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
Binirayan Festival
The festival commemorates the landing of the Ten Bornean Datus in Panay
Island and became the first Malay settlers in the country.
Rafflesia
It is the largest and smelliest flower in the world. This rare plant
attracts insects using its foul odor in order to pollinate.
Mt. Madia-as
The highest point in Panay Island. The mountain rainforest serves as
sanctuary for Philippine spotted dears, cloud rats, rare orchids, and
the nomadic groups of Ati Negritas, the original tribal inhabitants
of the area.
White water Kayaking at Antique rivers
Malumpati and Tibiao rivers are ideal white water kayaking sites for
novice and veteran kayakers.
Bogasong Patadyong
This traditional colorful native fabric is manually weaved by the residents
of Bugasong. Its attractive ethnic design and colors makes them ideal
pasalubongs.
Cultural
St. Agustin High School
Location: Patonongon, Antique
Its building is a remodeled old Spanish convent near the site of the
ruins of the century-old Spanish church St. Agustin's run by Mill Hill
Missionaries
Man-made
La Granja and Binirayan Site
Location: San Jose, Antique
This sports complex has a grandstand and a library on a hillside. It
serves as the venue for cultural presentations and the site of the yearly
Binirayan Festival.
Liberty Park
Location: Mt. Agongon, Libertad
The area is a favored camping area for boy and girl scouts. It has a
commanding view of the town of Libertad against the vast expanse of
blue sea.
Natural
Mt. Madia-as
Location: Culasi, Antique
With an elevation of 2,117 meters above sea level, this mountain is
gifted with beautiful mountain scenery, different species of flora and
fauna, rare orchids, wild deer and boar, a lagoon and rain forest.
Tibiao River
Location: Tibiao, Antique
The river comes from Mt. Madia-as then plunges well over 1000m on its
short run to the ocean. There's about 23km of navigable water on the
river, but access to the upper section is difficult.
Malumpati River
Location: Pandan, Antique
It is a scenic river offering good still water for practicing and a
few mild rapids. an exceptionally scenic river offering good still water
for practicing and a few mild rapids
Palakopak Lake
Location: Brgy. Banbanan, San Remegio, Antique
This two inter-connecting lakes is abundant with freshwater fishes.
It is surrounded by green vegetation and still inhabited by endemic
wild animals. The area is ideal for camping and picnics.
Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
Location: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
This hidden paradise is ideal for picnic and swimming. There are three
waterfalls in the area with heights up to 150 ft. that are easily accessible.
Pula Waterfalls
Location: Pandan, Antique
From its name, the water that flows in the waterfalls is red-tinted.
This due to the marble deposits on the mountains.
Batbatan Island
Location: Culasi, Antique
It has natural coves, anchorages, and white sand beaches that are ideal
for beach lovers and scuba divers.
Religious
Sto. Nino Church
Location: Hamtic, Antique
The church rests on an elevation; above it are a convent and a bell
tower up which are winding steps among flowers.
San Jose Cathedral
Location: San Jose, Antique
It is easily identifiable with its bell tower, the highest in the province.
Sta. Rita Catholic Church
Location: Sibalom, Antique
The most famous religious icon in the church is the supine statue of
Sta. Rita here was a gift from the Augustinian sisters in Casica, Italy
Binirayan Festival
Place: San Jose, Antique
Date: December 27 - 29
The event commemorates the landing of the ten Malay datus at Malandog
Beach in Hamtic, Antique in the middle of the 13th century to set up
the first Malayan settlement or barangay in this country. The festival
is highlighted with colorful street parades, beach shows, plaza concerts,
beauty contest, and trade fair.
Council of Balabago Re-Enactment
Place: Balabago River, Culasi
Date: March 4 - 6
It is a re-enactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by
Datu Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and
renewal
