many places in Mindanao, it feels like entering another world.

I remember holding my breath as our small boat slipped through an arched cave. Inside, the Tojoman Lagoon opened up—quiet, glassy, and surrounded by limestone.

Top Things to Do

Tojoman Lagoon is famous for its swarm of harmless, stingless jellyfish. You can admire them from afar or join them in the water.

These creatures might seem a little unnerving, but the experience is magical. You almost couldn’t feel them brush past you.

You can also explore Sohoton’s cave system by kayaking through hidden channels. For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can climb its cliffs and jump into the sea below.

If this interests you, book a day tour for convenience from Siargao Island.

Pro Tip: Some caves are inaccessible at high tide, so visit in the morning. The early light will also make the lagoon glow brighter.

13. Tawi-Tawi

The Far Edge of the Philippines
(Bud Bongao Registration Fee: ₱20 or $0.35)

Tawi-Tawi is a place that meets each traveler differently. My friends only have positive memories, but I had a more mixed experience.

Traveling with my partner, who’s a foreigner, we felt both protected and restricted. Our guide insisted on escorting us everywhere. I know it was just a precautionary measure, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched.

Top Things to Do

Despite that, I’ll never forget the view from Bud Bongao. The climb was steep, but the summit offered great views of the Sulu Sea.

No trip to Tawi-Tawi is complete without visiting the Sheik Karim al Makhdum Mosque—the first mosque in the Philippines. The structure has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, yet some posts remain untouched by time.

More than a tourist spot, Tawi-Tawi is a tribute to the diverse beliefs and cultures in the Philippines.

Pro Tip: Non-Muslim visitors are welcome in the mosque as long as they wear traditional attire.

14. Bukidnon

High-Altitude Thrills and Green Escapes
(Dahilayan Adventure Park Entrance Fee: ₱100 or $1.70)

Bukidnon is known for its rolling forests and eco-parks that test your courage. No wonder my friend, Merald, described it as the “perfect experience of calm and adventure.”

On my bucket list is Dahilayan Adventure Park. Flying 840 meters above lush valleys, it is the home of Asia’s longest dual zipline.

You can book a day trip now for a hassle-free experience.

For something calmer, my friend recommended the Monastery of Transfiguration, a pyramid-shaped church surrounded by silence and mountain mist.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for cold nights (yes, even in the tropics) and changing weather conditions.

Stay Connected while Exploring Mindanao

Mindanao rewires how you see the Philippines. From the pink sands of Zamboanga to the mystical waters of Hinatuan, every corner feels raw and real.

Traveling here has taught me one thing: The best experiences happen when you’re prepared but open to surprises.

That’s why I always use Airalo. It’s an eSIM app that lets you download data before your flight and stay online anywhere in Mindanao—no local SIM cards, no stress.

So pack light, stay curious, and let Mindanao surprise you—one signal bar (and one adventure) at a time.