Mindanao Travel Guide

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One of Evelyn's friends from college Micmic invited us to visit her families banana plantation and other holdings thery have or have a business relationship with. We went to Sto. Tomas, Mindanao which is about a 60-90 minute drive north east from Davao City. One thing that suprised me is that this area is fairly remote but the roads to get there were very good. Not like what we have here in terms of freeway, but like well maintained limited access highways.

The people we met there were very friendly.

I must say, Micmic and her family were wonderful hosts. They were amazingly attentive to our needs and generous with their time and resources.

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Mindanao has some of the most diverse environments in the phils. The highest mountain MT. APO, 2nd highest, Mt. Dulang and kitanglad range to name a few. Climbing in mindanao is quite an adventure, not only will you experience the highest peaks in the country but you will be able to experience the culture that surrounds it. In mount Dulang, before you climb, one is required to undergo some rituals to be conducted by the datu or chief before you are allowed to proceeed. sacrificing chickens to the mountain spirits and bathing in a water fall as a form of " spiritual cleansing". the people are nice and friendly. one of my personal favorites is Mt sumagaya and Mt. Lumot, loacated at claveria-ginoog mt ranges. great mountain with lush rain forests. along the way you get to visit the cebu pacific flight 387 monument. If you plan to climb any of these mountains. be prepared for a lifetime indelible experience!!!

Equipment: before attempting to climb, prepare yourself mentally and Physically. it is a rigorous journey and dangerous as well. So first thing to do is contact an experienced mountain guide. make sure you purchase/acquire the necessary mountaineering equipment and do a lot of research regarding basic mountaineering.