Introduction to Solo Backpacking
Backpacking across Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), Region 11 (Davao Region), and BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is a journey filled with adventure, cultural encounters, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the bustling cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao to the serene beaches and the rich heritage of Lanao provinces, traveling solo in these regions reveals the diverse beauty of Mindanao. It’s an experience that combines adrenaline, history, and authenticity, perfect for those seeking to explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
Day 1: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
Known as the “Land of Beauty and Bounty,” Lanao del Norte is a province in Northern Mindanao blessed with scenic coastlines, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant cultural heritage. Its capital, Tubod, serves as the gateway to both natural wonders and the rich Maranao traditions that make the province truly unique.
We departed at NAIA around 8 in the morning and arrived at Laguindingan Airport (CGY) past 9:30. Travel period was about an hour and 30 minutes. By the airport's exit, I rode a van to Iligan City. The fare was 200 pesos. Travel time was 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alighted at the Central Terminal. Met Jan Jan, my driver/tour guide. The habal tour was 700 pesos. Visited the tourist spots below:
Tourist Spots in Iligan
- Tinago Falls
- Mimbalot Falls
- Paseo De Santiago
- Maria Cristina Falls
Where to Stay in Iligan
After Paseo de Santiago, we headed to D'Morvie, where I checked in for an overnight stay (I paid 448 pesos). The room has a single bed, cable TV, and a toilet and bath. Rested for a few minutes. Then, using Google Maps, walked on the street and had dinner at one of the carinderia nearby. By the way, I spent 105 pesos for dinner. Then, headed back to the hotel. Tidied up and rested. End of Day 1. Book your hotel stay with Agoda and get the best deals!
Day 2: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
Located in the heart of Mindanao, Lanao del Sur is a culturally rich province known as the homeland of the Maranao people. With Marawi City as its capital, the province is home to the iconic Lake Lanao, centuries-old Islamic heritage, and vibrant traditions that highlight the deep-rooted history of the Bangsamoro region.
From D'Morvie Suites, I rode a habal to the terminal (100 pesos) and then a van to Marawi City. Alighted near the open field of Mindanao State University. Walked inside the campus of MSU until I reached Aga Khan Museum. Explored the museum for almost 2 hours. Then, using Google Maps, I walked to the terminal and rode a van to Iligan (70 Pesos). Rode a habal to Tambo Terminal (100 Pesos). Had lunch at the carinderia for 60 pesos and rode a Rural Transit Bus to Cagayan de Oro City (100 Pesos). Travel Time: 3 Hours. Besides Rural Terminal, I rode a jeepney to LimketKai but alighted in front of Gaisano Mall. Crossed the footbridge and walked to the GV Hotel, where I checked in for 550 pesos (overnight). The room has AC, cable TV, and toilet, and a bath. Rested for a few minutes and headed to Gaisano for dinner (105 pesos). Then, had a coffee break at Starbucks. Headed back to the hotels, tidied up, and rested. End of Day 2.
Aga Khan Museum
Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts showcases a rich collection of Maranao and other Moro artifacts, including traditional weapons, musical instruments, and cultural treasures that reflect the heritage of Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro people.
The next day, I woke up early, tidied up, and had breakfast at a fast-food restaurant (110 Pesos). Then, using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to the Gaston Park, City Museum, Plaza Divisoria, and Museo de Oro. It was around 10 in the morning when I headed back to the hotel, tidied up, packed my stuff, and checked out. In front of the GV Hotel, I rode a trike to Agora Terminal for 10 pesos.
Day 3: Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Often called the “Food Basket of Mindanao,” Bukidnon is a landlocked province known for its vast plantations, cool climate, and breathtaking highlands. Home to majestic mountains, waterfalls, and cultural festivals like the Kaamulan Festival, Bukidnon offers both natural wonders and rich indigenous heritage.
In Agora Terminal, I rode a van to Malaybalay, alighted near Jollibee, which is before Gaisano. ETD: 11:38 AM , ETA Malaybalay: 1:45 PM. Fare: 130 Pesos. Using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Green Ridge Apartelle. Checked in at Green Ridge Apartelle for 550 pesos. Rested and settled my things in the cabinet. Then, walked again to the highway, rode in a multicab (25 Pesos), and alighted in front of Iglesia ni Kristo. Travel Time: 30-45 minutes. Used Google Maps to locate my destination and current position. Rode a habal to Nasuli Cold Spring and Matin-Ao Spring for 100 pesos. After my visit to the two natural springs, by the highway, I rode in a multicab back to the city proper for 25 pesos. Visited Erección del Pueblo and Rizal Park. Had dinner in Gaisano (105 Pesos). Bought Tinapay for 28 Pesos. This is for breakfast. Walked back to Green Ridge. Tidied up and rested.
Tourist Spots in Bukidnon
Where to Stay in Bukidnon
Green Ridge Apartelle is highly recommended because it's affordable and accessible, and it's in front of the Capitol Grounds. Book your hotel stay with Agoda and get the best deals!
Day 4: Davao City
Known as the “Crown Jewel of Mindanao,” Davao City is a bustling metropolis that blends urban progress with natural wonders. Home to Mount Apo, the Philippine Eagle, and the famous Kadayawan Festival, it’s a destination rich in culture, adventure, and local flavors.
As always, I woke up early and had an early jogging on the track of the Capitol Grounds. Then, visited Kaamulan Park and Zoo. Headed back to the hotel, tidied up, packed my stuff, and checked out. Using Google Maps, I walked to the Malaybalay Bus Terminal. While waiting for the departure, I had lunch at the carinderia (45 pesos). Rode in a bus to Davao City and alighted at Ecoland Terminal (466 pesos). ETD Malaybalay: 11:00 AM, ETA Davao: 5 PM. Rode a habal to D’ Morvie Suites (70 Pesos). Checked in for 448 pesos overnight. The room was small with a single bed, flat screen TV, WiFi, and the mobile signal was very slow. They have a swimming pool, but there is a separate fee. Also, there are small crawlers like cockroaches. To end the tiring day, I had dinner at McDo in Bangkerohan for 105 pesos.
Where to Stay in Davao City
Budget-wise, D'Morvie Suites is a good choice. There are a lot of other cheap choices; book your hotel stay with Agoda and get the best deals!
Day 5: Davao del Norte
Dubbed the “Banana Capital of the Philippines,” Davao del Norte is a province in the Davao Region known for its vast plantations, island getaways like Samal Island, and vibrant local culture. It offers a mix of eco-adventures, beaches, and agricultural treasures.
Still in Davao City, I had breakfast in Bankerohan. Using Google Maps, I walked on the street to the City Hall and visited Rizal Park. Then, headed back to D’Morvie Suites, tidied up, packed my stuff, and checked out. Using Google Maps, I walked to Almendras Gym, where I rode a jeepney to Ecoland Terminal. And a bus ride to Tagum City (90 pesos). ETD Davao City: 9:20 AM, ETA Tagum City: 12NN. I rode a habal from the terminal to Gaisano for 30 pesos. Lunch at Greenwich for 149 pesos. Using Google Maps, walked to the Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King. Walked to WBC Lodge and checked in for 300 Pesos. The room is not bad, the TV is CRT but has a lot of Cignal Premium channels. Has its own toilet and bath. At 5 PM, I had an early dinner for 105 Pesos, headed back to the lodge, tidied up, and rested. End of Day 5.
Day 6: Davao de Oro
Formerly known as Compostela Valley, Davao de Oro is a province in the Davao Region famed for its rich gold deposits, hot springs, and eco-adventures. With its lush mountains, waterfalls, and agri-tourism sites, it offers travelers a perfect blend of nature and culture.
In Tagum City, I rode a Bachelor bus and alighted at Monkayo Terminal (116 pesos). ETD Tagum Terminal: 9 AM and ETA Monkayo: 10:40 AM. While waiting for the departure, I bought hopia for 30 pesos and bread for 16 Pesos. It's for my packed brunch. Then, chartered a habal to Awao Falls. Paid him 1000 pesos for back and forth. Entrance Fee: 30 Pesos. We stayed at the falls for an hour and 30 minutes and headed back to the terminal. Rode a bus to Davao City for 248 pesos. While on a stopover, I bought siopao for 20 pesos and hopia for 21 pesos. Rode a taxi from Ecoland Terminal to D’Morvie Suites (100 pesos). Checked In at D'Morvie for 448 Pesos/24 Hours. Dinner for 112 Pesos. Tidied up and rested. End of Day 6.
Awao Falls
Awao Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Its powerful cascades and natural pools make it a refreshing spot for swimming, relaxation, and eco-adventure.
Day 7: Davao City
Woke up early. Fixed myself, pero wala namang mali sakin. Then, I walked to Bankerohan for breakfast (spent 95 Pesos) and had a short tour at the fruit market. Using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Davao City Hall, Quezon Park, Rizal Park, and Osmenia Park. Then, I rode in a jeep (Route 6) and alighted at Magsaysay Park, then visited the Chinatown Arch. Rode a taxi to the Crocodile Park for 170 pesos. Crocodile Farm Entrance Fee: 350 pesos. Bought a Malong at the souvenir shop for 300 pesos. Another taxi ride to the People's Park for 170 pesos. Walked to McDonald's Malengke, where I had my late lunch but early dinner, for 105 pesos. Gusto mo yun, pinag-isa ko na. Walked to D'Morvie. Tidied up. Watched some videos. and rested. Around 8 PM, I checked out for my flight. Had a taxi ride to the airport for 250 pesos. Bought some pasalubong worth 200 pesos. Pero ako din kumain sa airport. Flown back to Manila. And arrived at home safely.
Budget and Expenses
- Total: 11,653.84
- Expenses without airfare: 9,464 pesos
- Airfare: 2,189.84 pesos (two-way)
Summary
Solo backpacking in Regions 10, 11, and BARMM is more than just a trip—it’s a deep dive into Mindanao’s soul. Every province offers a unique story, from natural wonders and cultural treasures to warm encounters with locals. For adventurers looking for a meaningful and unforgettable journey, this backpacking experience is proof that Mindanao is a destination of discovery, resilience, and endless beauty.
Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
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