Five Day Excursion to South Cotabato and Sarangani: Itinerary, Guide, and Travel Expenses

Ever since I have read an article from a famous travel blogger about his trip to Lake Sebu, I had been telling my friends about it and asked them to go with me. I could have risked going solo, but I hesitated every time I try to book that trip. It is Southern Mindanao after all, hearing bad news every day on the television about the region and officemates telling me stories about how they know someone having a bad experience traveling there, you couldn’t really blame someone who has lived at Metro Manila for so long to not be in doubt with their safety when in Mindanao. I knew I just had to have someone accompany me on my first trip to this part of the country. Luckily, I was able to convince a good friend to go, and like me, she got excited when I showed her pictures of Lake Sebu and Enchanted River (which we also visited on the first part of our trip. I knew then that finally, this trip will push through.

Foodie Finds at General Santos City, South Cotabato

I was really tired and hungry after all the traveling from Lake Sebu to General Santos that I didn't bother to do any sight seeing around the city. I was doing my best to still make it to Gumasa Beach before sundown so I didn't really bother to do anything aside from looking for places to eat.

3 stacks of pancakes all for me. yay or nay?

A Checklist of Things To Do in Lake Sebu

Now emerging as one of top eco-cultural tourist spots in Mindanao, Lake Sebu is bound to surprise you with experiences that will combine nature, culture and adrenalin rush in one go. This vibrant municipality of South Cotabato is blessed with natural wonders that will surely keep travelers busy for a day or two. These activities are some of my recommended items that you need to keep in mind when visiting this part of the country.

Rain, rain did not go away and came back again on my second day around Lake Sebu

Explore Lake Sebu and Lake Seloton by Resort Hopping

One of the best ways to tour and experience Lake Sebu and Lake Seloton is to visit a number of resorts in this town. Different angles and points of view of the lake can give you various perspectives on how this body of water serves a big part in the lives of the locals in Lake Sebu.

finally, a clear morning view of Lake Sebu. Good day everyone!

The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

South Cotabato has proven to be one of Mindanao's best kept secrets that is now aggressively gaining popularity. After our adventure at Lake Holon at T'boli, we were headed for Lake Sebu to see more of what the province has to offer. The mountain town of Lake Sebu, also famous for its three lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton and Lake Lahit, is also home to the indigenous T'boli community . Aside from that, it also boasts of various natural treasures: lush forests and plantations, placid lakes, rivers and waterfalls that will surely prove to be worthwhile to visit.

One of the seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu, this lovely sight will greet you after a refreshing zipline ride

Celebrating T'boli Hospitality by Music, Dance and a Homestay Experience

I have always been curious and interested with the different ethnic tribes that reside in the Philippines, that's why I was very excited on going to South Cotabato because this means I would finally be able to meet one of the most colorful indigenous communities in Mindanao best known for their intricate weaving and bead works, the T'boli tribe.

the colorful T'boli scarf mostly worn during dance performances

Lakes of Lake Sebu: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, Lake Lahit

While we were doing our itinerary for this trip in Lake Sebu, we encountered something that utterly confused us, why are other we encountering names of other lakes that are in Lake Sebu? Does it mean there are a number of lakes within Lake Sebu? Lake within a lake? Parang na-Inception lang! :P Turns out, there are actually three lakes in Lake Sebu, and that Lake Sebu is not just a lake, but the name of a town. First off, the biggest one which the town is named after, Lake Sebu, the secoond biggest one, Lake Seloton, and last, Lake Lahit. Even though the rain did not show any signs of stopping on our first day here, we still braved to see these wonderful lakes with our trusted skylab drivers.

Finally, sunny morning at Lake Sebu

Love at first sight at Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato

Our trip to T'boli was something we planned almost last minute. We only knew about this place while drafting our itinerary for Surigao del Sur and Lake Sebu. We would never have seen this beauty if not for those wonderful blog posts and pictures posted around the Internet so we were actually enticed and dared to travel to the remote community of Sitio Nabol. The trek to Lake Holon would be less special if not for the T'boli locals who made sure we enjoy the whole experience and have also shared their culture, home and smiles with us.

birds eye view of Mt. Parker and Lake Holon - define lovely!!! (photo credit: Len Marcelo Jingco ChoosePhilippines)

Hiking Mt. Melibingoy/Mt. Parker and Smiles from T'boli locals of Sitio Nabol, South Cotabato

We woke up early in preparation of our trek up to Lake Holon, one of T'boli's prized tourist destination. I originally saw it featured at Pinay Travel Junkie's page and so we really meant to visit the place before heading to Lake Sebu. It was said that Lake Holon is Philippines' cleanest lake and seeing images of the pristine lake from those blogs, I couldn't resist to grab the chance to see its beauty with my own eyes!

traditional T'boli house - notice some differences to the nipa hut?

Traveling to T'boli, South Cotabato and a treat at Sarse's Paradise Resort

After our trip to Surigao del Sur, we were off to our next destination which was South Cotabato. Frankly, going there wasn't the smartest choice. The distance from Surigao to South Cotabato would take us half to whole day of commute, and distance wise, it would have been better if we went to Davao instead. But after seeing pictures of Lake Sebu and Lake Holon, we were determined to go there before year 2013 ends.

pretty lotus flowers in full bloom