Lake Sebu

Are you looking for a unique tourist destination? Lake Sebu in South Cotabato might just be what you are looking for. This is ideal for the culturally inclined because the site is more than just a tourist attraction as it is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural landscape in Mindanao. By definition, a “cultural landscape” is any distinctive geographical area that showcases a unique balance between the work of man, culture, and nature. And there is no other tourist destination in the Philippines that could represent it better than Lake Sebu does.

To get to Lake Sebu, there are various choices of transportation that you can opt for. The travel time from the General Santos airport is approximately 2-3 hours depending on the form of transportation you use. If you are using public transportation, you need to take up to four different connections in order to reach your destination. From the airport, you must ride the bus at the General Santos bus terminal to Koronadal. Once in Koronadal, you take another bus leading to Surallah and then ride another van to take you to Lake Sebu. Since the van might take a while as they wait for other passengers, you can opt for the “habal-habal” or single motorcycle for a special trip to Lake Sebu.

There are many activities and sights to feast your eyes on and fill your time when you visit Lake Sebu. There are local guides that are willing to take you around for a minimal fee. You can also navigate around the lakes by renting a boat for a fixed price of PhP 400, which can seat up to 15 to 20 people max. In these tour guides, you will learn about the historical background and other essential cultural information of Lake Sebu.

You may also trek down the entire expanse of Lake Sebu to explore its 2 great lakes and 7 waterfalls, which are very popular amongst visitors. The first waterfall, also known as Dongon Falls, is easy to access. The last two falls are the most difficult to access and might require a lot of walking before you can reach them. However, all of them are worth the effort because these falls are breathtaking and beyond description, especially for those who embrace natural attractions.

If you hate walking from one falls to another, there is another way for you to navigate them and in a different perspective – that is by taking the zipline. During the zipline ride, you will fly over the second, third, fourth, and fifth waterfalls. The cost for the zipline is quite cheap at PhP 200, especially considering the view that you will be able to witness throughout the ride. Plus, it is an instant source of adventure during your Lake Sebu vacation.

The beauty and cultural value of Lake Sebu makes it one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. If you want to be awed by the sheer beauty of nature and get some insight into the cultural history of South Cotabato, you know where to go on your next vacation!