Two famous youtubers in the Philippines, a British guy ('Kumander Daot') and a Canadian (BecomingFilipino), have been living in Mindanao for years and they love it there! That tells a lot about Mindanao!
I live in Mindanao. I’m a foreigner. My Filipina wife and children live in Mindanao. I am more safe here than anywhere in the world! Don’t believe anything other people say! Especially governments!
100 percent safe in my eyes, My first overseas from Canada was Mindanao travelled about 1200 km in 10 days, never once saw anything remotely dangerous, However working in both Alberta and BC living in hotels I have seen enough stuff in 4 months to last me a lifetime. I even accidentally ran into a military checkpoint motorcycle, just grazed the handle bar with my car and scratched my rental, all I got was a laugh and high five from the military personnel.
Mindanao Island is not a Dangerous place as what some people are speculating...actually u can find lots of Beautiful scenery in Mindanao......the richest island of all the Philippines is Mindanao....❤
I think some parts of Mindanao like Sulu, Basilan or Tawi-Tawi and other Militant held territories might not be safe, but other than that, most parts of Mindanao are safe for tourists.
Even a place like Davao City which has the been called 'Safest City in Philippines" has had 7 documented terrorist bombings in the last 20 years, and the latest one was in 2016 at the night market in the middle of town and killed like 15 people and injured 100. People in places like Davao City have been brained washed by the local government to say it's a safe place. People who live in Philippines in places like Manila know it's not.
@@mitjed Many parts are not safe, even just near Davao City you have to watch yourself. Davao has had 7 documented terrorisitic bombings in the last 20 years.
I just returned from mindanao! I was in General Santos City, Koronadale, and went to Glan beach for a while. I'm kind of surprised to read that its "dangerous" there. The people were super friendly and there wasn't one time I felt unsafe or saw anything sketchy at all.
Im an elderly foreigner woman living in Cbidia on my own. It is called a very dangerous place and don't travel there by my government at all. Guess what it's not the people are kind. So everyone sensitive and offended by the title it is what givetents officially say. But it's people like Ben and myself that show the world there's good and bad everywhere. Mostly good.
If you stick to the Bisaya areas you will be fine, but if you go to the Muslim region, it's very dangerous, it's the same anywhere in Asia where Muslims are a minority like in Southern Thailand, and Western China.
Mindanao is a huge island. There are places in Mindanao that I would not recommend traveling to but that is not the whole island. A little bit of caution is required, and if the locals tell you to avoid an area take their advice. The same goes for any city in the USA, and most anywhere else in the world. My wife is from northern Mindanao and I have been there many times and had no problems. As a foreigner you will get more attention in some places because they don’t see many foreigners outside of Davao.
Hi Ben, My ex wife is from Iligan on the north coast just down from Cagayan. We spent a fair bit of time there, and although she and her family said never to go out on my own due to kidnappings of foreigners by extremists, I used to sneak out and go to a local bar in the evening and never had a problem, in fact I found the locals,, very friendly, especially when I got the beers in.
@@johnafrica7979 Hi John it is because of, and yes this is true MILF. Moro Islamic Liberation Front. You need to go back to the 1500s to see why Mindanao could be Muslim, but for now to keep it simple, MILF want a self controlled area of Mindanao (and probably all of it) free from the Manilla government, and as such a mini Muslim state. 95% of Pinoys are Catholic so this will not happen, so the fighting will carry on. Unlike the woke Governments of the West, Manilla will not concede and will fight for the massive majority of the lovely, kind, and hospitable people of all of the Philippine islands.
Peace is slowly but steadily gaining ground in Mindanao. It is a great place. So many stunning places and so rich in natural resources. Additionally, it is very strategic in terms of geopolitics in the region. More development projects and businesses are coming to Mindanao. It will be an economic powerhouse in the future.
Im from mindanao but our place is peaceful, it depends on what place are you in mindanao, ask Becoming Pilipino blogger, he is the living proof of how safe or not to live in mindanao. Keep safe always...
It totally depends where on Mindanao you go. I was there a lot in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The situation of danger always requires fresh research like the ones regardning visas and other travel related things. It seems a lot safer now then when I was there. Been all over except for the Zamboanga region which was a no go area back then. Sulu region too. I want to add that I have travelled all over the Philippines, from north Luzon down to south of General Santos and Mindanao was the place I liked the most!
SIARGAO IS PART OF MINDANAO ..LOL .8 MILES FROM HOME FAMILY THEY TRAVELLED TO MAINLAND MINDANAO TWICE BEFORE.., PADDY DOYLE HE JUST BEEN TO DAVAO....LOL..😂😂😂
I was born and raise in Mindanao. It is a very big island with 27 provinces and 33 cities. It is not a dangerous place like you said. Only a handful of places were considered dangerous before. But now, Mindanao is peaceful. Don’t believe what the media says about Mindanao.
I would rather that oeople stay away from Mindanao so they will not abuse it like before when almost all rhe trees in the forests were cut off for logs!
Oh you guys went to Samal. It's a nice place. I'm from Davao, and Mindanao has a lot of wonderful places for you to visit. 1. Samal Island 2. Mati City 3. Enchanted River, Surigao 4. You can visit the mountain area in Buda, Davao 5. Bukidnon is also a must visit
I've been going to Mindanao since 1983. The most dangerous thing i've come across there is a room full of Huntsman spiders. Pushed my bed into the center of the room and spent the night with them.
As a Mindanaon, it hurts me to hear my island being tagged as dangerous island when in fact there's only a certain place in the whole island that is quite dangerous.
@@BackpackerBen because it's how the social media introduced our island to the people without even visiting here themselves. They only based on what they heard and knew.
Mismo @roderick. As a Mindaonaon makataas ug kilay ning uban utuber. Surely, they have researched before they visited the place that it is not dangerous but they choose the words that can get more views disregarding truth, facts and respect to the people in that place.
Exaggerated nga. I clicked to see if they went to the FORMER hot spots like basilan, sulu, tawi tawi and marawi. They went to Davao City, tagged the safest city in the country.
Go see..(Becoming Filipino)Canadian Vlogger ,He lives in Cateel & knows the area for years.Mindanao is very safe,if you do your research first where to go.👍🏾
An absolute legend of travel vloggers. Thank you Ben for the inspiration to create Drew's Travels, documenting province life in Southern Leyte, Philippines.
I'm from Mindanao but my place is not dangerous we have a lot of tourist spots which is safe and sound maybe it is just a history in the past that scared travellers but now it's getting crowded here
the word "albolaryo" or the Filipino traditional healer came from the Spanish word "herbolario" or herbalist. The concept of "albolaryo" has taken a more expansive definition in the Philippines to mean not only traditional healing by medicinal herbs but also healing of cases of humans that supposedly have been the victims of out of this worldly, dark and supernatural forces such as "encantos", "malignos", "duwendes" or dark spirits who have taken possession of a human body.
Went to Philippines for my first backpack travel. Was amazing. Probably ones of my bests travel with Belize. I realy enjoy this video. It reminds me so much goods memories. Keep the good work Ben and thank's you
I think the security in Mindanao is pretty safe and generally safe for travelers but you want to avoid the smaller remote islands off Jolo island in the province of Sulu where foreigners get abducted by Abu Sayyaf Islamist guerrillas for ransoms then that will be the end of Backpacker Ben videos.
I live in Davao Oriental same province with BecomingFilipino for 9 months and counting. All of my thoughts are wrong in the first impression! Mindanao is much safer than Manila. Come here to Mati City and I will show you how beautiful city we have :)
Which city in Mindanao is safest in Philippines? Davao? They have only had 7 documented terrorist bombings in the last 20 years. So you have been brained washed to say that.
Glad you are enjoying being on Mindanao. I enjoyed being there. Like I mentioned before, I stayed in a village not far from Pagadian. People were warm and friendly and the kids just like the kids you met. I guess it is because they are not used to seeing foreigners on their area, let alone a Westerner. Of course, you always have to be careful and the danger is always there, but it is nowhere near as bad as we are led to believe. Sadly the island has had problems with terrorism carried out by the likes of MILF. However, I can say with confidence that all the people you will meet will be friendly and helpful and you will have a positive and enjoyable experience while exploring Mindanao.
That was before, but not all parts of Mindanao, there were only few places, but now Mindanao is a safe place in fact there are many vloggers going in and out, if you are watching "becoming filipino kulas and kumander daot they are always visiting even the remote areas alone and the people are so welcoming, I hope foreign governments stop tagging Mindanao as a danger part for foreigners.
What is beautiful if the title is creating a bad image of Mindanao. Other will not even bother finish or watch the video. With damage already done. Mindanao is a big place and not dangerous.
My fiance is from Mindanao. I have visited there twice, and I believe the nicest people I have ever met on Earth are from the island. I never felt uncomfortable there once. It's an amazing island with beautiful landmarks and wonderful people. I am excited to go back. Great Video! I will watch the next one now.
To all comments saying that Mindanao isn’t dangerous and Ben shouldn’t spread false information, to be fair Mindanao is still in travel advisory, even up to this day. “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to: western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.” “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands) due to the threat of terrorism.” Source: UK Gov website In fact what this video is doing is promoting Mindanao and actually proves that it is absolutely safe. I don’t think it is putting the place in bad light, in fact it is doing the opposite. Thanks Ben for visiting Mindanao!
Welcome to Mindanao. I've been here for 6 months now and feel safe. Your right recently it's settled down from what it was thanks to the past president and the current.
Mindanao is not a dangerous place, actually Mindanao Island has many things to offer, from beaches especially in Siargao... Scuba diving... food and Mindanao are rich in culture.
I was in Mindanao two weeks ago and unless you go to the far south of the island it’s not a problem, we were there to visit my wife’s family had a great time this is my second time visiting .
Who says mindanao is dangerous? Mindanao as a whole is not dangerous, theres only remote places in mindanao that consider to be haven for rebels like Basilan island Zamboanga and sulu. but that was more common in the past. bandits rebels and terrorist are already dissappering, Im from Luzon Pampanga and even here in luzon bandits still do exist. mindanao is as safe as luzon, with only few places considere to be dangerous. and they are not hard to locate.
That was cool being on the Bridge of that Ferry 👍👍How Ben's travels have become educational, and seeing that computer shack and all those happy kids 😊😊Extremely dangerous place, NOT.
Thank you for showcasing our beautiful island of Mindanao to the world. Some travel advisory may be exaggerated. I tell you, you are traveling in a safe place.
Absolutely safe 🥳🥰 we were there for 8 days last March and we loved it. It was a pity because we didn’t stay longer. We went to visit our first cousins and family also our aunties that we haven’t met before. It was our first time to go to Mindanao, South Cotabato, General Santos and Davao City. We had a great time bonding with our relatives. Me and my hubby both permanently residing here in London with our family. Mindanao is a safe place, check point every border, went to DOLE Pineapple Plantation and it is beautiful scenery along the way. Lots of tropical fruits, name it they have it all. Don’t be afraid to visit Mindanao, land of opportunity and where the Mt. Apo highest volcano of the Philippines. We loved it and looking forward to go back in the near future. 🌺🌹🥳🎂👏
Hey Ben, does Bald ever talk about going to Little Diomede Island in Alaska to you? Told me ages ago it's on his bucket list, and being 3 miles from Russia it would be a fun video for him to reflect on previous russian videos and the fact he's not allowed to go there anymore. That would be awesome to see that trip.
Mindanao is the safest place in the Phils.. Your info about it is obsolete. Just like what other detractors are saying abt Manila, those fake news are the opposite of the truth. Philippines is one of the safest places on earth when compared to America. There are very few loose firearms here and drugs are under control control control.
You guys are in Davao... you'll be fine there. It's west of there to be leary of. Tell your subscribers the story of Marawi City....I believe a faction of Isis took over the city a few years ago....killed a bunch of people.
My husband was stationed in Belfast, & said the press at the time painted the whole of Northern Ireland as being dangerous when it was only one section of Belfast where the trouble was. Because of all the negative news he said people were scaremongered into missing out on seeing some truly incredible places. Great walkabout Ben & Harry👍
Don't worry sir ben, because Mindanao now is very peaceful, and you can fine many beautiful places 🤩 beautiful beaches, beautiful fall's and so kindly people's.
Hi Harry so you're here with a new companion...welcome back! Enjoy Samal island of paradise. You're on the wrong side of the famous samal island beach....just ask the locals...
I am an American living in the Philippines and traveling here since 2005. The US State Department sends me warnings every so often about the extreme dangers of being in the Philippines, especially Mindanao. As long as I have lived here in Davao City, I have not experienced any dangerous situations other than the "crazy" traffic. Being in Mindanao is like being anywhere else in the world. There are places you can be safe and there are places you shouldn't be. It is pretty obvious where those places are. In fact, I feel safter here in Davao City than almost anywhere else I have been in my world travels. I especially feel safter than any big city USA that I have either lived in or visited. One thing I wouldn't do is allow someone I just met to take me somewhere I don't know where I am going. Don't eat the street food or drink strange things. Meaning anything other than what you can buy in an established store. The foreigners that were kidnapped, went to a part of Mindanao that everyone knows to avoid.
To all haters… I used to live in Davao City for several years. I was even WALKING through some villages in the country and met extremely friendly and welcoming people. I am a German Citizen who lives now in the USA. I can tel you there are millions of other places in the world which are much more dangerous than Mindanao. (Look at LA ore Manchester) So put your arrogant prejudice where it belongs to. Enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the people of Mindanao with the respect, they deserve. If you can’t do that, don’t travel anywhere.
The linkup of the century! Started watching Harry bc of the Philippines vids and then watched Ben from Bald’s videos. Never thought I’d see Harry and Ben together now! 😄
Ben, love your work mate. You and Mr Jaggard together. Been watching Harry for a while as well. Awesome stuff. I absolutely pissed myself laughing at the start with that guy on the bike with that recording on his megaphone. I was crying. Great vid mate
Having originally hailed from Cavite in Luzon, I made the life-changing decision to move to Davao 12 years ago. Since then, I have embarked on numerous journeys throughout the beautiful landscape of Mindanao, yet I have been fortunate enough to never have encountered any insurgent or rebel activities. It is truly remarkable to witness the transformation that has taken place in the region over the past decade or two, as the prevailing atmosphere is now considerably more peaceful. While it is undeniable that news outlets often highlight instances of rebel groups and extremists, it is crucial to recognize that these occurrences are primarily isolated cases that are promptly brought under control. Mindanao, as a whole, can now be regarded as a bastion of tranquility and safety, particularly when compared with the bustling environment of Luzon.
Currently, traveling in Mindanao is safe. There are a lot of Westerners there, including Kyle Jenner, a well-known Canadian vlogger who is #Becoming Filipino. This is the issue with the way the Western media consistently portrays my nation as one of the most dangerous in Asia. You bought a Soya Bean Curd, caramelized with tapioca. Albularyo is a traditional healer or a Quack doctor in the Philippines.
The map you showed in the beginning is a bit old, Davao is considered as safe as the other parts of the Philippines (see travel advice of The Netherlands for example). It's the west part that is considered unsafe. So you'll be fine, traveled there myself several times.
Mindanao is safe, im from iligan city its located in northern mindanao and im here in manila right now, its more safe in iligan city than here in manila, and in the video you went in davao city tagged as the safest city in the philippines
Nice to see that you have visited my country and even going to Mindanao despite being advised by the UK government against all travel. I really believe that we should not base our perceptions on how the media portrays it. Best to go out there and see things for yourself and experience it firsthand.
appreciate your support on this one guys, all likes and comments help the video. I don't wanna risk my life for nothing 😬
Love your vids mate here in Aus. Keep cracking on mate! Great vids and helping with my travel plans. Get up to Sumatra. Great spot. See you in Oz!
We got you Ben! Everyone like the video 🙏🏼
@@justinm5972 cheers matey!!
Nice one ben, just in time for breakfast here in Bognor regis. Get me in the mood to face the town centre 😂
Jesus 😂 good luck
Two famous youtubers in the Philippines, a British guy ('Kumander Daot') and a Canadian (BecomingFilipino), have been living in Mindanao for years and they love it there! That tells a lot about Mindanao!
I love watching them so friendly, ❤
another one is "Kapitan Lobot"
I just saw becoming Filipino latest post, he is in Jolo Sulu, just wow! I am able to see the beauty of Jolo.
I just saw becoming Filipino latest post, he is in Jolo Sulu, just wow! I am able to see the beauty of Jolo.
Jelena Kopilec, Latvian lives in Samal Island with her 2 kids.
I live in Mindanao. I’m a foreigner. My Filipina wife and children live in Mindanao. I am more safe here than anywhere in the world! Don’t believe anything other people say! Especially governments!
100 percent safe in my eyes, My first overseas from Canada was Mindanao travelled about 1200 km in 10 days, never once saw anything remotely dangerous, However working in both Alberta and BC living in hotels I have seen enough stuff in 4 months to last me a lifetime. I even accidentally ran into a military checkpoint motorcycle, just grazed the handle bar with my car and scratched my rental, all I got was a laugh and high five from the military personnel.
Totally agree with you.
agree i also never felt unsafe it's more dangerous in the place where i live in France 😁
They are dangerous if you mess with them,but they are good and friendly when you are also good to them.
What about the bombing in Marawi…4 dead.
Mindanao Island is not a Dangerous place as what some people are speculating...actually u can find lots of Beautiful scenery in Mindanao......the richest island of all the Philippines is Mindanao....❤
I think some parts of Mindanao like Sulu, Basilan or Tawi-Tawi and other Militant held territories might not be safe, but other than that, most parts of Mindanao are safe for tourists.
Even a place like Davao City which has the been called 'Safest City in Philippines" has had 7 documented terrorist bombings in the last 20 years, and the latest one was in 2016 at the night market in the middle of town and killed like 15 people and injured 100. People in places like Davao City have been brained washed by the local government to say it's a safe place. People who live in Philippines in places like Manila know it's not.
@@mitjed Many parts are not safe, even just near Davao City you have to watch yourself. Davao has had 7 documented terrorisitic bombings in the last 20 years.
@@mitjed tawi tawi has been opened for tourist 5 years ago.
Clickbait title at the expense of the reputation of Mindanao. This vlogger is not good for the Philippines.
I just returned from mindanao! I was in General Santos City, Koronadale, and went to Glan beach for a while. I'm kind of surprised to read that its "dangerous" there. The people were super friendly and there wasn't one time I felt unsafe or saw anything sketchy at all.
My wife is from Koronadal, beautiful place.
Im an elderly foreigner woman living in Cbidia on my own. It is called a very dangerous place and don't travel there by my government at all. Guess what it's not the people are kind. So everyone sensitive and offended by the title it is what givetents officially say. But it's people like Ben and myself that show the world there's good and bad everywhere. Mostly good.
If you stick to the Bisaya areas you will be fine, but if you go to the Muslim region, it's very dangerous, it's the same anywhere in Asia where Muslims are a minority like in Southern Thailand, and Western China.
Welcome to Davao, much safer than Newport where I'm from 😁
And Plymouth 😆 where I’m from
@@BackpackerBen not ventured that far south, heard the Cornish are a bit dodgy 😁
We are a rare breed
EXACTLY...THESE BLOGGERS ARE BACK AGAIN IN PHILIPPINES TAKING A PISSED ABOUT MINDANAO
DON'T SUPPORT THESES BLOGGERS ESPECIALLY THIS CHANNEL
Mindanao is a huge island. There are places in Mindanao that I would not recommend traveling to but that is not the whole island. A little bit of caution is required, and if the locals tell you to avoid an area take their advice. The same goes for any city in the USA, and most anywhere else in the world. My wife is from northern Mindanao and I have been there many times and had no problems. As a foreigner you will get more attention in some places because they don’t see many foreigners outside of Davao.
Hi Ben, My ex wife is from Iligan on the north coast just down from Cagayan. We spent a fair bit of time there, and although she and her family said never to go out on my own due to kidnappings of foreigners by extremists, I used to sneak out and go to a local bar in the evening and never had a problem, in fact I found the locals,, very friendly, especially when I got the beers in.
good man, i felt totally safe there
Is it dangerous though? Why does it have this reputation
@@johnafrica7979 iligan is safe 😊
Hey im from iligan city but im here in manila right now, its more safe in iligan than here lol, just dont go southern mindanao jolo sulo
@@johnafrica7979 Hi John it is because of, and yes this is true MILF. Moro Islamic Liberation Front. You need to go back to the 1500s to see why Mindanao could be Muslim, but for now to keep it simple, MILF want a self controlled area of Mindanao (and probably all of it) free from the Manilla government, and as such a mini Muslim state. 95% of Pinoys are Catholic so this will not happen, so the fighting will carry on. Unlike the woke Governments of the West, Manilla will not concede and will fight for the massive majority of the lovely, kind, and hospitable people of all of the Philippine islands.
I hope your knee is feeling better mate! Im glad we showed everyone that Mindanao is not as dangerous as they say
Spot on 🫡 until the next adventure mate! 🔥
you guys should go to tondo and make mergim cringe more hahahaha
@@jaysonbayani3241 oh im going dont you worry 😂
Subbed your channel Harry. 👍🏼
@@harryjaggardtravel 😂😂😂
Peace is slowly but steadily gaining ground in Mindanao.
It is a great place. So many stunning places and so rich in natural resources. Additionally, it is very strategic in terms of geopolitics in the region.
More development projects and businesses are coming to Mindanao.
It will be an economic powerhouse in the future.
Im from mindanao but our place is peaceful, it depends on what place are you in mindanao, ask Becoming Pilipino blogger, he is the living proof of how safe or not to live in mindanao. Keep safe always...
In fact kyle is currently in Jolo a once dreaded place.
It totally depends where on Mindanao you go. I was there a lot in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The situation of danger always requires fresh research like the ones regardning visas and other travel related things. It seems a lot safer now then when I was there. Been all over except for the Zamboanga region which was a no go area back then. Sulu region too. I want to add that I have travelled all over the Philippines, from north Luzon down to south of General Santos and Mindanao was the place I liked the most!
agree
Mindanao is safe, just dont go southern mindanao jolo sulo or basilan
Zamboanga city is safe, many visitors come there and on island tours like Santa Cruz island and other places.
@@michaelmariano5903 I didn't say it is isn't safe now, you know that better than me. When I was travelling there it wasn't.
SIARGAO IS PART OF MINDANAO ..LOL .8 MILES FROM HOME FAMILY THEY TRAVELLED TO MAINLAND MINDANAO TWICE BEFORE.., PADDY DOYLE HE JUST BEEN TO DAVAO....LOL..😂😂😂
Holy Sh*t!!
You found Harry!?!?
Excellent mate!!
Not heard of Harry but I’ll check his page out 🎉
Yes Harry is Back After Almost 1 Year …. NOW HARRY FIND ALI 😂✌️
I was born and raise in Mindanao. It is a very big island with 27 provinces and 33 cities. It is not a dangerous place like you said. Only a handful of places were considered dangerous before. But now, Mindanao is peaceful. Don’t believe what the media says about Mindanao.
I would rather that oeople stay away from Mindanao so they will not abuse it like before when almost all rhe trees in the forests were cut off for logs!
Oh you guys went to Samal. It's a nice place. I'm from Davao, and Mindanao has a lot of wonderful places for you to visit.
1. Samal Island
2. Mati City
3. Enchanted River, Surigao
4. You can visit the mountain area in Buda, Davao
5. Bukidnon is also a must visit
I've been going to Mindanao since 1983. The most dangerous thing i've come across there is a room full of Huntsman spiders. Pushed my bed into the center of the room and spent the night with them.
As a Mindanaon, it hurts me to hear my island being tagged as dangerous island when in fact there's only a certain place in the whole island that is quite dangerous.
massive island and the whole place has the reputation for being dangerous, crazy
@@BackpackerBen because it's how the social media introduced our island to the people without even visiting here themselves. They only based on what they heard and knew.
It’s clickbait, sadly that’s how TH-cam works. Visiting the beautiful Mindanao doesn’t get as many clicks
Mismo @roderick. As a Mindaonaon makataas ug kilay ning uban utuber. Surely, they have researched before they visited the place that it is not dangerous but they choose the words that can get more views disregarding truth, facts and respect to the people in that place.
Exaggerated nga.
I clicked to see if they went to the FORMER hot spots like basilan, sulu, tawi tawi and marawi.
They went to Davao City, tagged the safest city in the country.
Go see..(Becoming Filipino)Canadian Vlogger ,He lives in Cateel & knows the area for years.Mindanao is very safe,if you do your research first where to go.👍🏾
The stuff you bought from the guy is call Taho which is soft tofu...you have to mix the caramel and the tofu and its so yummy and healthy
Was minging 😆
Taho is class
An absolute legend of travel vloggers. Thank you Ben for the inspiration to create Drew's Travels, documenting province life in Southern Leyte, Philippines.
Nice to see you with Harry 😅 looking forward to more uploads, great as always 😊
I'm from Mindanao but my place is not dangerous we have a lot of tourist spots which is safe and sound maybe it is just a history in the past that scared travellers but now it's getting crowded here
the word "albolaryo" or the Filipino traditional healer came from the Spanish word "herbolario" or herbalist. The concept of "albolaryo" has taken a more expansive definition in the Philippines to mean not only traditional healing by medicinal herbs but also healing of cases of humans that supposedly have been the victims of out of this worldly, dark and supernatural forces such as "encantos", "malignos", "duwendes" or dark spirits who have taken possession of a human body.
So true.
Went to Philippines for my first backpack travel. Was amazing. Probably ones of my bests travel with Belize. I realy enjoy this video. It reminds me so much goods memories. Keep the good work Ben and thank's you
Awesome to see Harry with u…..stay safe…New Zealand.
Visiting The Philippines Most Peaceful Island 🏝️. Mabuhay!
I love Mindanao and for sure ill go back many times there!
Harry is in good company, if I may so so Ben. 👌👌
I think the security in Mindanao is pretty safe and generally safe for travelers but you want to avoid the smaller remote islands off Jolo island in the province of Sulu where foreigners get abducted by Abu Sayyaf Islamist guerrillas for ransoms then that will be the end of Backpacker Ben videos.
Samal Island in Davao City had a couple of Canadians kidnapped and beheaded just a few years ago,
😂nicest way to put it
I love when Ben uploads
I live in Davao Oriental same province with BecomingFilipino for 9 months and counting. All of my thoughts are wrong in the first impression! Mindanao is much safer than Manila. Come here to Mati City and I will show you how beautiful city we have :)
Mindanao is not dangerous place. you can ask Becoming Filipino (Kulas) he already been to almost all of the places in Mindanao. it is very safe.
Nuff respect for your hustle.
Bless up 🙏🙏❤️
Watching from the land downunder Sydney NSW
I visited Butuan city and tge surrounding area as an inexperienced traveller and had no problems whatsoever. Its a beautiful island 🏝
We have a house in Betuan and l can say it's the quietest place I know
Ben where did you land I must of missed it.
Hi I moved from the UK back in 2008 and have lived here ever since never had any problems, most Filipinos are very happy to see foreigners here
Welcome to mindanao the beautiful place and clear beaches ,cotobato,tawitawi,and other places.
Hi Ben, Mindanao is safe, I’m from Koronadal city, South Cotabato is peaceful and a lot of beautiful tourist spots. 😊
Mindanao is safe, it has the safest city in the Philippines in it..... it's Jolo you need to be careful of!
Which city in Mindanao is safest in Philippines? Davao? They have only had 7 documented terrorist bombings in the last 20 years. So you have been brained washed to say that.
Glad you are enjoying being on Mindanao. I enjoyed being there. Like I mentioned before, I stayed in a village not far from Pagadian. People were warm and friendly and the kids just like the kids you met. I guess it is because they are not used to seeing foreigners on their area, let alone a Westerner.
Of course, you always have to be careful and the danger is always there, but it is nowhere near as bad as we are led to believe. Sadly the island has had problems with terrorism carried out by the likes of MILF.
However, I can say with confidence that all the people you will meet will be friendly and helpful and you will have a positive and enjoyable experience while exploring Mindanao.
That was before, but not all parts of Mindanao, there were only few places, but now Mindanao is a safe place in fact there are many vloggers going in and out, if you are watching "becoming filipino kulas and kumander daot they are always visiting even the remote areas alone and the people are so welcoming, I hope foreign governments stop tagging Mindanao as a danger part for foreigners.
I just saw becoming Filipino recent post in Jolo Sulu, its just amazing to see the beauty of Jolo through him.
Great Insight into Mindanao….On the bucket list, for sure….👏👏👏
Great video, Ben! I hope you were able to get into your hotel room, and that it doesn't smell of cheese! 👍🧀🇵🇭
What is beautiful if the title is creating a bad image of Mindanao. Other will not even bother finish or watch the video. With damage already done. Mindanao is a big place and not dangerous.
My fiance is from Mindanao. I have visited there twice, and I believe the nicest people I have ever met on Earth are from the island. I never felt uncomfortable there once. It's an amazing island with beautiful landmarks and wonderful people. I am excited to go back. Great Video! I will watch the next one now.
I recon watch Anselm's from Wales living in Davao- Mindanao for a bit decades now his Channel's name is Kumander Daot
Unreal people jumpin on ya for the vid title, you have showed this place in the best positive light and the people are so great
To all comments saying that Mindanao isn’t dangerous and Ben shouldn’t spread false information, to be fair Mindanao is still in travel advisory, even up to this day.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:
western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.”
“The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands) due to the threat of terrorism.”
Source: UK Gov website
In fact what this video is doing is promoting Mindanao and actually proves that it is absolutely safe. I don’t think it is putting the place in bad light, in fact it is doing the opposite.
Thanks Ben for visiting Mindanao!
I loved every second of this video well done Ben
Cheers my man!
Mindanao dangerous? That's old news. Nowadays, some schools in the USA are more dangerous.
exactly
Amazing content that inspired me to create a similar video for my own TH-cam channel. Keep motivating other content creators like myself. Love the 🇵🇭
Love your travels vids, get me in the mood to go out there! 😎
Good on you to show that what govs advised it’s not always true! 😎
Welcome to Mindanao. I've been here for 6 months now and feel safe. Your right recently it's settled down from what it was thanks to the past president and the current.
Well said. For some reason though it’s still recommended not to go 🤦🏼♂️
Last president paid them off so they would remain quiet.
We love and appreciate your videos, Ben! Safest travels to you and to beautiful Kat!
Mindanao is not a dangerous place, actually Mindanao Island has many things to offer, from beaches especially in Siargao... Scuba diving... food and Mindanao are rich in culture.
I was in Mindanao two weeks ago and unless you go to the far south of the island it’s not a problem, we were there to visit my wife’s family had a great time this is my second time visiting .
How’d you know what spunk tastes like? 😂
Good times, friendly people and plenty to see and do there mate. Should be a great mini series.
he shared a room with bald 😂
loooooool yeah i regret saying it like that
@@BackpackerBen 😂😂
@@BackpackerBen Ahhh, that was unfortunate.
New subscriber. Thank you for visiting the Philippines. Keep safe and best wishes.
Who says mindanao is dangerous? Mindanao as a whole is not dangerous, theres only remote places in mindanao that consider to be haven for rebels like Basilan island Zamboanga and sulu. but that was more common in the past. bandits rebels and terrorist are already dissappering, Im from Luzon Pampanga and even here in luzon bandits still do exist. mindanao is as safe as luzon, with only few places considere to be dangerous. and they are not hard to locate.
Enjoy watching you together with Harry on his video. Enjoy and keep safe
Aren't you going to visit your all-time BFF, Tim K? lol
That was cool being on the Bridge of that Ferry 👍👍How Ben's travels have become educational, and seeing that computer shack and all those happy kids 😊😊Extremely dangerous place, NOT.
The kids say "babalik kayo ha" means come back again.
Please follow airline regulations!! I am from Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. Born, raise and is working here. A very peaceful place.
Thank you for showcasing our beautiful island of Mindanao to the world. Some travel advisory may be exaggerated. I tell you, you are traveling
in a safe place.
Thanks Christina
Absolutely safe 🥳🥰 we were there for 8 days last March and we loved it. It was a pity because we didn’t stay longer. We went to visit our first cousins and family also our aunties that we haven’t met before. It was our first time to go to Mindanao, South Cotabato, General Santos and Davao City. We had a great time bonding with our relatives. Me and my hubby both permanently residing here in London with our family. Mindanao is a safe place, check point every border, went to DOLE Pineapple Plantation and it is beautiful scenery along the way. Lots of tropical fruits, name it they have it all. Don’t be afraid to visit Mindanao, land of opportunity and where the Mt. Apo highest volcano of the Philippines. We loved it and looking forward to go back in the near future. 🌺🌹🥳🎂👏
Hey Ben, does Bald ever talk about going to Little Diomede Island in Alaska to you? Told me ages ago it's on his bucket list, and being 3 miles from Russia it would be a fun video for him to reflect on previous russian videos and the fact he's not allowed to go there anymore. That would be awesome to see that trip.
Do it Ben 😀
He can't go to the us right now either
@@bh1567 God bless America!
Ben's videos are awesome
That was history sir... Now is so peaceful but of course you to have your due delligence anywhere you are...
Mindanao is the safest place in the Phils.. Your info about it is obsolete. Just like what other detractors are saying abt Manila, those fake news are the opposite of the truth. Philippines is one of the safest places on earth when compared to America. There are very few loose firearms here and drugs are under control control control.
cmon Ruby have a think now...
Uts good to see you with Harry I love his channel as much as I love your channel❤🇵🇭🇵🇭
You guys are in Davao... you'll be fine there. It's west of there to be leary of. Tell your subscribers the story of Marawi City....I believe a faction of Isis took over the city a few years ago....killed a bunch of people.
Killed a bunch of people, more like a full on war zone
My husband was stationed in Belfast, & said the press at the time painted the whole of Northern Ireland as being dangerous when it was only one section of Belfast where the trouble was. Because of all the negative news he said people were scaremongered into missing out on seeing some truly incredible places. Great walkabout Ben & Harry👍
This isn't dangerous... Come to Zermatt in Switzerland. haha. Nice video, cheers mate
Another great video Ben. You’ve been killing it this past year or so! I see a MrBald video is in the pipeline- looking forward to that 👍🏼
Cheers my man
Mindanao is the best place to visit. Specially the mountain and forests, and the waterfalls.
loved it!
Aww You're vlogging with Harry too. Take care both on the road. God bless. 👍
Samal island? There are many Russians living there actually there's a Russian community there with many Russian vloggers 😅
Great video!! You had me cracking up a few times!! 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for reminding us how great it is to be in the USA!
Don't worry sir ben, because Mindanao now is very peaceful, and you can fine many beautiful places 🤩 beautiful beaches, beautiful fall's and so kindly people's.
He knows it is peaceful.
Hi Harry so you're here with a new companion...welcome back! Enjoy Samal island of paradise. You're on the wrong side of the famous samal island beach....just ask the locals...
Yes!! Love harry!! just need luke and world nomac now hahaha
I am an American living in the Philippines and traveling here since 2005. The US State Department sends me warnings every so often about the extreme dangers of being in the Philippines, especially Mindanao. As long as I have lived here in Davao City, I have not experienced any dangerous situations other than the "crazy" traffic. Being in Mindanao is like being anywhere else in the world. There are places you can be safe and there are places you shouldn't be. It is pretty obvious where those places are. In fact, I feel safter here in Davao City than almost anywhere else I have been in my world travels. I especially feel safter than any big city USA that I have either lived in or visited. One thing I wouldn't do is allow someone I just met to take me somewhere I don't know where I am going. Don't eat the street food or drink strange things. Meaning anything other than what you can buy in an established store. The foreigners that were kidnapped, went to a part of Mindanao that everyone knows to avoid.
Welcome to Mindanao. I live here. It's peaceful. All people are friendly, can find delicious food and drinks everywhere
To all haters…
I used to live in Davao City for several years. I was even WALKING through some villages in the country and met extremely friendly and welcoming people. I am a German Citizen who lives now in the USA. I can tel you there are millions of other places in the world which are much more dangerous than Mindanao. (Look at LA ore Manchester)
So put your arrogant prejudice where it belongs to. Enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the people of Mindanao with the respect, they deserve. If you can’t do that, don’t travel anywhere.
The linkup of the century! Started watching Harry bc of the Philippines vids and then watched Ben from Bald’s videos. Never thought I’d see Harry and Ben together now! 😄
Fantastic travel. Thanks for the content!
Ben, love your work mate. You and Mr Jaggard together. Been watching Harry for a while as well. Awesome stuff. I absolutely pissed myself laughing at the start with that guy on the bike with that recording on his megaphone. I was crying. Great vid mate
British banter is best 👏🏼great to travel with Harry
Wow Hrry welcome back bro😊😊
hello ben just subscribed today saw you at harrys blog.ill pray for your safety and harry in mindanao take care always love from manila ✌👍😍🙏🙏🙏🇵🇭
Having originally hailed from Cavite in Luzon, I made the life-changing decision to move to Davao 12 years ago. Since then, I have embarked on numerous journeys throughout the beautiful landscape of Mindanao, yet I have been fortunate enough to never have encountered any insurgent or rebel activities. It is truly remarkable to witness the transformation that has taken place in the region over the past decade or two, as the prevailing atmosphere is now considerably more peaceful. While it is undeniable that news outlets often highlight instances of rebel groups and extremists, it is crucial to recognize that these occurrences are primarily isolated cases that are promptly brought under control. Mindanao, as a whole, can now be regarded as a bastion of tranquility and safety, particularly when compared with the bustling environment of Luzon.
good, a vlogger has finally arrived, subscribing to you ..hey you supposed to mix that drink
Currently, traveling in Mindanao is safe. There are a lot of Westerners there, including Kyle Jenner, a well-known Canadian vlogger who is #Becoming Filipino. This is the issue with the way the Western media consistently portrays my nation as one of the most dangerous in Asia. You bought a Soya Bean Curd, caramelized with tapioca. Albularyo is a traditional healer or a Quack doctor in the Philippines.
welcome☺️☺️ mindanao are all safe☺️☺️ just enjoy your journey all over mindanao❤❤
The map you showed in the beginning is a bit old, Davao is considered as safe as the other parts of the Philippines (see travel advice of The Netherlands for example). It's the west part that is considered unsafe. So you'll be fine, traveled there myself several times.
Great video! What lovely people there :)
Those days are over, enjoy your trip to Mindanao guys❤❤❤❤❤
You are literally in the safest city in the whole Philippines
Mindanao is safe, im from iligan city its located in northern mindanao and im here in manila right now, its more safe in iligan city than here in manila, and in the video you went in davao city tagged as the safest city in the philippines
Nice Alan Partridge reference on the ferry microphone!
Smell my cheese you mother!
Beautiful island,, watching from NZ 🇦🇺 sending my support.. Thank you,,
Nice to see that you have visited my country and even going to Mindanao despite being advised by the UK government against all travel. I really believe that we should not base our perceptions on how the media portrays it. Best to go out there and see things for yourself and experience it firsthand.