Mindanao, the troubled southern island of Philippines is about 350,000 sq miles. It is the second largest of the Philippines Islands. The island coastline is a puzzle of numerous peninsulas and deep bays , and it has several mountain ranges, mainly running from north to south. Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, rises from the Central Cordillera to a height of 9,695 ft. Viewed on a map, the northern Mindanao looks like an index-finger poiting accusingly at the rest of the Philippines. At its tip lies Surigao City the capital of Surigao del Norte province. It is the principal transport and communications center of the whole region and thus the gateway to Mindanao.

Camiguin Island is a small island with an area of 116 sq miles has some magnificient scenery to offer. Seven volcanoes crowd together in the middle of the island. The highest of them all is Hibok-Hibok, at 4,370 ft is still active. It is beautiful and threatening , it looms up behind the small capital town of Mambajao which almost obliterated by a major eruption in 1951. The damage it did on that occasion was bad enough. The eruption was visible from 100miles away and at least 500 people lost their lives in the cloud of gas that descended into the valley.

Davao City located to the southern Mindanao region, has almost 900,000 inhabitants is the largest city in Mindanao and the second largest city in the Philippines. Founded in the 19th century as Nueva Vergara, this metropolis on the Gulf of Davao is in fact one of the most widespread cities in the world, though it is true that only a small part of its 940 sq mile area is built up, Like all other cities that have grown rapidly, the centre of Davao offers little interest. There is however a lovely fruit-market downtown.

Philippine Eagle Nature Centre, the rare and endangered Philippine Eagles, endemic to the forests of Philippines, makes its home in this nature centre. Spread over a vast forest reserve this centre is also home to a wide variety of indigenous plants and species. Davao’s year-round fair climate is conducive to the cultivation of orchids. The pride of Davao, the waling-waling, is endemic to the region. Its mother plant was discovered by a German scientist upon the slopes of Mt. Apo.

Today, the waling-waling and other hybrids are propagated in the many orchid farms scattered across the countryside. The most well know farms are Yuhico Orchids Gardens in Greenhills, Derling Worldwide Orchid Corporation in Dumoy and the Puentespina Orchids Garden.

Samal Island, is an unspoilt island across the strait due east from the mainland is secluded coves of white sand. Outlying islets shelter coral reefs pulsating with marine life.

The western part of Mindanao is shaped like a giant handle, only connected to North Mindanao by a narrow neck of land separating Pagadian Bay to the south from Panguil Bay to the north. The mountainous peninsula of Zamboanga, with the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur is the only densely populated along the coast.

Dakak Beach Resort which is well known is located at Zamboanga del Norte close to a little town called Dapitan City. It lies on a romantic bay between high clifts, is luxurious and well-organised. The diving is good here, while landlubbers can go pan for gold inlands. The homely rural surroundings guarantee a pleasant change of scene and a rest.