Where to Go in Mindanao

Discover Mindanao: surf breaks, island beaches, hot springs and warm local welcome.

Stylized map of Mindanao with the four travel zones: 01 Siargao, 02 Camiguin, 03 Dinagat Islands, 04 Davao and Samal

01

Siargao

For surf and slow island days: Cloud 9, Sugba Lagoon and palm-lined roads.

02

Camiguin

For a small volcanic island: White Island, hot springs and waterfalls.

03

Dinagat Islands

For lesser-visited beaches, such as Talisay and Binucot.

04

Davao & Samal

For a city base: Davao markets and Samal Island, a short ferry away.

 

Mindanao Highlights

 

Siargao Island

Palm-lined roads and surf towns: give it a few slow days.

White Island, Camiguin

A sandbar facing Mount Hibok-Hibok, reached by boat from Mambajao.

Sugba Lagoon, Siargao

A turquoise lagoon for a calm day on the water.

Samal Island, Davao

White-sand beaches a short ferry from Davao City.

Travel advice for Mindanao differs by area and by government, and many areas are covered by official warnings. Check your own government's current advice, such as the UK FCDO advice or the US State Department advice, before you plan. Treat each place on this page separately.

Looking for quiet islands off Mindanao's coast? See our Mindanao island hopping guide.

Images on this page are AI-generated illustrations. Map adapted from Philippines relief location map (Mindanao) by Hellerick, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Changes: simplified outline, added numbered markers and labels; small islands enlarged so they are visible. The map is schematic and not to scale. It is shared under the same licence, CC BY-SA 3.0.