Awesome Places to Visit in Lanao del Norte

It's More Fun in the Philippines, No.1 for Fun!

PLACES TO VISIT IN
LANAO DEL NORTE

NOTE: Lanao del Sur is different from Lanao del Norte.

Along the coast of Mindanao Island in the Philippines, the province of Lanao del Norte is the industrial center of the Mindanao region. The area, which provides most of the region’s power through hydroelectric plants, is also an agricultural center, particularly in the cultivation of rice, coconut and aquaculture products. But Lanao del Norte is also an area that tourists seek out for its natural beauty. While the beaches here are surpassed by others in the Philippines, visitors can find inland places to see in this tiny region. Read More: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/tourist-spots-lanao-del-norte-philippines-62281.html

Agus River

Photo from: https://www.revolvy.com/page/Agus-River

Agus River is a river that flows for 36.5 kilometers (22.7 mi) from Lanao Lake to Iligan Bay, Philippines. It cuts through the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Settlements along the banks of the river include the City of Marawi, the Municipality of Linamon and the City of Iligan. It separates into two channels as it drains to Iligan Bay; one going over the Maria Cristina Falls while the other supplies the Tinago Falls. The river descends for about 2,200 feet (670 m) from its source as it flows for 21 miles (34 km) before draining to the sea. The river is relatively shallow as it is only 4 feet (1.2 m) deep in some areas. The Agus River’s watershed spans about 11,320.00 hectares. In 1992, the National Power Corporation financed the reforestation of the Lake Lanao-Agus River watershed, planting over 1500 hectares of Acacia mangium, Durio zibethinus and other indigenous trees. It has a discharge of about 10 cubic metres per second (350 cu ft/s) and flows from a narrow depression off the northwestern rim of the lake and flows over a basalt rock formation. The canyon carved by the river suggests a short erosional period. Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agus_River

Cathedral Falls

Photo from: http://www.travelingmorion.com/2015/10/lanao-del-norte-cathedral-falls-in.html

Cathedral Falls is easy to describe. It is because of its stone formation around the waterfalls, it resembles that of a Cathedral’s pillars that is why it was named Cathedral Falls. The stones are like the huge posts of a Cathedral, though they come in different shapes. It is also the boundary of the two Barangays of Kapatagan namely Barangay Cathedral Falls and Barangay Waterfalls.

I can say that Cathedral Falls is long been open to everybody however we can still say it is still a rare find by many. There are certain reasons making it not that attractive to tourists. One reason maybe, most of the tourists prefer to visit places not only for the view but for the activities around. For now, the local government is planning on the development of Cathedral Falls thereby making it attractive to tourists. Read More: http://www.findinghenru.com/cathedral-falls/

Dodiongan Falls

Photo from: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/water-forms/5638/explore-mindanao-9-incredible-waterfalls-south

The trail to Dodiongan Falls is pretty easy to negotiate; there were no steep hills to trek and no rocky boulders to climb and hop through. The only problem we faced, or at least the members of the group who were wearing trekking shoes, were the numerous river crossings we have to traverse. The water’s not really that deep; most don’t even reach our knees. The problem though is we have to take off our shoes every time we have to cross the stream that runs from the Dodiongan’s basin. Being the lazy person that I am, I forewent the arduous task of removing my shoes and putting them on again, I simply waded through, wet socks and all. Read More: https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2013/10/dodiongan-falls-iligan-city.html

Hindang Falls

Photo from: https://www.foureyedlaagan.com/2017/04/05/hindang-falls-waterfalls-iligan-city/

Hindang Falls is approximately 20km from the city proper and is accessible through Brgy. Hindang. The trail going to Hindang Falls is better than Tinago Falls. It was short with a 7-10mins trek and manageable trail. It also brings in a surprise factor as the trail weaves it’s way to a secluded part of the mountain and takes you to a small opening where Hindang Falls calmly sits.

The basin of the waterfall is quite wide enough for around 50 people to swim. The floor gets deeper towards the waterfall that I could not reach the bottom. I’m 163 cm by the way. The drop is narrow but is a bit concentrated and it stands around 15 ft tall. The water surely is cold, that’s how magical every waterfall is, but it’s not as icy as Tinago Falls and Mimbalut Falls (also in Iligan City). Read More: http://exploreiligan.blogspot.com/2011/08/waterfalls-paradise-more-beautiful.html

Iligan-Anahaw Ampitheater

Photo from: http://pagkalaagan.blogspot.com/2012/03/anahaw-amphitheater.html

Called as the “Jewel of Iligan”, the Iligan City Anahaw Amphitheater is the largest open amphitheater in Mindanao, it can hold as many as over 5000 people in a single event. It has been a venue to many events and will continue to be the ideal place to hold concerts, festivals and other functions. But well, talking about festivals, the biggest of them all is the Iligan’s annual Kasadya Street Dancing Showdown. Attended by many residents and visitors from neighboring towns, the amphitheater becomes alive. Read More: https://thepeculiardamselblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/22/iligan-city-the-city-of-majestic-falls/

Kalilangan Cold Spring

Photo from: http://wikimapia.org/33572660/Kalilangan-Cold-Spring-Pool

Kalilangan Cold Spring is located at Brgy. Kalilangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte. If you came from Iligan or Mukas, it is on the left side of the national highway of tubod, a road going to Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte. From Poblacion Tubod, estimated 10 minutes from the national high way there will be two way road you need to turn to the left, and after 8 minutes another two way road you need to turn to the right and you will see a signage “This way to Kalilangan Cold Spring” and after 5 minutes you will see another signage that welcome you to Kalilangan but you need to pass the 200 meters rough road and you are now ready to swim at the cold spring.

The water of Kalilangan Cold Spring comes from the natural source of water. The water is clean and cold, and you can see the water came from the big rocks. Read More: http://eknowledge-rj.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-place-to-refresh-kalilangan-cold.html

Kalubihon Falls

Photo from: https://www.inspirock.com/philippines/iligan/kalubihon-falls-a675909523

The unique thing about Kalubihon Falls is the trail to getting to it. Large boulders of limestone with it’s naturally curved surfaces made it as footholds for us. Inching your way up the boulders is a jagged limestone faced wall shaded by a light canopy of trees, and vegetation on the facade of this wall. We were excited to swim our way to the other side of this boulder to get to the enclosure where Kalubihon Falls is found.

Beneath that wall is a shyly gaping mouth hole. Hardly a cave. More like a small cavern of limestone walls filled with water. You have to crouch to reach the deep portion and swim towards the opening at the end. Fortunately, everyone in the group was up for it that it did not bother them how deep the water was. Or if the cavern-like passage had an eerie feel to it. It was dark, and the only light that you could make out is the one that slips from the opening at the other end. Should you not know how to swim, you can hold on to the stone walls near the opening. Read More: https://www.pinaytravelista.com/iligan-city-kalubihon-falls/

Limunsudan Falls

Photo from: http://trekkertrail.blogspot.com/2013/02/limunsudan-falls-highest-waterfall-in.html

Limunsudan Falls is a two-tiered waterfall situated in Sitio Limunsudan, Brgy. Rogongan, Iligan City. It is the second highest waterfall in the Philippines next to Aliwagwag Falls of Davao Oriental. The waterfall has a massive water drop of 870 feet with the lower part cascades higher than the Maria Cristina Falls.

It is just one of the many spectacular waterfalls that get little media attention. The reason for their seclusion is that they are hard to access or hidden upon several rainforest or watershed in topographic areas. Upon reaching one of these hidden waterfalls of Iligan, you will be amazed by its wonderful view. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Lanao-del-Nortes-Breathtaking-Limunsundan-Falls

Linamon Beach

Photo from: https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2013/09/linamon-mago-ong-beach-lanao-del-norte.html

Linamon Beach is in the eastern gateway to Lanao Del Norte. It is found at Linamon and considered as the “Beach Capital of Lanao del Norte”. Experience its fine beaches spanning almost the entire coastal area of the municipality comprised of 16 established beach resorts. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Best-of-Summer-in-Lanao-Del-Norte

Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral Homes

Photo from: https://pinaytravelaholic.wordpress.com/2013/07/

The most influential and popular historical landmark in the City of Iligan is the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House in Iligan City. The house boasts of its rich history and grand style of which two sitting presidents reside, the 9th President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Diosdado Macapagal, father of the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, former President, now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The house is made of wood and concrete cement. It was since donated by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the City Government of Iligan and has been a museum since. The National Historical Institute named it as a heritage house on August 14, 2002. The House was constructed in 1950.

The house itself is a fitting home for those whose lives were influential in a community like Iligan City. It is a two-storey house and hard wood made up the impressive the second floor of the house. The first floor housed the famous painting of then teen-aged Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and then the dining area as well as the lanai. The receiving area is spacious and gracious at its best. Read More: https://jt76.wordpress.com/tag/macaraeg-macapagal-ancestral-house/

Maria Christina Falls

Photo from: http://pongkoilah.blogspot.com/2014/04/idiots-travel-guide-maria-cristina-falls.html

One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, the Maria Cristina Falls is a natural landmark which Iligan City is very proud of. Its water flows from the Agus River and it is also harnessed as a source of electricity. It is also dubbed as the “twin falls” due to a large rock at the waterfall’s brink dividing the water flow. Its grandeur beauty is so captivating that it is a must-see attraction in Mindanao, especially if you’re in Iligan.

It is located in the National Power Corporation (Napocor) Nature Park at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Buru-un, and Dicutalan. It is 9.3 kilometers from the town proper and unlike the other falls, no trekking is required to see its beauty. Read More: http://www.tupanggala.com/maria-cristina-falls/

Maze Park and Resort

Photo from: https://www.inspirock.com/philippines/iligan/maze-park-and-resort-a874700287

Maze Park & Resort is a perfect place for nature lovers who appreciate the beauty of solace. 11 kilometers away from the city proper with an Olympic-size swimming pool and other pools with varying shapes and sizes, cottages, function hall, restaurant, botanical park and mini zoo.

From the City Proper, ride a Buru-un route, from there ride a motor or another vehicle that will take you to Maze Park. Read More: http://startitfromhere.blogspot.com/2009/06/maze-park-resort.html

Mimbalut Falls

Photo from: https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2013/10/mimbalot-falls-iligan-city.html

Mimbalot Falls or some spelled it as Mimbalut falls, perhaps because this is the name that has been registered in google map. Mimbalot Falls may not look like majestic comparing it to Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls, but its innate beauty where an endless water rushing from the upper side, and paving its way to the rocks downstream is very calming and stunning, that would definitely leave you in awe.

Moreover, it is located in Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, and it is approximately eleven (11) kilometers drive away from the city proper, and less than one (1) kilometer from the National Highway, or the drop off area going to the Falls. And, this is perhaps the reason why Mimbalot Falls has never failed to attract visitors because it is really accessible. Additionally, it owns an estimated height of around 90 feet of water drop and 18 feet wide facade, that owns a different perfect spot for water massage because of huge rocks around the place. Likewise, because of these huge rocks, you wouldn’t be seeing deep catching basin like any other waterfalls that you have been to. Perchance, this is what makes Mimbalot falls stands unique amongst the other waterfalls in the Philippines. Read More: https://thelittlelai.com/2019/05/21/mimbalot-falls-the-most-accessible-waterfall-in-iligan-city-lanao-del-norte-and-part-of-iligans-tourism-triangle/

Mt. Agad-Agad

Photo from: http://trekkertrail.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-hike-to-mount-agad-agad.html

Mt. Agad-Agad is located in Barangay Puga-an, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte with an estimated height of 1,600 feet above sea level. It is quite known to every mountain hikers and other adventurers since it is very accessible and good for an overnight camping.

Before reaching the foot of the mountain, we crossed the barangay’s hanging bridge which literally made my world spinning like crazy. I kept on capturing pictures even though it was extremely shaky. It was raining the night before we had our trekking so it was a bit slippery and the leaves were still wet. It was a good idea that I wore jogging pants and a bad idea for wearing a sweater with an inner sleeveless cloth.

Along the way, I heard the sound of falling water and minutes later, I saw a mini waterfall. We couldn’t go down to see it clearly, however, I was able to see it in a bird’s eye view. The water is crystal clear though it’s not good enough for a big splash and dip. Read More: https://www.bitlanders.com/blogs/trekking-experience-in-mount-agad-agad/6626959

Mt. Inayawan

Photo from: http://trekkertrail.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-majectic-mount-inayawan-and-lake.html

Mt. Inayawan is a mountain range located in the heart of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte – the biggest municipality of the province in terms of its area. It stands with an astonishing height of 1,535 meters (5,036 feet) above sea level. Alluringly, Mt. Inayawan is the heighest mountain in the province of Lanao del Norte. The mountain which also showcase a beautiful twin lake called Lake Nunungan offers the inhabitants a vast expanse of freshly abundant flora and fauna.

In Lanao del Norte, Mount Inayawan Range and Natural Park serves as the last forest mainstay and critical watershed area of its municipalities and people. Mount Inayawan Range covers an area of 3,986 hectares of which 3,120 hectares are protected and 866 hectares are buffer zone. Read More: http://trekkertrail.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-majectic-mount-inayawan-and-lake.html

NPC Nature’s Park

Photo from: https://www.inspirock.com/philippines/iligan/npc-natures-park-a7379999925

To make it even more attractive to tourists, the area surrounding Maria Cristina Falls was also developed. NPC Nature’s Park is now a family destination everyone can truly enjoy. It has amenities that caters to visitors of all ages. It has a viewing deck, mini-zoo, cottages, canteen, and adventure rides, among others.

Due to the strong current of Maria Cristina Falls, swimming is strictly prohibited in the area. But that would certainly not stop you from admiring the beauty and splendor of the waterfalls up close, right? Good thing NPC has a viewing deck at the third floor of the building. That’s as close as you could get without endangering your life. Read More: https://www.traveljams.com/2011/08/tourism-triangle-npc-natures-park-part.html

Pagayawan Falls

Photo from: https://nhrsblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/the-beautiful-pagayawan-falls/

Pagayawan waterfall is another masterpiece of Lanao Del Norte; so called as the waterfalls capital of the Philippines. Located in Barangay Pagayawan in the small town of Bacolod, Pagayawan Falls has taken the spots as another prospect tourism attraction that will be added to its natures epic collections of the province. Must visit this enchanting waterfall and have a chance to get a shot to one of the most beautiful and amazing waterfalls in the Island of Mindanao.

Pagayawan Falls is described as the less-visited waterfalls in the province by most travel articles I’ve read because of its challenging roads which are unpaved. But, that was before; roads are widely concreted now from the downtown Bacolod up to the view deck. Pagayawan falls is located in Barangay Pagayawan, the place is safe as I observed a military Camp base in the area. From the crossing, just take a 10 to 15-minute motorcycle ride to reach the waterfalls view deck. Of course, you need much time to walk down through the mouth once you are willing to experience to get closer to the waterfalls threshold. Read More: https://www.mangyantravel.com/2018/11/lanao-del-norte-enchanting-pagayawan.html

Paseo del Santiago

Photo from: https://www.mindanaoan.com/2016/04/new-iligan-tourist-spot-paseo-de-santiago/

Paseo De Santiago is a sea-front area with an open seating concept which offers an amazing view of the sunset at Iligan Bay. The place is very accessible and offers a spacious parking space.

Coming to this place is lovely. It creates a “me-time” feel with its comfortable hangout setting. Once you get there, you can be in your own world while enjoying the cool air, bonding with love ones, talking to friends, or setting a romantic mood while watching the sunset. Read More: https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Paseo-de-Santiago-A-new-spot-in-Iligan-City/td-p/1313349

Sta. Cruz Falls

Photo from: http://oryzaplace.blogspot.com/2015/07/sta-cruz-falls.html

Sta. Cruz Falls situated at outskirt area of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Municipality of Kapatagan, and Lanao Del Norte. Sta. Cruz Falls is featured as a close relative of Tinuy –an Falls of Surigao del Norte, They share the same structure which is block type falls. Block falls are known as waterfalls with minimal power distribution of river water from top to its natural pool below. Sta. Cruz is half of the size of Tinuy-an Falls. Its towering length is around 80-90 feet high from its peak down to is natural pool underneath.

Sta. Cruz falls is covered with its surrounding with evergreen vegetation with different plant and tree species. With a perfectly match different sizes of boulders scattered around the stunning falls Making it a perfect subject for panoramic photography and a striking instagram-worthy post. Read More: https://steemit.com/travel/@uwanderer/the-concealed-beauty-of-kapatagan-the-charming-sta-cruz-falls-chasing-waterfalls-lanao-del-norte-invasion

Timoga Cold Spring

Photo from: https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2013/10/timoga-springs-iligan-city.html

Timoga Springs is a group of springs located at Timoga-Buru-un, in Iligan City, Philippines. It is well known for icy-cool, crystal-clear springs that flow freely to swimming pools of different sizes. There are approximately five spring resorts along the highway, which is easily accessible by land to all locals and tourists.

The source of water of Timoga Springs comes from Lake Lanao in the only Islamic city in the Philippines–Marawi City, Lanao del Sur—which is 37 kilometers away. Lake Lanao waters come from a volcanic source, the lake being the crater of an extinct volcano. These waters are filtered underground in the Timoga, Buru-un area of Iligan, making it one of the richest source of fresh, high-pH, alkaline mineral water. Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timoga_Spring

Tinago Falls

Photo from: https://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Philippines/Central_Mindanao/Lanao_del_Norte/Iligan/photo1414503.htm

Tinago Falls is a waterfall on the Agus River, located in between the town of Linamon and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte in the northern Philippine island of Mindanao.^[1]^[2] It is one of the main tourist attractions of Iligan, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls.

Tinago is a Filipino term meaning “hidden”, the falls being hidden in a deep ravine. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase.

The falls is high, its very cold waters cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinago_Falls

Lanao del Norte and its Many Majestic Falls

Where is Lanao del Norte and How to Get There

Awesome Places to Visit in Lanao del Norte

Enjoy the Merry Festivals of Lanao del Norte

Having Fun in Lanao del Norte

Lanao del Norte Photo Gallery

Lanao del Norte Video Collection