Mt. Matutum ~ South Cotabato’s imposing landmark

Municipality of Polomolok

Municipality of Tupi

Koronadal City

South Cotabato, Philippines 

Mt. Matutum is undoubtedly the provinces most imposing land mark. It is one of the favorite climbing destinations in the area and is considered as an outstanding challenge to mountaineers and nature lovers. 

Have you been to the southern part of Mindanao by any chance? If not then I guess you need to pack your knapsack and start exploring it’s hidden majesty as it is a place where eco-tourism surface affably.  There are so many ‘connotation’ that drives along if we confer about Mindanao but disregard that for now as hundreds of attractions can be found in here. Most of the spots are not yet fully developed especially those in the remote areas but that is the hidden beauty that the southern region have. Travelling its untouched, unexplored, and unspoiled vista alone is an interesting experience in itself.

There is no place like home that is the ‘gasgas’ phrase that we heard as always, but that is true enough since living in South Cotabato is a piece of heaven personally. I spent half of my existence here and the rustic, simple way of life, and the hospitality that surrounds the community is just amazing. I maybe out of the country for quite sometimes already but going home every year to visit my family is the top of my precedence. I am  always proud of the place where I grew up and thankful of the people that instill great memories in my humble beginnings.

South Cotabato is rich in cultural heritage and topography. If we talk about tourist attractions, the southern splendor is not to overlook out on as natural landscape that engulfs the region is truly notable. Just along the highway from General Santos City to the City of Koronadal is a charm to behold as awesome panoramic view of the surroundings plus distinct stopover restaurants and fruits stands is a must try once in the south. If Taal Volcano is known in Tagaytay City and Davao City is identified because of Mt. Apo, then South Cotabato has its own share of grandeur because of the presence of the stunning Mt. Matutum. This serve as the most distinguished landmark and a continuing status symbol that represents South Cotabato as a whole.

Mt. Matutum is an active volcano tentatively nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site submitted by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Protected and Wildlife Bureau in 2006. There is no confirmation yet when it will be recognized but it is the first step of the nomination process that serve as an indication that they are eager to protect the natural site. It’s the 14^th highest mountain in the country and swarm with diverse plant and animal species including the endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird which is considered as the largest and the rarest species in the world. Philippine Tarsier find it’s home in here as well which I thought it can only be found in Bohol  that is strictly protected in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Mt. Matutum is  just an easy 15-minute drive to the northwestern part of General Santos City. Its cone-shaped jagged facet is remarkably apparent if you pass through the main highway to visit the municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi, and Koronadal City  which are all part of South Cotabato province. The indigenous group of B’laan tribe inhabits the environs and helps protect the lushness of the forest that surrounds the area.  It’s name derived from the  B’laan word ‘Amyak Maleh Matutum’  meaning ‘Climb and Plant Matutum’ which is perfect for all nature lovers as this is one of the favorites climbing destination that offers a splendid views of surrounding towns and cities which is the highest point in the area.

The Dole pineapple plantation, which is one of the largest in the country, sits in the fertile regions below Mt. Matutum. They are world-class pineapples, exported for their quality and taste. 

Nestled at the base of the mountain is one of the world’s largest and biggest pineapple plantation particularly operated by DOLE Philippines. Polomolok is splendidly gifted with pineapple products, thus it is dubbed as ‘pineapple country’ of the south. The firm is chiefly involved in growing, processing, and exporting fresh and canned pineapples that grows copiously at the vast and fertile fields as far as eyes can see. They are not only known for its world-class pineapples which is exported for their quality and taste but the scenery in itself is tremendously PRICELESS. It’s an awesome panorama to explore as natural breeze coming from the mountain ranges adds to that tropical feel that can only be found in here.

Tupi Fruit Stands located along the National Highway. Tupi is considered the fruit bowl of the Province. Owing to the potential fruit stands are visible along the highways where tropical fruits are for sale. 

Pineapple is not the only products that the provinces is known for, because of the ideal setting and the perfect ambiance for fruit growers, the nearby town of Tupi, South Cotabato is distinguished as ‘the fruit bowl of the region’. Series of fruits stands is visible along the highway where assorted tropical fruits like rambutan, lansones, durian, jackfruit, guava, different vareities of bananas, mabolo, and lot more are profusely available with a price that is absolutely cheap. You can even buy PHP 15 to 25 for a dozen of an average size of singkamas!!!! It is so accessible because it is located along the Maharlika Highway where buyers can easily park their vehicles. Everytime that we pass-by in here coming from General Santos City, we make it a point that we stop for a few minutes to buy some fresh fruits as ‘pasalubong’ on our way home (hehehe!).

Durian Garden is a must visit place if you want to have a slice of durian pie, durian ice cream, or durian candies which is awesomely great to experience the stinky smell yet heavenly taste of durian fresh from their farm orchard. The place is a ideal  stopover as the park slash restaurant slash mini zoo are burst with flowers and wildlife sprinkled around the vicinity.

Your visit in the south is incomplete if you haven’t tried and tasted the diverse recipe that comprise durian as the focal ingredient. Many people may perceive that ‘yuckiee’ feel in sensing this ‘king of all fruits’ but just taste it and you’ll be transported straight to the different dimension (ahahaha!). Davao City is popularly known as the Durian Capital of the Philippines but South Cotabato has its own share of the crop as hundreds of durian trees is scattered all over the area. Just on our way to Marbel alone, the Durian Garden is a must visit place if you want to have a slice of durian pie, durian ice cream, or durian candies which is awesomely great to experience the stinky smell yet heavenly taste of durian fresh from their farm orchard. The place is a ideal  stopover as the park slash restaurant slash mini zoo are burst with flowers and wildlife sprinkled around the vicinity. If you see a huge sculpture of durian on your left to Marbel then you’re in the right path to Durian Garden (hehehe!).

Apareja Buko Halo-Halo serves the freshest buko halo-halo in town.  It is located just along the National Highway in Brgy. Saravia, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Halo Halo or mix mix is a popular treat especially during summer season. Should you want to try the best and have that authentic rural feel then try Apareja Buko Halo Halo in Barangay Sarabia (Bo. 8), Koronodal City. It’s a must try if you visit the here coz it is just along the highway and it’s easy to check out. For only PHP 65.00 you will be served with mouth-watering mixture of shaved ice, kaong, sweetened kamote, banana, nata de coco, generous dose of evaporated milk, topped with a slice of leche flan, sweet corn kernels, and a scoop of ube ice cream. It’s a popular stopover that will wrestle your  palate with honest to goodness indulgence to splurge in.

An abundance of fruit stands are strategically located along the highway, these stalls are a characteristic of the rural environment, providing residents the means to sell fresh fruit produced from their hometown at a very low price.

The whole family will surely enjoy the whole excursion from General Santos City to Marbel. It's just around an hour and a half drive actually, but if you want to explore these places you need to  have an additional 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the whole journey. I assure you, once you visit the southern allure you'll come back for more. What I just mentioned is just tip of an iceberg as there are still many more hidden treasures that each municipality are proud of. I guess it's better for you to experience that yourself (wink wink ~ hehehe!).

For many vendors the fruit stall is not only a place where they can sell their goods but a home as well. 

Truly, when  you visit General Santos City or the City of Koronadal, don’t miss to have a quick drive to and fro these cities, definitely  you’ll be mesmerize by its natural picturesque landscape. Just witnessing Mt. Matutum from a far, the undeviating icon of South Cotabato will  surely elucidate and complete your trip. So there you go, thank you for reading. See you next time then.

Have a great day and night everyone.. Cheeeeeeeeeerrrrrrriiosss.

Enan signing off.

SMILE. :)


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