Marawi City
Introduction
Marawi is the capital of Lanao del Sur and is officially known as the Islamic City of Marawi. It sits in the province of Lanao del Sur in the Philippines, and its character is shaped by that Islamic identity.
Before you go
Before you go, understand that Marawi sits on the shore of Lake Lanao and is overwhelmingly Muslim in population. The city is still recovering from the 2017 siege, when Muslim insurgents backed by the Islamic State took over the city and Philippine government forces retook it only in October of that year; the battles caused extensive damage, mainly in the city center, and rebuilding was not yet complete as of early 2022. Expect parts of the center to remain damaged or under reconstruction, and plan around that reality rather than assuming a fully restored city.Getting there
Marawi has no commercial airport of its own. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which sits between Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. The airports at Iligan (IGN) and Cagayan de Oro have been closed to civilian flights since Laguindingan opened, so plan your arrival through Laguindingan.
By road, there are no buses serving Marawi directly. Instead, frequent UV Express minivans connect the city to nearby towns and to Iligan. If you are coming by bus, travel as far as Iligan, where you can transfer to a minivan for the rest of the journey.
Getting around
Getting around Marawi is entirely road-based, since the city has no rail, metro, or tram network. Minivans are the main workhorse: frequent UV Express services link Marawi with nearby towns and with Iligan, and tickets are generally bought on board or at the terminal rather than through any online pass system. Buses also run as far as Iligan, where you transfer to a minivan for the onward leg. If you are arriving from farther afield, the practical pattern is a bus to Iligan followed by a minivan for the final stretch into the city. Do not assume that app-based ride-hailing or metered taxis are available; rely instead on the minivan and bus connections, or arrange local transport through your accommodation.
Walking works for short trips within the commercial centre, and Bagang beach lies a short distance from it, within reach for a brief outing rather than a long trek. Beyond that, the terrain works against you: Marawi sits on the northern shore of Lake Lanao at roughly 700 metres, surrounded by mountains, rolling hills, and valleys, and the weather is warm and wet year-round with frequent heavy showers, so long walks are less comfortable than in a flatter, drier city. For anything longer, take motorised transport. Maranao is widely spoken, and many residents also speak Maguindanaon, Iranun, and/or Tagalog, which helps when asking directions or buying tickets. Because transport is informal and connections run through Iligan, allow generous time for transfers rather than counting on tightly scheduled departures, and ask locally about current conditions before heading to a particular district, as some areas may still be affected by the damage of the 2017 siege and ongoing reconstruction.
Where to stay
For accommodation in Marawi City, your main option is the Marawi Resort Hotel, also known as the Ayala Resort. It sits within the Main Compound of Mindanao State University, so you would be staying on campus grounds rather than in a separate commercial district. The hotel is a cottage complex, meaning your stay is arranged around individual cottage-style units rather than a conventional multi-storey building. Given how limited the choices are, it is worth arranging your room ahead of your trip.Food & drink
For food and drink in Marawi City, your options are limited. JECOs Cafe is one of the city's most known dining outlets, located at the MCU Commercial Center, and serves various snacks and desserts.
Note that alcohol is banned in the city, so plan accordingly.
What to see and do
In Marawi City you can take in commanding views of Lake Lanao, the largest lake in Mindanao and one of the deepest in the Philippines, counted among the ancient lakes of the world. Along the lakeshore at Bagang Beach, a short distance from the commercial centre, you'll find a rocky, boulder-strewn shore where trees serve as benches and shade — a spot suited to picnics, boating and swimming in the clear water. The city's Maranao character shows in its architecture: look for the large Torogans, antique royal houses with high roofs and carved designs, and the Sambitory Old Building. Moncado Colony, named for Hilario Camino Moncado, holds monuments alongside wild animal figures. Among the city's noted mosques are the King Faisal Mosque, the biggest in the city, distinguished by its green colour scheme and details such as the metalwork of its minaret, painted petals on its dome and the name of Allah atop its spires; the beige Capitol Mosque within the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Complex; and the Islamic Center of the Philippines Grand Mosque. Inside the Mindanao State University you'll find the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts, featuring the arts and culture of the Moro and Lumad peoples of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan, with indigenous art, recorded ethnic music, folk dances, native tools and weapons, and artistic house designs. For the outdoors, head to Sacred Mountain National Park, a protected area dominated by Mount Mupo, an extinct volcanic cone with a small pond at its summit — hiking and birdwatching are the things to do here. The city's rolling hills and mountains include Signal Hill, Arumpac Hill and Mount Mupo, the last known for its perfect cone shape and virgin forests, while Angoyao Hills served as a natural watchtower over the waters of Lake Lanao. If you'd rather take it easy, the MSU Golf Course inside Mindanao State University is a nine-hole course laid out on the university's greenery.Three days in Marawi City
Day one: Arrive via Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves Cagayan de Oro and Iligan (IGN). Instead of a direct connection, take a UV Express or minivan from Cagayan de Oro or Iligan; buses also run these routes. Once in Marawi City, settle in and walk the streets of the Islamic City to get your bearings. Expect a predominantly Muslim city in Lanao del Sur, with Maranao, Maguindanaon and Iranun communities; Tagalog is also spoken. Before anything else, take in Lake Lanao, the defining feature of the area.
Day two: Spend the day around Lake Lanao and the city itself. Marawi is known as the Islamic City of the Philippines, so focus on its Islamic character and the life of the lake. Walking is a good way to see the neighbourhoods and the waterfront. Because the city is in Lanao del Sur, the surrounding landscape and lakeside views are the main draw. Beyond the city centre, the lake remains the anchor of any visit.
Day three: Use your final day for a slower pass through Marawi City before heading out. Revisit Lake Lanao if you want a last look, then begin the return trip to Laguindingan Airport via Cagayan de Oro or Iligan. If you are getting onward transport, UV Express and minivans are the usual options, with buses as an alternative. Do allow time for the road journey, since the airport is not in Marawi itself.