The Philippines is filled with natural beauty from top to bottom. One city in the province of South Cotabato is living proof of this: Koronadal City. The city of Koronadal is the provincial capital of South Cotabato. As such, it is a hub of tourism, history, economy, and rich culture. In fact, it’s a melting pot of cultures in Southern Mindanao and, to this day, it’s one of the most thrilling and exciting places to explore in the Soccsksargen region.
Koronadal City used to be called ‘Marbel,’ a B’laan word meaning murky waters. It’s very aptly named because Koronadal City is a part of South Cotabato concentrated with countless bodies of water so beautiful that they’ve become tourist destinations. Apart from Koronadal City’s impressive waterfalls and lakes, it also has lush forests and holds a wealth of cultural heritage.
There are several options for you to make your way to Koronadal City, South Cotabato through accessible air or sea travel. If you’re traveling by sea, Koronadal City is accessible through the Makar Wharf in General Santos City.
On the other hand, flying into the province of South Cotabato has also become an ease thanks to the nearest airport, the General Santos International Airport, situated in General Santos province. It happens to be the nearest airport to Koronadal City and serves as the main entry port for visitors.
With all its attractions and the ease of travel to Koronadal City, tourism is definitely taking flight.
Koronadal Thrills: 5 Must-Have Experiences When Visiting Koronadal City
1. Visit Natural Tourist Attractions
Nature lovers will find endless places to visit in Koronadal. The city may be landlocked and located away from the sea, but it’s a refreshing change of pace from island tourist attractions in most other destinations in the Philippines.
Seven Falls in Lake Sebu
Don’t let the name fool you. Lake Sebu is more than just a lake, it is a municipality filled with majestic waterfalls and lush forests. The municipality of Lake Sebu is considered the “bowl of forests and mountains” by Lonely Planet and is recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage landscape. One of its natural attractions is its series of waterfalls called collectively the “Seven Falls.”
The Seven Falls is a naturally formed landscape of cascading falls at different heights. Namely, they are:
Kawa Falls
Sarabia Falls
Matimus Falls
Siok Falls
Lambusong Falls
Suppon Falls
Cabillon Falls
To get to these, you would have to go up and down paths through the forest. The trek is already a thrilling experience in itself for many local tourists and visitors to the Philippines. You can even go on a zip line for a bird’s eye view. However, the main highlight of the trip are the falls.
The first and second falls, in particular, offer sights straight out of postcards. These enormous falls are about 100 feet tall; the second one is called “Hikong Bente” by the locals, meaning immeasurable.
If you’re keen on swimming, then head to Siok or Suppon Falls in Barangay San Jose where the rapids are calm enough for a relaxing dip. The Seven Falls are must-see feats of nature located in the heart of Lake Sebu.
Lake Holon in T’Boli
If you want to take a trip off the beaten path to a unique tourist attraction in Koronadal city, make Lake Holon your next destination. Lake Holon was formed in Mr. Melibingoy after an eruption in 1641. Located in the highlands, the lake connects Koronadal to T’boli, the ancestral land of the T’boli tribe.
The trek up the volcano can be challenging for unprepared visitors, but the serene natural landscape of Lake Holon is worth the trip. You can canoe around the still waters as you take in the breathtaking views of the thick canopies of surrounding trees.
2. Explore Indigenous Groups and Cultural Heritage
Koronadal City serves as a cultural heritage hub not just for Southern Philippines, but for Southeast Asia in general. In fact, it may be one of the places to visit if you want to immerse in well-preserved culture.
Surallah Cultural Landmark
The Surallah Cultural Landmark is one of the newer tourist attractions in Koronadal City. Also called the Tri-People Monument, the landmark gives tribute to the three major peoples living in the provincial capital: the T’bolis, Muslims, and Christians.
At the center of the monument are musical instruments from the indigenous groups: the T’boli’s hegalong and T’nonggong. The monument also highlights local delicacies and products including the endemic plant bohung as well as Koronadal City’s main agricultural products.
Honoring Culture and Traditions in T’boli Museum
The T’boli Museum is another tourist attraction located in Lake Sebu outside of the city. The museum features the T’boli’s culture of brass casting and music, among their many other crafts. The modest display shines a spotlight on gongs used in traditional dance and songs. Some brassware is also on display, showing you how brass tools are used daily in T’boli life.
You can also see their rich culture and history through the woven fabrics exhibited in the T’boli Museum. To this day, the T’boli community continues to honor their culture and traditions.
3. Relax and Unwind in Resorts
After you explore tourist attraction after tourist attraction, you’ll want to unwind in some of the best resorts South Cotabato has to offer.
Paraiso Verde Resort
The Paraiso Verde Resort is a hotel and water park packaged into one. It’s the perfect respite for visitors in South Cotabato with its cozy rooms and outdoor amenities.
If you’re looking for a water park experience, you can go swimming in their outdoor pool. You can also just as easily take life slow on the terraces surrounded by unadulterated nature and land.
The Farm at Carpenter Hill
Closer to the highlands of South Cotabato, you can find a serene escape at The Farm at Carpenter Hill. Incidentally, within the same barangay as Camella Prima Koronadal. Just a short drive outside the center of the city of Koronadal, the resort allows you to immerse in the vast plantations in the province.
You can visit a pineapple plantation and other agricultural tourist spots in the area.
4. Be Part of Festivals and Cultural Events
It’s almost always festival season in the Philippines. When you visit South Cotabato, make it extra special by catching a festival or two. Here are two major celebrations you’ll be sorry to miss:
Hinugyaw Festival
Every January 8-10, Hinugyaw Festival is celebrated to commemorate Koronadal as a municipality. “Hinugyaw” is a word that translates to “merrymaking” in Koronadal City’s dialect. Additionally, it’s dubbed the “Festival of Festivals” in South Cotabato since it also celebrates the different cultures and rich history that continue to thrive in the province.
Indigenous groups like the T’Boli tribe and B’laan tribe get to showcase their cultural heritage through cultural shows and festival. It features traditional dance, street dancing, and street parties at night along the streets of Koronadal City.
T’nalak Festival
T’nalak Festival gets its name from the colorful abaca cloth woven by the dream weavers of the T’boli tribe. The cloth is known throughout the Philippines because each one is unique as it’s patterned after the weaver’s dreams. The festival uses T’nalak cloth as its icon because it symbolizes the beautiful blend of cultural heritage in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The T’nalak Festival is also a commemoration of Lang Dulay’s notable woven fabrics. Lang Dulay was considered the best weaver of her time, bagging the National Living Treasure Award in 1998. Tourists visit South Cotabato to experience this special festival. You can expect a plethora of community and cultural events including a bahay-kubo competition, live concerts, a fun run, a street dancing competition, and a fireworks display.
5. Go Souvenir Shopping
Before you board your flight back home at the General Santos International Airport, you’ll want to sample local delicacies and shop for pasalubong. One of the best places to do so is at the KCC Mall of Maribel. There’s a range of restaurants and stores you could visit to get the freshest tilapia dishes and the sweetest mangoes the Philippines has to offer.
So hit enter on that reserve button and book a visit to Koronadal City now.
The Best Thrills at Camella in Koronadal City
Visitors often fall in love with the thrills Koronadal has to offer and do not want to leave the Southern Mindanao island at all. Investing in a residence in South Cotabato, Philippines could be the biggest thrill of your life.
Experience the thrill of living grandly in Camella Prima Koronadal’s Mediterranean-inspired homes. The 8.7-hectare community is just a stone’s throw away from Koronadal City’s vital establishments and tourism sites.
There is also no shortage of attractions in the development with its world-class clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, courts, and pocket parks. Plus, it is less than 4 kilometers from the Koronadal City Hall, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, and the revered South Cotabato Community Museum.
A home in Camella Prima Koronadal ensures that you’re in touch with nature, inherent local culture, and the unique South Cotabato lifestyle. You get the perfect mix of relaxation and thrill in Camella Prima in South Cotabato.
Check out our House and Lot for Sale Properties
Discover our house and lot for sale properties in the Philippines
