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Back to Marawi

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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines

Marawi

Visit Marawi for a day to see Lake Lanao and the mosques; stay 1 night if you want to explore the rebuilding city centre.

Marawi sits on Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur, a Muslim‑majority city still recovering from 2017 conflict. Main sights cluster near the university and the lake; a day covers the mosques and lake view, with an extra night for relaxed walking and a stay at the local resort hotel.

AbucayAgooAlaminos, LagunaAlaminosAlcalaAlegria, CebuAlona BeachAltavasAndaAngelesAngonoAntipoloAparriApo IslandMarawi200 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Philippines
Best months
Dec–May (dry season, cooler temperatures)
Avoid
Jun–Oct (rainy season, occasional security alerts)
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
PHP
Money
Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
Daily spend
Budget ₱1,200–₱1,800 excl. bed · Mid ₱1,800–₱2,600 excl. bed · High ₱2,600+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
Emergency
National emergency 911
Plugs
Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
Water
Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
Toilets
Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Coffee at a café₱30–₱60
Snack or dessert at JECOs Café₱50–₱120
UV‑Express minivan ride (city‑to‑airport)₱300–₱400
Entry to Aga Khan Museumfree

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

CGY · Laguindingan Airport
Nearest commercial airport, about 45 km (28 mi) north; transfers by UV‑Express minivan.

Typical fares

Laguindingan Airport → Marawi (UV‑Express)
about ₱350 per person, 45 km (28 mi) (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

UV‑Express minivans connect Marawi to Iligan and nearby towns; walk within the city centre and university area.

See and do

Known for

  • Lake Lanao
  • King Faisal Mosque
  • Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts
  • Torogans (traditional Maranao houses)
  • Bagang Beach

Day trips

WhereHowTime
IliganUV‑Express minivan, about 1 h 30 min≈2 h round trip

Sleep

Marawi Resort Hotel
Cottage‑style hotel inside Mindanao State University compound; suitable for 1 night.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
Excuse me / SorryPasensya napa‑sen‑sya na
Thank youSalamatsa‑la‑mat
How much?Tagpila?tag‑pi‑la
Where is the bathroom?Asa ang kasilyas?a‑sa ang ka‑si‑lyas
Can I have water?Pwede ko ba ng tubig?pwe‑de ko ba ng tu‑big

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
  • Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
  • Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
  • Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
  • Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass

Scams and watch-outs

  • Security: city still rebuilding after 2017 siege; check local advisories before travel.
  • Alcohol is prohibited citywide; no bars or liquor sales.
  • Some streets and buildings are under reconstruction; allow extra time for detours.

Marawi is generally safe for visitors who stay in well‑known areas and follow local guidance; avoid night travel outside the city centre.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Marawi yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Lake Lanao
  • King Faisal Mosque
  • Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts
  • Torogans (traditional Maranao houses)
  • Bagang Beach

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Marawi

Sa address na ito, paki

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

  • National emergency911

US consular services are in Iligan (check address); other nations use Manila embassy.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/marawi). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.