Motorcycle taxis – also known in Mindanao as “skylabs” I am trying to learn how to ride a motorbike, but realize that I will always be a pretender. The skylab captains of Mindanao are the true masters. It is humbling to observe the balance, technique and skill of these riders. A motorbike rigged up like […]
Hauling logs with motorbikes in Mindanao I just got back home from touring the island of Mindanao and came across this unusual sight. These motorbike drivers were hauling loads that might exceed a half ton at times. They carried a minimum of 6 logs per trip and often had an additional rider on the back […]
General Santos – Mindanao General Santos or “Gen San” is positioned on the edge of Sarangani Bay in southern Mindanao southwest of Davao. It is a world famous fish port where a majority of yellowfin tuna are auctioned off. It’s worth an experience to watch that sale but I didn’t make it this trip. This […]
Philippine Visa Run – Aleson Shipping Zamboanga to Sandakan As of this writing, the Philippine Immigration Department allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 16 months on a tourist visa. I decided to make the Sandakan, Malaysia trip from Zamboanga in Mindanao. I love being at sea so I drove down to […]
Lake Sebu Mindanao This scenic lake is up in the mountains, 20 kilometers off the main highway between Cotabato and General Santos in Mindanao. The smooth concrete road makes access easy for a weekend stay or a quick run for lunch. The T’boli people that live here have a rich cultural heritage and were famous […]
Sandakan Malaysia I spent a grand total of 4 hours as a tourist in Sandakan on the Island of Borneo. The idea of the visit was to get a new visa upon re-entering the Philippines at the seaport of Zamboanga in southern Mindanao. Borneo The boat trip from Zamboanga takes about 20 hours. The schedule […]
Pagadian Mindanao Pagadian has a unique character that appeals to me. It has a Dunkin Donuts, Jolibees, a Guisanos and all the other franchise stores that are found in any sizable city in the Philippines, but the blend of Catholic and Muslim people makes it appealing. If you head east on the road towards Cotabato […]
Climbing Mount Apo – Route starting from Agko Springs near Kidapawan, Mindanao. Climbing Mount Apo is a good workout. It’s not a technical climb, but don’t underestimate it. Take a good rain coat and a small tent because it rains a lot and gets very cold at night. Hypothermia could be a problem if you […]
Ozamis to Mukas ferry Daima Shipping Corporation Northwestern Mindanao – the short hop between Ozamis to Mukas by barge cuts about two hours travel time off a road trip driving the long way around the bay. I paid 56 pesos for a motorbike and driver. The trip is easy and quick and there is no […]
Philippines to Indonesia by boat – This run was a common trip 10 years ago but now in 2008 there is very little boat traffic between the two places. When the value of the rupiah plunged to around 15,000 to the USD it was not uncommon for merchants to haul goods between the 2 countries […]