Things To Do
in Marantao
Marantao is a rural municipality in Lanao del Sur perched along the Lake Lanao basin. It sits in the heartland of the Maranao people, where traditional crafts, Islamic heritage, and warm hospitality shape daily life. Though off the typical tourist trail, it offers intimate encounters with lakeside scenery, farm life, and local markets.
Visitors should be mindful of local customs and stay informed about current safety advisories when exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive at Marantao’s small airport or seaport, greeted by the scent of fresh palapa and warm smiles from a local guide. After settling into a traditional homestay or guesthouse, you sip on a cup of aromatic kapeng Barako while learning basic Maranao greetings. The rhythmic beat of kulintang instruments drifts through the air as you orient yourself to the town center.
You join a walking tour of the poblacion where you visit the small local museum showcasing Maranao artifacts and torogan architectural models. Locals share stories of ancestry and clan traditions while you sample sweet pastil rice packs from roadside vendors. The vivid colors of malong fabric draped across stalls create a tapestry of heritage around you.
At sunset, you gather for a welcome dinner featuring satti skewers and beef rendang, set on banana leaf-lined tables. A live kulintang ensemble plays beneath a canopy of bamboo lanterns, inviting guests to try the basic rhythms. The cool night breeze carries laughter as you recount your first impressions under a sky full of stars.
You board a traditional vinta boat at dawn and glide across the glassy expanse of Lake Lanao, watching fishermen cast nets in the soft morning light. The air is filled with the gentle lapping of water against the hull as you pass towering white peaks on the horizon. Local guides point out floating stilt houses and explain how families thrive on fish farming.
Docking at a small islet village, you step onto a network of wooden planks that connect stilted homes and colorful boats. Women demonstrate how to weave fish traps and prepare grilled milalayan fish over coconut husks. You taste freshly caught bangus marinated in local spices while exchanging smiles with village children.
As the sun dips low, you return to the main shore and sip sweet tubho juice on the deck of your guesthouse. The golden light reflects on the water as a kulintang melody drifts from a distant home. Cooling breezes carry the scent of river grass as you reflect on a day spent among the floating communities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🚌Local transport per ride (jeepney/van) | $0.5-1 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $20-40 |
| 🧭Guided day tour | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and hospitality
- Lakeside scenery and authentic experiences
- Affordable travel in a rural setting
- Limited tourist infrastructure in some areas
- Security advisories may affect access
- Long travel times from major cities
- "Assalamu alaikum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Wa alaikum salam" - Hello back / And upon you peace
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Kumusta kayo?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Marantao
Visit one of these nice places.
Silhouettes of minarets against a purple sky with Lake Lanao in the foreground.
Wide-angle views of the lake with fishing boats and distant hills, especially at sunrise.
Colorful stalls and candid street scenes offering rich textures and daily life.
Golden fields and thatched roofs along winding rural roads, ideal for landscapes.
Food in Marantao
Marantao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich beef soup simmered in burnt coconut milk and spices, a signature Maranao dish often served with rice.
Must-Try!
Chicken marinated and cooked in a sauce flavored with burnt coconut and peppers, yielding a dark, fragrant glaze.
Maranao-style grilled skewers served with sweet and spicy sauces and rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling center for fresh fish from Lake Lanao, coconuts, and seasonal produce; great for street snacks.
Larger markets with wider selection of tropical fruits, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public spaces; remove shoes when entering homes or certain places of worship if requested.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies or inside homes.
Respect prayer times and avoid loud activities near mosques during call-to-prayer; follow local customs during Ramadan.
Safety
Tipping in Marantao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in sit-down restaurants and by guides, typically 5-10% for good service; not always expected at markets.
Cash is widely accepted; cards may be limited in rural areas; have smaller bills for markets and taxis; mobile wallets are less common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season is generally sunny and warm, ideal for outdoor activities and lake visits; bring sun protection and water.
Expect heavy showers and higher humidity; plan extra travel time and use waterproof gear; post-rain light is good for photography.
Marantao at Night
Hiking in Marantao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails offering lake views and village scenery.
Rugged trails with forested sections and rewarding summit views; best with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Marantao by plane.
Main gateway to Northern Mindanao; about 120–200 km from Marantao; domestic flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Occasional domestic flights; check current operations and routes; access via road from Marantao.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in the area, known for rich culture, crafts, and Islam; commonly speak Maranao and Filipino/English.
Smaller communities including Iliganon and Tausug residents in the broader region; multilingual and hospitable.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns, with informal games on community courts and school leagues.
A traditional Southeast Asian sport frequently played in open spaces and school grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Marantao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist; choose vegetable stews, fried vegetables with rice, or salads; ask for no meat stock or fish sauce.