Marawi

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

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

In May 2017 Muslim insurgents backed by the Islamic State took over the city, and it was not until October that Philippine government forces took it back. There were a series of battles causing extensive damage, mainly in the city center, and as of early 2022 rebuilding is not yet complete.

By plane
The nearest airport with commercial flights is Laguindingan Airport between CDO and Iligan. The airports at Iligan and CDO have been closed to civilian flights since Laguindingan opened.

By bus
There are no buses, but there is frequent UV Express (minivans) connecting to nearby towns and Iligan. Buses run up to Iligan, where transfers to minivans are available.

See

 * Torogans and Sambitory Old Building: The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranao in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large "Torogans", antique, royal, high roofed, houses of Maranao with carving designs.
 * Beautiful rolling hills and mountains: They are found in Marawi City. Signal hill, Arumpac hill and Mt. Mupo are considered beautiful but mysterious places. Angoyao hills served as a natural watch over tower over the waters of the Lake Lanao. Mt. Mupo is known for its perfect cone shape as well as its virgin forests.
 * Bagang Beach is 2 meters away from the commercial site of the city. It is filled with rocks and boulders. Trees in the lakeside serves as benches and shades. Ideal for picnics and a nice place for boating and swimming because of the crystal clear water.
 * Torogans and Sambitory Old Building: The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranao in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large "Torogans", antique, royal, high roofed, houses of Maranao with carving designs.
 * Beautiful rolling hills and mountains: They are found in Marawi City. Signal hill, Arumpac hill and Mt. Mupo are considered beautiful but mysterious places. Angoyao hills served as a natural watch over tower over the waters of the Lake Lanao. Mt. Mupo is known for its perfect cone shape as well as its virgin forests.
 * Bagang Beach is 2 meters away from the commercial site of the city. It is filled with rocks and boulders. Trees in the lakeside serves as benches and shades. Ideal for picnics and a nice place for boating and swimming because of the crystal clear water.
 * Torogans and Sambitory Old Building: The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranao in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large "Torogans", antique, royal, high roofed, houses of Maranao with carving designs.
 * Beautiful rolling hills and mountains: They are found in Marawi City. Signal hill, Arumpac hill and Mt. Mupo are considered beautiful but mysterious places. Angoyao hills served as a natural watch over tower over the waters of the Lake Lanao. Mt. Mupo is known for its perfect cone shape as well as its virgin forests.
 * Bagang Beach is 2 meters away from the commercial site of the city. It is filled with rocks and boulders. Trees in the lakeside serves as benches and shades. Ideal for picnics and a nice place for boating and swimming because of the crystal clear water.

Drink
Alcohol is banned in the city.

Respect
Since the 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.

Marawi also has an ordinance where open shows of homosexuality are punishable with jail time.

Go next

 * Iligan