KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — As the summer season begins, the Provincial Tourism Office of South Cotabato is encouraging both local and visiting tourists to explore the province’s diverse destinations, highlighting its rich culture, natural attractions, and adventure sites.
Argie Ryan Asaria, Senior Tourism Operations Officer, said that South Cotabato continues to attract visitors not only because of its scenic landscapes but also because of its unique cultural identity and welcoming communities.
“South Cotabato may not have the sea, but what we have is a sea of culture and even an ocean of pineapples,” Asaria said, referring to the province’s agricultural richness and vibrant traditions.
One of the province’s top destinations is the municipality of Lake Sebu, which tourism officials describe as the “summer capital” of South Cotabato due to its cool climate, scenic lakes, and strong indigenous cultural heritage.
“Lake Sebu remains one of the top destinations in the region because of its cool climate and rich culture,” Asaria explained.
Lake Sebu is widely known for the Seven Falls zipline adventure, once recognized as among the highest in Southeast Asia, as well as cultural experiences such as T’boli weaving, traditional music, and the famous T’nalak fabric crafted by indigenous artisans.
Aside from Lake Sebu, Asaria said the province offers a variety of destinations that cater to different types of travelers—from adventure seekers to cultural enthusiasts.
Among the emerging and popular sites include Dreamweavers Hill, Punta Isla, Mambucal Hot Spring in Koronadal City, and nature attractions in the municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, and Polomolok.
“We have destinations for adventure, culture, and even healing or relaxation,” Asaria said, citing activities such as paragliding, water tubing, trekking, and farm tourism experiences across the province.
Tourists can also experience agri-tourism, particularly the vast pineapple plantations in Polomolok, home to one of the largest pineapple producers in the country. These plantations contribute to the province’s reputation as having an “ocean of pineapples.”
To guide travelers, the Provincial Tourism Office has also developed suggested tourism circuits that visitors can follow depending on their interests and travel time. These include cultural tours in T’boli communities, adventure circuits in Lake Sebu, and farm tours around Mt. Matutum.
“We prepared tourism circuits so visitors can experience culture, adventure, and heritage within a few days of travel in South Cotabato,” Asaria said.
Among these is the Manlilikha ng Bayan tour, where visitors can meet national living treasures and local artisans engaged in traditional crafts such as brass casting, chanting, and T’nalak weaving.
Despite the increasing popularity of certain destinations on social media, Asaria reminded tourists to coordinate with local tourism offices when visiting some sites.
“Some destinations have limits on the number of visitors to protect the environment and respect indigenous communities. It is always best to coordinate with the municipal tourism office,” he advised.
The Provincial Tourism Office also emphasized that responsible tourism remains a priority, ensuring that the province’s natural and cultural heritage will be preserved for future generations.
Known as the “Land of the Dreamweavers,” South Cotabato continues to promote sustainable tourism while offering visitors a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure in the heart of Region 12.
