The island of Mindanao is an exotic region with protected forests, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and sheltered bays rich with aquatic life. Zamboanga, a city of 600,000 people is known for Pansonanca Park with beautiful hanging gardens. There is also a 17th century Spanish fort and city markets. Davao, with 1,500,000 residents, has many hotels where you can travel to the nearby beaches. Although many tourists travel the area, it is no longer as safe, because Islamic activists operate throughout the island.

The nearby Camiguin island is still a popular spot with many white sandy beaches, clear mountain springs, and waterfalls. This island actually has the most volcanoes per square foot although only one is active, all the previous volcanic activity gives it some unique landscapes. The Hibok-hibok volcano reaches to the sky. The Katibawasab Falls are a place of natural beauty. There are also many cold springs and mountains to visit. Many tourists hike, climb, snorkel, dive, and bike all over the island. There are also unique caves and black beaches of hardened lava. Camiguin island isn’t hard to get to and is actually possible to get to by ferry leaving from Cebu Island.

Other nearby islands like the Sulu Islands are unsafe, and shouldn’t be traveled to. But if you are interested in native cultures, you can still visit Lake Sebu. This is the home of the Tiboli people, as well as some of the most scenic regions of the country.