Sunrise Garden Lake Resort ~ the perfect view of Lake Seloton

Lake Seluton
Municipality of Lake Sebu
South Cotabato, Philippines

Thanks Sis Ging for this pic. mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. The background is Lake Seloton.

It’s always good to end one whole day of escapade with a great meal. Well, I guess that's always the norm, right? (hehehe!). But before that, let’s wrap up all the adventures we had in here first as I can’t still get over of all the jaunts we did (hehehehe!). We already visited most of the attractions and undeniably, Lake Sebu offers tons of adventures and local flares to enjoy. Obviously, the Seven Waterfalls Park, Lake Sebu’s zipline, T'boli inhabitants, the three lakes of Lake Sebu, Seluton and Lahit are the prime attractions of the town that is why tourist even locals are keep on coming.

Balong enjoying the panoramic view of Lake Sebu.

No question's that the entire municipality is the best kept-summer destination in the south. People may go to the beach during summer season but for others who prefer to stay away from direct sunlight, they rather stay here for a few days. The weather is perfect all year round, it is like the ‘little Baguio’ of Mindanao as it gets colder especially in early morning and at night so please don’t forget to bring your jacket.

Hmmmm ok, that's me in Hikong Alu (hehehe!).

Lake Sebu covers miles and miles of mountain ranges, thus, it's the perfect place for camping, picnic, family reunions, friends get away or simply roaming around the pristine and serene lake. Within, you can try boating, fishing, photography, or purely watching the day goes-by. If you want to experience local’s way of life try to visit the municipal market known as 'palengke'. In here, you'll see locally produce crops and they usually sell plenty of souvenir items just in case you wanted to bring something meaningful on your way home. Don't forget to use your expertise in haggling as it still a habit in here (hehehe!). 

Are you ok baby? This photo taken right after our 774 steps from Hikong Bente to Hikong Alu (ahahaha!). 

Hold on, do you want to know deeper about the culture and traditions of the T'boli's tribe, the local inhabitants of Lake Sebu? Then visit the cultural community center and the T'boli Museum where most of the known crafts of the locals like handmade jewelries, colorful clothes, ornaments, brass crafts can be found. It’s interesting because the most famous ‘t’nalak’, a vibrant and multihued woven fabric used by the natives are actually based on dreams (fascinating, ayt?). These fabric are not just used as a mere clothes but sometimes they made it as home fixtures to add that bucolic feel.

Balong is eager to have a picture with this tour guide and voila! Request granted (hehehe!). She is wearing a traditional dress known as 't'nalak'.

We stayed only for a day in Lake Sebu, yet it was one filled journey from the very moment we arrived till the time we left. Just to witness firsthand the magnificent beauty of:

Waterfall #1: Hikong Alu meaning ‘passage falls’

Waterfall #2: Hikong Bente meaning ‘immeasurable falls’

Waterfall #3: Hikong Bl’ebed meaning ‘zigzag falls’

Waterfall #4: Hikong Lowig meaning ‘booth fall’s

The magnificent view of Hikong Bente right after our 2nd zipline dive.

is more than enough that will make your stay memorable. There are supposed to be 7 waterfalls but the remaining 3 is nowhere to be seen as they are located deep in the tropical rainforest that requires a lot of trekking (as in a lot ~ hehehe!). However, if you have more time to spare to find this 3 veiled waterfalls,  then ask the local tourism authority to guide you find it, pretty sure they will assign someone for a minimal fee.

The breathtaking zip trip, recognized as the highest zipline in Southeast Asia.

The best way to view the stunning exquisiteness of Hikong Bente, Blebed and Lowig is via zipline. I may be afraid of heights but it was replace with excitement when we were freely flying over the canopies of the natural tropical rainforest. This exciting ride is the highest in Southeast Asia, thus for the faint-hearted out there, beware (hehehe!). Nearby provinces of Sultan Kudarat and some municipalities of South Cotabato can be seen from above as well and I can definitely  say that it was one of the breathtaking experience ever aside from the rollercoaster ride that Balong and I did in Sci Fi City in Universal Studios Singapore (ahahaha!). In here, for just PHP 250, you’ll have a two way dive of defying the gravity while enjoying the unspoilt haven of Lake Sebu.

The stunning view of the lake from Lake Sebu Parish.

After the zip trip and waterfalls hopping, it’s time to see Lake Sebu up close. If you want to have the best panoramic view of the lake,  then visit Lake Sebu Parish in town proper. The church is elevated around 30 meters above the main highway and from this part, you'll witness the diverse beauty of the lake surrounded by the towering mountain ranges. Don’t forget to bring binoculars as this is the perfect place for bird watching or plainly observing how the locals live in the lake. If you’re lucky enough, you'll see rainbows embellish in the sky specially right after the rain.

On our way to Lake Seluton.

Siggggggghhhhh at last the time we are waiting for, It’s LUNCHTIME!!!!! It’s already late for goodness sake. When I say late around 2 PM already (ahahaha!). Have you heard of Sunrise Garden Lake Resort? If you don’t then we are in the same boat as this is the first time I heard about this place.  My brother is the boss for this Lake Sebu trip, so we depend on him basically in everything: from driving, to payments of our zip trip and of course this lunch (ahahaha!). Thanks Tol, ILOVEYOU (ahahaha!)

At first, i really don't know where are we going because it's way out of town center already.. (ahahaha!)

I asked him where are we going for lunch but he replied sarcastically ‘just sit and relax’ (me ganooon?? ~ ahahaha!). Well, he is in charge of the wheels so I guess he is totally right! (ahahaha!).  It’s getting more interesting because we are driving away from town proper and headed to the midst of farm roads to nowhere (ahahaha!). Come on!!!  Ain’t worried actually, I was just wondering why we aren’t going to Punta Isla Resort which is just a few meters away from the church? Hmmmmmm well, he has his reasons then (ahahaha!).

Emo baby? What are you looking at? (ahahaha!)

Roughly around 20 minutes, we arrive at the resort and the vicinity is not that bad you know. It is not yet fully developed but perfect for a peaceful family gathering. The lake is called Lake Seloton, a much smaller than Lake Sebu but the serenity of the place is just amazing. I love the rustic ambiance here (hehehe!).

Mama and Balong.. haysssssssssssss missing you guys... ILOVEYOU both...

Its location is way out of the town proper, therefore, if you're new in the area better ask some locals where Lake Seloton is, because it’s quite hard to navigate the spot. Note that, GPS is not working either, so the least you can do is  immerse with the locals (ahahaha!). The road is narrow, uneven and a bit bumpy as it is not concrete yet but when you reach at the resort, its awe-inspiring simplicity is what I like the most.

 I miss your smile Mama (hehehe). Hey Pa, why you are not looking at the camera?

First person i look at when we arrive is Mama. She love collecting plants especially orchids that’s why we were laughing when she right away praises all the plants that surrounds the resort (hmmmm nagbabadya si Mama ~ ahahaha!). Well, it’s her weakness so we let her be (hehehe!). She tag Ging Ging right away and ask the caretaker how much  is the price per potted plants (ahahaha!).

This is what awaits you once you arrive in Sunrise Garden Lake Resort.

There is a grocery store on our way in and the pathway are very well maintain as Bermuda grass covers the whole ground. One of the friendly and accommodating staff welcomed us right away and lead us to our cottage. There are actually 4 stilt cottages to choose from submerged at the edge of the lake bank. We prefer the countryside feel, thus the ‘nipa hut’ complete with bamboo walls and roofed  with dried cogon leaves is what we selected. From this side of the resort, you’ll have the perfect view of the lake complete with fish pens.

You can see it in their eyes that they have a good time while feeding the tilapia (hehehe!). Miss you tol, Ging.. mwaaaaaa

While waiting for the food we ordered, we bought a handful of fish feeds in the grocery store because you can actually feed tilapias for only PHP 5  (hehehe!).  And what’s more interesting, you can as well catch fish using fish hooks and whatever you caught you can buy it for PHP 45 – 65 per kilo depends on the size. How cool is that huh? (hehehe!). If you want, you can as well give it to one of the staff and they will cook it for you! I suggest try their chicharion tilapia!!!! It’s one of their specialties tough (ahahaha!).

Balong, please be careful... well, you know how to swim anyway (ahahaha!)

There is a traditional T’boli canoe on the side used by kids. To look at them, they seems having no problem in managing it and looks very simple from afar. But when I tried it myself, I back off right away as  I don’t want to put in an awkward situation you know (ahahaha!). Besides, I don’t know how to swim if something will happen!! (ahahaha!). It requires balancing and you should know the basic steps in rowing to perfectly maneuver the canoe (ahahaha!).

The traditional T'boli canoe. I wanted to try it myself but nahh!!! next time i guess (ahahahaha!)

Lake Seloton may be far from town proper but it has a distinct beauty in here. Personally, it’s the best place for wedding reception and the area is big enough to accommodate 100 to 200 guest. There are also some rooms to reserve should you like to stay here overnight. It will only cost you less than PHP 500 per night with complete amenities inside and they have different themes in each ‘native house’ that you can use solely or with your family. 

Rooms available for rent.

Mama where did you get the anthurium huh? (ahahahaha!)

Tarrrraaaaaaaaaaarannnnnn……. the waiting is over, our food arrive and thanks to my brother for this treat (ahahaha!). It was actually the birthday of Balong but we haven’t spent a single cent in here (ahahaha!). Thank you my dear brother and Ging Ging for this memorable get away (mwaaaaaaanesss!!). Here is what we ordered: Sinigang na baka (beef stew) for PHP 145, chicharong tilapia for PHP 175, tinolang native na manok for PHP 150, fried tilapia for PHP 150, and kinilaw for PHP 150. Whew!!!!! What can you say about that ha? (hehehe!). For less than PHP 1,000, the whole family can indulge in a sumptuous complete meal yet very inexpensive local cuisine. Hope this price is the same in Manila though (ilusyon much ~ ahahaha!). As usual Mama don’t like tilapia at all, so she has her sole share of tinola (ahahaha!). I love you Mom.

Happy Birthday Baby.. ILOVEYOU mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...... I love the chicharong tilapia, yummmm!!!!

It’s the best lunch ever as it seldom happens because I am here working abroad, Balong is in Manila and my sister Ging Ging is based in the US. However, if we have time during our vacations, we usually make a point that we gather in one place and have time for ourselves. Tol, Mama, Papa, Balong, and Ging Ging thank you so much for this wonderful trip and I really miss you guys (XOXO ~ hehehe!).

Bromeliads

So there you go, if you visit Lake Sebu, have time to explore Lake Seloton too. The lake and the vicinity maybe smaller in size but the same natural picturesque view to enjoy. The serenity of the place is what I prefer the most and the hospitality of the locals is just PRECIOUS!!! Don't forget to bring your family and friends along, pretty sure you’ll have that ‘peace time’ to take pleasure in.

Have a great day and night everyone. Coming up next, our adventure in Deca Wakeboard Park in Davao City.

Cheerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriioosss!!!

Enan signing off.

SMILE.

:)

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