Mindanao Island

Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas. Historically the island was also known as Gran Molucas or Great Mollucas.

Islands, islands everywhere - hundreds of them in the Mindanao Island group, of which the largest by far is "big dady" Mindanao at 97,500 sq km (37,500 sq mi). Once the seat of the Sultanate of Sulu, a Muslim state founded in the 15th century, Mindanao remains the centre of Islam in the Philippines, though it is now the island's minority religion.



Even so, the struggle to secure an independent Muslim state on the island has been taking place for centuries and continues to this day. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is a special self-governing area where most of the Islamic population lives, consisting of the Sulu Archipelago and two provinces on the mainland.


Mindanao is at once the most southerly and easterly point in the Philippines. The island has a unique character that makes it seem very different from the rest of the Philippines, resulting from its Muslim heritage and the dramatic mix of ethnic group. It is also a land of stark contrast between the modern and the traditional.


The thriving industrial centre that is Davao City certainly belongs to the 21st century, as do the many intensive agri-businesses producing commodities like pineapples and meat.

But once away from centres of population in the largely unspoiled back country, adventurous visitors will find themselves in a nature-lovers' paradise and be fascinated by the timeless way of life.





Rich flora and fauna, outstanding natural attractions, stunning coastline and islands, different ethnic communities with colourful festivals - all combine to make Mindanao a destination that is attracting a rapidly increasing number of tourists.

There is more than enough of Mindanao to go round, but despite awareness of the importance of eco-tourism, some of the new facilities will seem intrusive to those who prefer things just the way they were.

Travel Guidebooks in Philippines