Southern Mindanao is known for its stunning natural beauty and highly urbanized cities. For several years, the region has caught the eyes of tourists and travelers. The Davao region, in particular, has even proven to be one of the best places in the Philippines to live.

If you're in the market for a retreat away from the city, the region is a great place to start your adventure. In this article, learn more about the hidden tourist spots in Southern Mindanao. After this visual trip, you’ll surely get five more reasons to visit Davao region.

5 Hidden Tourist Spots in Southern Mindanao

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a laidback vacationer, you should visit Davao region. Everyone has a place in paradise, after all. Check out these five hidden gems of Southern Mindanao.

1. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the lesser-known tourist spots in the Davao region, located in Davao Oriental. It boasts a majestic pygmy forest and rich biodiversity, home to 1,380 plant and animal species, making it worthy of having Mindanao’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site title. Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park covers around 12.84 hectares. It includes an interpretation site, a museum, a research center, a hanging bridge, view decks, and a local cafe.

2. Aliwagwag Falls

Aliwagwag Falls is one of the hidden tourist spots in Mindanao that you should visit in your lifetime. It is located in the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape, a government-protected landscape in the Davao region. The place features an important bird and biodiversity area that is home to the world-renowned Philippine eagle, as well as several endemic bird species. The falls are named after the remote rural village where it is located. What’s more is that it is the country's highest waterfall, standing at 1,110 feet.

3. Cape of San Agustin

Another must-see hidden gem is the Cape of San Agustin, located between the City of Mati and the coastal town of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental. Locally known as Parola, the spot features a stunning view of the Celebes Sea and Davao Gulf, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vast sea horizon. A visit to Cape San Agustin is incomplete without taking a picture of its three historically-important lighthouses, with the oldest lighthouse built in 1938. Cape San Agustin is also said to play a vital and strategic role for the Americans and Japanese in World War II. Japanese shipwrecks lie in the area including a Japanese vessel called Gifu Maru and the 7,189-ton steamer Sagami Maru.

4. Dahican Beach

Dahican Beach may sound unfamiliar to you, but it’s one of the go-to places for surfers and skimboarders across the country. The public beach is located in Mati, Davao Oriental. Its crescent-shaped coastline can accommodate any interest, whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach adventure getaway or an action-packed one.

5. San Victor Island

This secluded three-hectare island is located at Brgy. San Victor in the coastal town of Baganga, Davao Oriental. The island is one of the lesser-known tourist spots and is perfect for those who want to avoid tourist-heavy areas. Staying overnight on the island is highly recommended. It has several spots safe for camping, as well as cottages that you can rent. A chapel stands in the middle of the island and it’s open to visitors and tourists. Because the island is not commercially developed, it has nothing much to offer except a great place for you to lounge, immerse in nature, and listen to the waves with friends.

Excited for These Hidden Tourist Spots in Southern Mindanao? Why Not Move Closer?

Invest in the simple pleasures of life. Enjoyed this little virtual trip across hidden tourist spots in Southern Mindanao? It’s not enough to simply visit Davao region. Give yourself the gift of solace when you move closer to these idyllic locations.

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