About Lake Sebu
Located in the province of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is a natural lake and a cultural sanctuary for the T’boli and other indigenous communities. It sits approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, giving it a refreshing mountain climate all year round. The area has been recognized as one of the most important watersheds in Mindanao, serving as a major source of irrigation and hydroelectric power for nearby provinces.
Beyond its ecological importance, Lake Sebu is a place of deep cultural heritage — a living museum where local traditions, ancestral music, and weaving crafts continue to thrive. Visitors can experience local hospitality while being surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Top Tourist Spots in Lake Sebu
1. Seven Falls of Lake Sebu
The Seven Waterfalls are the most iconic attractions in Lake Sebu. Each cascade offers a unique view and experience, with Hikong Bente and Hikong Alu being the most accessible. For thrill-seekers, the zipline connecting the waterfalls provides a stunning aerial view of the entire valley, considered one of the highest ziplines in Asia.
2. Lake Sebu Proper
The main lake itself is a tranquil spot perfect for boating, fishing, and sightseeing. Early in the morning, you can witness the mesmerizing sight of mist floating over the water, with traditional owong (wooden canoes) gliding across.
3. T’boli Museum and School of Living Traditions
To immerse in local culture, visit the T’boli Museum, where you’ll find musical instruments, woven fabrics, and handcrafted ornaments. The School of Living Traditions also offers visitors a chance to watch t’nalak weaving demonstrations — a traditional art made from abaca fibers.
4. Punta Isla Lake Resort
This well-known resort offers panoramic views of Lake Sebu and serves delicious tilapia dishes. It’s a great place to relax, take a boat ride, and enjoy the calm surroundings.
5. Lotus Garden and Floating Cottages
During the early mornings, you can visit the lotus gardens scattered around the lake. These pink blooms create a stunning backdrop for photos, especially when sunlight hits the mist-covered water.
How to Get to Lake Sebu
The nearest airport is in General Santos City. From there, ride a van or bus to Koronadal City (Marbel), then transfer to another van bound for Lake Sebu. The total travel time is approximately 3–4 hours.
- General Santos to Koronadal: 1 hour by van or bus.
- Koronadal to Lake Sebu: 2 hours via Surallah.
My Solo Backpacking in Lake Sebu
9 Days Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao: Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguidanao, North Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur
Early in the morning, while the cold wind was blowing, I was brought to the Lotus Farm. 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 to the spot of the Lotus flowers. Lotus Farm Entrance Fee: Free, Canoe Rental: 200 Pesos
Our visit to Lotus Farm was followed by the T'Boli Museum. During our visit, it was still closed, but Jorie had it open for us. The architecture of the museum is also based on 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. T'Boli Museum Entrance Fee: 20 Pesos.
The I Love Lake Sebu Signboard.
The 7 Falls and Zipline are probably one of the most visited spots in Lake Sebu. It is where visitors can strike a pose wearing a T'nalak with the Hiking Alu or Falls 1 in 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. The Seven Falls Entrance Fee: 20 Pesos, Seven Falls Zip Line: 350 Pesos.
A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay, a former National Living Treasure awardee for the T'nalak weaving, was an honour. By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from refined abaca fibre. This type of fabric got attention worldwide because it is done through a manual process. Still, the finished product has amazing and unique patterns that are usually based on Lang Dulay's dream - the reason why she was called the "Dreamweaver." Entrance Fee: Free, Donation
Our last destination was Evelandia Lake Vista. It is the perfect place to relax because there is a clear and wide view of the lake, with the mountains and farmlands in one frame. It is a relaxing spot because it is surrounded by luscious greens, and the breeze is cool. If you're lucky, you will see people paragliding. Paragliding is definitely a must-try. To know more, you can contact 09327694156, 09177121868, and 09285247349.
Where to Stay in Lake Sebu
Here are some of the best places to stay around Lake Sebu. To book them, visit the link in the Related Posts.
- Punta Isla Lake Resort – Famous for its floating restaurant and scenic lake views.
- Mountain Log Resort – A peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
- SLT Homestay – Authentic T’boli-style accommodation and local hospitality.
Travel Tips for Lake Sebu
- Best months to visit: November to May (dry season).
- Bring a jacket — Lake Sebu has a cool mountain climate, especially at night.
- Support local products like t’nalak weaves and handmade crafts.
- Respect local culture and always ask permission before taking photos of the T’boli people.
Final Thoughts
Lake Sebu is more than just a travel destination — it’s a journey into the soul of Mindanao, where nature and culture live in harmony. From the thundering waterfalls to the serene lake and the colorful heritage of the T’boli people, every corner of Lake Sebu tells a story worth hearing. It’s a place that reminds us of the beauty of simplicity and the richness of Filipino traditions — truly one of South Cotabato’s most magical destinations.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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