Mindanao is a wild and large volcanic island with excellent mountain climbing and quite a few offshore white sanded islands.

Mindanao, former known as Gran Molucas or Great Mollucas, is the most southern region of the Philippines. It is a huge largely unexplored area that is connected with Indonesia through the Celebes Sea. Davao City is particularly known for its excellent scuba diving and dive sites in nearby Samal Island and Talikud Islands. Other popular places for tourists are General Santos City, Butuan City with its Agusan River cruises and the small volcanic island of Camiguin. Camiguin Island is formed of seven volcanoes and offers excellent mountain climbs and interesting dive spots such as sunken cemetery. Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and many three to four day tracks can be arranged to hike to the summit. Unfortunately you should check your consulate as it is the only area in the Philippines where Muslim activist sometimes make trouble.