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: Lake Sebu in South Cotabato . Photo credits – GinaD
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.
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 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
TOP 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.
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 .
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.
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
Pintaflores Festival Schedule of Activities Join the Fun at the 2024 Pintaflores Festival [ and…
Bacolod - Canlaon Ceres Bus Schedule | Travel Guide Your Essential Guide to Traveling Between…
[gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="6216,6215"] Rent The Artist's Suite | One Regis at The Upper East…
Masskara Festival Schedule of Events Bacolod Masskara Festival Schedule of Events The MassKara Festival is…
Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit Unlocking the Mysteries of Wat Traimit: A Personal Journey with…
Niludhan Falls Exploring Niludhan Falls: A Hidden Gem in Negros Oriental Nestled amidst the lush…
View Comments
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.
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.
i have always dream of visiting sulu and its beautiful tourist spots, i wish i can do it before i get old
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!
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.
Soccskdargen sounds like a pretty place. If I ever find myself traveling there, your post will something I check back with.
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!
I would love to visit the bird sanctuary. This is a very informative post and makes me want to go there.
I would love to visit the bird sanctuary. This is a very informative post and makes me want to go there.
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!