Mindanao, Philippines
Mindanao Loop
1,700 km across Mindanao's misty mountains,
waterfalls and untouched island beaches.
~1,700 km
Distance
14 days
Duration
Challenging
Difficulty
February 2025
Trip Date
The Mindanao Loop turned into an epic 1,700 km ride across the southernmost island of the Philippines, a raw, remote region still largely untouched by mass tourism. I went looking for real adventure and a deeper connection to local life, and that's exactly what I got. The route took me through misty mountains, crashing waterfalls, rivers clearer than any pool I've swum in, and paradisiacal beaches, both on the mainland and on the nearby islands of Siargao and Camiguin, which I reached easily by ferry. This eastern side of Mindanao also felt like the safest part of the island, far from the tensions in the west, and it gave me a kind of travel experience I don't think exists anywhere else in the country. I finished the whole loop in 14 days, though with more time I probably would have slowed down at a few stops.
The Route
This itinerary was intense, a full immersion packed into a short window since I didn't have unlimited days to spare. With more time, it's well worth taking it slower and resting up at a few of the stops along the way. Here's where I stopped:
Cagayan de Oro
Mindanao's second-largest city doesn't have any standout attractions, but it made a perfect starting point since flights from Manila are cheap and renting a bike or car there is easy.
Malaybalay
The capital of Bukidnon is a quiet mountain town surrounded by lush greenery, cool climate, stunning views. A must-stop on the way to Davao.
Davao City
Davao is the economic and commercial heart of Mindanao, and I used it as a base to visit the scenic [Island Garden City of Samal](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AajmWJ5N87dbFKau8). It also gave me a chance to recharge before heading into the island's eastern coast, where big-city comforts get harder to find.
Dahican
This coastal area is home to a beach famous for its waves, great for surfing and skimboarding. Little development, a laid-back vibe, and a fine place to relax by the ocean for a bit.
Baganga
Wilder and less developed than Dahican, this quiet seaside town has beautiful white-sand beaches. It also worked well as an overnight stop given the distances between destinations along this stretch.
Hinatuan
A small village, just right for a restful break after the ride from Baganga, and made even better by its proximity to the stunning [Enchanted River](https://maps.app.goo.gl/19HgfjYQnHwjn6A26), one of Mindanao's true highlights.
Britania
This stretch of coastline has plenty of guesthouses and turned out to be the ideal base for a fantastic island-hopping day among the untouched islets just offshore.
Tandag City
A medium-sized city close to Britania. Tandag doesn't have major attractions, but it was a practical stop to rest after a morning of island-hopping and before the long haul to Siargao.
Siargao
The most touristy spot in Mindanao, and a paradise for surfers and nature lovers. Development is mostly concentrated in the south, while the rest of the island keeps its wild charm. A perfect place to slow down for a few days after the action-packed stretch before it.
Surigao City
This port city made a convenient overnight stop after the long boat ride from Siargao, and a good place to rest before another full day on the road.
Camiguin
A small volcanic island full of authentic charm, surrounded by paradise islets and untouched nature. Best explored by scooter, and a great final stop before wrapping up the journey.
Cagayan de Oro→Malaybalay1
1Malaybalay→Davao2
Davao2
2Davao→Dahican3
3Dahican→Baganga4
4Baganga→Hinatuan5
5Hinatuan→Britania6
6Britania→Tandag City7
7Tandag City→Siargao8
Sunrise Drive to Surigao
Siargao8
Tropical Roads of Siargao
8Siargao→Surigao9
9Surigao→Camiguin10
Coastal Road into Camiguin
Camiguin10
10Camiguin→Cagayan de Oro
Fourteen days, roughly 1,700 km, and a side of the Philippines that still feels wonderfully raw and untouched by mass tourism — misty mountains, waterfalls, and island-hopping days I won't forget anytime soon.
Trip Info