Mindanao is the country's
2nd largest and most southerly island and has an extremely different
lifestyle from the rest of the Philippines. Many Muslim ethnic groups reside
here.
Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City is located on Mindanao’s southwestern tip and
considered the most fantastic in the country. It is also
popular for it beach resorts. Established by the Spanish,
Zamboanga is known for its seashells,
unspoilt lush landscape and various wild flowers. The 17th-century walls of Fort Pilar,
constructed to protect the Spanish and Christian Filipinos from Muslim
onslaughts, can still be seen today. There are many hotels, cars
for hire, and good public transport. There are also Vintas, small boats, often
with colourful sails, available to take tourists around the city
bay. Muslim pottery, brass ware and clothes can be found at the
flea market. About 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from Fort Pilar are the
homesteads of the Badjaos, which are built on stilts
over water. Water gypsies dwell here in boats and move around to
wherever the best fishing can be found. Worth a visit is Plaza
Pershing and Pasonanca Park. For those who like bathing, snorkeling and scuba diving, the Santa Cruz Island
is ideal for it. Its sand beach
turns pink when the corals from the sea are washed ashore. You can
also visit an ancient Muslim burial ground.
Elsewhere
Davao province is Mindanao's industrial centre. It is
famous for its pearl and banana exports and is one of the most
developing cities in the Philippines. Mount Apo is the country's
highest peak and its range features beautiful
waterfalls, forests, rapids, springs and mountain lakes.
Cagayan de Oro on the northern coast is the gateway to some
of the most stunning islands in the country. The massive cattle ranches and the renowned Del Monte pineapple
fields are located in Bukidnon. There is the sight of the hydroelectric complex
driven by the Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City.
Lanao del
Sur province is a Muslim community settled along the shores
of Lake Lanao. Some other attractions near the lake are Signal
Hill, Sacred Mountain; the native market, Torongan; home
of the Maranao royalty; the Muslim mosques on the banks of the lake;
and examples of the brass ware industry in Tugaua. |
