Mindanao Island in the Philippines is home to the third largest city in the country, Davao. It is also the home to the Moro Liberation Front and other less well-known terrorist groups which seem to have made Mindanao famous for. At least they have managed to bring the world's attention to this forgotten place, which is more than I can say for the Philippine Tourist Authority or media guys in Manila.
Mindanao suffers from bad publicity to the extent that even most people in Manila believe the constant media hype about the kidnappings and bombs. Let me tell you that I have been to Mindanao more than a few times now, travelling to at least four different cities and not encountered so much as a hold up at the supermarket queue let alone being in danger of being blown up.
Most of Mindanao is quite safe to visit, with the possible exception of those areas under the adminstration of the ARMM or Autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao. I would suggest that you do keep to the 'beaten track' though as there is no point in tempting fate.
Travelling to Mindanao from another part of the Philippines requires either a plane or ferry ticket. The journey by air from Manila takes over an hour but by ferry slightly more than 36 hours. The latter means of travel may seem sadistic but I am assured that the first class cabins are well provided for and are very cheap, probably 15 pounds or so, with the current exchange rates.
Ferries in the Philippines are the most common means of getting to any of the 99,000 islands. A ferry to Mindanao from Manila would be carrying slightly more than 2,000 people per trip on average.
Hotels in Davao, the capital can be expensive as most prices are quoted in US dollars. The Apo View Hotel offers the best accommodation in Davao and is located in the centre of the city.
Travelling around can be hazardous if you should wish to take a jeepney. Taxis are a better option, but do not attempt a self-drive holiday as the driving standards are pretty low.
Places to visit aside from Davao, are the northern city of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga in the south. Cagayan de Oro is a friendly city which is known mainly for its fruit growing activities including the big Del Monte pineapple plantation. A place to stay while in Cagayan de Oro is the Pryce PlazaHotel, which offers a commanding view of the city from its location at the peak of a hill. It is also located 5 minutes away from a golf course and very scenic countryside.
Shopping is good in Mindanao as most departmental stores sell branded goods for a lo lower than you would pay in other parts of South East Asia.
Oh, and don't drink the water.
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