Southern Mindanao

Southern Mindanao

Southern Mindanao is not a real common tourist destination at this time but there is a lot to see down there.

It is kind of a fascinating area with a different feel than other parts of the country.

Zamboanga is the transportation hub for the Sulu sea islands. Aleson ferry runs to Sandaakan in Sabah, Malaysiaat least once a week.

Other ferries go all the way up to Manila. Local boats take supplies and passengers to Jolo, Tawi Tawi, Basilan and other islands in the chain but really it’s not a good idea for tourists to go traipsing around right now because of the political situation.

Davao and General Santos have a thriving tuna industry and you can always get fresh fish in the markets.

The jaws have a lot of really good fresh meat on them and are for sale cheap.

It was common at one time for travelers to take passage on merchant ships to Bitung, Sulawasi from General Santos but they discontinued that run so people heading south to Manado usually fly.

The cost is around 120USD one way. (I have heard that the price jumped recently to 200 USD one way 300 return)

Manado is an official port of entry so most travelers can get a visa upon arrival there good for 30 days.

It is kind of cool to see these guys walking by with a tuna or a swordfish on their shoulder. The fish are kept on ice as much as possible to keep the quality up as it is a big factor in what price the fishermen get for their fish. Most of the top grade tuna is exported.

…gotta love the philippines