South Cotabato: Lakes, Trekking and Culture

Lake Holon lies on Mt. Melingoy, also known as Mt. Parker, and forms the crater of an inactive volcano. Trekking and nature excursions are among the activities visitors can enjoy at the lake. Those interested in this landscape can also find a specific trek here, along with an insight into the plant life along the trail.

Trekking at Lake Holon

The trek to Lake Holon takes three to four hours. Along the way, visitors can see indigenous plants, orchids, and brightly colored flowers. A visitor information notice from 2022 described Lake Holon as open to the public for trekking and nature excursions. Check the current visitor conditions before setting out.

The Salacafe Trail is recommended for inexperienced trekkers. The Koli Trail is intended for experienced hikers: before the descent to Lake Holon, there is a challenging, steep climb. When choosing a trail, you can take into account the different levels of difficulty without overlooking the challenge of the Koli Trail.

Lakes, Mountains and Nature Experiences

Boat trips across Lake Sebu are available, with views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The zipline at the Seven Falls passes over cascading waterfalls and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The two experiences offer different perspectives: a ride on the lake or a view from above the waterfalls.

Mt. Matutum has ecological and cultural significance in South Cotabato. The mountain is also a source of water for the communities of Tupi, Tampakan, and Polomolok. Mambukal Hot Sulphur Spring Resort has natural pools fed by hot sulfur springs, which are believed to have therapeutic effects.

In Tupi, Strawberry Guyabano Farm offers fruit-picking experiences and farm tours. Check in advance whether both are available on your travel dates. This way, you can fit the visit into your travel plans without assuming a particular season or set schedule.

Culture and Traditions

In Surallah, the Tri-People Monument symbolizes harmony among Christians, Muslims, and Lumads. In Lake Sebu, the Manlilikha ng Bayan Centers offer traditional T’nalak weaving and indigenous T’boli songs. The two places represent different cultural themes: the monument celebrates coexistence, while the centers focus on traditional crafts and song.

The T’nalak Festival takes place every year in July to honor the founding anniversary of South Cotabato. The festival includes lively street dances, cultural performances, decorated floats, and community celebrations. If you are interested in this festival tradition, you can take its recurring July date into account when planning your trip.

The permanent section of the South Cotabato Community Museum displays exhibitions, artifacts, and archived objects. A museum description dated February 27, 2024, also mentions a monthly community presentation and an exhibition of South Cotabato visual art. The exhibition program may change.

Planning Tips

For destinations with visitor limits, the Provincial Tourism Office recommends coordinating with the municipal tourism offices. As of January 2026, nine accredited travel agencies were operating in South Cotabato; check their current availability before your trip. To choose a hotel location, you can first decide whether trekking, culture, or other nature experiences will shape your trip, then compare the location of a specific property with your planned destinations.

Discover more destinations: General Santos

For the broader travel overview: Soccsksargen.