Lake Sebu ~ Philippines’ hidden treasure in South Cotabato

Municipality of Lake Sebu

South Cotabato, Philippines

Lake Sebu, Southern Mindanao's most precious jewel.

When we talked about Mindanao, first thing that comes to mind even here in abroad is the presence of rebel armies in the area and that bothers me big time really!!!!! At some point they were correct, but hey, do they know how big the island of Mindanao is?  Why do they come up with such conclusion immediately? This connotation should change coz there are tons of beautiful areas here that is worthwhile to explore and people tend not to go because of this ‘threats’ (ammmmpppzzzz!).

Famous cultural landmark in Surallah South Cotabato made by Kublai Millan.

I am proud to be Marbellians since I spent most of my younger years here. Me and my brother were born basically in Sasa, Davao City and we just migrate here in South Cotabato for good. I love the place especially the vicinity where I grew up. Currently, I may be far away from where my family is but one day, I’ll be back as this place offers great memories to reminisced.

Exhilarate yourself with the revitalizing road trip experience along the plains and the mountains.

We have no detailed itinerary when we went to Lake Sebu actually. It just happen so fast when my brother told me one morning to pack our things as we will go to Lake Sebu. I know that he is always busy doing church activities but when he said that, I realized how important time is and was so happy that he devoted one day for this trip.

Indulge yourself with the sweet caress of fresh air and hear the warm greetings of the birds.

While packing our things, I asked Mama and Papa if they knew about this impromptu plan and they replied, that it happen most of time. My brother usually surprise them  if he wanted to have dinner  or to go somewhere. They are not surprise really instead they are used to it already (ahahaha!). Prime reason my Mom said was it’s quite hard to juggle family and his work, thus, they understand if he will just bump into our front door and will say ‘let’s have a party!” (ahahaha!).

Imagine yourself on top of the mountain while enjoying the scenic views of fresh bodies of water such as the pristine beauty of the lakes, cascade, waterfalls and rivers.

This signage will direct you straight to Lake Sebu's 7 Falls.

Since we live in Koronadal City known as Marbel, there is no problem locating Lake Sebu. My brother just picked us up in Barrio 7 where our house is located and we headed straight to the hidden gem of South Cotabato passing several municipalities of Banga, Norala and Surallah. Actually, if you have no car with you there are lots of mode of transportation to choose from. 

You can either take the bus, minivan, or jeep but I recommend if you came from General Santos City, take a bus to Marbel for an hour that will only cost you around P120++ or around USD 3 for an airconditioned bus. Once you arrived in Marbel, take another bus to Surallah for only 30 to 40 minutes and when you reach Surallah, there is a minivan that will direct you straight to the main town of Lake Sebu. The fare calculation (one way) is only less than PHP 500 from General Santos, but the travel time will take you almost 2 hours to reach the municipality. 

This is the proof that you arrived in the vicinity of Seven Natural Waterfalls of Lake Sebu.

Parking seems ok for now but during peak season expect that it will not be like this (hehehehe)

Traveling from Marbel to Lake Sebu is an attraction in itself. You’ll pass through several farm lands, mountain ranges, valleys, and rivers. No traffic and no pollutions as both sides of the road is engulfed with lush greeneries.  It’s  a breathtaking experience and please get ready for a thrilling ride adventure as the road from Surallah to here is quite steep, a little bit rough, narrow and expects few escapade along while enjoying the beauty that surrounds you (ahahaha!). There are few bumpy roads here and there but believe me it’s one enjoyable but safe ride ever (hehehe!).

An unspoilt haven for adventure, nature experience can be fully enjoyed when you engage in variety of exciting escapades.

Balong at the back trying to make a scene ahahahahaha... is that a jump shots????

Should you want to explore the whole town or if you have plan to visit the remote areas better hire a motorcycle with a driver locally known as 'habal-habal'. It is actually an improvised motorcycle with an extension seat at the back that can accommodate 6 persons including the driver. It is one aspect of Lake Sebu that you should try, I assure you this, if you’re up for an adventure then fasten your belt and enjoy the bumpy ride (hehehe!).  

Lake Sebu is such a beauty, a gem to be exact located in the heart of South Cotabato. It is like the little Baguio of the south. If you wanted to stay here for a few days please don’t forget to bring your jacket as it gets colder especially in the morning and late at night. It does rain occasionally and to anticipate that better bring an extra raincoat with you.

Lake Sebu is definitely a pleasant escape from the tropics; a stark contrast to the busy atmosphere back in the city.

me and my dad.. mwaaaaaaaaaa missing you po :(

This is the ancestral homeland of the indigenous people of T’boli tribe, whose members often wear traditional woven clothes and eye-catching handmade jewelleries. You can take a few pictures of them with a small fee as a sign of gratitude. You can even rent their native costume should you like to have souvenir  wearing the intricate attire.

Balong and a T'boli woman wearing traditional woven clothes with lots of hand made jewelries.

To learn about their rich culture, visit the T’boli museum, where an array of native handicrafts are on display including gongs, handmade brass bells, clay pots, and different parts of a traditional T’boli house. They are so welcoming and some even speak English language straight. It is one of the interesting to do here, to immerse yourself in the T'boli culture for a a few hours (hehehe!).

Thanks to the tourism sector because most part of Lake Sebu is considered as protected area, thus expects that no one is allowed to exploit the natural beauty of the place. Tourism is the main source of income aside from tilapia that is why the local government ensure the security of its visitors with the help from government armies in most corners.

Lake Sebu brings you close to nature.

There are three lakes in here: First is the Lake Lahit, then the Lake Sebu and the last one is the Lake Seluton. Lake Sebu is the biggest and considered as the most important watershed that supplies water to the nearby province of Sultan Kudarat and of course South Cotabato. Legend has it that it is originated from the spring guarded by a mystical frog. They say that a mortal angered the guardian frog and because of this, water continuously poured out of the spring until a lake was form (interesting ayt? ~ hehehe!).

The cool and rustic clime of Lake Sebu is a pleasant escape from the tropics.

If you wanted to explore the whole lake by boat then you can go to Punta Isla Isla Resort, one of the famous resorts here as they have a lake tour. It will only cost you a hundred per trip and it’s an experience to enjoy as the serenity of the place will transport you straight to where the local T’boli lives. Within the lake there are some few islands that you can visit and mingle with the natives if you wanted too.

Kids using the traditional T'boli Canoe in Lake Seluton just a few miles away from Lake Sebu.

You know what is more interesting? You can even try a traditional T’boli canoe which is a much more scarier personally because this kind of boat has no support from both sides. You need to have great balance in using this or else prepare yourself to swim (ahahaha!). When I see kids using the canoe, they seems perfectly fine but when I tried it myself, nah!!! Better luck next time I guess (ahahaha!). I don’t want to put myself in an awkward situation you know besides, I don’t know how to swim!!!! (ahahaha!).

I fall in love with the natural landscape of the surroundings. This is what the real definition of nature should be.

While enjoying the pristine and calm lake, try the local delicacies of the town especially Tilapia. Aquaculture of Tilapia grown in large fish cages floating in the lake is the main source of income for the locals. They have wide array of cuisine to splurge using Tilapia as the main ingredients. Most of the restaurants here have a tub where you can select fresh tilapia’s and they will cook it right before your eyes. It’s up to your palate desire if you wanted it grilled, fried (i love tempura!), sweet and sour, stew, or whatever. I assure you, the freshness and the juiciness of the fish is truly delightful.

The Lake Sebu Parish Church is an attraction in itself.

There are ample ziplines nowadays, when we went to Singapore, they said that the Megazip in Sentosa Island is the tallest in Asia and when we arrived here we saw in one of the souvenir shops that claims Lake Sebu Zipline is the highest in Southeast Asia too (ahahaha!). But you know what, who ever claim that record one thing I am sure of, it’s a MUST-TRY once you’re here in Lake Sebu. It is most likely to offer you the best zipline experience in luring your eyes of the pictographic view of the surroundings. It is a bizarre feeling of glimpsing the falls from above.

If you are afraid of heights, dare yourself to conquer your fear here. This is undeniably Lake Sebu’s main attraction: the gravity-defying Zipline.

The zipline consist of two rides, a 740 meter zipline from the second to the fifth falls at an elevation of over 600 feet and a 420 meter ride that would bring you to the second falls. It’s your choice actually if you wanted to do it solo or with a partner. Since I am with Balong so better go along with him as my brother and Ging Ging on the other zip trip as well. If you’re afraid of heights like I am better dare yourself to conquer it here, I assure you it’s one of the unforgettable moment of your life (hehehe!).

With my family taken in Hikong Alu, the first falls, with a height of 35 feet.
It’s truly a great feeling to hear the sound of falling waters and to see the lush greeneries that are abound in the area.

After defying gravity, we checked the 7 seven natural falls that Lake Sebu have. But take note that we only visited 4 as this is the closest waterfalls we can get into. We asked the locals where are the other 3 and they said that it can be found in the remote areas of the mountain and only reachable by ‘habal habal’. They added, out of the 7, Hikong Alu (Falls Number 1) and Hikong Bente  (Falls Number 2) are the two most beautiful falls, thus we content ourselves that way (hehehe!).

Yup that is Lake Sebu, baby .. hehehe

We have no plan to stay here overnight thus we haven’t asked some of the lodging house how much per night they offer. I tell you this, in less than P500 or around USD 15 you can have one good room in here with a view. Just for further information, you can search for Punta Isla Resorts or Estares Eco Lake Resosrts for more updated pricing as they change usually per season. Just to let you know, whatever the cost you’ll pay rest assured that it is one awesome night to indulge in along with the natures wonder. You’ll experience life away from mundane city life and the only sound you’ll hear are the buzzing of leaves,  tweeting of birds and chirping of crickets. On your way back home, the only word that is left in your head is: Lake Sebu thank you for the wonderful experience and we will be back for sure (hehehe!). It is truly the Philippine’s best-kept summer secret.

Numerous tilapia farms can be found in Lake Sebu like the one in the background as it serve as the main source of income here.

So that’s it, should you like to come here, bring along your camera as this is a haven for photography. We only spent a day but it was one filled journey complete with lots of excitement, thrills, and plenty of food (ahahaha!!!). To my ever dearest sister Ging Ging thank you so much for joining us... and to my brother, thanks for driving (wink wink hehehe!). Love you both.. mwaaaaaaaanessssss!!!!

In order for you to have a great view of the lake, then visit the Lake Sebu Parish.

Balong just on our way out of the street to check some native souvenirs.

By the way, our day is not yet over as I have to explain further all the adventures that we have here. For now, have to ends here and coming up next the 'Seven Natural Waterfalls of Lake Sebu'.  

Have a great day and night everyone.

Cherrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiossssssssssssss!!!

Enan signing off.

SMILE.

:)

.