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.
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.
2. Grand Mosque (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid)
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.
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!
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 CenterÂ
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 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)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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 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!
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 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.
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
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jiyon the soloist 