Marawi

Marawi is a Muslim-majority city in Lanao del Sur.

	WARNING: In late May 2017, Marawi was largely taken over by radical Islamicists, with armed & hooded men patrolling and ISIS flags being flown. Since then the government has declared martial law in all of Mindanao and sent many troops into Marawi. Reports are confused and details unclear, but the clashes since ended. The city remains in ruins, and military presence is high to assist residents who lost their homes.
	(Information last updated Sep 2018)

Lanao Lake

Understand

Marawi is a city that is situated on the shore of Lake Lanao. 99.6% of the city's population are Muslim.

Since the siege led by Muslim insurgents backed by the Islamic State, the city center remains in ruins, and rebuilding efforts are continuing.

Get in

Buses, jeepneys, and tricycles bound for Marawi are available in any parts of Lanao del Sur.

See

• Moncado Colony. Named in honor of Hilario Camino Moncado, a Filipino, leader, an organizer, author of books and lecturer of humanities. He graduated with honor at the age of nine at India College of Mystery and Psychics. Moncado monuments and wild animals monuments can be found here before the late Dr. Mahid Miraato Mutilan formerly a mayor of the city. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Lake Lanao. See the commanding majestic view of the Lake Lanao. The largest lake in Mindanao and one of the deepest in the Philippines. It is one of the 15 ancient lakes of the world. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts (Inside the Mindanao State University). A museum featuring the arts and culture of the Moro and Lumad people of the Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan region. It was opened in 1962 as the one-room University Museum, and the expanded museum opened in 1969. It touts itself as having the biggest Philippine Muslim collection in the country. Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the namesake of the museum, sponsored the construction of the museum building. free. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 King Faisal Mosque (King Faisal Masjid). The biggest mosque in the city. It is noted for following a color scheme of green, the traditional color in Islam and is associated by the Quran to the state of living of those in Paradise and its architectural details such as the metalwork pattern of its minaret, the painted petals on its dome and the name of "Allah" on top of its spires. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Capitol Mosque. One of the city's noted mosques. The beige place of worship is located within the Lanao del SurProvincial Capitol Complex. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Islamic Center of the Philippines Grand Mosque (Islamic Center of the Philippines Grand Masjid). (updated Jun 2017)

Do

• 🌍 Sacred Mountain National Park. Do hiking and birdwatching at the national park. The 94-hectare (230-acre) national park and protected area was established on August 5, 1965 by Republic Act no. 4190. The park is dominated by Mount Mupo, a 900-foot (270 m) tall extinct volcanic cone. See the small pond featured at the volcano's summit. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 MSU Golf Course (Inside the Mindanao State University). Do golf or relax at the MSU Golf Course, a 9-hole course laid out on the gentle greenery of Mindanao State University. (updated Jun 2017)

Eat

• 🌍 JECOs Cafe, ☎ [phone]. 10AM-8PM. One of the city's most known dining outlets located at the MCU Commercial Center. Serves various snacks and desserts. (updated Jun 2017)

Drink

Capitol Mosque

Alcohol is banned in the city.

Sleep

• 🌍 Marawi Resort Hotel (Ayala Resort), MSU Main Compound, Marawi 9700, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Marawi Resort Hotel is a cottage complex type of hotel located within the Main Compound of the Mindanao State University. (updated Jun 2017)

Stay healthy

• 🌍 Amai Pakpak Medical Center, 1119 Amai Pakpak Avenue, Barangay Datu Saber, e-mail: [e-mail]. the primary hospital in Marawi. It is managed by the government's Department of Health. (updated Jun 2017)

Respect

Since majority of the population are Muslim, one must take care to respect the Islamic traditions of the residents. Aside from alcohol, gambling is banned in the city. Doing karaoke in public is frowned upon and can be done in private. Also avoid consuming pork in public. Muslim women must also cover their head although it is not required for non-Muslims.

Go next

• Iligan