Lanao del Sur - En Route to the Islamic City of Marawi

I arrived early morning of September 16, 2011 in Ozamiz City Airport. From there, I took a tricycle going to the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal where I will take a bus going to Iligan City. To my surprise, the 10-minute ride from the airport to the transport terminal costs 60 pesos. Huwhat??? Considering that we are four in the tricycle and all of us paid the same amount? It's too expensive huh!

arriving at the airport
Anyway, I waited in the terminal until a bus bound for Cagayan De Oro City arrived.

IBJT in Ozamiz City
The bus went straight to Ozamiz City Port. At the gate, we were told to get off to pay for the terminal fee (3 PHP) and ferry ticket (25 PHP) bound for Mukas Port in Kolambugan, Lanao Del Norte. Don't forget to bring your bags as you will get on the bus again when you're already aboard the ferry boat.

Ozamiz City Port
terminal fee counter
Good thing I've done my research before going here so I basically have an idea what to do. We were directed inside the passenger terminal building and then to the ferry boat. Be sure to take the ferry bound for Mukas, so you won't end up somewhere else. Hehehe! While waiting for more passengers, I roamed around the ferry and took some photos of the ferry and the port.

passenger terminal building
Grand Pelican ferry
These ferries are used to cross Panguil Bay separating Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte. The Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) ferries transport passengers, trucks, buses, cars and goods across the bay.

loading the bus into the ferry
truck...
front view
Passengers are not allowed to stay inside the bus during the ferry (RORO) transfer that lasts for about 20 minutes. But be sure to ride again the bus 5-10 minutes before reaching Mukas Port so you will be sure to have a seat in the bus. Tip: Observe the other passengers, when you see them going down to the buses, follow them and ride any bus bound for Iligan or Cagayan De Oro.

view from the ferry going to Mukas
arriving at Mukas Port
On the bus, I paid the amount of 70 pesos and told the driver to drop me at the Southbound Terminal in Iligan City. Upon exiting Mukas Port, it went eastward through the national hi-way going to Cagayan de Oro City. We passed through the towns of Maigo, Bacolod, Kauswagan and Linamon in Lanao del Norte.

on our way to Iligan City

Along the way, you will notice that there are a number of police and military detachments; as well as personnel deployed on the road. Maybe for security purposes, but I must say that Lanao del Norte is relatively safe.

checkpoint
police detachment
You won't get bored as the view from the outside is absolutely breath-taking. The rolling hills and rice fields are the sights you shouldn't miss.

well paved national hi-way
rice fields
view from the bus
After about 1.5 hours, we reached the Southbound Bus and Jeepney Terminal in Iligan City. It caters trips to and from the cities of Marawi, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Dipolog and Zamboanga. There are also passenger vans and AUVs with trips to different towns of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

southbound terminal in Iligan City, (photo from here)
I waited for my friend, Sam, to arrive. I met her through another friend, Jerwin, and I'm glad she agreed that I could go with her as she goes to work in Marawi City. When she arrived, we took a jeepney bound for MSU (Mindanao State University), fare is 50 pesos and travel time is about an hour.

You know that you're already in Marawi City when you see too many streamers with congratulatory messages. They pass on good wishes to friends and family members for finishing college or for successfully passing civil service, board or bar exams.

Mindanao State Univesity, Marawi City
"Assalamu alaikum" ("Peace be with you")!
Welcome to the Islamic City of Marawi, Lanao del Sur!

This is a part of my trip to the cities of Marawi, Iligan and Ozamiz last September 16-18, 2011. Marawi City in Lanao del Sur is the 37th province on my list and a part my 10th solo trip. Discover the places I've been to, new friendships I've made and the experiences I gained in this quick visit to the Islamic City of Marawi.
Map By: Wikipedia	Enroute to the Islamic City of Marawi Strolling Around Mindanao State University, Marawi City An Enriching Tour at the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts Visiting King Faisal Mosque Marawi, Iligan and Ozamiz City - How To Get There, Accommodations, Transportation, Expenses, Itinerary and Contact Details