⌛ riding in mindanao, how (un)safe?

hello,
just got back from the loop panay,mindoro,luzon,samar,leyte,cebu and i guess im up for something more

so the next ride is a boat to CDO, surigao, coastal route via tandag,bislig, mati all the way down south to Davao and then straight back via maramag to CDO.

so how (un)safe is the above mentioned route?

appreciating your input

 

British Embassy!

:( BG, yesterday I posted about an e.mail I received from the British Embassy with regard to travel on Mindanao. They gave a NO GO advisory warning for South and South/West and a very cautious travel in the rest. Basically they were saying that escalating terrorist activities and abduction fears are on the increase, However if you post to ron 8917 or PM him I am sure he will tell you a lot about the safety issue there.


Jack P.

 

Well, I live in Mindanao, on the west side, north 28km of CDO. I personally would NOT ride the mountains from Davao to CDO.
Having lived here for over a year and having many friends and relatives here, I have been told by everyone that the road from CDO to Davao is not safe for foreigners to travel on a motor, in particular, or even in a Jeepney. Under the best conditions, it is a 5 hour trip through very desolate mountains. There have been numerous reports of bandits along the road stopping Jeepneys and robbing everyone and also many stories of foreigners having their motors taken from them and (if they are not hurt) having to walk to the next town. Not a good thing.
Just my opinion, but I do trust my local friends here for reliable information.

 

On the same token, I lived in Houston for 35 years. I would have never thought about riding my Harley SuperGlide into the housing projects of the 4th Ward at 10pm on a Saturday night.
Please take my advice......
Mindanao is very safe in many places and very dangerous in others. The route your talking about is a bad way to go. It is asking for trouble.
I have been told that if you are renting a motor, they do not allow you to go there (they don't want to loose the motor).

 

hm

thanks for the information gents and it is nice to hear the honest opinion of a kano living there knowing many people

so by assuming it is - relatively - safe to ride down south the eastern coastal road, how about returning to CDO via the national highway from davao via tagum to prosperidad, butuan, CDO???

 

Much better choice. The National Highway around the north end of the island is relatively safe. A beautiful ride. Classic tropical island paradise views. No known terrorist. But always be alert and careful. Load up your pockets with one peso coins for the children when you stop.
Your only problems should be the traffic (insane) in Butaan and CDO.
Ride safe.

 

thanks a lot Ronv8917, at least some loop i can ride

 

The north loop you should enjoy. Only two dangers are the motorized sikads (as everywhere else) and the d*mn big yellow buses that run everyone off the road at high speeds. But these are just normal driving in phils.
When you get to CDO, go to LimKetKai Mall, a few minutes off of the highway. There is a Starbucks, but go past it one block and on the right is Bo's Coffee. Same as Starbucks with a full service kitchen and lower prices. Lounge chairs and wi-fi included.
LimKetKai Mall is great. My wife's only complaint is that there are too many young girls there always making passes at foreign men (even me). But a nice mall.
Enjoy your ride and welcome to Mindanao.
All of the National Highway on our side of the island is next to the water with great views every minute.
Ride safe.

 

I think the road from Davao to CDO via Bukidnon is fairly safe . Took the bus last year , great trip. Might be different on a bike .

 

I was sitting on the porch last night talking with friends (locals) and I mention this thread to them. One replied "jungle drums" and the other just laughed. So I asked, of course. They said that when you start across the mountains on a motor or a foreigner in a car, the first village that you pass through will send text messages down the road to every other village to tell them that you are coming, who you are, what you look like and what you are driving. The bad guys also see these text messages and can "plan" for your arrival, should they decide to do so.
Everybody will know you are coming hours before you get there.
The modern high-tech version of jungle drums.