Marawi City

Siyudad sa Marawi

The cultural heart of the Maranao people, situated on Lake Lanao's shores and known for its Islamic heritage, intricate woodcarving, and traditional craftsmanship. The city represents an important center of Muslim Filipino culture with fascinating architecture and local artisanal traditions.

Things to do

• Lake Lanao Scenic Cruise — Take a boat tour across the largest lake in Mindanao to experience the natural beauty surrounding Marawi and spot traditional Maranao fishing communities.
• Maranao Heritage Museum Visit — Explore intricate displays of traditional Maranao textiles, brass work, and historical artifacts that showcase the cultural identity of the region.
• Lanao Woodcarving Workshop — Observe master woodcarvers creating intricate geometric patterns and Islamic calligraphy on furniture and decorative pieces in their studios.
• Dansalan Falls Day Trip — Visit this scenic waterfall located south of the city, perfect for swimming and experiencing the lush natural landscape of the region.
• Local Brass and Brassware Market — Browse handcrafted brassware including lanterns, vases, and decorative pieces that are hallmarks of Maranao metalworking tradition.
• Islamic Architecture Tour — Walk through the city to observe the distinctive traditional Maranao house designs with their sloped roofs and ornamental wooden details.

Food to try

• Palataw — A savory sticky rice cake filled with sweetened mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves and traditionally eaten during special occasions and celebrations.
• Tinutuan — A hearty rice porridge cooked with meat broth, ginger, and local spices, often served with salted eggs and fish for breakfast or lunch.
• Maranao Amber — A golden-brown sticky dessert made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, and coconut milk, cut into squares and wrapped in wax paper.
• Piyanggang — Glutinous rice cakes with coconut and brown sugar filling, traditionally prepared for fiestas and wrapped in banana leaves.
• Grilled Freshwater Fish from Lake Lanao — Tilapia or other local fish caught from the lake, grilled whole and seasoned with salt and local herbs for an authentic lakeside dining experience.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Islamic Customs — Dress modestly, remove shoes when entering mosques or homes, and be mindful of prayer times when visiting or conducting business in the city.
• Learn Basic Maranao Greetings — Using simple phrases like 'Assalaamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) shows respect and is warmly received by the predominantly Muslim Maranao community.
• Engage with Artisans Respectfully — When visiting workshops or homes, ask permission before photographing craftspeople at work and be willing to purchase or appreciate their creations appropriately.
• Participate in Local Festivals — Attending celebrations like Marawi City Fiesta provides authentic insight into Maranao traditions, music, dance, and community values throughout the year.

Nearby

• Lake Lanao — 4 km
• Iligan City (Northern Mindanao) — 26 km
• Initao Protected Landscape (Northern Mindanao) — 52 km
• Cagayan de Oro City (Northern Mindanao) — 68 km