Things to do in Mindanao
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Ardent Hot Springs
Near the Katibawasan Falls are the lukewarm to hot Ardent Hot Springs; head out late in the afternoon when the air temperature has cooled down a bit. The big pool is emptied for cleaning on Wednesday and takes the best part of the day to refill. The springs are in a lush setting and get very busy on weekends.
reviewed
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Philippine Eagle Research & Nature Center
To view one of the largest eagles in the world (in terms of wing span), head to the Philippine Eagle Research & Nature Center, which is dedicated to conserving these endangered birds. Around 35 Philippine eagles (also known as monkey-eating eagles) are here, 20 of which were bred through artificial insemination. The camp is set in a pocket of native forest near Malagos, 36km north of Davao. There are enough wild birds flitting around to keep even the least avid birdwatcher happy – other species of eagles and animals also call the centre home. You can watch an informative video about eagles in the wild – there are about 500 in the Philippines – and the threats they are fac…
reviewed
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Malasag Eco-Tourism Village
Set in acres of botanical gardens with a small wildlife collection of butterflies, birds and deer, the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is a theme park of sorts, featuring tribal houses, a museum and an education centre. Locals who come here seem to enjoy themselves. There are camping, cottages (from P500), a swimming pool and a good restaurant. Take a jeepney to Cugman and get off at Malasag, then take a motorcycle up the hill to the eco-village. A taxi will cost about P250 one way.
reviewed
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Deep-Sea Fishing
Siargao is one of the few places in the country with organised deep-sea fishing; by all accounts it’s top-notch. Reeling in a 300lb sailfish isn’t uncommon – mahi-mahi and Spanish mackerel are also on the menu. The season lasts roughly from January to May. Contact Junior Gonzalez ([tel] 0920 772 8875), who also offers accommodation at his home in Pilar.
reviewed
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Cafe Laguna
Evocative of a romantic, whitewashed version of a colonial-era home, Cafe Laguna appears more upscale than it is. Uniformed waiters are at the ready and the menu is reasonably priced if you consider the paltry size of the dishes, including some of the grilled fish varieties. Sides such as mashed potatoes (enough for four) can round out a meal.
reviewed
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La Tegola
There’s no doubting La Tegola’s pretensions – the cheesy paintings of the Italian countryside, flowery tablecloths, the hovering manager. It’s an old-fashioned look, meant to convey ‘special night out’, however, the food, a wide variety of pizzas, pastas and meat dishes, is only average; the tagliatelle with duck can be recommended.
reviewed
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Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls is a beautiful clear stream of water dropping more than 70m to a plunge pool. You can swim and picnic here, though the facilities are basic. A special trip by jeepney or multicab from Mambajao will cost about P300 return; from the resorts around Agoho it’s about P350 return.
reviewed
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Luna Ristorante
Located on the main road in Yumbing, right after the turn-off for the Paras Beach Resort, is Luna Ristorante. It does excellent brick-oven pizza, especially a seafood version, and you can bring your laptop and spend the afternoon using the free wi-fi inside, or outside in the concrete gazebo.
reviewed
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Karachi Restaurant
This bare-bones restaurant provides a welcome shot of spicy Indian and Pakistani fare. The appetisers alone, especially the crispy samosas, are enough to stave off hunger while waiting and waiting for the generous meat and vegie dishes. Or simply come in for a yoghurt lassi, shake or flavoured hookah.
reviewed
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Reynadelrio
For truly golden Cagayan sunsets, nothing beats this out-of-commission river ferry docked a few blocks north of City Hall. Drinking and floating boats, especially those not going anywhere, go hand in hand, and seafood and Filipino fare (mains P180) mean you can make a long evening of it.
reviewed
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Rooftop Restaurant
The Rooftop Restaurant qualifies as the finest dining in Mambajao, as much for its pleasant 2nd-floor balcony overlooking the street as for the pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and Filipino standards served up. Wednesday night is an all-you-can-eat buffet.
reviewed
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Sentro 1850
Formerly one of the most stylish places to eat in the city, Sentro 1850 is now somewhat passé. It’s still a good option, however, serving a varied menu of Filipino, seafood and international dishes, such as baby back ribs, burgers and locally caught seafood.
reviewed
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Wave Cave
On the dirt road heading west out of GL towards the village of Malinau is the Wave Cave, a hang-out for local expats. The all-hardwood, open-air 2nd floor has a pool table and porch; there’s beer, shots (to P100) and a simple menu of food.
reviewed
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Butcher’s Best Barbeque
You’d think you were being interrogated considering the super-powered lighting in this strictly utilitarian barbecue joint; there’s dimmer and hotter outdoor seating as well. All diners enjoy super-cheap skewers of barbecued meat and rice.
reviewed
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Ramen Tei
For connoisseurs of Japanese ramen, the 33 varieties served at this attractive modern restaurant should be enough. Sushi, sashimi and tempura dishes are all part of an extensive menu; the set meals are especially good value.
reviewed
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Green Haven Vegetarian & Mongolian Restaurant
Like karaoke and a good night’s sleep, vegetarians and lovers of all-you-can-eat meat barbecues rarely mix. The rare bird indeed, this schizo restaurant has bright lights and family-style seating.
reviewed
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Club Mojo
Club Mojo has live music most nights of the week; has nominal cover charges. On the 2nd floor is Rolf’s Sports Bar, a generic version with several TVs and billiards.
reviewed
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Inilog Grill & Acoustic Bar
A small and dark place, singer-songwriter types and karaoke duos serenade small audiences here, where sometimes the musicians outnumber customers. Cheap beer and food, too.
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Hippie’s Surf Shop
Contact Hippie’s Surf Shop, around 50m from the Sagana Beach Resort, and Ocean 101 Beach Resort for surf lessons, board rental and to buy gear.
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Camiguin Island Grill
For inexpensive barbecue chicken and grilled fish and prawns, try the Camiguin Island Grill, out on the highway east of town.
reviewed
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T’boli Museum
The T’boli Museum is really nothing more than a small native-style house selling locally made handicrafts.
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Santo Niño Cold Spring
The Santo Niño Cold Spring is close to Catarman and several kilometres off the highway along a rough road.
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Dajon Restaurant Grill & Bar
Heading out of GL on the road to Dapa is this full-service modern restaurant with TV, usually playing sports.
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Fun Trips Travel & Tours
This is the only independent operation in Mambajao which arranges island tours and a variety of day trips.
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Pulse
Pulse, formerly Xcite, has live music most nights of the week; has nominal cover charges.
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