Cotabato - Land Of The Mightiest Mountain
Mt. Apo is the main sight here in Cotabato. The highest mountain in the country spreads from the Davao region all the way to Cotabato. There are entry point to the ‘grandfather mountain’ from here.
Cotabato also has sights that are worth exploring. These include scenic parks, modern resorts, pristine waterfalls, and unexplored caves. All these and more awaits the visitors of Cotabato.
Demographics
1. Population - 1,
121, 974(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 9,008.9 sq. km
3. Capital - Kidapawan City
4. Language/Dialect - Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Maguindanao,
Chavacano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (17)
Mount Apo
Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the country, towers
at 9,692 feet above sea level. The “Grandfather
of Philippine Mountains” is home to over 270 bird
species and hundreds of rare, endemic, and threatened
flora species.
Batasan-Biangan
Hotspring Resort
The site is a favorite picnic area at the locale. With
its clear water flowing from mountain falls believed
to have healing powers, it has been dubbed as the "Fountain
of Youth."
Historical
Pikit Fort
Location: Pikit, Cotabato
It was initially designed as a bastion but was converted
into an armament. It is now surrounded with lush vegetation.
The bastions are still intact, which can give a good
view of the province.
Man-made
Le Re've
Swimming Resort
Location: Brgy. Kisante, Makilala, Cotabato
The beautiful scenery from mountain ranges plus cool
and clear water coming right from mountain springs at
the foot of Mt. Apo and free-flowing into four swimming
pools make up the majestic experience that can be had
in this inland resort. The inland resort equipped with
cottages, and restaurant.
Skyline Heritage
Resort
Location: President Roxas, Cotabato
One can enjoy the tranquil, rustic setting and cool
water of the pools coming right from the headwater of
the mountain streams.
Natural
Mt. Apo
Location: Kidapawan City, Cotabato
This majestic peak is one of the country's most popular
climbing destinations. Home to the almost extinct Philippine
Eagle, the majestic mountain is surrounded by moss-covered
century-old-trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur
craters, and massive boulders.
New Israel
Eco Park
Location: Maalangit, Brgy. New Israel, Makilala, Cotabato
This mountain village is home to a religious sect called
the "Moncadista." The place is famous for
tamed monkeys. It is situated at about 1,500 meters
above sea level which is surrounded by mountain ridges
and blessed with natural grown trees and wild animals.
Batasan-Biangan
Hotspring Resort
Location: Brgy. Batasan and Brgy. Biangan, Makilala,
Cotabato
A major tourist attraction dubbed as the "Fountain
of Youth" because it is believed to have healing
powers and, thus, has become a medical haven for old
folks who have arthritis and rheumatism.
Pisan Cave
Location: Kabacan, Cotabato
The cave is full of bats and snakes. It is recommended
for snake and bat hunters.
Lake Venado
Location: Kidapawan City, Cotabato
Hidden among the mountain ranges is Lake Venado at an
elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Its crystal
waters mirror the twin peaks of Mt. Apo.
Lake Agko
Location: Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan City, Cotabato
A steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge,
Lake Agko is at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea
level.
Marbel Falls
Location: Kidapawan City, Cotabato
This hidden twin falls is about 60 to 70 feet in height
and is surrounded by hot springs.
Mt. Apo Geothermal
Power Plant
Location: Mt. Apo National Park, Kidapawan City, Cotabato
Established more than a decade ago, the Mt. Apo Geothermal
Power Plant of the Philippines National Oil Company-Energy
Development Corporation generates a total of 104 Megawatts
of electricity that powers industrial plants in Mindanao.
Halad sa
Sto. Nino
Place: Midsayap, Cotabato
Date: Third Sunday of January
The annual fiesta celebration is in honor of its patron,
Señor Sto. Niño. Highlights are street
dancing and the theater parade contest.
Pak'kaat
Kal'lo
Place: Magpet, Cotabato
Date: Lenten Season
It is held as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest
of the Manobo Tribe.
Hinugyaw
Festival
Place: Cotabato Province
Date: September 1
The celebration is in lieu of the province’ Foundation
Day. It is highlighted by colorful costumes and rhythmic-ethnic
street dancing in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest
of fruits and food crops.
Ting'Udo
Festival
Place: Makilala, Cotabato
Date: October 10
It is a celebration for a bountiful fruit harvest which
coincides with the foundation anniversary of the town.
The annual event is highlighted by a fruit festival.
Kidapawan
City Foundation Day
Place: Kidapawan City
Date: February 12
Done in observance of its foundation day, diverse, multi-ethnic
communities celebrate with parades, beauty contest,
and an exciting round of traditional non-lethal horse
fights.
By Air:
There are direct flights from Manila to Cotabato
City. Plane land at the North Cotabato Rural Airport.
Travel time is one hour 35 minutes.
By Air-Sea:
Take a plane bound for General Santos City. Once
there, proceed to the General Santos City Port
and take the ferry bound for Cotabato City.