Lake Sebu is the best place to visit in South Cotabato; you can’t resist its charm – promise! I am sure it is one of the “traveler’s bucket list.” Also, their rich culture and traditions are well-preserved and still intact because these are still being practiced by the locals. With the natural wonders, culture and traditions combined, this place was recognized by UNESCO as a cultural landscape.
Lake Sebu: best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get here.
VISIT THE LOTUS FARM early in the morning while the cold wind is blowing. Why early in the morning? Because it’s the perfect time to witness the blooming of the Lotus flowers. 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 the spot of the Lotus flowers.
DISCOVER THE HISTORY AT THE T’BOLI MUSEUM: During our visit, it was still closed but Jorie had it opened 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.
VISIT THE 7 WATERFALLS AND ZIPLINE: It is probably the most visited spot. It is where you can strike a pose wearing a T’nalak (photo above) with the Hiking Alu or Falls 1 on 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.
VISIT THE HOUSE OF LANG DULAY: She is a former National Living Treasure awardee for the T’nalak weaving. It 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 but the finished product has amazing and unique patterns and designs that are usually based on Lang Dulay’s dream – the reason why she was called the “Dreamweaver.”
VISIT EVELANDIA: If you are searching for a spot with a wide view of the lake, the mountains and the rice fields, then, it is the right place. 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.
CONTACT PERSON IN SOUTH COTABATO: Jorie Untang Sabal
Ph: 09058240725
OTHER TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH COTABATO:
If you’re into hiking and camping, you should visit Lake Holon, one of must visit spot, however, it was closed during my visit. If you’re into discovering South Cotabato’s rich culture, you can visit the town of T’Boli.
HOW TO GET TO HERE: There is no airport in South Cotabato, so you need to take a flight to General Santos City airport. Then, at the parking area by the airport, take a van to Bulaong Terminal, then, another van ride to Lake Sebu. Though it’s the route’s last destination, I still recommend to always monitor your location by using Google Maps.
WHERE TO STAY: There are a few choices of places to stay, just search online or Google Maps. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed at the prominent SLT Homestay, just 5 minutes from the terminal. For an overnight stay, I paid 350 pesos with free breakfast. SLT Homestay is searchable on Google Maps. You can contact them on 09354569359.
The architecture of SLT Homestay is based on the cultural wooden houses; has a spacious interior, made of local and handcrafted products and musical instruments. Anything inside the house are unique. Maybe it’s the reason why it was chosen as the place where Catriona had her video shoot for Miss Universe. Anyways, I learned something very very important, to show respect and as a common courtesy, sleepers and shoes are left outside, like the Japanese and Korean.
TRAVEL AROUND THE PHILIPPINES 
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