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Cotabato is the largest city in the Province of Maguindanao del Norte, and this independent City holds the largest and one of the most stunning mosques in the Philippines. These structures were built as places of worship, but their breathtaking beauty and spectacular architectural design captured the eyes of travelers, regardless of religion. With that in mind, I have traveled to the Northern side of Maguindanao to see how vibrant these structures are.
The Province of South Cotabato is situated in Region 12, commonly known as the Soccsksargen Region. And in the "bowl of forests and mountains" of this province, there's a hidden beauty and charm called Lake Sebu. It is one of the stunning municipalities that's hard to resist. For sure, it is one of the "traveller's bucket lists." Also, their culture and traditions are preserved; these are still intact and still being practised. With the natural wonders, culture and traditions combined, this paradise was recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape.
Traveling to Mimbalot Falls is easy as it is the most accessible waterfall in Iligan City. It is not grand compared to Tinago Falls but its landscape is also picture-perfect. The area is surrounded by greens, and the wind blowing is cool and fresh. In addition to the picture is the rock formation that adds more drama to the frame. Anyways, the water is cool and fresh, plus the current is very strong. Rainbows are formed when the sunshine reflects on the droplets of water. The sound of the waterfalls is relaxing and can make your day a "lazy day." Beside Mimbalot is a private resort with a pool and beautiful landscape, perfect for family gatherings.
This majestic waterfall captured the attention of travelers worldwide because of its grandeur. The crystal clear and cool water falling by the walls of the artistic rock formation creates a world-class, picturesque - such picture-perfect landscape. On the other hand, the area is surrounded by greens that help preserve the tranquility and relaxing atmosphere. Tinago Falls of Iligan City is the top tourist attraction in Lanao del Norte. By the way, its name literally translates to "hidden" in English.
Davao City is the center of Mindanao, so it serves as the gateway to the different provinces in the region. With that in mind, culturally speaking, the city showcases the mixture of the different cultures and traditions of Christians, Muslims, and other minorities. Regardless of their beliefs, the people unite, create, and nourish the city as their home. Though it is highly urbanized, behind the structures and commercial establishments are hidden tourist spots and destinations waiting to be uncovered. Let us discover some of the must-visit.
Upon research, I discovered that the province of Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley, became the second richest province in the Philippines in 2017, according to the Commission on Audit. Why not? Aside from the local business establishments, they are the largest producers of gold (Oro) in the country; they have a lot of silver mines and banana plantations. Aside from these, they hide some precious tourist attractions, including the majestic Awao Falls.
Talikud Island is located in Samal, Davao del Norte. This is a paradise in the region that bears fine white sand beaches and is surrounded by emerald and crystal clear water. On the other hand, the underwater has a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna. The shoreline is landscaped with trees and quaint cottages. The ambiance was made perfect because of the cool wind blowing. We didn't do anything for a couple of hours, just staring at its beauty and golden sunset.
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| Stunning photo of Nasuli Cold Spring. |
Cagayan de Oro City is the capital of Misamis Oriental. The thrilling white water rafting is the main attraction and destination in the city, but did you know that they are also known as the "City of the Golden Friendship?" Though there's a language barrier, they are the city of friendship because I was able to experience such hospitality from the jeepney driver and the taho vendor I met. By the way, nothing special happened during my stay here. Since it's the center of Northern Mindanao, transportation to my next destination (Bukidnon) is not a problem. It is also the gateway to the provinces of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan, and the city of Davao.
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| A stunning photo of Tinago Falls. |
Tinago Falls hides in the mountainous area of Iligan, Lanao del Norte. Among the waterfalls in the Philippines, it is one of the must-visit because of the beauty it possesses. Not only that, there are historical sites, lakes, and cold springs that can also be visited. Let's not forget that the province has a rich history and colorful culture because the locals have a good combination of Muslim, Christian, and other Minorities.