Category: Mindanao

Lake Sebu – The Well Spring of the Grand Seven Falls

Enjoying the scenery of these stunning lotus flowers. Will they make you take the Owong (canoe) and row in Lake Sebu? January 2018

I visited Mindanao last January 19th, and all the way from Davao City, I paid a visit to Talicud Island, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. It was only a four-day trip, but having a close encounter with these humble provinces made me realize more that the Philippines is certainly rich in culture and it is something that we should all be proud of!

From the pristine beaches of Talicud Island to my close encounter with Islam in Maguindanao, I just knew that placid Lake Sebu will complement my stay with a bang!

Now let me share how I did all the fun as I walk you through my 2018 Mindanao adventure! Follow along!

Click here for the Maguindanao write up

Where is Lake Sebu?

Lake Sebu is located in South Cotabato, SOCCSKSARGEN Region, where the humble province borders with Sultan Kudarat in the North and West, Sarangani to the South and Davao del Sur to the Northeast.

The Map of Lake Sebu and South Cotabato. Credits to the owner of the map.

South Cotabato can be reached by taking a plane bound for General Santos City or a plane headed to the more popular Davao City. Either flight would require a land travel to Koronadal (popularly known as Marbel) where vans or buses take routes to the placid Lake Sebu.

The Map of Koronadal and South Cotabato. Credits to the owner of the map.

The Placid Lake Sebu

My excitement to see Lake Sebu was unexplainable that day. I knew that I was about to see something magical again and the lake was just perfect to wrap up my Mindanao adventure.

Bird’s eye view picture of Lake Sebu. Lotus flowers abound the placid lake. January 2018

After taking almost a two-hour ride via a passenger van from A2Z terminal in Koronadal, we finally reached the Municipality of Lake Sebu.

Prior to our day of visit, we coordinated with the President of Tourist Drivers and Local Guides of Lake Sebu, Jorie Sabal, for our tour arrangements. Jorie is a proud T’boli and a local of Lake Sebu. He is a very informative guide and has several side stories to tell about the lake.

Our first destination was the very lake itself. I told Jorie that I wanted to see the lotus flowers first and he said that it is best to visit early in the morning just before the sun boast in full blast in broad day light.

These beautiful lotus flowers only bloom before the sun flaunts its optimal bright light. January 2018

We did a slight trek on our way to the lake. We passed by a small community of happy people who never failed to share a smile as Jorie kept his enthusiasm on giving insights about the lake. He mentioned that the lake was called El S’bu back in the old days and because of several immigrants settling in the town, the name evolved to Sebu or Lake Sebu.

Upon reaching the lake, Jorie asked if it is alright for me to take an Owong. He described it as a canoe or a boat without outrigger. I was a little hesitant at first because I know that the lake is 115 feet deep and I was not wearing a lifevest. He told me to just keep still and watch my balance as we get closer to the flowers. In the end, I decided to go on to see the lotuses upclose! It is not like I always have the time to visit South Cotabato, so the tour just went on!

Owong is the T’boli term for a canoe. It is a boat made out of dugout trunk of a tree. January 2018
Keeping my balance in the Owong or getting soaking wet falling on the 115-feet deep lake. January 2018

The lotus flowers of Lake Sebu are really stunning. A single flower is beautiful enough so what more if you get surrounded by a bunch of them?! I really couldn’t get enough and my fear of falling just faded away.

For P100.00 and the picturesque scene, who wouldn’t take this close encounter with nature? When you visit the place, make sure to get closer with these pink beauties and capture a magical moment with the lake! 🙂

January 2018
Lotus flowers abound this serene lake. I made sure to capture a moment with these beauties. January 2018

The Seven Falls

Lake Sebu is a total wonder! How can a lake supply the 7 falls without going significantly lower than its water level?

From the legend’s Boi Henwu forgetting to place the leaf cover in the source hole to the possibility of the rain cycle supplying the lake, my research was not able to answer my questioning mind!

For now, let us get to know the seven wonder falls of Lake Sebu!

1. Hikong Alo – T’boli: Passage Falls

This falls is the easiest to access. You can actually get closer and have it as a background for your Instagram post. Just be cautious with the mist as it might ruin your camera device. The falls is 35 feet high.

Getting closer to Hikong Alo. The greenish hue of the water suggests that it originated from the lake. January 2018
Hikong Alo is equally stunning from afar. January 2018

2. Hikong Bente – T’boli: Immeasurable Falls

Hikong Bente is the highest among the seven falls. At 70 feet high, they might want to rename it to measurable! Kidding aside, you can get closer to it by taking the concrete steps.

The falls’ rockwall formations, boulders and mist make it the most picturesque too. It was like a movie setting in the Amazons and I in search for the hidden paradise! The strong force of the falls and the mist gently tickling my face made my trip a worthwhile one!

The strong force of the lake produces this thick mist. A grand nature show off. January 2018

3. Hikong B’lebel – T’boli: Zigzag Falls

Most of the falls need to be hiked to witness them closely. But one exciting way to see this falls no. 3 is to take the zipline! For P250.00 on weekdays and P300.00 on weekends, this is already a treat for adventurers at heart!

The Zipline which is claimed as the highest in South East Asia was actually a total fun!!!! The view from above was absolutely breath taking! On the video below you will see the magnificent Hikong Bente and a short glimpse of Hikong B’lebel.

Unfortunately the other falls were not witnessed for safety reasons. Slippery trails are pretty dangerous for regular tourists like us!

4. Hikong Lowig – T’boli: Booth Falls

5. Hikong Ukol – T’boli: Wildflower Falls

6. Hikong K’fo-i – T’boli: Short Falls

7. Hikong Tonok – T’boli: Soil Falls

More about the Zipline adventures, the place also offers photopackages in case you want to take pictures of your seven falls encounter. You can even rent action cameras to record your reactions while in the heights! It is a must try if I may stress it!

One of the pictures taken as I try the highest Zipline in South East Asia. January 2018
I took a photopackage worth P350.00 for a two-way zipline picture taking which also includes CDs for the softcopies. January 2018

To inquire with Lake Sebu’s activities and recent offerings, you may contact our friend Jorie Sabal. He will gladly assist you for any travel related queries to his hometown. You may reach him through this number : 09058240725 or look for his Facebook account.

Jorie Sabal, myself and Datu Salazar after my Zipline encounter. January 2018

Visit Lake Sebu now and have fun! Happy traveling!

-jiyon

Maguindanao – Beauty and Royalty Exposed to the World

The picturesque grand mosque stunning under the rays of the morning sun. January 2018

I first encountered the idea of traveling in Maguindanao when some of my Facebook friends posted their experience with the province. I was amused seeing how they sauntered around and enjoyed the culture of the humble place. I asked myself several times like how they possibly did that with all the negative news and write ups all over the publications and the net, so I reached out to Michelle and Ian (my Facebook friends) about DOS Municipality (Datu Odin Sinsuat), and all I got from them are good stories that are worth telling and sharing.

Where is Maguindanao?

Maguindanao is a province in Central Mindanao located in ARMM. It borders with Lanao Del Sur to the North, Cotabato to the East, Sultan Kudarat to the South and Illana Bay to the west.

You can reach Maguindanao by taking a flight going to Cotabato City or from a more common flight to Davao City.

From Cotabato City you will need to take a Townace (local version of a jeepney) bound for Awang to reach the first few tourist spots in Maguindanao.

If you took Davao City as an entry point, you will need to take a van or a bus in Ecoland terminal bound for Cotabato City. It will take around 5 to 6 hours to reach it by van. Buses will usually take longer because of several stops along the way.

The Map of Maguindanao Province. January 2018 (c) Roel Balingit / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0. )

Places I visited in Maguindanao

I visited Mindanao last January 19th, 2018 and took a flight bound for Davao City. I was advised by my DOS Tourism contact, Sir Datuhabib Salazar, to take the van bound for Cotabato City in Ecoland Terminal at 2am. Reaching Cotabato City early in the morning will give us more time to tour around DOS and its neighboring cities and municipalities.

The list below is the exact sequencing of our Maguindanao tour.

1. Cotabato City Hall

From the terminal, I met sir Datu and we walked for about 5 minutes and took a townace bound for Awang. It will cost you P8.00 per head to reach the City Hall. I just took several photos of this place and moved on to our next destination.

Cotabato City Hall with a welcoming vibe. January 2018
I will never miss a tourism signage like this. I was certainly here in Cotabato City! January 2018
Cotabato City Hall upclose. January 2018

2. Grand Mosque (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid)

A Middle East feel in Cotabato City. Aerial view of the Grand Mosque. January 2018

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City is the largest mosque in the Philippines and was funded by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam. It was completed in 2011 at a reported  cost US$48 Million.

The other view of the mosque. Our herbivorous friends regularly visit the place. January 2018
Symmetry is very amusing to the eyes. The golden yellow domes are so conspicuous and very instagrammable. January 2018

Towering and stunning, you will suddenly feel like you are in the middle east! With its domes painted golden yellow and adorned with crescent moons, and its structure ornated with islamic designs, this is definitely a must-see place! A totally different cultural site in our country!

The domes are artistically crafted. Simplicity is very regal. January 2018
The main lobby of the mosque. Simple yet elegant. January 2018

Please be reminded though that the place is an Islamic place of worship, so wearing shorts is not allowed inside. Also, refrain from making unnecessary noise as a courtesy to the place.

To get to the mosque, take a townace bound for Awang from Cotabato City Hall for P8.00, alight at Bubung then take a habal habal. The motorcycle ride will cost around P300.00 round trip heading to the weaving center after.

3. Al Jamelah Weaving Center 

Preserving the Inaul weaving craft is one of the main objectives of the center. Founded by Miss Albaya Wampa,  the center employs women from its local community.

The delicate hand weaving of Inaul. Preserving the craft for the future generations. January 2018

The place is a haven for hand-made textiles carefully and delicately woven. I was told that setting the threads will take weeks and will depend on how complicated the designs are. I was also advised that prominent Filipino designers deal with the weaving center because of its World class textiles.

4. White Mosque (Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi)

The White Facade of the Mosque makes it very relaxing to the eyes and shouts simplicity and regality at the same time. January 2018

This Islamic house of worship has become one of the tourist destinations in Datu Odin Sinsuat. From its white facade up to its elegant interiors, the owner of the mosque is truly inclined with his religious beliefs.

Enthusiastic to enter the mosque. Learning cultures is a bliss. January 2018
Chandelier of the White Mosque elegantly hanging inside. January 2018
The insides of the White Mosque shout regality. Chandelier ornates the ceiling big time. January 2018

From the weaving center, one has to take a tricycle for P10.00 per head, alight in the main road and take a townace bound for Awang for P8.00 per head. From Awang, hire a tricycle/payong-payong finally heading to the White Mosque for P10.00 per head.

The White Mosque on a different perspective. Its white color complements the wide blue sky. January 2018

Like any other mosques, one has to be very keen upon entering the place. Make sure to wear appropriate attire and refrain from making unnecessary noise.

5. Blue Lagoon

If Surigao Del Sur has Enchanted River, Maguindanao certainly has the Blue Lagoon. This is, for me, the highlight of my Maguindanao Tour!

The placid Blue Lagoon seemingly inviting the guests to swim. January 2018

Located in Margues, Datu Odin Sinsuat, this magical site is just a few steps from the national highway. The water source of the lagoon comes from a spring and connects to the Tamontaka River.

Signage of the Blue Lagoon in the National Highway. January 2018
The way to the lagoon. It is just a few steps from the National Highway. Sir Datu leading the tourist in me. January 2018

I was so enthusiatic about finally seeing the place! I am really fond of natural bodies of water so I was not able to contain my excitement to finally have the chance to swim on it!

The place was truly magical! A little eerie at first sight, but upon seeing how playful the children could get, I had no excuse but to take the plunge!

The children are having a playful encounter with the lagoon! Its depth did not hinder these children to swim freely! January 2018
The tree trunk at the center serves as a resting ground. The trunk naturally fell at the deepest part of the lagoon. January 2018

The lagoon serves as a drinking water source for the community and serves as a bathing and laundry ground too. I actually encountered a few young women doing their laundry at the end of the lagoon when I was walking down the improvised stairs to the shallow parts. This lagoon is just very important to the community!

The bluish hued water was very refreshing. I could spend my whole day swimming on the place. January 2018

The water in the lagoon is very cool, very refreshing and very revitalizing! I was just grateful that even though it rained the prior day, the lagoon was still bluish and not muddy at all! It was not at its most beautiful but it was on its decent appearance! The small fishes are good attraction too as they offer free spa at the same time!

Reaching the trunk in the middle of the lagoon. A big relief for not so good swimmers like me. January 2018

I have to mention that the lagoon has deep parts too, so extra caution is highly advised! The tree trunk at the middle of the lagoon is a big relief for not so good swimmers like me as it serves as a resting spot if you want to reach the middle part or the other end of the lagoon.

Currently, entrance to the lagoon is free. Maintenance plans are also still under negotiations between the local tourism office and the owners. Hopefully this will get settled soon as the place gets piles of rubbishes left out by irresponsible tourists.

The place is highly recommended though and you better visit the spot before lots of tourists flock Maguindanao!

To reach the lagoon from the White Mosque, take a townace bound for Tacurong for P8.00 per head and alight at the signage of the Blue Lagoon along the highway in Margues.

6. Pink Mosque (Masjid Dimaukom)

The Pink Mosque is situated in the Municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. It was financed by Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom and completed on December 2012. The pink color of the mosque symbolizes peace, love, unity and interfaith brotherhood.

The Pink Mosque is a total stunner. It surely knows how to impress. January 2018
The pink entrance arc will definitely catch your attention. You should know that you just arrived to the Pink Mosque :). January 2018
Information about the Pink Mosque displayed on its walls. January 2018

The mosque is a total head turner and looks amusingly different than the usual. Its pink color is very pleasing and you can’t just take your cameras off of it. The accents of light and dark shades of pink has a very artistic touch and you just knew it was also built to impress its guests.

Rediscovering the Pink Mosque. I was advised to wear something appropriate for the visit. Wearing shorts is not allowed. January 2018

Like visiting other religious places, please be courteous and sensitive upon visiting this place. Always remember that RESPECT begets RESPECT and otherwise begets otherwise. 🙂

Soloist Insights

Maguindanao’s name was heavily tarnished in the recent years, but with the efforts of the local tourism offices, their initiatives in promoting the province are getting fruitful.

My Maguindanao tour is actually a good medium in exposing myself to the Islamic Culture. The tour paved a way for me to finally witness mosques in a literally colorful way! The courtesy of the people and the warmth they show to visitors like me is very inviting backed up by the very affordable cost of living!

The province is basically new to the tourism industry and they still have to learn a lot of things to catch up, but with their passion and determination, I just feel that It won’t be long before tourists flock Maguindanao. I am just grateful I was able to do it before it becomes too crowded! My day tour journey was just AMAZING and a hassle-free tour shouts a 9.7 out of 10 score!

For inquiries and direct coordination with the local tourism office of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, please contact Datuhabib Salazar on this number 09056171725. Just don’t forget to tell him that you got his number from Jiyon!

Visit Colorful Maguindanao now and experience the wonderful Islamic Culture!
-jiyon

 

Tinuy-an Falls – Towering from the Courage of the Heroic Natives

Towering at 55m, Tinuy-an falls is called the little Niagara Falls of the Philippines. November 2017

After our encounter with the Enchanted river, we went straight to Tinuy-an falls. I clearly remember that it was raining so badly and I was outloud wishing that the sky will get clearer even just for an hour! I was glad that the rain stopped and we had a good time in Bislig!

Taking more than an hour from Hinatuan, you can really feel that bumpy ride. I couldn’t thank enough that we opted to rent a van, for the road was muddy because of seasonal rains and the road projects were ongoing. (If interested in renting a van, kindly send me a message for the details of my contact. I am not in anyway connected with them)

It will take around an hour from Hinatuan to Bislig.

Going to Bislig was still a bliss though! The ubiquitous coconut trees were a sight to behold and I can recall my parents getting amazed at how these trees are just all around the place. They were even joking that how come there are no coconut juice vendor along the way.

Living the tourist life, we can never skip a tourist destination signage like this. November 2017

Upon reaching the destination, the lowest tier of the falls will greet you with a positive vibe. The water was pretty strong that day probably because of the recent rains but it was still picturesque nonetheless.

The lowest tier of the falls greeting every visitor. November 2017

To give a brief insight about Tinuy-an, the name was derived from Tinuyo-an; a native vernacular which means an intentional act to achieve a goal. There is actually an FYI post along the main entrance which narrates the ” Legend of Tinuy-an” involving the Magdiwata Mountain Settlers and the cruel tribesmen of Agusan. You may refer to the photo below:

A very short narration of how the name of the falls was derived. November 2017

Rates and Fees

The rates are pretty affordable. You can refer to the photo below for the actual rates as of November 2017.

Updated rates as of November 2017

Personal Insights

The place is amusing, after paying the entrance fee, you are free to saunter around and take pictures until you drop. You can go near the falls but you need to take the safety precautions. 

There is also a bamboo/wooden bridge across the river where you can get a front picture of the falls. This will also lead you to the function hall where you can get the left sided perspective of Tinuy-an. This is literally picture galore and you can take photos of different views as much as you want.

You can cross the bridge to get a better perspective of Tinuy-an. November 2017
The pavement leading closer to Tinuy-an. November 2017

The place was misty that day. Tinuy-an was mighty and you can visibly see the sun rays striking through the mist. It was an enchanting moment indeed!

Tinuy-an Falls tends to be misty after the rain, that sometimes you can spot a rainbow in the area. November 2017

You can also do the bamboo rafting where you can get much closer to the falls. It would be exciting to feel how powerful the falls can get and how cool its water is. Unfortunately on our end, we were running out of time. We needed to go to our next destination as the way out of Tinuy-an can get a little dark. That was on top of the muddy road and the busy road widening project that we experienced going to the place!!!! 

My parents and I taking a souvenir of Tinuy-an. You can see other guests doing bamboo rafting in the background. November 2017

All in all it was a fun-filled experience! So glad that I finally met mighty Tinuy-an. You better visit this peaceful place and let me know if you also had fun 🙂

Excited to finally meet Tinuy-an. A dream is now a reality. November 2017

-jiyon

Enchanted River – An Encounter with a Totally Different World.

Mindanao was always perceived as a troubled island. With all the undesirable events in the past, uprising and civil wars that are still experienced up to this modern day and misconceptions arising from difference in religion , a lot of Filipinos refrain from visiting this heaven on Earth. But are you interested in knowing of what you could be missing for skipping an itinery in gentle Mindanao? You better start taking notes now!

Let’s start our journey with Surigao Del Sur’s Enchanted River!!!

Two boatmen are about to feed the fishes in the river. November 2017

Located in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, this deep spring river is mesmerizing to the maximum level. Like saphire and emerald dashing in my eyes, It was hard to take away my eyes from the scene. It seems like I can stay the whole day in here just enjoying its clear and cool waters. The river flows nonstop to the Philippine sea and all the way to the mighty Pacific Ocean.

The name of the place was derived from “Rio Encantado” from the poem written by  Modesto Farolan.

Translated from Spanish “Rio Encantado” derived from the poem of Modesto Farolan. Signage on November 2017

Activities

Swimming is the main activity on this spot, but sadly, swimming in the main part of the river is no longer allowed as a mean for the local government to preserve the natural wonder.

The main area of the river is now closed for swimming. Guests can only swim at the tail of the river. November 2017
A designated swimming area is now alloted since the main area of the river is now closed to the public for swimming. November 2017.

You can also witness the fish feeding scheduled every noon. It is a sight to behold as you can see the fishes swimming in crystal clear water as they all try to chase and outswim each other for the food.

Other Details

Fees are collected by the local government for the maintenance of the place. Prices are as follows:

Entrance : PHP 40.00 per head

Parking: PHP 20.00 per vehicle

Lifevests (Required if you will go swimming): PHP 15.00 per hour. You cannot use your personal lifevest.

How to get to Enchanted River

I actually visited the two Surigao Provinces with my parents to celebrate my birthday, so I had to account for their comfort and convenience for the travel. I rented a van to pick us up from Bancasi Airport in Butuan City to avoid the hassle of huggling and looking for spot contacts for the next destination. The van rate that I got was PHP 2,500.00 per day plus gas.

It is actually advisable to rent a van for groups as the top spots are far from each other and there are ongoing road widening projects. Weather concerns should also be accounted for for Q4 tends to be rainy in the region. I just cannot imagine my parents taking habal habal with backpacks on for long hours and getting wet if it rained. 

Ima and Tatang taking a remembrance of this wonderful river. November 2017

If interested on getting my contact’s details, please do not hesitate to send me a message.

Other than Butuan City, you can reach Surigao via Davao City or CDO. PAL and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to the aforementioned destinations.

Personal Insights

The Enchanted River is really a natural wonder. You will get amazed with its colors and crystal clear waters. Honestly, all I could say is “Wow” while taking pictures of this site.

The enchanting river during the fish feeding activity at 12 noon. November 2017

However, I have to stress out that having lunch to the place is not recommendable. Meal prices are insane and Viands good for 3 to 4 persons range from PHP 100.00 to PHP 150.00 and rice for the same headcount is fixed at PHP 70.00. Now if that comes cheap for you, wait until you find out that utensils are not free and spoon, fork, plate and cup is priced PHP 5.00 each. But wait there is more! There is a designated place to dine and you have to rent a set of table and 4 chairs for PHP 150.00. Incredible isn’t it? 

I suggest to just bring light snacks and find a good place to dine somewhere else. The food served in the Enchanted River is not good anyway.

Make sure to take a plunge too. I havent had the chance to swim because of time constraints of going to Tinuy-an, but by the looks of it, I just knew that the place is certainly amazing!!!  One more thing, you better visit the place on an early morning and on a weekday if you do not want photobombers all over the place. This famous place can get super crowded!!! Plan ahead of time and this is gonna be amazing!

– Jiyon