The southernmost region of the Philippines may be known for many things as the home province of world-renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao or as the tuna capital of the country but few know that Soccsksargen, (Region 12), locally dubbed as SOX, is a home of some of the most amazing tourist destinations in the Philippines. If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, here are the top 10 nature adventures you can try out in SOX.
- Lake holon
Lake Holon is always an adventurer’s choice when looking for unique landscapes and elements of a perfect outdoor adventure. But there’s more to it than just the Instagram-ish photos you see on your friends’ social media posts.
The 304-hectare tranquil lake in the town of Tboli in South Cotabato have stories to tell that are as fascinating as its landscape. Lake Holon was a witness to tragedies and conflicts before it became the darling of adventurers that it is today. It was once an environmental liability rather than an ecotourism wonder
Every week, hundreds brave the unpredictable weather in the tiring trail just to marvel in its beauty. Is it all worth it? The weekly foot traffic and the mainstream and social media buzz about Holon provide the answer.
The lake is said to be guarded by mountain gods and goddesses now called the Lake Holon Guardians. Stories of unseen forces and unearthly activities within the vicinity of the mountain are still narrated by the locals.
The summit of the volcano can trek for 6 hours via the Barangay Tbolok trail. From the top, the sunset is amazing and the sunrise that reflects golden light in Sarangani Bay in the southeast is magical. An open sky may reveal Mt. Apo in Davao Region from afar, Mt. Matutum in Tupi and Mt. Melibato in the Tboli.
A rewarding view reminiscent of Jurassic Park movie scenes will welcome the persistent trekkers. The most visited of its three campsites is the main camp that can hold up to 200 campers at once. Go fishing in the lake or simply bask in the silence under the flooding stars of the night sky… while everyone is asleep.
- Lake Agco, Kidapawan
Lake Agco, is a popular and unique destination at the foot of Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City. Aside from being considered as a sacred place by the Manobo tribe, it is widely popular and frequented by tourists because of its hot and warm pools, the boiling sulfur lake surrounded by thick forests with diverse flora and fauna, and cool climate.
Other exciting things one can find in the area are the mud pool which is a very relaxing treat as it warms the body, a small waterfall with icy-cold waters and a natural Jacuzzi which is perfect for relaxation. Never leave the place without buying souvenir items to complete your Lake Agco experience.
- Paragliding in Sarangani
Dare to fly in Sarangani with paragliding adventure and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Sarangani Bay. Because of its ideal terrain and good wind the whole-year round, the fly site in Safi Ranch in Maasim town, just about 20 minutes away from General Santos City, has been identified as among the best sites for paragliding.
- River Tubing in Pangi River
Another outdoor activity one should experience in Sarangani is in New La Union, Maitum – the 1.6 kilometer River Tubing Adventure. With an inflatable tube, navigate Pangi River, one of the cleanest rivers in the country and experience the thrilling rapids and drops. A well-trained river guide will be with you to maneuver the tube for your safety and avoid big rocks. Have a good grip and embrace the experience beyond your expectations.
- Asik Asik falls
Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada in Cotabato Province is arguably the most beautiful in this side of the world. This is mainly because of its unique curtain-like formation, its immensity, and beauty. Settled beneath the ravines surrounded by balding mountains, it’s like a beauty hidden for a long time and was discovered for everyone to behold.
Asik-asik is 60 meters high and spans up to 120 meters wide. Too wide, even a special landscape photography lens can’t capture the whole expanse of the falls. The walls where the water is coming out are exceptionally decorated by hanging bushes and vines. The formation, the fresh water coming from everywhere and the greens that decorate the walls are a true nature’s work of art.
For the people of Barangay Dado, Asik-asik falls is considered mystical. They believe there is an unseen force that guards the place and that its water can dispel diseases. This even invites visitors to come to try their luck for its supposed healing power.
Experts believe that Asik-asik could have been there for thousands of years already. A series of volcanic activities around Mt. Ragang, an active stratovolcano settled on the boundaries of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur and part of the Central Mindanao Arc, a strip of local active volcanoes which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, from the past formed the ravine that serves as the wall for the falls.
The bedrock within the mountain range is volcanic and is highly fractured. There is a water table higher than the riverbed which functions like a spring. This fixed water table sits near the surface. The water table could extend far to higher elevations. It is indeed a unique geological formation.
The falls has been in the ravines for ages but it was only brought to fame in 2012 when a photo of a visiting soldier that went viral. A local invited his soldier friend to the falls captured a photo of the falls and the product of which was the first to have reached the social media. And the rest was, as they say, history.
Gateways to the waterfalls include Kidapawan City if coming from Davao area, Tacurong City if coming from Gen. Santos City or Koronadal City Area or Cotabato City, the one where the nearest airport is located. Vans and buses travel to these routes. From Alamada town proper, habal-habals can take tourists straight to its entrance area. With the recent developments in the road network going to the falls, cars and vans can already reach the spacious parking lot in the entrance area.
- Mount Matutum
Mount Matutum, the highest peak in Central Mindanao, outside Mt. Apo, is presently surrounded by pineapple, corn and banana plantations. On its foot lies Barangay Linan where a Tarsier Sanctuary is being developed for wildlife conservation and ecotourism. The adjacent Miasong, Kablon and Acmonan villages serve as vegetable and fruit baskets of South Cotabato. Vast plantations, including cut-flower, are operating on volcanic soil in the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape.
- Gumasa White Sand Beaches, Glan
Across Sarangani Bay in the eastern part of the province is the town of Glan. Glan has one of the most pronounced vestiges of colonial influence in the entire region, as seen through the remaining American-period houses that dot its center. Being a coastal town, Glan also boasts thick mangrove forests and long stretches of white sand beaches such as Gumasa beach – host to the annual SarBay Festival.
This festival is the largest beach party in Mindanao and hosts more than 100,000 beach lovers annually. Other events held on the Gumasa coastline are the Lubilubi Festival and Mahin Fest. Adding to the vibrant mix of cultural influences in the region is the expatriate Indonesian population in Glan.
- Baras Bird Sanctuary
In Tacurong City, the amazing Baras Bird Sanctuary has fascinated visitors of all ages, whether bird enthusiasts or not. The 2.5-hectare park has attracted thousands of endemic and migratory birds for 20 years now. Diverse species of herons, egrets, cuckoos, kingfishers, and the elusive Glossy Ibis can be spotted flying, eating, or nesting over hundreds of trees that cover most of the sanctuary.
A learning center has also been set up in the park, thanks to the generosity of the Malana family who owns the property and the city government that helps protect it. The bird phenomenon can only mean that the locality lies on the flight path of bird migration. Tacurong City is, in fact, strategically located in the middle of SOX, sitting at the crossroads of the Davao – Cotabato – General Santos Highways
- LAKE SEBU
The town of Lake Sebu has been quite well-known, especially for the T’boli people and their culture. Their practices, songs, and dances have remained despite the pressures of more modern living. Most notable of these is the weaving of T’nalak – the fabric woven by the T’boli dream weavers. The late Lang Dulay was the face of T’nalak weaving in Lake Sebu. She was awarded the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasure Award in 1998 and was instrumental in the current popularity of T’nalak and T’boli culture in general.
Lake Sebu’s attractions also include the lake from which the town got its name. It is a tranquil and picturesque body of water teeming with tilapia and the endearing lotus flower. The Seven Falls with its thrilling zip line is also popular among local and foreign tourists. The Lake Sebu Specialties Food Tour is a single origin cultural tour package that allows tourists to enjoy the sights and activities while feasting on the local culinary fare. A variety of tilapia dishes may be sampled as these are available in abundance from the lake.
- LAGBASAN CAVE
Lagbasan Cave is one of the most unique and spectacular caves ever seen and explored by the Local tourist in Brgy., Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Province of Sultan Kudarat.
It creates a wonderland that is only revealed by light. It may be a barren world and appears to be an abandoned palace but is gleaming with impressive features with stories shaped and etched by times. Supple draperies embellish the walls. Elegant columns and irregular pendants sparkle amid a gloomy niche. It has a unique and amazing shapes that are often likened to animals and humans with stories of reality and fantasy.
The management and protection of this delicate ecosystem call for pro-active actions and support from different sectors. DENR XII Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria campaigns for the importance of teamwork and partnership to effectively manage and protect these resources. The coordination and the accommodation of the local leaders and the stakeholders’ community manifest better partnership.
For more information, contact Department of Tourism Region 12 at 083 520-1274 or visit Treasures of SOX Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TreasuresOfSox
ADVT