If someone asked me how to travel by land from Manila to Mindanao, I’d probably say “Why not try hitchhiking on a giant sea turtle?” But if they weren’t up for that adventure, I’d tell them there are other options too.
Believe it or not, you can travel from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao without taking to the skies.
The secret lies in “roll-on, roll-off” (or Ro-Ro) ships.
These nifty ships will take you and your vehicle on a sea voyage to your destination, no flights required.
Not only is this option more affordable, but it’s also a great way to see the country up close and personal.
Just imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you tell them you rode a Ro-Ro ship instead of taking a plane like a mere mortal.
Here’s how to do it by land:
First, hop on a bus bound for the beautiful city of Cagayan de Oro.
As you travel through the scenic countryside, you’ll catch glimpses of lush green hills and stunning mountains in the distance.
Once you arrive in Cagayan de Oro, take a breather and savor the city’s delightful cuisine, from mouth-watering local delicacies to international flavors that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
Next up, hop on a bus or van to make your way to the charming city of Davao.
Be amazed by the majestic Mt.
Apo and the sprawling plantations along the way.
When you finally arrive in Davao, take time to explore the city’s bustling streets, delicious food scene, and friendly locals.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous durian fruit market, where you can try the spiky fruit that’s a favorite among locals.
Last but certainly not least, take a ferry or boat to reach the stunning island of Mindanao.
Be swept away by its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
The folks in the Visayas and Mindanao have been using this transportation for years, and it’s about time the rest of the country caught up.
So skip the expensive airlines and hop on a Ro-Ro ship for your next trip.
Who knows, you might even get to ride on the back of a sea turtle if you’re lucky.
(Note: please don’t actually try to hitchhike on a sea turtle.)
How to Travel by Land from manila to Mindanao
Leisure and business vehicles now travel on the same road.
It is of great benefit if you are traveling in your car.
Traveling in your car gives you the opportunity for flexibility.
You are not subjected to any tight schedule.
You can stop anywhere you like to relish the environment.
On the other hand, when you travel by road, you may not have the access to good accommodations and hotels.
You will get the most available accommodation spaces less comfortable, unless in big towns and cities.
Most times brave travelers make up for the inconveniences they had with discoveries and explorations they make during their road travel.
Taking a tour of the country?
Within the past 15 years, I took a tour of different islands in Manila.
The journey of Ro-Ro begins in southern Luzon and ends at places in the Visayas.
Moving from Bicol provinces to the islands of Samar and Leyte was the normal route.
Going through those two islands is the shortest road to the Visayas and Mindanao.
When you cross from Matnog, Sorsogon, in the region of Bicol, you will get to Samar.
Samar is linked to Leyte island by San Juanico bridge.
You can get to Surigao del Norte, a district in Mindanao by Ro-Ro, through the southernmost end of Leyte.
You can travel by Ro-Ro from western Leyte direct to Cebu or Bohol.
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My Manila to Mindanao Adventures
I traveled to Cebu through this route last year.
I later went to Negros island.
I took a tour of the cities of Negros Island, such as Dumaguete, sugar areas of Occidental Negros, and Bacolod.
From Bacolod I went over to Panay island, Iloilo, Aklan, and Capiz provinces.
The distance between Caticlan, Aklan, and Boracay is very short.
You can only get there by boat, and you have to park your car at Caticlan.
During the trip, l lodged at Quezon City, and the Batangas port is a two-hour drive from Quezon City where I lodged.
When I travel, I understand the difficulties and challenges of the economy.
I get fresh and important information to form options on the factors that help us progress as a nation or draw us back.
Through the many tours I have done across the country, I have come to understand the developments in the country.
Based on our limited knowledge, we always compare our country to other countries within a time frame and complain about the slow rate of progress we are making.
I want you to understand that our country is doing well.
We are making huge economic progress.
There have been records of increased public wealth accumulation in different regions of the country.
We now have a better and more durable national network of roads.
There has been significant improvement in our national road system and maintenance.
More provincial and rural roads are coming up, although their quality, length, and network need to be improved.
A lot of the roads are built across improving bridges, which is not good for the roads.
There is improvement in the finishing of our national roads.
There are now more asphalted roads than cemented road beds across our islands.
These roads are built according to international standards.
However, there are some bad areas on our roads.
Some of our roads are still poor and need to be upgraded.
They need to be given a good scale of improvement.
We have a lot of seaports through which we travel and do business.
However, some of these seaports are over-congested.
Presently, we have better-connected island nations than ever before.
Houses in our streets are now built with better building materials.
However, there are obvious differences in the living condition of families within the neighborhood.
I discovered that there is a shocking rate of poverty in some places.
Peoples living in these neighborhoods seem to have been left behind in economic improvement.
Generally, however, I saw that our nation is making long-term progress.
There is an increase in the availability of social amenities.
The development that gave me the most joy and hope is the spring up of public elementary schools in different corners of our country.
Some of the old elementary schools were repainted.
They now look beautiful like the public edifices they are.
I saw no student last summer I traveled by road.
However, I saw a lot of pupils going to school and going home from school during the time I traveled during the school season.
I was so inspired to see them in colorful uniforms.
Looking at them, I saw the future.
On the other hand, sometimes I get worried about the need for the creation of new jobs, and the development of public facilities as these children grow up.
FAQs
Can you travel to Mindanao by land?
Travelling by road and Ro-Ro to the Visayan islands and to Mindanao.
You can travel by road from Luzon to anywhere you want to get to in the larger islands of the Visayas and Mindanao.
You must not get there only by air.
Can you travel by land from Luzon to Mindanao?
You can travel by road from Luzon to Mindanao on board roll-on, roll-off, or Ro-Ro — ships as it is alternatively called.
It is better to travel by land than by air when you consider cost and direct routing.
How long does it take to get from Luzon to Mindanao?
The journey from Luzon to Mindanao takes about 7 hours and 52-minutes, including transfers.
Is it safe to travel by Ro-Ro ship?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to travel by Ro-Ro ship.
These ships are designed to carry vehicles and passengers and have safety measures in place to ensure a smooth and secure voyage.
However, as with any mode of transportation, it is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations.
How long does it take to travel from Manila to Mindanao by Ro-Ro ship?
A: The travel time varies depending on the route and the distance between the ports of departure and arrival.
Generally, it takes around 30 hours to travel from Manila to Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, and around 36 hours to travel from Manila to Davao.
How much does it cost to travel by Ro-Ro ship?
A: The cost of traveling by Ro-Ro ship varies depending on the route, the type of vehicle, and the class of accommodation.
Generally, it is more affordable than air travel, and you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pesos for a one-way trip.
Can I bring my pets on a Ro-Ro ship?
A: Yes, you can bring your pets on a Ro-Ro ship, but you will need to comply with certain requirements and regulations.
For example, you will need to present a health certificate and vaccination records, and your pet may need to be placed in a designated area during the voyage.
Q: What should I bring on a Ro-Ro ship?
A: It is recommended to bring essentials such as food, water, and personal hygiene items, as well as any necessary medications.
You may also want to bring entertainment such as books, games, or music, as well as comfortable clothing and bedding for overnight trips.
Additionally, it is important to bring your vehicle registration and other necessary documents if you are traveling with a car or motorcycle.
