Lanao del Sur, Philippines

By James Barcelona

Tourist Attractions

Torogans and Sambitory old Building
The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranao in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large "Torogans", antique, royal, high roofed, houses of Maranao with carving designs.

Beautiful Rolling Hills and Mountains
They are found in Marawi City. Signal hill, Arumpac hill and Mt. Mupo are considered beautiful but mysterious places. 

Angoyao hills served as a natural watch over tower over the waters of the Lake Lanao. Mt. Mupo is known for its perfect cone shape as well as its virgin forests.

Lake Lanao in Marawi lies in the rolling terrain commanding majestic view of the fascinating Lake Lanao. 

The 2nd largest and deepest lake in the Philippines.

Agus River. Located in between Saduc and Lilod, Marawi City. It is considered as the swiftest river in the country. 

Its famous cataract is the Maria Cristina Falls, outlet of Lake Lanao to Illana Bay.

Lanao del Sur is one of the provinces of the Philippines and is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It forms the western portion of Northern Mindanao and is bounded on the north by Lanao del Norte, on the east by Bukidnon, on the west by Illana Bay, and on the south by Maguindanao and Cotabato. The province is subdivided into 39 municipalities and 1 city, Marawi which the capital. Marawi City is now the only chartered city in the country with predominantly Muslim population.

Lanao del Sur has a cool and pleasant climate characterized by even distribution of rainfall throughout the year, without a distinct summer season. It is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. It is outside the typhoon belt of the country. Mt. Butig is the highest peak which is located in the southern part of the province.

Lanao comes from the word ranao which means “lake” because the life of its people centers on Lake Lanao, the second largest and deepest lake in the Philippines which is found at the center of the province. Thus, Lanao is the land of the Maranaos, the “people of the lake.” Lake Lanao is one of the breathtakingly beautiful spots in the province. It is surrounded with myths and legends. Marawi City offers a magnificent view of the lake.

Because of its fertile agricultural lands and good typhoon-free climate, the province is ideal for high value commercial crops such as rubber, cacao, coffee, sweet corn and other fruits and vegetables. Goat and cattle raising have great potential not only for domestic consumption but also for export.

The native Maranaos of Lanao del Sur have fascinating culture which is best manifested in Marawi City by the presence of many large torogans, the Maranao houses, which are characterized by an antique royal high roof with curved designs. The Aga Khan Museum located within Mindanao State University stores Maranao and other Moro artifacts. It prides itself for its huge collection of indigenous art and cultural materials, ethnic music, native tools and weapons used by the Muslims.

The native wear of Maranao women is the malong which is worn as a shirt or dress, used to cover the head or as a blanket. It can be geometric, floral, violet, purple, green, red or yellow in color.