Mindanao: From Samal to Surallah by Ronald De Jong

Mindanao: From Samal to Surallah by Ronald De Jong

Journey through an island less traveled with a man who knows it well. Ronald de Jong has steeped himself in the cultural and geographical diversity of Mindanao, traveling off the highway and into the farthest corners of one of the largest islands in the Philippines. From whitewater rafting to white sand beaches, from waterfalls to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, Ronald has been there, done that, and he wants the rest of the world to enjoy it all with him.

Guiding his readers down a 200-mile stretch of the Maharlika Highway, Ronald covers almost every inch of the way while giving tips on local etiquette and customs, street food and table manners. In his company, travelers learn how to choose between the many versions of public transportation, where to load minutes on their cell phones, and why everyone wears flip-flops. He gives as much information about the indigenous tribes of the region as he does about zip-lining, spelunking and mountaineering--and the spirit world of the local ghosts.

Cities and villages, malls and sari-sari stores, cockfights and karaoke are all vividly explained in Ronald's detailed, conversational text as well as illustrated beautifully in his lavish photographs. A professional photographer, he is generous with information that will help his readers capture the life that surrounds them, documenting and preserving memories rather than creating them.

Anybody who chooses Ronald de Jong as a traveling companion will find themselves living the lives of the Mindanao residents, as Ronald does himself. Explore, eat, visit, meet new friends in one of the most spectacular islands in Southeast Asia as you make your way through Mindanao: From Samal to Surallah.