SOCCSKSARGEN – Exploring the Wonders of Region XII
Being one of Mindanao’s gems in the south, SOCCSKSARGEN has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. With a wide range of things to see and do in the region, from the mountain ranges of Sultan Kudarat, historic buildings and mosques of South Cotabato, and beautiful sunset beaches in Sarangani, Region XII is a paradise on its own. Here are some of the places I have been during my visit to my 52nd to 57th provinces on my personal quest for #Project82PH. SOCCSKSARGEN is next!
Read also: SOCCSKSARGEN Travel Guide
Places to See and Things to Do in SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
South Cotabato
General Santos City
- General Santos International Airport
This is the main gateway (by air) to the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. The biggest airport in the city, too, GES also shows a generous view of Mount Matutum. This is where several flights to Visayas and Manila are also found.
- Hayahay Hills Viewdeck
This cafe on top of Hayahay Hills is one of the most sought-after attractions in General Santos City. On a fine day, you get to see the General Santos Airport from afar and also of Mount Matutum. Day tour entrance in Hayahay Hills is at ₱ 20.00.
- Plaza Heneral Santos
Dedicated to the former governor of Lanao Provinces, General Paulino Santos is one key figure in the history of south-central Mindanao. He served as a Commanding General of the Philippine Army and also served as a Civilian Administrator under Manuel Quezon.
- General Santos City Hall
This is the seat of the government of General Santos City. It is located adjacent to the plaza and other government offices.
- Ellynes Pasalubong Market
Ellynes Pasalubong Market is only one of the few souvenir stores in GenSan. Here, you can buy local delicacies and crafts found and made in the city/region.
- General Santos Fish Port Complex
Visiting the GenSan Fish Port Complex is one of the highlights of our visit to General Santos City. Being dubbed the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” the city produces a large amount of tuna meat. There are also several marine products sold in the complex aside from tuna meat.
- Bulaong Bus Terminal
The Bulaong bus terminal is the main terminal that services the SOCCSKSARGEN regions, namely: the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Provinces, (North) Cotabato, Lanao Provinces, Davao, and Misamis Oriental. Here you can have options whether to ride a jeepney, van, or bus to your destination.
These are some of the places you can visit in South Cotabato, too!
- Albert Morrow Boulevard
- Queen Tuna Park
- Buntod Campground
- Glamp Peak View
- Hill VI
- Boombil’s Peak
- Baluan Balut Garden
Koronadal City
- Koronadal City Hall
This is the seat of government of the City of Koronadal. The city, too, is the administrative center of the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
- South Cotabato Provincial Capitol
This is the main office of the government of South Cotabato.
- Marbel Roundball (intersection / along the road)
This notable structural landmark stands prominently along the central business district of Koronadal City.
Lake Sebu
- Lake Sebu 7 Falls + Zipline
“Sebu” means “Lake” in the T’Boli dialect. Going to the municipality of Lake Sebu is surely not to be missed when visiting SOCCSKSARGEN Region. This is where the famous Lake Sebu and 7 Falls are found.
From Koronadal City (Marbel), take a van to Lake Sebu (₱ 100.00). We got kuya Eric Marabiles as our guide to the 7 Falls and zipline (you can e-mail me here to get his contact details).
Here are the names of the 7 falls found in the complex:
1st Falls – “Hikong Alu” – Passage
2nd Falls – “Hikong Bente” – Immeasurable
3rd Falls – “Hikong B’lebed” – Zigzag or Coil
4th Falls – “Hikong Lowig” – Booth
5th Falls – “Hikong Kefo-I” – Wild Flower
6th Falls – “Hikong Ukol” – Short
7th Falls – “Hikong Tonok” – Soil
- Lake Sebu Lotus Farm
One of the main highlights in Lake Sebu is their lotus farm where you can rent traditional T’Boli outfits (for around ₱ 200.00) and ride a wooden kayak (for ₱ 200.00) to take you to the middle of the lake full of floating lotus flowers. It is best to go to the Lotus Farm early in the morning because it is when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. It is advisable that you visit the place from 0600 – 1000 H.
- Punta Isla Lake Resort
This is one of the main resorts in Lake Sebu where you can get a generous view of the Lake. You can also spend the night in the area and experience their floating restaurant, too!
- T’Boli Museum
This is the showcase of the rich culture of the T’Boli Tribe of South Cotabato. Here, various artifacts and historical facts are shown for you to appreciate – from their iconic gangsa to their various T’Boli art and crafts.
- Falls 1 and Falls 2
Here are two of the seven falls that can be visited when exploring Lake Sebu. You can also rent traditional T’Boli outfits for your photo ops near the waterfalls!
1st – Hikong Alu – Passage
2nd – Hikong Bente – Immeasurable
- Lang Dulay T’Nalak Weaving Center
Lang Dulay is a T’Boli princess and was once the recipient of the National Living Treasure Award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She is credited for the preservation of the weaving of T’Nalak fabric and weaves patterns according to her dreams. The Manlilikha ng Bayan Center Workshop was named in her honor and lets visitors see how T’Nalak fabrics are made.
- Lake Sebu Landmark
This serves as a welcoming signage when visiting the municipality of Lake Sebu.
These are some of the places you can visit in South Cotabato, too!:
- South Cotabato Community Museum
- The Dreamweavers Hill
- Divine Mercy Shrine
- Evelandia Lake Vista
- Lake Holon
Sarangani
Alabel
- Sarangani Provincial Arch
The provincial arch of Sarangani is one of the famous borders in SOCCSKSARGEN because of its unique, simple design welcoming its visitors to the province. You can request your guide to take a pause and take a photo in the GenSan-Sarangani border.
- Sarangani Provincial Capitol
This is the main seat of government in the province of Sarangani. Since the province is divided into two, its strategic location in the capital municipality of Alabel is a good sign because of its proximity to General Santos City and its connection to the province of South Cotabato.
Glan
- Glan Public Terminal
This is the main transport hub in the municipality of Glan. Here you can get and hop off to trip to General Santos City, Koronadal and nearby cities and municipalities in Davao Region, too.
- Glan Municipal Hall + Glan Monument + Plaza Rizal
This trio of places is also a good tourist attraction in Glan. The municipal hall, Glan monument, and Plaza Rizal give a unique landscape to the rich history and culture of Glan.
- Glan Baywalk + We Love Glan Sign + Colonos Shrine
As Sarangani is also known for its white sand beaches, it is but appropriate to appreciate what Glan offers, through its Baywalk overlooking the Sarangani Bay. The Colonos Shrine is also an important landmark in Glan that commemorates the arrival of colonizers from Cebu who arrived in the municipality.
- Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort
This remote resort is found in the town of Glan facing the Sarangani Bay. Here, you can see the famous Sarangani sunset on its white sand beach. There is also a lagoon near Isla Jardin del Mar where you will get to see additional attractions soon!
These are some of the places you can visit in Sarangani, too!:
- Clemente Lapaz Ancestral House
- Maitum Water Tubing Adventure
Sultan Kudarat
Tacurong City
- City of Tacurong Roundball
This serves as the roundabout in the central business district of Tacurong City
Columbio
- Fekung Bula Columbio Ecological Park
Fekung Bula (Bubble Falls) is one of the best-kept secrets of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and of SOCCSKSARGEN. “Fekung” literally means “Falls” in the Blaan dialect. This twin, multi-tiered falls surprised me as it is reminiscent of Kaparkan Falls in Abra.
Read also: Kaparkan Falls: Abra’s Hideaway Gem
- La Palmera Ridge
La Palmera Ridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province of Sultan Kudarat. Upon reaching the place, you will get to see and pass through a lot of palm tree plantations (hence the name) and you will be rewarded with a nice view of the mountains of Columbio. There are several viewpoints in the area and there are also stalls where you can buy refreshments and food. You can also book a night in one of their kubo rooms! Entrance fee to the park is ₱ 100.00 per person and they are open daily from 0600 – 1800 H.
- Pangadilan Falls
This out of the normal falls is also a must-see in Sultan Kudarat. Also located in the municipality of Columbio, Pangadilan Falls boasts a beautiful cascade found in between rocks that form the falls and the river after it. You can also cliff jump in one area of the falls and busk in their for-rent cottages. The entrance fee to Pangadilan Falls is ₱ 50.00 per person.
Isulan
- Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol
The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol is one of the most visually striking provincial capitols I have seen so far. Paying homage to Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, its rich islam culture is evident in the architectural design of the building.
- Isulan Rotonda
This roundabout serves as the intersection going to Isulan and other municipalities in the province of Sultan Kudarat. Isulan is also the capital town of Sultan Kudarat.
These are some of the places you can visit in Sultan Kudarat, too!:
- Baras Bird Sanctuary
- Narra Park
- SK Pasalubong (Isulan)
- Esperanza Halu-Haluan Stalls
- Tacurong City Hall + Jose Rizal Statue
- Magsaysay Park + I Love Tacurong
(North) Cotabato
Alamada
- Daday Falls
Daday Falls is one of the main attractions in North Cotabato. Found in the municipality of Alamada, this powerful waterfall spews water that is so powerful, it feels like it is always raining in the area. To reach the place, we hiked for almost 30-45 minutes to reach the view deck near the falls. The entrance fee to Daday falls is ₱ 200.00 per person.
*****
As part of our SOCCSKSARGEN trip, the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur can be reached and explored after visiting Sultan Kudarat. Here are some of the places we went to in the Maguindanao provinces.
Maguindanao del Sur
Buluan
- Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Capitol
Being the seat of the new government of Maguindanao del Sur, its capitol in the capital town of Buluan is one of the biggest buildings in the area.
Datu Saudi Ampatuan
- Masjid Dimaukom (Pink Mosque)
Known for its color pink exteriors, Masjid Dimaukom (popularly known as the “Pink Mosque”) is one of Maguindanao del Sur’s famed tourist attractions. Known for its facade and design, this is one of the biggest masjids in Datu Saudi Ampatuan municipality.
These are some of the places you can visit in Maguindanao del Sur, too!:
- Datu Paglas Municipal Hall
- Datu Odin Sinsuat Town Plaza
- Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Hall
Maguindanao del Norte
Cotabato City
- Cotabato City Plaza
The Cotabato City Plaza is where you will find the I Love Cotabato City Marker, the Old Cotabato City Hall, and the Cotabato Museum. At night, there is also a dancing fountain in front of the Old Cotabato City Hall. There are also several food stalls around the plaza where you can eat pastil, a commonplace food in Mindanao.
- Tantawan Park
This is where you will find a large statue of Sultan Kudarat and the souvenir shop found in Cotabato City. Tantawan Park is found in the intersection going to the old provincial capitol of Cotabato.
- Old Cotabato Provincial Capitol
This building was once the seat of government of the province of Cotabato. At present, people are not allowed to enter the property anymore.
- Cotabato Barter Trade Center
This is one of the places in the city where you can find cheap tapestry and souvenir items for your friends. This is also similar to the Canelar Barter Trade Center in Zamboanga City where a variety of goods found in the city / nearby provinces are sold at a cheap price.
- Bangsamoro Government Center
This is the seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Formally inaugurated in March 2019 to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), this is also where you will find the Bangsamoro Museum which showcases the rich and diverse culture of the newly formed region.
- New Cotabato City Hall
Also known as “The People’s Palace,” the new City Hall of the City of Cotabato is the new seat of government of the city.
- Tamontaka Church
Tamontaka Church in Barangay Tamontaka was built by Jesuit priests in the late 19th century. It was designated as a National Historical Landmark in July 2004.
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid (Grand Mosque)
Also known as the “Grand Mosque,” the Masjid Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the biggest mosque in the Philippines. The construction of the mosque was funded by the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, hence the name. Upon entering, you must wear the thobe (for men) and abaya (for women) as respect to the mosque’s religious significance. If you are not a practicing muslim, there are clothes for rent just outside the mosque compound for around ₱ 100-150.
These are some of the places you can visit in Cotabato City, too!:
- Blue Lagoon (Margues)
- Masjid Al-Naseer Abpi (White Mosque)
- Al Jamelah Weaving Center
- Kutawato Cave
Where to Eat in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (plus Maguindanao provinces!)
General Santos City
- Fisherman’s Wharf
This eatery is located within the General Santos City Fishport Complex. The Fisherman’s Wharf offers a wide variety of seafood choices for you to enjoy when visiting GenSan.
Other Restaurants / Eateries found in General Santos City:
- Gamay Eatery
- LA Santos Halo-Halo
- Rachel’s Tuna Grill
- Juneng’s Balbacuahan
- The Port Food Court
Koronadal City (Marbel), South Cotabato
- Aweng Balbacua Koronadal
- Ali-Ali Pastil
Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
- Palm Bistro
- Binoy’s
Cotabato City
- Pagana Kutawato
- Jetoy’s Hitoan
- Mommy’s Sutokil
- Royal Rebecca Buffet (Puregold Cotabato)
*****
It is also notable that pastil is a food staple anywhere in SOCCSKSARGEN. It is found in sidewalks or in town / city plazas and it is best paired with sugba (grilled food) and other local delicacies. It is made up of rice and some sort of corned chicken, wrapped in banana leaves, which is also a dish on its own! Pastil usually costs ₱ 10-15 per wrap.
Where to Stay in SOCCSKSARGEN + Maguindanao Provinces
General Santos City
- Dolyn Suites
- Driggs Pension House
- RSG Microhotel
- Hotel Giorgio
- Columbus Plaza Hotel
- Hotel San Marco
- 3G Garden Hotel
- T’Boli Hotel
Koronadal City (Marbel), South Cotabato
- Jenny’s Inn
- Mezza
- Toshiko Boutique Hotel
Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
- The First City Lodge
- Alejandria’s Travellers’ Inn
- Garvin’s Apartelle
- Highway Lodge
- Enriqueta’s Bed and Dine
Cotabato City
- Cotabato Diamond Hotel
The Cotabato Diamond Hotel is one of the cheaper accommodation options found at the heart of Cotabato City. The cheapest room is at ₱ 800.00 per night and has aircon, bathroom, toilet, and WiFi access (through vouchers). It is just about a block away from the Cotabato City Plaza.
- Agong Lodge
- Novo Hotel
- Citi Plaza
- Hotel Filipino
Sample Itinerary when visiting SOCCSKSARGEN
Visiting 6 provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN Region and Maguindanao in one go can be quite challenging. But it is where the adventure begins! Here is my sample itinerary for your trip to SOCCSKSARGEN! Of course, you can personalize the itinerary to your own liking and schedule. (Note that Cotabato (Awang) Airport is still closed as of this writing (August 2023). You can opt to fly out either via Pagadian, Davao City, or General Santos). 🙂
Day 1
General Santos City
Sarangani
| 0650 – 0900 H | Manila (NAIA) – General Santos City (GES) | (depends) |
| 0900 – 0930 H | Albert Morrow Boulevard | ₱ 150 – 200.00 (van transfer) |
| 1000 – 1100 H | Brunch – Rachel’s Tuna Grill | ₱ 150 – 200.00 |
| 1100 – 1230 H | Queen Tuna Park | |
| Plaza Heneral Santos | ||
| General Santos City Hall | ||
| Snack – Juneng’s Balbacuahan | ₱ 100 – 150.00 | |
| 1230 – 1300 H | Ellynes Pasalubong Market | (depends) |
| 1300 – 1400 H | General Santos Fish Port Complex | ₱ 300.00 (chartered trike)
₱ 30.00 (boots rental) |
| 1430 – 1500 H | Van to Alabel, Sarangani (KCC Mall of GenSan) | ₱ 100 – 150.00 |
| Sarangani Provincial Border Arch | ||
| 1500 – 1530 H | Sarangani Provincial Capitol | |
| 1530 – 1630 H | Van to Glan | ₱ 100 – 150.00 |
| 1630 – 1730 H | Glan Municipal Hall + Glan Monument + Plaza Rizal | |
| Clemente Lapaz Ancestral House | ||
| Glan Baywalk + We Love Glan Sign + Colonos Shrine | ||
| 1800 H | Check-in – Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort | (depends) |
| 1800 – 1900 H | Sunset / Dinner | ₱ 200 – 250.00 |
Day 2
South Cotabato
| 0500 – 0600 H | Sunrise / Busking + Check-out | |
| 0630 – 0700 H | Tricycle to Glan Proper | ₱ 200.00 |
| 0700 – 0745 H | Van to General Santos City | ₱ 150.00 |
| 0745 – 0800 H | Tricycle to GSC Bulaong Terminal | ₱ 30.00 per pax |
| 0800 – 0930 H | Bus or van to Koronadal City | ₱ 133.00 |
| 0930 – 1000 H | Check-in – D King’s Inn | (depends) |
| 1000 – 1045 H | Bus or van to Lake Sebu | ₱ 100.00 |
| 1100 – 1600 H | Lake Sebu Adventure
(lunch)
|
₱ 850.00 (guide fee)
₱ 20.00 (entrance) ₱ 300.00 ₱ 200 – 350.00 ₱ 30.00 ₱ 20.00 (entrance) ₱ 50.00 (entrance) (donation) ₱ 50.00 (entrance) ₱ 50.00 (entrance) |
| 1700 – 1800 H | Koronadal City Hall | |
| 1800 – 1815 H | South Cotabato Provincial Capitol | |
| South Cotabato Community Museum | ||
| 1830 – 2000 H | Dinner | ₱ 150 – 200.00 |
Day 3
Sultan Kudarat
Maguindanao del Sur
| 0500 – 0530 H | Check-out | |
| 0530 – 0545 H | Tricycle to Koronadal Terminal | ₱ 15 – 20.00 |
| 0600 – 0700 H | Bus or van to Tacurong City
(Breakfast along the way) |
₱ 72 – 100.00 |
| 0715 – 0730 H | Check-in – The First City Lodge | (depends) |
| 0730 – 0815 H | Fekung Bula Falls | ₱ 30.00 (entrance)
₱ 20.00 (parking) |
| 0830 – 0900 H | Habal-habal to La Palmera Ridge | ₱ 1400.00 (roundtrip) |
| 0900 – 1030 H | La Palmera Ridge
Pangadilan Falls |
₱ 100.00 (entrance)
₱ 50.00 (entrance) ₱ 200.00 (guide tip) |
| 1100 – 1145 H | Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Capitol | |
| 1200 – 1300 H | Tacurong Pasalubong Center
Tacurong City Hall + Jose Rizal Statue Magsaysay Park + I Love Tacurong City of Tacurong Rotonda |
(depends) |
| 1330 – 1400 H | Jeep / Tricycle from Tacurong to Isulan | ₱ 30 – 50.00 |
| 1400 – 1430 H | Isulan Integrated Transport Terminal
Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol Isulan Rotonda |
|
| 1430 – 1500 H | Jeep / van to Esperanza | ₱ 20 – 30.00 |
| 1500 – 1530 H | Snacks – Esperanza Halu-Haluan Stalls (snacks) | ₱ 100 – 200.00 |
| 1530 – 1600 H | Jeep / van to Datu-Saudi Ampatuan | ₱ 50 – 70.00 |
| 1600 – 1700 H | Datu Saudi Ampatuan Rotonda
Masjid Dimaukom (Pink Mosque) Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Hall |
(donation for attire rental) |
| 1700 – 1800 H | Van to Cotabato City | ₱ 120.00 |
| 1900 – 2030 H | Dinner | ₱ 150 – 200.00 |
Day 4
Maguindanao del Norte
| 0930 – 1800 H | Cotabato City Plaza + I Love Cotabato City + Old City Hall + Cotabato Museum | |
| Tantawan Park | ||
| Old Cotabato Provincial Capitol | ||
| Tricycle to Cotabato Barter Trade Center | ₱ 100.00 | |
| Cotabato Barter Trade Center / pasalubong | (depends) | |
| Bangsamoro Government Center + Bangsamoro Museum (optional) | ||
| Lunch | ₱ 150 – 200.00 | |
| New Cotabato City Hall aka People’s Palace + I Love Cotabato City Marker | ||
| Jeep to Tamontaka Church | ₱ 15.00 | |
| Tamontaka Church | ||
| Tricycle to Grand Mosque (round trip) | ₱ 250.00 | |
| Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid aka Grand Mosque | ||
| Jeep to Cotabato Plaza | ₱ 15.00 | |
| 1830 – 2000 H | Dinner | ₱ 100 – 150.00 |
Day 5
(North) Cotabato
| 0500 – 0600 H | Breakfast | ₱ 150 – 200.00 |
| 0600 – 0700 H | Van to Libungan, Cotabato | ₱ 120.00 |
| 0700 – 0830 H | Habal-habal to Daday Falls / Asik-asik Falls (roundtrip) | ₱ 1500.00 |
| 1100 – 1200 H | Lunch | ₱ 150 – 200.00 |
| 1430 – 1900 H | Van to Davao City | ₱ 500.00 |
| 1930 – 2000 H | Van / taxi to Davao International Airport | ₱ 350 – 400.00 |
| 2000 – 2030 H | Dinner (airport) | ₱ 200 – 250.00 |
| 2250 – 0040 H | Davao (DVO) – Manila (MNL) |
*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are accurate and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information above, e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
