Here is your complete DIY travel guide to Lanao Del Norte tourist spots/destinations!
Lanao Del Norte may not be in the mainstream tourism map. But don’t let that stop you from visiting this rustic destination.
Home to hundreds of stunning waterfalls, Lanao Del Norte is a must-see especially if you’re into ecotourism destinations. It may not have white beaches ala Boracay but its vast and varied landscape hosts fascinating wonders that will surely gratify your quest for adventure, thrill, and fun.
If you’re planning to visit, here are the Lanao Del Norte tourist spots you should not miss. Take note.
Most of these are off-beaten destinations, meaning, they are not spoiled by the damaging impacts of mass tourism. You’ll feel like time is standing still when you get to see them.
Let’s go.
Behold Lanao Del Norte Tourist Spots
1. Mt. Inayawan
Mt. Inayawan is one of the protected Lanao Del Norte tourist spots. It has one of the last remaining forests in the province.
Home to endangered wildlife species like the Philippine Eagle, Mt. Inayawan is your ultimate spot for trekking, exploration, and adventure. A rich diversity of flora and fauna species await you.
- Location/Jump-off: Nunungan
2. Pagayawan Falls
Pagayawan Falls composes of three layers, each with unique features to offer. It has cold and crystal-clear waters to give you instant relief from the exhaustion of getting here. It is one of the emerging tourist spots in Bacolod, Lanao Del Norte.
- Location/Jump-off: Pangayawan, Bacolod
3. Lake Nunungan
Lake Nunungan sits on the foot of Mt Inayawan. It composes of three beautiful lakes surrounded by dense forests. It is one of the emerging Lanao Del Norte tourist spots. Here, you can go swimming and boating.
Enjoy the rustic sceneries that teem with wildlife species. You’re lucky if you chance on the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest species of flowers.
- Location/Jump-off: Nunungan
4. Maria Cristina Falls
Maria Cristina Falls is one of the top Lanao Del Norte tourist spots. You must have heard about it when you were in high school.
After all, it is one of the Philippines’ most documented tourist destinations. It cascades on the face of a massive cliff for more than 98 meters, spewing mists that will surely blow you away.
- Location/Jump-off: Iligan City
5. Pikalawag Public Beach
Pikalawag Public Beach may not be as appealing as Boracay Beach or those found in Coron and El Nido. But it’s still a good option for a tropical feel.
Watch how local fishermen make their daily living and have fun with the kids playing local sports. If you’re into snorkeling, don’t worry. The surrounding sea has a rich marine biodiversity.
6. Limunsudan Falls
Limunsudan Falls is a two-layered falls with a collective height of 870 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the Philippines. The first cascade alone is higher than Maria Cristina Falls. It is shared with the provinces of Bukidnon, and Lanao Del Sur.
- Location/Jump-off: Kamalamalahan, Rogongon, Iligan City
- Trekking Time: 2 days
7. Timoga Cold Springs
Timoga Cold Springs boasts of crystal-clear waters where you can have a healing bath. Verdant foliage grows around the spring. You’ll somehow feel like you are in paradise when you get here. It’s a perfect respite from the hustles and bustles of city life.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Timoga, Brgy Buru-an
8. LIDPA Subterranean River
LIDPA Subterranean River bores into a hill and runs an underground river with a total length of 100 meters. Enjoy navigating your way and catch sight of stunning rock formations inside. It is one of the potential tourist spots in Lanao Del Norte.
- Location/Jump-off: Along Junction of Bacolod National Highway, Munai
9. Dodiongan Falls
Dodiongan Falls is one of the most picturesque Lanao Del Norte tourist spots. It cascades on a cliff with a distinct color and design. Like twin bridal veils, Dodiongan Falls is your ultimate getaway for nature immersion.
- Location/Jump-off: Bonbonon
10. Mt Agad-Agad
Mt Agad-Agad rises to more than 1,600 feet, making it one of the highest points in Iligan area. While atop, visitors can catch a panoramic view of the surrounding city and the countryside. It is now a favorite camping and trekking site for both locals and tourists.
- Location/Jump-off: Iligan City
11. Kauswagan Boardwalk
If you want to catch a stunning view of the sunrise or sunset, take a walk at Kauswagan Boardwalk. It is, therefore, best to come here during the early morning or late afternoon. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the ravishing view of the sea.
12. Sta. Cruz Falls
Sta. Cruz Falls cascades like a huge curtain. It is often touted as the mini-Niagara Falls of Lanao Del Norte. Lush forests also surround it. Despite its incredible view, it is one of the least visited tourist spots in Lanao Del Norte. It takes a while of trekking on dense jungles and grasslands before reaching it.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan
13. La Libertad Lake
La Libertad Lake is just a 20-minute drive from the town center. Though it is just a small body of water, the locals properly manage it. It has crystal-clear waters.
Among the activities you can do here are swimming, pedal boating, aqua-cycling, kayaking, and others. Locals love coming here for family picnics or to just simply enjoy nature.
- Location/Jump-off: Kapatagan
14. Cathedral Falls
Cathedral Falls is one of the most frequented Lanao Del Norte tourist spots. It cascades on a beautiful cliff that has features resembling the pillars of a cathedral. Thus, it is named as such. Try jumping from one of the surrounding cliffs and have a rejuvenating swim.
- Location/Jump-off: Kapatagan
15. Dapit-Alim
Dapit-Alim is a man-made park covering more than 50 hectares. It overlooks Panguil Bay and offers a majestic view of Mt. Malindang. Locals love coming here because of the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal site for relaxation or soul searching.
- Location/Jump-off: Tubod/Kolambugan
16. BALO-I River
BALO-I River grabbed the 2001 Regional Winner of the Gawad ng Pangulo sa Kapaligiran. That’s because of its pristine condition, ranked as one of the cleanest rivers in Mindanao. It is now recognized as a top ecotourism priority site. Enjoy cruising along the river and glimpse of fascinating views.
- Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Balo-i
17. Provincial Ceramic Center
Visiting the Provincial Ceramic Center is a good opportunity if you want to learn how to make pots using clay. Clay abounds in the different municipalities of Lanao Del Norte, making it a viable industry for the local population.
18. Tinago Falls
Tinago Falls means the “hidden” falls. Locals named it that way because lush vegetation conceals the falls. But once you get near it, you’ll find yourself lost in amazement and awe at such majestic wonder. It has a height of more than 420 feet with a wide and very deep pool.
The crystal-blue water is irresistible that you can’t help but jump or dive for a swim. If you’re a non-swimmer, try one of their rafts and head into the base of Tinago Falls.
- Location/Jump-off: Linamon
19. Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House
Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House is one of the historical tourist spots in Lanao Del Norte. It is considered a national heritage site. Here, you’ll find various materials and pictures especially depicting government papers.
20. Mimbalot Falls
Mimbalot Falls is another easily-accessible tourist spot you should see in Lanao Del Norte. Though not as high as the other waterfalls, it has its own charming features to offer. Enjoy the green scenery while you have a shower at the base of the waterfall.
- Location/Jump-off: Iligan City
For More Information
If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Lanao Del Norte tourist spots, do contact the Provincial Tourism Office via the following:
- Number: (063) 341 5467
- Facebook Page: Lanao Del Norte Tourism Office
- Address: Provincial Government Center, Pigcaragan, Tubod
