Since the tourism boosts in the Philippines, several Mindanao favorites have been featured in most of the tourism publications here and even abroad. Most of my friends too have been visiting those places, some not even once or twice but several times already. Aside from the positive feedbacks, we are really convinced to commence our trip by looking at their pictures. So, we are frequently discussing on when to really push through with our trip.
In December 2016, we are drafting an itinerary of like 5 -7 days of road trip. Included in the plan is the route that we are going to take. Initially, we will start our trip via Cotabato – Pagadian road in going to Alamada, North Cotabato for Asik-asik Falls. Then from there, we will go directly to Lake Sebu. After Lake Sebu, we will drive directly to Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental before finally exploring Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River and Britania Islands in Surigao del Sur. From Surigao del Sur, we will drive across Northern Mindanao in going back to Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
The proposed itinerary did not materialize because of some conflict of schedules. In late December, we are informed that Enchanted River will close for rehabilitation starting January 9, 2017 until February 4, 2017 so we need to check our schedules to fit into that. I made several options on our trip and finally deciding on the Surigao option due to closure of Enchanted River. We also need to be back in Kapatagan on or before January 7 in time for the birthday of Gladys’ mom.
The final decision was made on January 1, 2017 and we will be departing Kapatagan in 2 days time at 6am. On January 3, 2017 we commence our trip. We are supposed to be 8, however, only 5 of us pushed through. I am the driver and Fernd, Ruby, Gladys and Rollan are my passengers. We are using the Ford Everest of Fernd.
This time, we change our original itinerary since we will forego the North Cotabato and South Cotabato trip and just have to consider the Surigao Option. We will drive directly to Surigao del Sur via Northern Mindanao sticking to our plan on leaving Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte at 6am. A breakfast stopover at Pater Al-Kuwait in Tibanga, Iligan City before continuing our journey. At Initao National Park, we happen to meet our friend Paul who suggested plying the Villanueva – Gingoog City via Claveria route and not the coastal highway when in Misamis Oriental area.
Moving our way, traffic at Cagayan de Oro City greets us at almost noontime. I continue driving towards Villanueva, Misamis Oriental before finally turning left for Claveria following Paul’s advise. As per my observation also on the traffic, we are just driving on a 40kph speed and for how long, we don’t know. So it’s wise to really ply the Claveria route.
Reaching Claveria, we had a quick stopover at the entrance of MOSCAT where we have quick photo ops at the JCI Marker. Then we continue driving at the scenic Claveria roads. The view of the farms and the mountains is overwhelming. We can’t help ourselves but to stop at certain portions of the road for pictures.
We also make a stop at the monument of Cebu Pacific Flight 387. Just for a quick visit on the place and few photos, we continue our drive towards Gingoog City. One stopover is a curve bridge before finally reaching Gingoog City for our late lunch at Jollibee.
Flight 387 Monument activities click here.
It is almost 3pm when we left Gingoog City for our journey to Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Passing Butuan City, we are now at the province of Agusan del Norte. The Butuan – Davao road is impressive. I am expecting it to be very busy and winding but it’s not. And it’s well paved and smooth too.
Before reaching Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, we turn right at a provincial highway towards the Municipality of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. It is past 6pm when arrive in Lianga and finally arriving in Britania at 7pm. We don’t have an accommodation yet. Not worried since it’s weekdays, we come to stop at some home stays to check for availability. We end up staying at Villa Rosalina.
Britania Islands activities click here.
January 4, 2017 Day 2 trip is from Britania to Hinatuan to Mangagoy. Leaving Britania at 10am, we need to be in Hinatuan by 11:30am in time for the fish feeding at Enchanted River. The very good thing is that the roads are good and are all well paved up to the entrance of the Enchanted River. Parking is at the entrance itself so we all hurry to catch the feeding. It only takes us an hour for a drive arriving at the parking area at 11am.
Enchanted River activities click here
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We have enjoyed the skylab ride, the fish feeding, the food at the Sandbar, and the swim at the Enchanted River. It’s all worth the visit.
Spending at least 5 hours in Hinatuan, we continue our journey to Mangagoy, Bislig City. Initially, we plan to stay overnight at Tinuy-an Falls. One of Ruby’s friends tells us that there are no accommodations at Tinuy-an Falls, so we have to change plans and stay in Mangagoy instead. Gladys knows about Paper Country Inn, so we have a big room for all of us at a cheaper rate.
During dinner, Rollan’s friend, Mark comes to meet us. We have a karaoke and drinking session for the night. We all have enjoyed the night despite the tiresome trips we have in the past days. Call time for tomorrow is at 6am, so we need to sleep early.
January 5 Day 3 trip is an early drive to Tinuy-an Falls. It was raining the whole night so we are expecting for a muddy road. The road going to Tinuy-an Falls is at 80% rough road, yet there’s an on-going road concreting project in the area. Due to heavy rainfall, Tinuy-an Falls water level also rises.
Tinuy-an Falls activities click here.
We are in Tinuy-an for just a short period due to its rising water levels. Swimming is not allowed at that time and we are short of activities too. Since we are also hungry, we need to go back to Mangagoy for breakfast. We just decided to just proceed to Aliwagwag Falls since our itinerary is cut short.
Now, we have enough time for Aliwagwag Falls and we also decide to proceed to Asik-asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato. As per our timetable, we can squeeze Asik-asik Falls early morning of January 6 so we can go home in the afternoon via Cotabato-Pagadian highway.
At 11:30am, we left Mangagoy for Cateel, Davao Oriental. Cruising along the provincial highway, it is another scenic route with views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. While driving, rain continuously pouring. In less than 2 hours, we reach Cateel. We have a courtesy visit at the Tourism Officer of Cateel to ask for some information of Aliwagwag Falls and to confirm if the highway connecting Cateel and Compostela is passable.
At 2pm, we arrive at Aliwagwag Falls. All of us are busy taking pictures of the waterfalls. There is a private resort in the area managing several activities at the waterfalls however, due to rains, the water levels of the falls also rises making it unsafe to do such activities.
Aliwagwag Falls activities click here.
Near the parking area are souvenir stores and restaurants. At 3pm, the souvenir stores closes since there are also no tourist activities around. Since we don’t have lunch yet, we are lucky the restaurants still have food for us. After buying some souvenirs, we have a quick late lunch before finally driving towards Compostela. By the way, we also ask the locals from Aliwagwag if the road to Compostela is passable and they tell us yes.
At 3:30pm we start to drive along the Cateel – Compostela highway. One bridge is under construction so we need to pass by the detour of a muddy road. Then we continue driving along the scenic route of the Davao Oriental Mountains until we reach the higher grounds. There are also several landslides due to the non-stop rains.
Most of the roads are paved yet there are some that are not. There is also a portion of the road where we have second thoughts of proceeding since it’s like leading to a dead end. End of the concrete road, all-rough with stones everywhere and there are no signs of vehicles passing. The road also is getting narrower where you can literally touch the houses if you extend your hand outside the vehicle.
To our confusion, we try to ask the lady along the road on where is the way to Compostela. She replies to just follow the road we are driving to. I am a bit confused and worried that maybe the road situation going there is all the same. Fortunately, after few hundred meters, we are back at the bigger concrete road.
Driving along the way, countless landslides are being encountered. There is one landslide wherein we literally drive at the portion of the muddy roads being recently cleared. After several minutes, we are seeing Compostela Valley. We are relieved of the feeling of what if we are stuck at the mountains due to landslides. The fear of it to happen is likely to occur because of the landslide. And we are not from there too.
An hour of driving the Compostela Mountains makes us smile upon reaching the town of Compostela. I have a college classmate residing in Compostela and we also try to look for her. When we ask for her workplace, they don’t know it so we resume driving to Davao City where we also decide to spend the night with.
Arriving Davao City at 7pm, we go directly to SM Lanang to unwind. Then we had our dinner at the carenderia near Victoria Plaza before going to D’ Morvie for check-in. Before going to sleep, we had a walk to Bangkerohan to buy pomelo then back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
January 6, 2017 Day 4 trip is an early wake up call. We left Davao City at 5am going to Midsayap, North Cotabato. The drive takes us 3 hours and half. We also have a quick stopover in Kidapawan City for photo opportunities and for bread. Good thing, Gladys informs her former board mate Daryl for our plans. She is also inviting us for breakfast at her place.
Initially, we plan to leave the car at Daryl’s place. As Daryl already been to Asik-asik Falls, she tells us that with our car, we can drive directly to Brgy. Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. If we will bring the car, we can save at least Php 500 each on our budget to Asik-asik Falls. I have read an article that hiring a single motorcycle from Midsayap to Asik-asik Falls will cost Php 1,000 each. By bringing the car, we cannot just save on cost but we can also save on time.
After breakfast, we immediately proceed to Asik-asik Falls. The gateway to Asik-asik is at Libungan, North Cotabato. Taking the Alamada – Banisilan route in going to the Municipality of Alamada, North Cotabato, all roads are concrete. Upon reaching the junction to Brgy. Dado, the rough road starts. Rocks are everywhere. It’s literally like a bumpy roller coaster ride. No wonder, double tire public transport ply in this route though there are also private vehicles passing.
I cannot stand to drive at the bumpy roads, so when we come to reach a short asphalt portion of the road, I told them that we will just ride a habal-habal from there and just leave the car near the house. The drivers quote us a habal-habal fee of Php 150/person for a round trip to and from Asik-asik jump-off. We utilized 3 habal-habals for the 6 of us.
I am amazed on the driving skills of these habal-habal drivers. They manage to cross the bumpy roads well. To our surprise, only short portions of the bumpy roads are there because road concreting starts from the top near the jump-off of Asik-asik Falls.
While driving along the newly-paved roads, a quick stopover at one view point wherein you will see the panoramic view of the farms and the nearby mountains of North Cotabato. Nearby are also banana plantations for export. Continuing our drive, before reaching the jump-off, heavy rains fall making us all wet. We are suppose to change clothes into our wet swimming outfits; unfortunately, we are all we wet under the rain. Reaching the jump-off, we are securing our valuables and waterproofing our gadgets too.
After settling the fees and securing our things, off we walk down to Asik-asik Falls
Asik-asik Falls activities click here.
Enough of the fun and adventure at the waterfalls, enough of the tiring hike up the 776 steps back to the jump-off, we need to leave Asik-asik Falls for us to figure it out if we can have enough travel time to drive back to Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. The rain already stops and the roads are wet, muddy and slippery. I am a bit worried while traversing the slippery roads; thanks to our skillful drivers who manage to take us back safely to where we left the car.
At past 2pm, we are finally fixing ourselves at the house where we left the car. We are very thankful for her warm accommodation and for letting us use her bathroom for us to change clothes. Another thanks also for the rain not pouring heavily on the bumpy rocky road too.
Earlier in the morning, we are targeting to get back to Libungan by 2-3pm in the afternoon so we have enough travel time driving back to Lanao del Norte. Unfortunately, we are back in Libungan at almost 4pm so we decide on Plan B, to stay a night in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
In Midsayap, Daryl takes us to an Inn where we book for a bigger room for all of us. Paying only Php 800 for an air-conditioned room is way good enough for us. She also recommended the Old House Grill if we want to have barbeque for dinner. At 5:30pm, we all decided to eat early since we haven’t had our lunch too. It may be the cause why we felt weak and tired after the whole day trip to Asik-asik Falls.
Just a short walk from where we checked-in, we reach Old House Grill. I am amazed on the place, they are really busy and a lot of diners are there. There are several barbeque stalls and as per recommendation, we place our orders at Old House Grill. Surprisingly, the price is way cheaper for their amount of servings. They are also offering Unlimited Rice too! We end up paying Php 520 for the 5 of us.
After having a sumptuous dinner, we go back to our hotel for us to take some rest and prepare for the not-that-early trip for tomorrow.
January 7, 2017 Day 6 trip is the final leg of our Mindanao circuit. No more planned stopovers; all we need to do is to drive our way to our hometown, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
As per Waze, it will take us 3 hours plus to drive from Midsayap, North Cotabato to Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. We are all excited for the trip. We are all ready by 5:30am and leave Midsayap by 6am. Along the highway, we bought some bread and rice cake (puto).
Driving along the Davao – Cotabato highway is fine. Road conditions are good and traffic is manageable. Upon reaching the junction to AH26 Cotabato – Pagadian Highway, we come across a checkpoint. We cannot really identify if it’s a military checkpoint or for MILF. Well, we are just there to pass on their area. For a few minutes of driving, we reach the end of the junction and to our surprise it was for MILF Checkpoint.
Now, we are at the AH26 Cotabato – Pagadian Highway. The roads are concrete, yet we cannot discount the fears of being halted or worst abducted. Extra precaution while driving, we should avoid running over chickens or ducks, so as they say, we will pay a whole poultry farm for a single small chick. Though we only overheard of such kind of story, since we are not from their place, we should really be extra careful not to hit any of their properties.
The road going to Parang, Maguindanao is smooth. Some of the roads in Maguindanao are under constructions too. I am happy and amazed that in my entire life, I get to drive at the road I least expect to pass. Reaching Lanao del Sur, we are nearing our place. Actually, the road is not that busy at all. Lesser vehicles are plying to the area, maybe because of some negative feedbacks heard over the news.
Some of the roads in Lanao del Sur are not of good condition. Though there are some portions where the roads are bigger and smooth. I am just excited to see other places and what makes it more exciting is that I have traveled to the roads less traveled.
Though the road is already established long time ago, its only access is through Marawi City and not in Lanao del Norte. I remember my dad once drove through that highway years back and as what his feedback was, the roads are good though a lot of checkpoints and humps along the way. They are driving from Iligan City via Marawi City and Malabang going to Cotabato City.
By the way, the towns in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur are also familiar to us since we are formerly part of the same region. In fact, we are so happy to pass by Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur. Actually, we are trying to take photos of any marker of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur because we are from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte but to no avail, we just enjoyed the views along the way. Some of the towns are familiar because of the news about the past years insurgences.
Reaching the town of Malabang, Lanao del Sur, we are almost near the end of our road trip. A friend cautions us not to stop for food, good thing we are also not hungry since we eat bread along the way.
In Malabang, all the roads are concrete. It was of the same Hanjin Construction who did their roads too. All the roads up to Lanao del Norte boundary are concrete and smooth.
We are only minutes away from our town and now all the worries are gone. Now, it’s time to really enjoy the trip and enjoy the view. Overall, with the Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur road trip, though the road condition is not that really good, generally it is safe to travel as per our experience. As much as we want to have a stopover to each Provincial landmark, we refrain from doing it because of some prior advices not to stop anywhere. But I think, overall, it is safe and there are presences of military along the way.
Reaching the town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte is a huge relief to us. At last we are back to our province. We are back smiling and reminiscing our trips and activities. And we are also doing accounting on our expenses. Actual arrival in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte is at 10:15am of January 7, 2017.
Overall, we have accounted our expenses to be Php 20,000 all-in for the entire 5 days of road trip. With all the destinations we are into, we save a lot considering that it all covers food, accommodations, gas, tours and other extra expenses. Thanks to Gladys for managing our funds.
Thanks to my BFFs for making this Mindanao Trip possible. To Fernd for her Ford Everest, Gladys for being our fund manager, Ruby for the fun and laughter, Rollan for the karaoke and drinking spree and yours truly for being the Official Driver.
This is one hell of a trip. Tiring yet enjoyable. It’s all worth the effort of fulfilling this trip, a trip of a lifetime!
Happening on: January 3-7, 2017
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