Here are 11 of the best things to do in Mindanao to guide you as you explore one of the most beautiful regions in the Philippines.



Mindanao is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in the Philippines. Blessed with vast tracts of greeneries and stunning natural attractions, Mindanao is a destination that will surely leave her guests in awe.

General Santos City International Airport

11 best things to do in Mindanao

IN THIS ARTICLE



About Mindanao





Mindanao is the second largest island of the Philippines. Also know as Southern Philippines, Mindanao is composed of the mainland and the smaller islands surrounding it.





White sands of Sarangani Bay





Mindanao is composed of six administrative regions, namely Zamboanga Peninsula (provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zambaonga del Sur), Northern Mindanao (provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte), the CARAGA region (provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur), the Davao region (provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental), Soccksargen (provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the city of General Santos), and the Bangsamoro Administrative Region in Muslim Mindanao





Ano ano nga ba ang magagandang tanawin sa Mindanao? Madami! (What are the most beautiful sights and destinations in Mindano? A lot!) The places that I have been to in Mindanao are just a tiny percentage of what the entire region has to offer.





Beach along Sarangani Bay





Each province is Mindanao actually has a lot to offer especially when it comes to eco-tourism since Mindanao is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions. To name a few, there is Lake Lanao, Maria Cristina Falls, Agusan River, Rio Grande de Mindanao, Davao Gulf, Illana Bay, and Sarangani Bay. In addition to these, there are also world-class beach resorts and hotels in Mindanao.





Mangrove tree





One such destination in Mindanao that has drawn many travelers over the last couple of years is Siargao Island , best known for its world-class surfing spots as well as natural attractions.





For travelers who were privileged to marvel at Mindanao's beautiful plains, beaches, rivers, and mountains, it is an experience that is hard to forget.

WATCH THE SLIDESHOW

My personal adventure in Mindanao

I had the privilege to be given another out-of-town assignment. This time, it was in beautiful General Santos City in Mindanao. Mindanao may have a shady reputation because of the many negative news about it but we looked forward to this trip, nonetheless. Plus, the side of Mindanao where we were going was peaceful. We thought that this was also an opportunity to take on a different kind of adventure, to see sights that are unique to this region.









When our work at General Santos City was done, we went to Gumasa Beach in Glan, Sarangani Province. It was one of the most peaceful beaches that I have visited. And on our last day in Mindanao, we went to see the Dole Plantation and Trappistine Monastery in Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato.



Here are 11 of the best and most awesome things to do from our visit to those places. For the purpose of convenience, I grouped these activities according to province in this travel guide.



Anyway, I do hope that you get to visit Mindanao to and experience first-hand its unadulterated beauty.



Magandang GenSan!

Top things to do in General Santos City

General Santos City is a highly-urbanized city in the Soccsksargen Region of Mindanao. It is highly-progressive and is considered as one of the economic centers of the area.



We arrived in General Santos City early in the morning. The lack of sleep didn't douse our excitement in any bit. A colleague, an Account Officer from our company's branch which we were inaugurating the next day, picked us up from the General Santos City International Airport.



From there, we were to meet the rest of the branch officers for brunch at a popular restaurant located in a less crowded corner of the city. We were dismayed with our previous Cebu trip because of the lack of time to roam around Mandaue City and Cebu City, thus, we were determined to make our Mindanao trip worthwhile.When our work at General Santos City was done, we went to Gumasa Beach in Glan, Sarangani Province. It was one of the most peaceful beaches that I have visited. And on our last day in Mindanao, we went to see the Dole Plantation and Trappistine Monastery in Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato.Here are 11 of the best and most awesome things to do from our visit to those places. For the purpose of convenience, I grouped these activities according to province in this travel guide.Anyway, I do hope that you get to visit Mindanao to and experience first-hand its unadulterated beauty.General Santos City is a highly-urbanized city in the Soccsksargen Region of Mindanao. It is highly-progressive and is considered as one of the economic centers of the area.We arrived in General Santos City early in the morning. The lack of sleep didn't douse our excitement in any bit. A colleague, an Account Officer from our company's branch which we were inaugurating the next day, picked us up from the General Santos City International Airport.From there, we were to meet the rest of the branch officers for brunch at a popular restaurant located in a less crowded corner of the city.









A lone tree by the roadside

Outside the city proper, General Santos City is mostly vast tracts of green pasture and farmlands. It is bucolic although I reckon it is not something that all people will love. On a more personal note, it felt like home because that is how it is in Nueva Ecija, my home province.



That being said, there is still a lot of things to see and do in this city. Here are some of the top things that you can do in General Santos City:

The ride from the airport was a long one but it was also a chance to marvel at the beautiful Mindanao countryside with its rolling plains and pastureland. It was a relaxing ride and energized us for the work ahead.Outside the city proper, General Santos City is mostly vast tracts of green pasture and farmlands. It is bucolic although I reckon it is not something that all people will love. On a more personal note, it felt like home because that is how it is in Nueva Ecija, my home province.That being said, there is still a lot of things to see and do in this city. Here are some of the top things that you can do in General Santos City:

1. Visit Sarangani Highlands Garden



We arrived at the well-known local hotel and restaurant called Sarangani Highlands, a beautiful oasis in the midst of an idyllic landscape. We were introduced to the rest of our colleagues who were already waiting for us in a long table.

BOOK A ROOM AT SARANGANI HIGHLANDS GARDEN



After just a few moments, we warmed up to the hospitality of the people around us. Before our lunch, we were toured by the owner of Sarangani Highlands around the property and we saw the magnificent hand-painted doors of the rooms and the lush gardens within the courtyard.





Hand-painted doors at Sarangani Highlands





Fountain at Sarangani Highlands





The sleeping quarters had the feel of a seaside villa; the materials used for constructing the accommodations were all locally-sourced. The owner also showed us the room where Ms. Universe 2011 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup stayed at during her visit to Sarangani Highlands.





Lush flowers at Sarangani Highlands





An unexpected visitor at Sarangani Highlands





If you are interested to book a room at Sarangani Highlands, it is located at Purok Wal, General Santos City, South Cotabato.





It was at least an hour before lunchtime but we were already hungry, nonetheless. We ordered two of Sarangani Highlands' bestsellers -- Arroz ala Sarangani and sizzling bangus belly.





Sizzling Bangus Belly at Sarangani Highlands





Likewise, we ordered the famous Alamid coffee. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Alamid Coffee is made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive tract of a local wild cat (in short, cat poop!).





Arroz a la Sarangani, one of Sarangani Highlands' specialties





Needless to say, the food, the coffee, the ambiance and the view of Sarangani Bay were absolutely perfect. After our sumptuous meal, we headed to our company's local branch and spent the rest of the afternoon working and preparing for the event the following day.





Fresh fruits at Sarangani Highlands





2. Explore downtown General Santos City





As I have previously mentioned, downtown General Santos City is bustling with modernity. We decided to go to the city center to buy some materials that we will use for our event. Plus, of course, we wanted to visit one of the iconic landmarks of General Santos City which is KCC Mall, perhaps the most well-known shopping center in the area.





Everything about KCC Mall reminded us of SM, from the layout of the stalls, the department store, the grocery area at the basement and also the green plastic bags. After buying the things that we needed, we went back to the branch to do some finishing touches.



3. Eat in a local restaurant







After we had finished our chores for the day, we were treated by our colleagues to a dinner – no, a feast! – in one of the restaurants in the area. It was just a small restaurant located in one of the quiet corners of the city; think of bahay kubo-style restaurants that, while devoid of fancy embellishments, serve awesome food. True enough, the restaurant served one of the best meals that we have ever had.



A bowl of clam soup

Grilled tuna panga (jaw)

So, what did we have? We had Grilled tuna panga, clam soup, a great-tasting fish whose name I forgot, and bihod adobo. Bihod or fish roe has always intrigued me because they seemed so rich and tasty whenever they are described in food articles. It was a seafood feast.



I never got to find out how much we paid though because our colleagues insisted on paying for our food. It was hospitality at its finest.



Delicious dinner of grilled seafood

One of the things to look forward to when in a new place is to try local food, and that's what we did at General Santos City.After we had finished our chores for the day, we were treated by our colleagues to a dinner – no, a feast! – in one of the restaurants in the area. It was just a small restaurant located in one of the quiet corners of the city; think of-style restaurants that, while devoid of fancy embellishments, serve awesome food. True enough, the restaurant served one of the best meals that we have ever had.So, what did we have? We had Grilled tuna panga, clam soup, a great-tasting fish whose name I forgot, and bihod adobo. Bihod or fish roe has always intrigued me because they seemed so rich and tasty whenever they are described in food articles. It was a seafood feast.I never got to find out how much we paid though because our colleagues insisted on paying for our food. It was hospitality at its finest.

4. Try sashimi from a fresh, whole carved tuna









Fresh whole tuna

Just the same, it was still a memorable experience to see a whole fresh tuna served in a carving station. The tuna was sliced right in front of the guests and served as sashimi. It came with a complete set of calamansi, soy sauce, and wasabi as dipping sauce.



The freshest sashimi carved from a whole tuna

Fireworks after our event

5. Have a s eafood dinner at Tiongson Arcade





Fresh tilapia at Tiongson Arcade

An assortment of fresh seafood in Tiongson Arcade

One of the most popular food destinations in General Santos City is Tiongson Arcade. We got to try it here after our trip to Sarangani Bay. We arrived here in early evening, possibly the peak of the restaurant's busyness. So before going inside Tiongson Arcade, we bought isaw (grilled chicken intestines) and pork barbecue at a local shop to at least pacify our grumbling stomachs temporarily.



Here at Tiongson Arcade, they sell a variety of fresh produce like meat, fish, clams, and seaweeds. You may have your seafood cooked the way you like it such as tinola (soup) for the clams, garlic butter for the shrimps and crabs, and fried or grilled for the fish.



Fresh squids

Fresh catfish on skewers

After placing our orders, the cooks were immediately busy doing their magic in the open kitchen. The smell emanating from the pots and pans were heavenly. The sound of the ingredients being sautéed all the more made us hungry.

Bagaybay or tuna sperm sacs

Food must be very good here as the place was packed that night. We bought clams, tilapia and another type of fish. In a few minutes, clam soup, crispy-fried tilapia (they call it fish chicharon) and buttered fish were served. Once again, it was gastronomic heaven.

6. Have coffee and dessert at Blugre Coffee

What better way to cap your day than to have coffee and dessert. After our splendid dinner at Tiongson Arcade, we drove to Blugre Coffee at Robinson's for our sugar and caffeine fix. Blugre Coffee is probably the most well-known coffee shop in General Santos City.

Slice of chocolate cake swimming in cream at Blugre Coffee

I ordered ice-blended durian coffee with whipped cream. It smelled like authentic durian and it tasted good. I just didn't like its consistency which was a bit too thick so you quickly get thirsty with each gulp.



Blugre Coffee's d urian coffee which I found to be a little too rich and thick

Blugre Coffee is located at SM City General Santos City cor. Santiago Blvd., San Miguel St., General Santos City, South Cotabato.



I ordered ice-blended durian coffee with whipped cream. It smelled like authentic durian and it tasted good. I just didn't like its consistency which was a bit too thick so you quickly get thirsty with each gulp.Blugre Coffee is located at SM City General Santos City cor. Santiago Blvd., San Miguel St., General Santos City, South Cotabato. The fresh whole tune might not be something that is easily accessible to all visitors of General Santos City. For one, we had it in a private event because one of the company's valued clients sent it as a congratulatory gift for the inauguration.Just the same, it was still a memorable experience to see a whole fresh tuna served in a carving station. The tuna was sliced right in front of the guests and served as sashimi. It came with a complete set of calamansi, soy sauce, and wasabi as dipping sauce.

Top things to do in Sarangani Province



Sarangani is a province located in the southernmost tip of Mindanao. Compared to the countryside of General Santos City, Sarangani looks and feels even more provincial. Nonetheless, it has the quality of natural sceneries right out of postcards. Sarangani, for me, is breathtaking and is worth every traveler's time.





After we had finished our official task in General Santos City, it was time for some serious adventure. My companion and I woke up early to take advantage of the buffet breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we prepared for our trip to Sarangani early in the afternoon.

Grand winner of the tuna float design contest

From General Santos city, we drove all the way to Gumasa Beach in Sarangani Bay in the Municipality Glan, Sarangani Province. It was a long ride, around 2 hours of non-stop, no-traffic driving from General Santos City to Gumasa Beach.



Anyway, here are the top things to do in Sarangani:



7. Have a stopover the the Sarangani Provincial Capitol

Before heading to Sarangani Bay, our group made a brief stopover at the Sarangani Provincial Capitol to rest a bit. We also had to stretch our legs because they were getting numb from sitting too long. I would not really consider Sarangani Provincial Capitol as a tourist attraction but since we were making a stopover anyway, we decided to go here.

Visiting the Sarangani Provincial Capitol

Even so, the Sarangani Provincial Capitol is a sight to behold with its gleaming white main building that all the more stood out because of the intense sunshine. Even so, the Sarangani Provincial Capitol is a sight to behold with its gleaming white main building that all the more stood out because of the intense sunshine.

Sculptures at the Sarangani provincial capitol

8. Check out Glan Municipal Hall

On the way to Sarangani Bay, we passed by an interesting building. It was the Glan Municipal Hall which was hard to miss because it was decorated with gold plates which reflected the sun's rays in bright golden sheen. Of course, it was not real gold.

The gold-plated Glan Municipal Hall

When Sarangani Bay came into view, we knew we were near our destination. There were also a lot of mangrove trees on the side of the road, which to a first-timer like me would be extremely interesting to see.



From General Santos city, we drove all the way to Gumasa Beach in Sarangani Bay in the Municipality Glan, Sarangani Province. It was a long ride, around 2 hours of non-stop, no-traffic driving from General Santos City to Gumasa Beach.Anyway, here are the top things to do in Sarangani:When Sarangani Bay came into view, we knew we were near our destination. There were also a lot of mangrove trees on the side of the road, which to a first-timer like me would be extremely interesting to see.

A majestic view of Sarangani Bay



9. Spend a quiet afternoon at Gumasa Beach



We arrived at Gumasa Beach in Sarangani Bay by mid-afternoon. We have not yet had lunch so we ordered food at Isla Jardin Resort. We had fish belly – perhaps the best way to really savor the taste of Sarangani, a coastal province, is to sample its fish dishes – which were all fresh and flavorful.





At Isla Jardin Del Mar Beach Resort





Fish belly from Isla Jardin del Mar Beach Resort's restaurant





After our sumptuous meal, we spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around the white sands of Gumasa Beach. It was awesome to see a beach that features only the bare necessities; just simple cottages, a small restaurant, and nothing else but glistening seawater and fine white sand.



We spend the rest of the afternoon strolling along the beach, enjoying the fine sand and the magnificent water. Of course, you can swim in the beach if you choose to do so. We just did not have enough clothes with us that's why we were not able to swim.





Sarangani Bay





White sands of Sarangani Bay



Mangrove buds

Mangrove tree



A hermit crab

We left Gumasa Beach by early afternoon since it would be more convenient to drive back when it is not yet dark. It is also the most practical thing to do if you are not too familiar with the roads of the place you are visiting. We left Gumasa Beach by early afternoon since it would be more convenient to drive back when it is not yet dark. It is also the most practical thing to do if you are not too familiar with the roads of the place you are visiting.





Top things to do in South Cotabato





The province of South Cotabato is located in the southern portion of Mindanao. It is considered as a growth area, providing much-needed activities to drive economic advancement in the region.





We had a quick visit at South Cotabato during our last day in Mindanao. It was just a half-day tour because we had to leave fore Manila in the afternoon.





Here are some of the worthwhile things to do in South Cotabato:





10. Visit the Dole pineapple plantation









Stopping by the Dole pineapple plantation

Of course, we would not let the opportunity for a souvenir photo pass, so we made a quick stopover in the pineapple fields. There was no shade nearby, as such, you might want to bring a hat or umbrella and sunglasses when you do go down to the field.



On the way to Mt. Matutum, we traversed a road that cut through a seemingly endless field of pineapples. I later found out that this was Dole's pineapple plantation. It was a monotonous view but the vast plantation was stunning, nonetheless.Of course, we would not let the opportunity for a souvenir photo pass, so we made a quick stopover in the pineapple fields. There was no shade nearby, as such, you might want to bring a hat or umbrella and sunglasses when you do go down to the field.

11. Here Mass at Trappistine Monastery









We later learned that, after the Mass, the people would troop to the Monastery's store to buy pastries. One of the sellers told us that the nuns made and sold cookies, handicrafts, and other baked goodies to supplement their income.



Trappistine Monastery at the foot of Mt. Matutum, South Cotabato

We went to Mt. Matutum to hear Mass at the Trappistine Monastery. We arrived here right about the time when the Mass was just starting, and the first thing that greeted us were the angelic singing voices of the nuns.We later learned that, after the Mass, the people would troop to the Monastery's store to buy pastries. One of the sellers told us that the nuns made and sold cookies, handicrafts, and other baked goodies to supplement their income.

Epilogue









Boarding time After our visit to the Trappistine Monatery, we had lunch at a fast food restaurant near the General Santos International Airport. We wanted to stay a bit longer in Mindanao but, alas, we had work waiting for us in Manila.



Mindanao is a beautiful place that is hard to forget. This trip is also a learning experience because it erased all the misconceptions that we previously had about Mindanao.





Return flight to Manila





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The people here are friendly and hospitable, and they will go out of their way to ensure that their visitors are comfortable and having a good time. Our weekend in Mindanao is time well-spent; full of delicious food, magnificent places, and new acquaintances.





MAP OF MINDANAO



