Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots
LAND OF THE DREAMWEAVERS | LAKE SEBU | SOUTH COTABATO, PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE
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Lake Sebu, dubbed as the Land of the Dreamweavers has been on my bucket list. In fact, together with some friends, we were planning to visit the place earlier this year. Unfortunately, our schedules never meet. Until one day a private message popped at The Happy Trip Facebook Page. The message came from Jonallier Mana-ay Perez of the Mindanao Tourism Council inviting me to join The Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s “The Land of the Dreamweavers Escapade”, a fully hosted familiarization/technical trip for Lake Sebu.
“The Land of the Dreamweavers Escapade”, was participated by the inbound tour operators and travel bloggers mostly from the SOCCSKSARGEN region, Davao, and myself as the lone blogger outside the Mindanao Region.
SOUTH COTABATO
South Cotabato is a land of both relaxed and daring adventures. It is a province in the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao and its capital is Koronadal City. Contrary to the notions about the scary peace and order situation in Mindanao, South Cotabato is peaceful and tourist-friendly. I even explored alone Koronadal City on my last night and tried their street food.
Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots
LAKE SEBU
One of the most popular places in South Cotabato is Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu is a first-class municipality in the province. Its 92,450-hectare landscape was declared by the Philippine government as a protected area having one of the most important watershed areas in the country.
This Land of the Dreamweavers offers a unique taste of Filipino culture in its most colorful and exotic form. With its amazing vistas, beautiful people, a vibrant culture which is deeply rooted in its history and exciting adventures, Sebu Sebu has claimed a famed spot as one of the must-see destinations in the Philippines.
Here’s a travel guide designed for the would-be travelers to the place.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO, PHILIPPINES | TOURIST SPOTS
with the bloggers and tour operators during the Lake Sebu Cruise | Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots
CRUISE AT LAKE SEBU
Tourists can explore Lake Sebu through a cruise offered by some resorts in the area. While sailing at the placid lake, you will be entertained by the indigenous sounds and dances of the Tbolis while enjoying your meal.
T’nalak
MEET THE DREAMWEAVERS
Known as the land of the Dreamweavers, Lake Sebu takes pride in its ancient art of T’nalak weaving. Not your ordinary fabric, the T’nalak fabric made from abaca fibers is very much respected and is considered sacred amongst the Tbolis. Visiting communities doing this craft will make you more adore this art as you discover the intricacies of weaving this cloth by the Tboli women known as the Dreamweavers.
with the Tboli women in their traditional attire [ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
IMMERSE WITH THE LOCALS
Tbolis has rich and colorful traditions. While Lake Sebu’s charm is primarily due to its temperate natural beauty, tourists will surely be fascinated by the ethnic vibe of the local T’boli Tribe. While at the place, take a time to talk with the locals, better yet, spend a night or two at a homestay to have the firsthand experience of the locale’s way of living.
LEARN THE ART OF BRASS CASTING
Brass casting is one old art form found at Lake Sebu. Visit a community doing this craft and see how these charming pieces are created from the making of the mother mold, casting and finishing. Don’t forget to buy a few pieces to support the local industry.
a beautiful vista from Evelandia Lake and Vista Resort [ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
COMMUNE WITH NATURE
Land of the Dreamweavers offers many surprises for nature lovers. This green destination offers trekking paths and wide navigable lake water. Trying a Tboli Canoe to explore the lake will give you a chance to bask in a tranquil aquatic environment. You can also go for a morning stroll near the lake and see for yourself the beautiful pink lotus bloom in all their splendor. Upon the hills of Lake Sebu, hikers will be greeted with giant trees in a secluded rainforest.
The Tboli Museum is just a small place, yet filled with interesting pieces which tell the heritage and rich culture of its people, Lake Sebu
VISIT THE TBOLI MUSEUM
Visit the T’boli museum and see a collection of antiques and artifacts housed in a traditional T’boli house. I recommend, that guests will hire a local guide to walk you through while seeing the exhibits.
Address: Sitio Tokufol, Barangay Poblacion, Sitio Tokufol Road, Lake Sebu, 9512 Timog Cotabato
[ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
GO TRIBAL WITH THE TBOLI’S TRADITIONAL ATTIRE
Get the feel of the royalty by wearing traditional Tboli Attire. At the first falls of Lake Sebu, you will find some locals renting some costumes for the guests. Take this opportunity to have yourself photographed in a flamboyant traditional Tboli attire. The colorful traditional Tboli Attires are elegant and their accessories are elaborate. You would know that a T’boli woman is approached by the tinkling of numerous little brass bells adorning her belt, bracelets, and anklets.
Kale Sebu 7 falls Zipline: a must-try the experience
GO ZIPLINE AT THE 7 FALLS
Another highlight of Lake Sebu is its majestic Seven Falls, but only the first two falls have been developed for tourists’ access. The Falls are located at Barangay Lake Seloton.
Experience an adrenaline rush while riding an exhilarating zip line at Lake Sebu. Claimed to be the Southeast Asia’s highest zip line giving screaming riders a spectacular bird’s eye view of the magnificent falls while passing over a lush greeneries.
[ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
EXPERIENCE TBOLI’S MUSIC AND DANCES
The tribe’s culture is very much connected with nature, inspired by its natural environment. Some of their dances imitated acts made by animals like monkeys and birds. Their music created through ancient instruments composed on a row of small, horizontally-laid gongs, instruments, knobbed gongs made of brass instruments, the hegelung, a wooden two-stringed lute and much more.
You will be impressed hearing a gifted Tboli woman doing a chant. The chanters oftentimes deliver an extemporaneous rhythmic phrase that tells a story, a prayer, advice, or even a lamentation.
Tilapia Roll offered at Sunrise Lake Graden Resort [ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
TILAPIA GALORE EXPERIENCE
Tilapia culture is one of the largest source of livelihood around Lake Sebu and other parts of South Cotabato. Try all the different kind of dishes of this fish – steamed, fried, grilled, chicharon and much more.
inside the COWHED Souvenir Shop
Loom Weaving at COWHED
BRING HOME A PIECE OF THE TBOLIS
Numerous shops offering various products that showcase the T’boli culture such as textiles, beadworks accessories, and other souvenirs are found all over Lake Sebu.
A must visit souvenir shop in Lake Sebu is Cooperative Women in Health and Development (COWHED), located at Tuko Fol Poblacion near Punta Isla Resort and T’boli Museum.
[ Lake Sebu South Cotabato, Philippines | Tourist Spots ]
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO, PHILIPPINES FOR THE TOURIST SPOTS
As of this writing, there are no 5-star hotels found in the place. However, there are contact numbers of places to stay that offers the basic comfort for every traveler.
If you would want a more experiential stay at the place, I suggest trying a homestay that offers an eco-friendly retreat best for visitors who want a raw experience of an intimate stay.
Must read: List of Hotels in South Cotabato
LIST OF RESORTS AND PENSION HOUSES IN LAKE SEBU
TOLENTO LODGE & RESTO (DOT Accredited Pension House)
Sitio Tukoful, Brgy. Poblacion, Lake Sebu
(083) 236 1056 /0906 717 186
General Manager: Emily Agnes Tolento
MOUNTAIN LAKE ECO RESORT(DOT Accredited Tourist Inn)
Brgy. Bacdulong, Municipality of Lake Sebu
(63)(83) 826-1009 / 09173113071 / 09189622209
Ictus.mler@gmail.com
SUNRISE GARDEN LAKE RESORT(DOT Accredited Tourist Inn)
Brgy. Lake Seloton, Municipality of Lake Sebu
09364169344
DIVINE MERCY RETREAT HOUSE
Sitio Florens, Brgy. Lamdalag, Lake Sebu
09225176014
Proprietor: Ms. Linda Brasileno
Manager: Mr. Jesus Equinan
TOURISM LODGE
Brgy. Poblacion, Municipality of Lake Sebu
(63)(83)236-1014
Contact Person: Ms. Josephine Baluran
Evelandia Lake and Vista Resort
EL GALONG WATERPARK RESORT
Brgy. Poblacion, Municipality of Lake Sebu
09185065522
artachoedgar@yahoo.com
Owner: Ms. Judy Artacho
EVELANDIA LAKE VISTA RESORT
Brgy. Takonel, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Proprietor: Dr. Evelyn Diosana
0905 570 7306
HOW TO GET THERE
The nearest airport in the place is located in General Santos City.
From General Santos City
From the airport take a taxi to the bus station and look for buses heading for Lake Sebu.
From Davao
From Davao City, you can take a bus heading for General Santos or Koronadal/Marbel (also Yellow Bus line). From there, you may take similar directions above.
Getting Around Lake Sebu
The mode of transportation at Lake Sebu is the Habal-habal (Motorbike) or popularly known at the place as Skylab. The most convenient for any traveler is to hire a motorbike to bring them to their desired destinations.
Rates:
Pakyaw Whole day – PHP 500
Pakyaw Half Day – PHP 300
Lake Sebu to Tboli Overnight – PHP 1,000
Lake Sebu to Tboli (waiting) – PHP 800
Lake Sebu to Tboli (drop off) – PHP 500
For more details, please contact:
Association President (Habal-Habal) – 0905-8240 725
Dispatcher – 0975 – 4366 – 735
More Travel Guides
- HOTELS AND RESORTS IN GENERAL SANTOS (GenSan)
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- T’NALAK FESTIVAL + SOUTH COTABATO
- TUNA FESTIVAL | GENERAL SANTOS CITY
Never been into Lake Sebu although it looks like it’s just a bus away from Davao. It’s so exciting and hopes to visit it one day.
The Philippines are so beautiful! They are definitely on my bucket list!
This looks like a beautiful place to visit. Such fun things to see and do.
Glad you finally got around to visiting Lake Sebu. Now we can also enjoy the beautiful place through your pictures!
What a fun adventure! I’ve never been there! I’ll make sure to bring my family there this coming 2017!
It looks like an amazing place to visit. I love the landscape, the colors, and the warm welcome on the faces of the locals. Adding this to my list.
Oh wow what an absolutely beautiful looking place to explore, I would love to explore more of the world one day.
wow how gorgeous. i so need your life. you travel to some of the most amazign places.
What a beautiful place, culture, and people! Looks like a great time for you. 🙂
Thanks for this detailed blog, Jo. Good read and candid, without the hackneyed words and worn-out adjectives plaguing many other blogs. See you again next year for the T’nalak Festival and Lake Holon glamping (glamorous camping). Happy holidays!
The photos of the waterfall are gorgeous. Looks like I may be adding a new place to my bucket list.
Lake Sebu and the majestic falls look amazing! The tilapia roll served at sunset looks so delicious! Makes me want to visit!
I’ve heard the Phillipines are lovely. You look like you had a great time.
It really looked like you enjoyed this trip. I liked reading your post because you were very thorough with the details!
You will always be my idol when it come to travel… I read about Lake Holon, did you reach the place? Will you blog about it? Hope you do coz am planning to visit that place 🙂
Gosh! I also read about Lake Holon, unfortunately, It was not included in our itinerary. Hope I can visit again and see the place so I can write about it.
Bongga! The place looks magical. When will you come back? I wanna tag along 🙂 How was the rates , was it affordable?
I hate to say this but…I haven’t been to Lake Sebu even if I’m just four hours away!!! Gaaah. I should visit Lake Sebu soon. The place looks stunning.
Oh, Rhenz that’s surprising 🙂 You should visit soon.