7 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

7 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

Region 12,  also known as SOCCSKSARGEN  is dubbed as the “12th Paradise”  because of its beautiful tourist attractions.  A fast becoming  premiere destination in Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, (North) Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Koronadal, Kidapawan, and Tacurong.

We have outlined below 7 Top Tourist Attractions in SSOCCSKSARGEN including the necessary details of reaching these places. Please take note that this list is a work in progress. We are hoping to add more places to this list in the future. So if you think that we miss to include a certain  attraction  , please feel free to tell us by posting your comment below.

7 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: Lake Sebu in South Cotabato . Photo credits – GinaD

  1. LAKE SEBU

Surrounded by   thick rainforest, the placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Allah Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato. Lake Sebu  has an area of 354 hectares (870 acres), with an altitude of about 1,000 ms (3,300 foot).

Voted as one of  the Philippines’ top 10 emerging destinations, Lake Sebu’s  shores and the surrounding rainforest are home to the indigenous T’bolis, Tirurays, Ubos, and Manobos. The T’bolis   are known for their weaving skills and Brassware production as good as fishing skills.

Amongst Lake Sebu’s  known  attractions is  its Seven Waterfalls wherein one can glide via the 1.1-kilometer, 180-meter-high, two-line Zipline, the tallest in Southeast Asia.

HOW TO GET HERE:

The first gateway to Lake Sebu is via  General Santos City through its  (Air Transport) General Santos Airport and  (Sea Transport) Makar Wharf.

Another gateway is Davao City through (Air Transport) Davao International Airport and (Sea Transport)  Davao Port.  Davao to General Santos City  trip  via Yellow Bus Line, Inc. would take an approximately 2:45 -3-hour trip.

From General Santos, one must go to   Koronadal via BUS (Yellow Bus Line, Inc.)  for 1hr – 1.5HR. From  Koronadal, one must get a bus  to Surallah (Yellow Bus Line, Inc.) for 20min-45min. From   Surallah to Lake Sebu, one must consider a Van/Jeep for an approximately 1hr ride. The last trip from Suralla to Lake Sebu is 6pm.

Asik-asik_Falls_in_Alamada,_North_Cotabato - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: Asik-asik Falls . Photo credits to Jpquidores

2.  ASIK-ASIK FALLS 

One of  the most popular destination in the region is the 140-meter wide curtain-like spring falls, the Asik-Asik .  Located at Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato, this spring falls had captivated many tourists because of its unique features. Unlike other falls, there is no stream above the hill where the water comes. The water of Asik-Asik Falls  is springing from the rocks  at the side of the mountains.

HOW TO GET THERE

From the municipalities of Midsayap or Libungan in General Santos, take a van or  jeepney  for 20-30 minutes  to Alamada. From Almada ,take a  habal-habal (motorcycle)  going to Sitio Dulao, Barangay Dado. After which, take  1 hour and 20-minute trek from the entry point down to the falls.

glossy ibis - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

 Glossy Ibis at Baras Bird Sanctuary.  Photo Credits: Wild Bird Photographers of South Cotabato – WBPSC

3. BARAS BIRD SANCTUARY

SOCCSKSARGEN  is blessed with so many unique places that will surely delight nature lovers or any tourists. One of which is the Baras Bird Sanctuary. Located  in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, the Baras Bird sanctuary  is a living proof  of how the people in the place took care of the Mother Nature.

While visiting the sanctuary is relatively  easy and very safe, a coordination with Tacurong City Tourism Office is advisable. The Tourism Office  will be  happy to assists tourists  in order to experience Tacurong City or Sultan Kudarat Province the best way possible.

Experiencing the best of the place requires an ample time. It is advised  to explore the Sanctuary   early morning or late afternoon.  It is said that there  are seven species of birds in this former pepper farm. This includes the Black Crown Night Heron, Great Egret, and Intermediate Egret. Compared to other bird sanctuaries, you can watch and walk along this sanctuary in Tacurong and see the migratory birds up close.  No picture can ever give justice of experience the place has to offer. So  never miss this place when you visit SOCCSKSARGEN.

HOW TO GET THERE

Located  in Brgy. Baras, the bird sanctuary is  about 7 kilometers away from the town proper. The place can be accessed with various kinds of land vehicles.  Best time to visit the sanctuary is from 4PM – 5:30PM. For a guided tour you may contact the Tacurong City Mayor’s Office- Tourism Section at (064) 200-6682 or (064) 562-0236 or through their email – tourism.tacurong@gmail.com

tuka park - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGENTOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: Tuka Marine Park, Sarangani. Photo credits: www.http://sarangani.gov.ph

4. TUKA MARINE PARK, KIAMBA

The protected Tuka Marine Park located in the Municipality of Kiamba in Sarangani is the perfect destination for tourists who are looking forward to unwinding and forget everything about the fast-paced and stressful urban life. Tuka Marine Park has four protected coves and only Tuka Cove 2 is open to the public. Tuka features fine white sand beach and an awesome coral garden just a few meters away from the coast making it perfect for snorkeling and diving.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Gensan, ride a van to Kiamba. Terminals are located at Osmena St.   Travel time is approximately  1.5 hours.At Kiamba , take  a tricycle to Lourdes park, the touchpoint for Tuka. Look for the Tourism Office and pay the necessary fees.

maitum - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: Pangi River, Sarangani. Photo Credits :  http://www.sarangani.gov.ph

5. PANGI RIVER, SARANGANI

One of the reasons why Sarangani is getting popular these days is due to the 1.6 Km white water tubing that is in Pangi River.  The white water tubing is Sarangani’s version of the Whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro  and Davao. While  big rafts are being used in white water rafting, at white water tubing you will be riding alone on a rubber tube and traverse the wild Pangi River.

For more information you may contact the Sarangani Tourism Office at (083) 508-5253, Email: stipc@yahoo.com

HOW TO GET THERE

Sarangani can be reached by plane and ferry from Manila and Cebu thru the international airport and seaport of General Santos City and by land from Davao City. Travel time from Davao City to Maitum is from 4 to 5 hours. Air-conditioned vans from General Santos City ply daily routes to Maitum (Osmeña St. Ablog Terminal and AGP Terminal ). Travel time is  approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching Maitum proper, ride the habal-habal for the tubing site in the New La Union .

gumasa beach - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: Gumasa Beach, Sarangani. Photo credits : www.sarangani.gov.ph

6. WHITE SAND BEACHES IN GUMASA, GLAN ,SARANGANI

Dubbed  as the “Boracay of Mindanao.”  Barangay Gumasa has a six-kilometer-long crescent beach on Sarangani’s eastern shore and only about an hour’s drive from General Santos City. Honestly, I  read so many negative reviews about their experiences with the resort’s staff and owners. So I suggest, to contact them and make some clarifications to avoid potential problems.

Below are some of the resorts found in Gumasa Beach:

Coco Beach Resort – Contact Numbers:09195330408; 09278237780; 09222072839

Isla Jardin del Mar – Contact details:(083) 893-0032;0919 768 7544 ; 0906 765 2174; E-mail: islajardindelmar@yahoo.com

Yoshikawa Crystal Island Resort- Contact details:09195330408; 09197144980

Davak Ridge Beach Resort – Contact details:(083) 552-4490;552-6539; 826-0719; 0909-501-4294 ; 0923-590-9502; 0927-421-7672

Rosal Beach Resort- Contact details:(083) 826-9247; (083) 552-2888; 0920-2049038

HOW TO GET THERE

Upon reaching the General Santos City Airport, proceed to the back of KCC Mall and find the terminal for Glan , Sarangani. Tell the driver to drop you off at the nearest terminal going to the beach of your choice. From the terminal, take the habal-habal (motorcycle directly to the beach.

If you are traveling as a group it would be best to hire the entire van to bring you straight to the beach.

gensan tuna - TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS , SSOCCSKSARGEN: GENSAN FISHPORT COMPLEX

7. FISHPORT COMPLEX , GENERAL SANTOS CITY

General Santos City is known as the Tuna capital of the country. Visiting General Santos City will never be complete without paying a visit to the city’s fish port complex.The General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) is strategically located in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City in South Cotabato

40 Comments

  1. Jonathan Diesta

    Your article is very interesting and informative and if ever that I will visit Socksargen I will visit these natural tourist spots esp Lake Sebu and Asik Asik and the bird sanctuary as well.

  2. Nice posting for it gives more information about the beautiful places in soccskdargen and most especially the food. Seafood’s plenty and I loved it.

  3. i have always dream of visiting sulu and its beautiful tourist spots, i wish i can do it before i get old

  4. Such beautiful photos! This made me want to travel. I haven’t been somewhere new and exotic in a long time, I’m itching to explore!

  5. Thank you so much for sharing more information about SSOCCSKSARGEN. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see and experience the wonders that the place offers.

  6. Leigh Anne

    Soccskdargen sounds like a pretty place. If I ever find myself traveling there, your post will something I check back with.

  7. Thanks for this post, Top On My List! I actually heard SOCCSKSARGEN just now! Thank you for compiling some of the many wonderful destinations in this region. Such a beauty! Wanna go there now!

  8. I would love to visit the bird sanctuary. This is a very informative post and makes me want to go there.

  9. I would love to visit the bird sanctuary. This is a very informative post and makes me want to go there.

  10. Elizabeth O.

    Lake Sebu is such a beautiful place, I always love going to places like that. So serene and relaxing. I hope to visit someday and enjoy the lovely sights and activities myself!

  11. I absolutely love tubing. I could spent my whole trip just floating

  12. I gotta admit that these places are definitely worth a visit. The photo of asik asik however should be not filtered so people will know what it really looks like. I think its beautiful just the way it is.

  13. I’ve always wanted to visit lake Sebu because of the mystical nature of the place. Socksargen has definitely a lot of wonderful attractions.

  14. Nicole Escat

    I love those lotus flowers. I would like to see lake Sebu in person someday.

  15. I’ve never been to any of those places you’ve mentioned, but I want to tour them soon.

  16. Haven’t been to the region yet. Thanks to your very informative article.

  17. Been planning to visit Asik-asik falls with my friends for quite a while now. Hopefully we can do it next year since were so busy this year.

  18. My favorite is definitely the waterfalls. What a wonderful place that is though — so much to see!

  19. Wow! These attractions indeed look so beautiful and interesting. I think they are ideal as places where couples can shoot for prenup photoshoots.

  20. wow! I’ve never ever heard of this place it has such a wicked name. I would love to go behind a waterfall that would be epic! great post thanks for cheering up this rainy monday

  21. the beauty of the philippines is indeed majestics, i hope to visit lake sebu someday.

  22. I think I’ve only heard of one of these seven places. Great list, gonna be looking into a few more of them.

  23. I haven’t been to ssoccsksargen yet but with all these beautiful places, then I’d like to be able to take my family there.

  24. Julie Ann P. Castano

    #advertising..i like asik asik falls because its beautiful..: )

  25. katrina francisco

    One of my goals is to visit ssoccsksargen someday!!! white water tubing in Pangi river is <3.#advertising

  26. Efany Escaner

    Beautiful Place ??? Its more fun in the Philippines ??#advertising

  27. Those look absolutely amazing!!! 🙂 Wait, is that Manny on #4? lol

  28. Jessie D. Bedrio

    It is really more fun in the Philippines. I really adore places who gives an importance in environmental preservation and wildlife protection. two Thumbs up for this 🙂 #advertising

  29. Your list just makes me realize how much I am missing in terms of seeing the beauty of our country.

  30. Sep Collin Lamzon

    i like the Pangi river in Saranggani, its perfect for a family bonding #Advertising

  31. Jule Mae Javellana

    I would love to go to lake sebu. You know, just looking at the picture makes me want to see it personally i bet it’s amazingly breathtaking. #advertising

  32. Celedonio Barrios II

    The beauty of mother nature is really amazing. 🙂
    #advertising

  33. Daniela Carmel Trespeces

    A good place to spend holidays #advertising

  34. KECSHA ROSE ABELLO

    #advertising White sand beaches in Gumasa, A perfect place to do skimboarding.

  35. Stephanie Alonzo

    This places revealed the true beauty of Region 12. #Advertising

  36. Trexie Sun Alila

    #Advertising A nice place to go. Can really attract tourist.

  37. Franz Xavier C. Jinon

    Soccsksargen beaches are very good for skimboarding and I love it because I also do skimboarding. #advertising

  38. Jholina B. Indac

    This blog can help me choosing a different adventure i can enjoy in Soccksargen and it really can catch your attention because of the beautiful places.
    #SALES

  39. This is actually my first time to hear about this place but wow, who would have thought that these are all from Philippines.. I hope I’ll get a chance to visit this place someday

  40. This piece of writeup is very informative. I am excited to visit Sarangani now

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