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Lanao del Norte Wedding Destination

Lanao del Norte - Land of Beauty and Bounty

The province of Lanao del Norte is not a common tourist destination. But it has so much to offer that those who dared explore its hidden gems leave the province with memories they will treasure forever. For one, it is the only province in the country that has 22 scenic waterfalls, the most famous of which is Maria Cristina Falls.

Lanao del Norte also takes pride in their festivities which depict their rich culture, pay tribute to their heritage and highlight their local products. Among the notable festivals include Sagayan, Diyandi and Alimango Festival.

Demographics

1. Population - 846, 239 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 3, 824.8 sq. km
3. Capital - Tubod
4. Language/Dialect - Cebuano, Maranao, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

  • Iligan City (independent city)

Municipalities (22)

  • Bacolod
  • Baloi
  • Baroy
  • Kapatagan
  • Kauswagan
  • Kolambugan
  • Lala
  • Linamon
  • Magsaysay
  • Maigo
  • Matungao
  • Munai
  • Nunungan
  • Pantao Ragat
  • Pantar
  • Poona Piagapo
  • Salvador
  • Sapad
  • Sultan Naga Dimaporo (Karomatan)
  • Tagoloan
  • Tangcal
  • Tubod
Famous For ...

Maria Cristina Falls
It is Iligan City’s major landmark and generates 70% of Mindanao’s electricity.

Fort Almonte
It is the only historical tourist attraction in the province.

Sagayan Festival
A cultural event using as its base a Maranao dance performed during the Araw ng Lanao del Norte.

Diyandi Festival
This festival showcases the rich and varied cultural traditions of the province. It highlighted by the traditional Diyandi, Eskrima and the street drama.

Delectable Food
Sink your teeth in the famous dish in Iligan: the binaki, a grated young corn mixed with milk, then wrapped with fresh corncob and steamed. For the seafood lover, crabs in Lanao del Norte, particularly in Lala, are a must try.

Places of Interest

Cultural

Anahaw Open Amphitheater
Location: Buhanginan Hill, Iligan City
Probably the biggest open amphitheater in Mindanao. A beautiful site to view Iligan City, where children can romp around the playground. The road going to the top of the hill is a challenge and favorite destination for early morning exercise.

Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House
Location: Brgy. Buru-Buru, Iligan City
This was the former residence of former First Lady Dra. Evangeline Macaraeg – Macapagal, wife of former President Diosdado Macapacagal. Inside the two-storey residence are items and furniture used by the couple before President Macapagal assumed office in Malacañang.

Historical

Fort Almonte
Location: Brgy. Liangan East, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte
It was built in 1892 to serve as coastal defense point of the Spaniards during their reign. The only remaining part of the historical wall is a part of a wall that looks like a bastion.

Man-made

Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant
Location: Agus River, Iligan City
The power plant has a 200 MW potential capacity[4] supplied by a water flow of about 130 cubic meters per second.

Natural

Maria Cristina Falls
Location: Brgys. Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un. Iligan City
Also known as the “Mother of Industry” and “Fountainhead of Progress.” the 320-foot high is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It spews 130 cubic meters per second of water and the veritable source of industrial power in the city.

Tinago Falls
Location: Linamon, Lanao del Norte
As literally implied, it is hidden in deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin like pool, calm deep and icy cold. It has an elevation of approximately 420 ft.

Limunsudan Falls
Location: Brgy. Rogongong, Iligan City
It is the second tallest waterfalls with a total height of 870 feet. It is located close to the boundaries of Iligan, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur.

Dodiongan Falls
Location: Brgy. Bonbonon, Iligan City
It is a 65.60 ft. high falls cascading down a concrete-like boulder. It's tranquil, cool water and lush vegetation makes it a real haven for nature lovers. The pool at the foot of the falls is very ideal for swimming.

Mimbalut Falls
Location: Iligan City
It has a drop of approximately 90 feet high and is 18 ft. wide. It is very alluring with its naturally limpid water. It is a site to behold and provides an enjoyable swimming spot.

Cathedral Falls
Location: Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte
A sight to behold with its unique rock formations on three foregrounds. The rock formations resemble cathedral posts where it got its name.

Pagsayawan Falls
Location: Bacolod, Lanao del Norte
It has a tributary falls cascading beautifully onto a bed of volcanic rocks before it empties out to the main fall with an estimated 85 feet drop/height. These falls can be used as an alternative source of power having a potential of 14 megawatts.

Timoga Cold Springs (Buru-un Springs)
Location: Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City
Known for its pristine, cool and crystal clear waters freely flowing downstream towards several swimming pools. Shed, snack bars, cottages and food stalls are available.

Lidpa Subterranean River
Location: Munai, Lanao del Norte
The river bores into a hill and then runs underground for about 100 meters. It is compared to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River but in a modest scale.

Mount Agad-Agad
Location: Iligan City
Approximately 1,600 feet above sea level, considered as the highest mountain in Iligan City. It is safe for trekking, mountain climbing and camping. The hanging bridge connecting the main road and jump off point to the foot of the mountain is an experience in itself.

Mount Inayawan
Location: Nunungan, Lanao del Norte
An ideal sight for ecotourism l with a natural rainforest enriched with its biodiversity and wild life enhanced by the Maranao settlers of the area.

Hindang Falls and Cave
Location: Brgy. Hindang, Iligan City
This 40 ft. high two-tiered waterfalls with a lagoon is ideal for swimming. Other attractions include are the 6-8 cave clusters. Most caves have narrow entrance with long and deep chambers.

Festivals

Sagayan Festival
Place: Lanao del Norte
Date: July 3
Known as the Muslim War Dance, Sagayan depicts a war dance among the Maranaos that portrays masculinity. It is complemented by women wearing their colorful costumes dancing gracefully with a pronounced movement of their arms (known locally as “Kasiduratan”).

Diyandi Festival
Place: Iligan City
Date: September 1 - 27
Celebrated during the feast of Señor San Miguel or St. Michael, the Archangel, it is highlighted by three traditional dances. Diyandi is a dance performed by an all-female group before the patron saint. The dance depicts the courtship between a Maranao male and a Higaonon female and culminates into an offering of their union and bountiful harvest to St. Michael, the Archangel. Eskrima (skirmish or sword fight) is a dance simulating a fight between San Miguel and his enemies. The Yawa-yawa, literally, devil-devil, is a dance from depicting the celestial battle between the forces of good and evil as impersonated by St. Michael and Lucifer. Inside the St. Michael Cathedral, the officials of the government participate in the Pagpakanaug or the lowering of the patron saint. During the ritual, the city mayor receives the Patron Saint’s helmet; the congressman receives the spear; and the chief of police the San Miguel’s shield.

Sagingan Festival
Place: Tubod, Lanao del Norte
Date: October 17
A festivity held for thanksgiving on the towns’ harvests, particularly bananas. It is highlighted with a dance competition wherein participants in this event wears costumes made of Banana.

Hudyaka sa Lubi Festival (Coconut Festival)
Place: Linamon, Lanao del Norte
Date: January 23
It is a form of thanksgiving to coconut – sometimes dubbed as the “Tree of Life” – that is abundant in the locality, and thus a major source of income to the populace. On this day, residents dance in the streets with elaborate costumes made from the various parts of the coconut. The date coincides with the town’s founding anniversary

Alimango Festival
Place: Lala, Lanao del Norte
Date: March 22
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.

Learn More
How To Get There?

By Air-Land:
From Manila, take a flight to Cagayan de Oro City. From there, there are busses that travel to towns of Lanao del Norte or Iligan City. Traven from Cagayan de Oro City to Iligan City is one and a half hour.

By Sea-land:
Take a ferry bound for Cagayan de Oro City port either from Manila or Cebu. Once there, there are land transportation bound for Lanao del Norte or Iligan City.