The hidden beauty and charm of Lake Sebu, in South Cotabato, is hard to resist. For sure, it is one of the "traveler's bucket list." Also, their culture and traditions are not just being preserved, these are still intact and still being practice. With the natural wonders, culture and traditions combined, Lake Sebu was recognized by the UNESCO as a cultural landscape.
My solo-backpacking in South Cotabato and the other 7 provinces in Mindanao is a proof that it is INDEED SAFE IN MINDANAO. Do not limit yourself to discovering the natural wonders in the Philippines, like what Lake Sebu can offer. Habal or motorcycle is the primary mode of transportation. For a day tour, I visited the tourist spots listed below:
Early in the morning, while the cold wind is blowing, I was brought to the Lotus Farm, an instagrammable spot in Lake Sebu. We visited this spot at around 6 in the morning to witness the blooming of the Pink Lotus flowers floating on the waters of the lake. According to my guide, initially, there were 3 types of Lotus Flower planted but only the pink ones survived. A manual canoe is used to go the spot of the Lotus flowers. Entrance fee is free but the canoe is 200 pesos.
It was followed by the T'Boli Museum. During our visit, it was still closed but Jorie had it opened for us. The architecture of the museum is also based on the traditional houses. What's inside are the gongs used for different occasions, outfits made of T'nalak (a hand woven fabric), accessories and many other antiques that were used by the locals for agriculture.
At I Love Lake Sebu signage.
The Lake Sebu 7 Waterfalls and Zipline, is probably one of the most visited spots. It is the spot where visitors can strike a pose wearing a T'nalak with the Hiking Alu or Falls 1 on the background. If you want something thrilling, try the zip-line and witness the beauty of the rest of the waterfalls. Souvenir shops and food stalls are available in the area.
Picture with Sebulan Dulay, the successor.
A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay, a former National Living Treasure awardee for the T'nalak weaving, was an honor. By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand woven fabric made from a refined abaca fiber. This type of fabric got the attention worldwide because it done on a manual process but the finish product has an amazing and unique patterns and designs that are usually based on Lang Dulay's dream - the reason why she was called the "Dreamweaver."
Our last destination was the Evelandia Lake Vista. It is the perfect place to relax because there is a clear and wide view of Lake Sebu, with the mountains and farmlands in one frame. It is a relaxing spot because it is surrounded by the luscious greens and the breeze is cool. If you're lucky, you will see people paragliding. Paragliding in Lake Sebu is definitely a must tried. To know more, you can contact: 09327694156, 09177121868 and 09285247349.
CONTACT PERSON IN SOUTH COTABATO:
Contact Person: Jorie Untang Sabal
Ph: 09058240725
Walk-in is fine because there's a tourism booth at the terminal and they will be assigning a habal driver/guide for you.
Contact Person: Jorie Untang Sabal
Ph: 09058240725
Walk-in is fine because there's a tourism booth at the terminal and they will be assigning a habal driver/guide for you.
MUST TRIED AND OTHER TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH COTABATO:
If you're into hiking and camping, you should visit Lake Holon, one of must visit spot in Lake Sebu, however, it was closed during my visit. If you're into discovering South Cotabato's rich culture, you can visit the town of T'Boli.
If you're into hiking and camping, you should visit Lake Holon, one of must visit spot in Lake Sebu, however, it was closed during my visit. If you're into discovering South Cotabato's rich culture, you can visit the town of T'Boli.
HOW TO GET TO LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO:
There is no direct flight to South Cotabato, General Santos City airport is its gateway, though, it's 1 to 1.5 hours travel time. At the parking area by the airport, take a van to Bulaong Terminal, then, another van ride to Lake Sebu. Though it's the route's last destination, I still recommend to always monitor your location by using Google Maps.
There is no direct flight to South Cotabato, General Santos City airport is its gateway, though, it's 1 to 1.5 hours travel time. At the parking area by the airport, take a van to Bulaong Terminal, then, another van ride to Lake Sebu. Though it's the route's last destination, I still recommend to always monitor your location by using Google Maps.
SLT Homestay
WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH COTABATO:
There are a few choices of places to stay in Lake Sebu, just search online or Google Maps. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed at the prominent SLT Homestay, just 5 minutes from the terminal. For an overnight stay, I paid 350 pesos with free breakfast. SLT Homestay is searchable on Google Maps. You can contact them on 09354569359.
There are a few choices of places to stay in Lake Sebu, just search online or Google Maps. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed at the prominent SLT Homestay, just 5 minutes from the terminal. For an overnight stay, I paid 350 pesos with free breakfast. SLT Homestay is searchable on Google Maps. You can contact them on 09354569359.
The architecture of SLT Homestay is based on the cultural wooden houses in Lake Sebu; has a spacious interior, made of local and handcrafted products and musical instruments. Anything inside the house are unique. Maybe it's the reason why it was chosen as the place where Catriona had her video shoot for Miss Universe. Anyways, I learned something very very important, to show respect and as a common courtesy, sleepers and shoes are left outside, like the Japanese and Korean.
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