Islands of Mindanao, Philippines

Mindanao, the second largest islands of the Philippines, is a land of towring mosques and malong-clad women, where boldly-striped vintas ply the waters between houses perched precariuosly on stilts. Here, ethnic tribes weave glorious tales of brave warriors and haughty princesses into colorful tapestries and fabrics.

Mindanao is also a nature lover's paradise: Tiny Camiguin isle enchants with its white sand islands and volcanic chains. Zamboanga has pink sand beaches for beach-lover and rolling greens for the golf enthusiast. Davao's caves promise adventure for spelunkers; in this land of fruits and flowers, parklands are planted with groves of durian, rambutan and other exotic tropical fruit trees, intersperesed with tropical blooms and exotic orchids. Cotabato's pineapple plantations and Bukidnon's citrus farms delight with nature's freshest harvests.

The adventurous travel would probably wish to conquer Mindanao's vast mountain wilderness or explore the many forests and wildlife reserves. Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur is the country's highest peak. Climbers are trekkers will find on its slopes forests exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater lakes, swift flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls; and at itsbase, Mount Apo Science Foundation, an agricultural institutuin surrounded by woodlands ideal for bird-watching.