Mindanao is a nice island, forget about the conflict which dragged the island 5-10 years backward in term of development and infrastructure. I lived and work in Cotabato for the past 13 months and I found home here. There are varied places and cultures to visit. For Malaysian travellers, the easiest entry point to Mindanao, aside from Manila, is Zamboanga city. There are regular overnight ferry services plying Sandakan to Zamboanga (to and fro). You can ferry your bike or car together.
Some tips when riding in Mindanao or the Philippines in general:
1. There is no traffic rules in practical terms
2. Most drivers owned their licenses through 'purchase' and no formal driving lessons
3. Horn is a must
4. You do not know when somebody going to turn or stop, regardless of others
5. Beware of tricycles and pedestrians - they rule
6. They give way if you persist
7. Road signs are meant just to be there
More to follow..
3 comments:
For years I dream of going to Mindanao. My best chance was when I lived in Sabah for three years from 2005 to 2007 but I let the opportunity slipped me. Now I'm back in West Malaysia, the chance is even more remote! But I'll get there some day.
It is hard to believe that there are still unruly places like Mindanao in the world, isn't it?
good to read of your mindanao travel experience, very enlightening for me, first hand updates, more mission after this? say a rtw trip on the bike shown? keep the story flowing, maybe we get a chance to meet someday, somewhere, sometimes. take care.
Mindanao is often dubbed as "the Land of Promise" and it is very true. It is one of the richest island of the Philippines in terms of mineral resources, tourists spots and human capital. But as long as secessionism is allowed to exist, the promise of Mindanao will not come into a fruitful reality.
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