But did you know that many of these important destinations offer immersive experiences beyond historical education?

From riding on the highest zipline through cultural landscapes in Mindanao to being in awe of one of the most photographed streets in our country, to appreciating the wide expanse of sea and sky at an observation deck, here are experiences at heritage sites recommended by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Take a tour of the tombs and columbary of San Agustin Church in Intramuros

Three centuries of Spanish occupation is seen and felt all over our country until today, and many of these hispanic influences are easily visible in Intramuros. The 60-hectare block of land was built and fortified by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, in the 16th century.

Many important landmarks have persisted from the time of The Walled City’s construction, not the least of which is the 400-year-old San Agustin Church. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the structure is one of the oldest Catholic churches here, and the first built by the Spaniards in Luzon.

The church, as it stands now, is the third time that its Augustinian friars rebuilt it. First made of bamboo and nipa in 1607, it was brought down by a fire. The wooden structure that came after also burned down.

Besides being a place of worship, the ancient structure is also a Museum and Cultural Center filled with centuries-old artifacts. A tour here includes a visit to the tomb of governor-general de Legazpi, who is buried within the holy grounds. You can also pay your respects to renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna, whose remains are kept in the church’s columbary.

• Address: San Agustin Church, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
• FB pages: https://www.facebook.com/sanagustinmuseum/, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration
• Entrance fee: Php200 (regular) / Php 160 (students, senior citizens, frontliners, PWDs)

Immerse in Spanish architecture at the most photographed streets of Vigan

Slices of pre-colonial Spanish rule also exist outside of our country’s capital, and one notable example of this is Vigan in the northwestern province of Ilocos Sur. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 400-year-old Ilocano city is renowned for its well-kept ancestral homes and buildings, and is and one of CNN’s “most picturesque towns in Asia.”

Much of the immaculate architecture here can be found near Plaza Salcedo, which is named after Vigan’s founder, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo.

From there, you can easily explore the rest of the picture-perfect location on foot, beginning with St. Paul’s Cathedral across the street. Built in 1800, the baroque church stands on the same spot where de Salcedo established the community’s first wood and thatch chapel in the 16th century.

About five minutes away is Calle Crisologo, the city’s most photographed street and most popular tourist attraction. Like a postcard come to life, the thoroughfare is lined with the homes of Vigan families who rose to prominence in the town’s heydays as a trading hub.

You can easily walk around the cobblestoned stretch, but a kalesa ride, which costs Php150 an hour, might give you a more immersive experience. Many of Crisologo’s antique residences have been converted into museums, hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants, allowing you to go on a deep dive of the Vigan’s history.

Vigan only allows pre-booked tours with accredited agencies and operators. We suggest booking your accommodations in advance as well to ensure a smooth and safe trip to and around the Ilocano capital.

Look far and wide from the Memorial Cross observation deck at Bataan’s Shrine of Valor

The United States of America also occupied our country, but just for a fraction of time than the Spaniards’ centuries-old rule. While the Americans still met fierce opposition, their 48-year-old occupation did allow for gradual independence and the formation of a commonwealth government.

This US-Philippine alliance was strengthened by the events of World War II, which saw American Armed Forces fight alongside Filipino soldiers against Japanese invaders. The months-long battle came to a head in Bataan in Northern Luzon, where the allied troops surrendered.

Today, the Shrine of Valor stands near the peak of Mt. Samat, the US’s last stronghold on the island, in remembrance of the fallen heroes who bravely defended the country’s freedom.

Inaugurated in 1970, the 72-hectare Shrine consists of a Colonnade decked with sculptures, murals, and stained glass displays that depict the Battle of Bataan. Behind this marble hall stands the Memorial Cross, a 92-meter-high structure of reinforced steel and concrete that stands watch over the province.

Its base is clad with an 11-meter-tall relief designed by our National Artist Napoleon Abueva, which illustrates historical events and icons like Jose Rizal and Datu Lapu-Lapu. You can ride an elevator up to an observation deck on the Cross’s 30-meter-wide arms that opens to 360-degree views of the peninsula and nearby Corregidor Island and Manila Bay.

The Shrine currently only accommodates pre-booked visits. You can reserve your slots at least two days before your intended travel date.

• Address: Shrine of Valor, Mt. Samat, Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
• Contact number: +63 949 413 0762
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/mtsamatftez
• Entrance fee: Php40

Appreciate Mindanao’s cultural landscape on the highest zipline in Southeast Asia

First and foremost, our country is a land of diverse ethnicities. Before the Spaniards came, a variety of indigenous tribes thrived across the archipelago. Many of these groups were able to repel these would-be foreign conquerors and, as a result, managed to uphold their own values and traditions until today.

The island of Mindanao, in particular, is home to a total of 18 indigenous tribes. Four of them—the T’boli, Ubo, Tiruray, and Manobo—continue to flourish in the municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

These groups have resided in this part of the country for centuries, with the T’boli making up more than half of its population. They still live the way their ancestors did, relying on fishing and agriculture for livelihood, and, because of their careful cultivation of the land, UNESCO has recognized the region of Lake Sebu as a cultural landscape.

Once travel restrictions are lifted, you can take a trip down to the Mindanaoan province to visit the museums and centers around the area. You can also observe the tribe’s customs and rituals including musical performances as well as the complex process of T’nalak weaving.

One of these places, the Lake Sebu School of Living Tradition (LST), also serves as a homestay for visitors. While there, you can don traditional T’boli garb for Php200 (women) and Php150 (men).

• Address: Lake Sebu School of Living Tradition, Sitio Lambanig, Brgy. Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
• Contact number: +63 935 456 9359
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/LakeSebuSLT
• Rate: Php350 a night, with breakfast

At Lake Sebu, you can also trek through the “Seven Falls” via hiking trails. But we highly recommend viewing it on the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, a sweeping ride that is 600 feet above the ground.

Only four out of the seven falls can be seen from this point of view, while the rest is only accessible on foot. But at Php300 to Php350 for a two-way ride, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

• Address: 7 Waterfalls Zipline, Brgy. Lake Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
• Contact number: +63 65 8281 1761
• Entrance fee: Php20 (adults) / Php15 (senior citizens) / P10 (students) / Php5 (children below 12)
• Zipline rates: Php350 (weekends and holidays) / Php300 (weekdays)

Have a remote travel experience in the secluded village of Batad

Next to Mindanao, Northern Luzon has the second highest concentration of indigenous cultures in the Philippines. The mountainous Cordillera province is home to seven major ethnic groups—the Tinggian, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankana-ey, Ibaloy, Ifugao, and Bontok—collectively known as Igorots, from the Spanish word Igorrotes which means “of the hill or mountain.”

These highland tribes are farmers, distinguished for their ingenious tradition of agricultural terracing. This is the method behind our world-famous, and highly photographable rice terraces.

Not many may know but there are in fact more than 48 of these farming landscape wonders in the Igorot mountains, some even dating back 2,000 years. Five of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hungudan, and Nagadacan Rice Terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces, actually, is not included in this list because of the abundance of contemporary structures in its area. But it remains to be one of the top tourist spots in our country and is considered a National Cultural Treasure.

There are a lot of activities to keep you occupied at Banaue. Apart from hiking up the mountain to observe the terraces from different vantage points, you can drop by the Banaue Museum as well as the Tam-An Village to observe the daily life of an Ifugao tribe.

But if it’s a unique and completely remote travel experience that you’re after, make a beeline for Batad. To get to this secluded village, you’ll need to take another 45-minute jeepney ride from Banaue town proper to a drop off point called the Saddle. From there, you’ll have to trek another 20 minutes until you reach your destination.

Despite its isolation, Batad has several affordable options for accommodation in the area, including homestays in traditional Ifugao huts. In terms of getting around, the area’s unspoiled landscapes mean you’ll have to go on long hikes to visit sites. But it’s worth it for the breathtaking views.

After trekking up the rice terraces, you can venture out to Tappiya Falls for a swim, or head out to Awa View Deck up in the mountains for unparalleled panoramas. You can explore the area on your own, but there are local guides you can hire for around Php600 (max of four people) to tour you around.

Right now, travel to the Cordillera province has been limited in line with nationwide safety protocols. But locals will be happy to welcome visitors back once travel restrictions ease up.

Appreciate cave systems and limestone cliffs on a paddle boat at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park

Palawan’s Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”

The main draw at this 22-hectare ecotourist spot is the 8.2km long underground river that flows directly into the sea. About 4.3km, or half of the whole route, can be explored aboard a paddle boat that will take you to see intricate cave systems and limestone cliffs.

This largely landscape contains a mountain-to-sea ecosystem that protects Palawan’s rainforests. It also provides critical habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.

You’ll likely catch some of the park’s four-legged, furry, or winged residents before you enter the underground river. These include crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, bats, and flocks of birds that wander the area.

Just off Puerto Princesa town proper, the park usually only allows a limited number of tourists to enter per day so it’s best to book your visit ahead. Right now it still remains closed due to COVID restrictions.

But when things pick up again, you might want to check out packages online or through your accommodation, which usually start at Php2,000. If you prefer to explore on your own, you’ll need to secure a tour permit from their office in Puerto Princesa’s City Coliseum before you can travel to Sabang Village. You’ll also need to pay a Php500 environmental fee upon arrival at the park.

Travel safely!

All of these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post 6 Heritage Sites and What They Can Offer to the Adventurous appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

It is best known for two things: One, being the tuna capital of the Philippines, and two, its moniker as the “home of the champions.” The latter owes to the fact that boxing superstars like Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, and Rolando Navarette call the city as home. 

Gensan is at the head of Sarangani Bay of the Celebes Sea along the southern shore of Mindanao. While it is geographically located within the province of South Cotabato, it is administratively independent due to its distinction as a highly urbanized city.

The city is the commercial and entertainment center, as well as cultural and educational hub of Region 12.  

It has malls and convenience stores, commercial banks, government offices of the city and the region, fast food and fine dining establishments, hotels and convention facilities. Gensan also has four tertiary hospitals. 

Its Makar Port is a principal shipping point and is the port of entry in the region. It also has an airport that serves the greater area of the region and is wide enough for bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 777.

Tourism in Gensan

Gensan is home to several natural sites that have become favorite spots of tourists, such as the Kalaja Karst, Malakong Gorge, and Nopol Hills. 

Some of its scenic spots have been turned into farm tourism destinations, like the famous Felicidad Orchard and Garden Organics, the first farm tourism site accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region 12.

However, tourism in Gensan is still centered on its most prized resource—tuna. The Tuna Adventour explores the city’s tuna industry and related enterprises—from the unloading, weighing and classifying of tuna, up to the various tuna dishes that are served in food establishments in Gensan.

And since Gensan is the hometown of Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division boxing world champion, a Pacman Adventour was created to allow tourists to have a glimpse of his lifestyle and know more about his humble beginnings.

To capitalize on the city’s main tourism products, the DOT Regional Office 12 developed a circuit that merges these three strengths. Dubbed the Champions and Tuna Tours, the circuit was also developed as part of the region’s tourism recovery program.

Champions and Tuna Tours

The tour starts early at the Gensan Fish Port Complex, a 32-hectare facility that supplies sashimi grade tuna to the world. Over 80 percent of fish unloaded at the city’s fish port are tuna and a major destination for export is Japan.

Entrance is free but you need to rent a pair of rubber boots for Php35 and wear it while inside the facility. You also need to wear long pants, and need to be at the fish port by 5:00 A.M. to see the day’s catch and observe tuna weighing, grading, and trading. 

Each tuna is classified to determine if it will go for export, for canning, or for local consumption. Seven tuna canneries in the country are in Gensan and a visit to one of these can be included in the itinerary so you can observe how the canned tuna you buy in the groceries are being processed. 

If you want to bring home some fish from Gensan, probably the best way is to get the dried ones. Just a few minutes away from the fish port is the Calumpang Dried Fish Complex where varieties of this delicacy are being sold. They say that the dried fish here has a distinct flavor because these are sun- and air-dried onboard tuna fishing vessels as fishermen go about their tuna fishing.

Stunning view

After an early morning fish port and market tour, the next stop would be breakfast at Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the vast expanse of Sarangani Bay, to which it was named after, and a panoramic view of Mt. Matutum.

There, breakfast could be a seafood platter served in gata (coconut milk), grilled tuna belly, and sashimi, among other delectable dishes.

It’s also in Sarangani Highlands where you can have Tuna Lechon, but this would probably be too much for breakfast as an average tuna weighs at least 35 kilograms. A tuna lechon costs anywhere between Php10,000 and Php12,000. You’ll also have to request this at least a day before so they have time to prepare.

Sarangani Highlands used to be just a garden restaurant, but is now a resort complete with accommodation facilities and function halls. It takes great pride in its beautiful landscaping. Lush plants, flowers and a neatly trimmed lawn welcome you upon entering the garden. You can go biking on the paved portion of the resort, or take a stroll in their Bonsai and Bougainvillea Garden. 

Residents of Gensan frequent the place to relax. Here, you can view the sunrise and the sunset, star-gaze, or meditate. If you wish to stay here for the night, their room rates range from Php2,800 for a Single Room up to Php4,750 for a Quad Room. 

Another picturesque resort that is part of the itinerary is the Mt. Sabrina Hotel and Resort, one of the newest mountain resorts of Gensan. The resort is considerably remote from the city to maximize relaxation. 

It also features a tuna-shaped swimming pool where you can take a dip, or you may want to stroll in the landscaped resort so your tummy can make room for the next part of the itinerary—the Tuna Food Tours. 

Fresh catch

If you want to taste various tuna recipes, the Tuna Food Tours will satisfy such craving. 

It is centered on Tiongson Arcade, a strip of food stalls along Tiongson Street in Barangay Lagao. Here you can choose from a variety of seafood—shells, squid, shrimps, yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, tilapia, catfish—and have it cooked the way you want. They also serve chicken and other meat products. 

Of course, the highlight is tuna, which is served as kinilaw (ceviche) or sinugba (roasted). But you can also try Bistek Tuna Belly, Sinigang na Tuna sa Miso, and Tuna Paksiw. 

While the belly and panga (jaw) are the favored tuna parts, they also use bagaybay (sperm sac) and bihod (roe) for adobo or on sizzling plates. Prices range from Php200 to Php400 per dish that is good for 2-3 persons.

After lunch, next stop is the Champions Adventours, featuring a journey through Senator Pacquiao’s lifestyle and his humble beginnings. 

Notable names

The tour was developed to enable people to be inspired by the rags to riches story of Pacman, who has brought pride to the Philippines for his impressive boxing career.

It includes a visit to the different properties of Pacquiao in Gensan, such as Mansion 1, Mansion 2, Wildcard Gym, PacMan Stadium, Pacman Beach Resort, PacMan Farm, and PacMan Hotel. 

Most notable of the properties is the Pacquiao Mansion 1, which was their family’s dream house and was one of the first fruits of the boxing triumphs. It’s like a museum where you can learn about Pacman’s history through photographs.

At present, the DOT Region 12 Office is developing the Champions Adventours to include sites that would feature stories of other Gensan champions and other famous personalities who were born or grew up in the city. These include Navarette, Donaire, XB Gensan, Gerald Anderson, Melai Cantiveros, and 2011 Ms. Universe Third Runner Up, Shamcey Supsup.

Farm life

Last stop for this Region 12 circuit is the Felicidad Orchard and Garden Organics, the first DOT-accredited farm tourism site in the region. It is owned by Captain James Reamon, a former pilot who is now a full time farmer.

Here they grow organic vegetables, fruits, cacao, fish and livestock.

Visitors can engage in different farm activities like planting, harvesting, feeding animals, and fishing. You can also learn about agriculture and technology from Captain Reamon himself, who invented a lot of the machines they use in the farm. These include their Rex Compost Tea Brewer, Rex Multi-task Vehicle, Jimbo Ventilation System, Aerodynamic Telescopic Sail, and Jimbo Vent.

The most famous of Captain Reamon’s inventions is the aerodynamically-designed Gizelle Windmill, which serves as a water pump for the farm. It has won many awards, including the Presidential Gold Medal award, and World Intellectual Property Organization Gold Medal award at the Exhibition of Young Inventors in Plodiv, Bulgaria 1985.

The farm tour costs Php150/head, which includes a serving of organic salad and juice. But because this is the last stop for the tour, you can also have your dinner here featuring dishes that are made from ingredients straight from the farm: braised duck, native tinolang manok, tender beef afritada, sautéed green beans with tofu, black rice, fresh fruit and veggie combo. 

To cap a long day, try some of their famous desserts, like their leche flan wherein they use carabao’s milk, and their pugon-baked rice cakes or bibingka.

Region 12’s Champions and Tuna Tours tourism circuit is offered by Romano Travel and Tours, Inc. for Php3,450/head for a group of eight persons. 

The package is inclusive of the fees for the whole day tour, full board meals, van rentals and fuel, tour guide’s fee and meals, and driver’s meal. If a day is too short for the entire tour, you can request a customized tour.

They can also arrange accommodation packages with their partner hotels. Room rates range between Php2,785 and Php5,885 per head for a group of eight persons and is inclusive of two-night accommodation and roundtrip airport transfers.

You may contact Romano Travel and Tours via email romanotravelandtours@yahoo.com.ph and jpromanotravel@yahoo.com, or through these numbers +63 (083) 5543588, +63 (083) 3059801, and +639672273100.

How to get there:

From Manila, take a plane via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific to General Santos International Airport. Travel time is one hour and 45 minutes. 

Travelers from other regions may fly to Davao City, then take a bus at Davao City Ecoland Bus Terminal for a two to three hours ride to Gensan.

Travel safely!

All of these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To know the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines, visit https://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The post Discover Gensan in This Champions and Tuna Tours appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Region 12, or SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX, colloquially), consists of four provinces: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, and the Highly Urbanized City of General Santos. The region is filled with natural wonders like Lake Sebu, the Pangi River, and the Bakngeb River Cave. 

SOX is also a place with rich cultural heritage; it is home to the T’boli Tribe, known for their T’nalak cloth that are made of woven abaca fibers. And there’s also the thousands-year-old burial jars in Maitum, as well as the old heritage buildings in Sarangani. 

Apart from the cultural destinations, there are also plenty of nature spots worthy of visiting in SOX. There are beaches in Sarangani and also bird sanctuaries, Pawikan nesting sites, and Mangrove forests.

Here’s a rundown of the most well-known tour destinations in the region:

Lake Sebu Tours – Budget: Less than Php1,000

This natural lake shares its name with the town it’s in. A valuable watershed, it provides important irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. 

The Lake Sebu Tour takes one to two days to complete, depending on the pace of the group and the chosen stops. Popular tour destinations include the Seven Falls Zipline, the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, where guests zipline through two stations, all while getting a view of the four out of seven cascading waterfalls beneath. 

Nearby, there’s some DOT Accredited Resorts, which offer boat cruise around Lake Sebu. The Lake Sebu Tour also includes a stop at the Lang Dulay T’nalak Weaving Center, which gives guests a chance to appreciate a centuries-old tradition. Called T’nalak Dreamweaving, it is a form of dyed abaca lacework mastered by T’boli Dreamweavers such as the late Lang Dulay. 

For more information, visit the LGU Lake Sebu facebook page.

Lake Holon Tours – two to three days. Budget: Php1,500 to 2,000 per head 

This circuit tour focuses on the Great Lake Holon, which is found in Tboli, South Cotabato. Holon is a crater lake, and is noted for its beautiful, clear, turquoise water. The tour consists of a trek through Mount Melibengoy. This goes all the way down to the crater lake itself.

The hike employs native Tboli guides, and would take tourists through a choice of two trails, Sitio Kule or Salacafe. 

Sitio Kule is a more advanced trail, and takes three to five hours to complete. Salacafe, on the other hand, is easier, and would take about three hours. Both trails provide travelers with views of farmlands, clear bodies of water, and fresh mountain air.

After the trek down, tourists can then camp by the lakeside of Holon, which offers a wide view of the night sky.

Apart from the Lake Holon tour, the circuit offers packages to various nearby farms and parks. There’s the Tupi Fruit Park with its fresh fruits, vegetable produce, and panoramic views of Mt. Matutum and the Bakngeb River Cave tour.

For more information, call the Tboli Tourism Office at  083 237 1205.

River Tubing Tours – one to two days. Budget: Php200 for the 30-minute River tubing in Pangi River

The River Tubing tour offers a ride over the Pangi River in New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province.

The tour highlight is the white water tubing, which is similar to river rafting. It differs only with its tube-like raft as compared to a traditional raft’s oblong shape. The adventure brings tourists a 1.6 kilometer river ride filled with rapids, twists and turns, and great splashes of water.

While you will definitely get wet, and perhaps swallow some water, the ride is relatively safe. After the river ride, tourists can then learn about the country’s ancient history with an exploration of the Anthropomorphic Jars found in Maitum, Sarangani. 

The jars were used for burial ceremonies by the indigenous tribes in the area and were dated way back to the Iron Age about 5 BC. to 225 A.D. Replicas of the burial jars bearing effigies of a deceased person’s head are on display at the Maitum exhibition in the town’s municipal building. The original pieces are on display at the National Museum in Manila.

For more information, call the Sarangani Tourism Office at (083) 508-5253, or Email stipc@yahoo.com.

Sarangani Beach Tours – Day Tour – Budget: Php1,500 to 2,000

This tour offers travelers an alternative to Boracay or Bohol—Glan, Sarangani. To reach the town, travelers take an hour and a half flight from Manila going to General Santos City, followed by a land trip to Sarangani.

According to locals and tourists alike, the beaches and clear waters of Glan can rival the sands and waves of the most sought after beach destinations in the country. The most popular one is Gumasa Beach, which features a coastline made up of powdery white sand beaches and lined with coconut trees. 

In nearby Kapatan, there is the Lago Dive Spot. It is beside an aquaculture farm for the unique sergeant fish, with its neon-like, bright blue and yellow colors.

Glan also has a black-sand beach. The sparkly quality of the sand is due to the silica rich content of the sand in the coastline. There’s also a Heritage Tour in the town of Glan; the old town center is filled with ancestral houses mixed with commercial buildings that go back centuries.

For more information, call the Sarangani Tourism Office at (083) 508-5253.

Mt. Apo Food and Climb Tours – three day, 2 nights, budget Php2,000 

Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines, with an elevation of 2,954 meters, or 9,692 feet. It is known as one of the best ecotourism destinations in the country. Kidapawan’s Mandangan trail and Magpet’s Bongolanon trail include forest views and an enduring adventure-hike experience to the mountain’s peak. 

Mt. Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country, with its massive boulders, technical terrains, and sulfur craters. The mountain is also home to the endangered Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle, as well as other endemic species like the Scops Owl, Philippine Brown Deer, and the Mindanao Lorikeet. 

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Soccksargen have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

For the latest advice, information and resources, you may check and visit each LGU’s website or Facebook pages:

General Santos City – https://www.facebook.com/LguGensan 

Lake Sebu – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069254107931 

Midsayap – https://www.facebook.com/midsayaptourismofficial 

Koronadal City – https://www.facebook.com/CityGovernmentofKoronada 

Magpet – https://www.facebook.com/municipalityofmagpet 

Kidapawan – https://www.facebook.com/kidapawancitytourismoffice 

Lake Holon, Tboli – https://www.facebook.com/LakeHolonOfficialPage 

The post Culture and Nature Tours that Show the Best of SOCCSKSARGEN appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Region 12 is best known for its waterfalls, rolling hills, and hidden cultural treasures – but it’s time that we also explore, and experience, their booming agri-tourism industry.

The region, called Soccsksargen and locally known as SOX (an acronym for the four provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) is filled with incomparable natural wonders like Lake Sebu, Sarangani Bay, and the highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Apo.

There is also the Philippine cultural treasure that is the T’nalak cloth, woven from abaca fibers, and designed by masters from the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato. There are beaches in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, and bird sanctuaries, Pawikan nesting sites, and Mangrove forests.

Perhaps most notable and overlooked of all, is the booming farm tourism in Soccsksargen. Before the pandemic, farm tourism had become a major attraction in plenty of provinces here in the Philippines. There is booming farm tourism in Cavite, with their botanical gardens and gourmet farms, and in Laguna, where dairy farms in Los Baños and agricultural parks in Cavinti attract city folks to experience nature firsthand. Region 12, SOX, has all of these, and more. Apart from giving increased awareness about the environment and its conservation, farm tourism provides more revenue streams for farmers, which is why travelers should give Soccsksargen a try. Furthermore, agritourism affords people a chance to meditate and relieve stress and anxiety by breathing in fresh air and communing with nature.

Farm tourism also helps to preserve native lifestyles and maintain cultural traditions, as agriculture has a deep rooted synergy with the rural way of life.

For the avid traveler, there are a number of SOX Farm Tours to choose from. Here’s a list of the most notable tours in the region.

SOX FUN FARM TOURS – 2-3 days. Budget: Varies, Php 1,000 to Php 3,000

The highlight of the farm tourism theme of the SOX circuit, Region 12 is home to a lot of exceptional Farm Tourism destinations.

Most notable is the Felicidad Orchard and Garden Organics, which pioneered vermiculture (worm composting) in Mindanao. The farm is now being developed as an educational destination for students, teachers, and organic/natural farming enthusiasts.

The owner, retired pilot Captain James Reamon, inherited the three-hectare banana farm from his father. After which, the pilot converted the area into a more holistic operation by planting both endemic and non-endemic plant species.

Today, the farm has 16 varieties of bananas and various fruits and vegetables like papaya, pomelo, langka, arugula, romaine lettuce, and cucumber.

In nearby Tupi Fruit Park, located along the National Highway, one can see why Tupi is called the “Fruit Basket ” of South Cotabato. Here, fresh produce is available straight from the farm. The stalls of Tupi Fruit Park are filled to the brim with bananas, pineapples, dragon fruits, mangoes, guavas, avocados, and more. There’s also lanzones, rambutan, jackfruits, santol, and durian.

After shopping, guests would often take pictures of Mt. Matutum, which is just behind the fruit stalls. Matutum is a volcano that stands at more than 7,000 ft., and is a popular hiking spot for tourists and locals alike.

Sebul Organic Farm is the brainchild of William and Mayette Sy, two ardent promoters of organic agriculture in Lake Sebu. Their farm is ATI (Agricultural Training Institute) accredited, which means they help in teaching local farmers new methodologies and technologies.

Since it is located in the highland of Lake Sebu, it has both clean, fresh air and wide mountain views in abundance.

Apart from being a teaching institute, Sebul Farms also offers cottages (at Php 3000, a day) where guests can stay and experience true farm living. Hearty home-cooked meals are served daily, like fried tulay fish, nilagang baboy, fresh shrimp, and their famous signature drink, made with pandan extract, lemongrass or tanglad, and ginger.

SCC Nature Farm takes guests to a more resort-like surrounding, compared to the nature-infused vibes of the previous destinations. Located at Midsayap, North Cotabato, SCC Nature farm features air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and venues for weddings and corporate outings. There are also life-size animal statues and parks decorated with trees and wildflowers.

Organikian Urban Farm and Cafe in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, focuses more on hydroponics, which is the art of gardening or farming without soil. The property is strewn with tents, and inside, various herbs and vegetables are grown, like lettuce, celery, bok choy, capsicum, and arugula.

Organikian is also well-known for their cafe, which serves Protein Bowls made with black rice, scrambled eggs, nori flakes, beans, avocado and mushrooms. There’s also the Jarjir Salad, made of arugula, singkamas, flaxseed, and cocoa vinegar. Almost all the ingredients used in their restaurant are, of course, sourced from their farm.

Gabay-Bayawanon Integrated School in Magpet, Cotabato, is a newly accredited DOT farm school, and was conceptualized by LTC Rey T. Alvarado INF, PA, Commanding Officer, 72IB and Ms. Donabelle S. Cabaya, school administrator of Green Kings Technical Institute Corporation (GKTIC).

The establishment offers Technical-Vocational Education Trainings for local farmers and is an ATI learning site; it is also TESDA accredited. Like the other educational and tourism centered farms in our list, Gabay-Bayawanon Integrated School offers a plethora of activities for students and tourists like:

• Goat petting
• Vegetable picking
• Turkey petting
• Farm tours

Apart from the tour and activities, guests can also request organic dishes straight, with ingredients derived from the farm itself. Guests can also buy organic native chickens, rabbits, vegetables, and fruits.

For inquiries, you may contact DOT Accredited Tour Operators at the Department of Tourism website.

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Eastern Samar have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.
To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

All passengers entering General Santos City will need to get a QR Code from the City Contact Tracing Website or from the COVID-19 Contact Tracing System (CCTS) which shall be scanned by authorized persons.

For the latest advice, information and resources, you may check and visit each LGU’s website or Facebook pages:

• General Santos City – https://www.facebook.com/LguGensan
• Lake Sebu – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069254107931
• Midsayap – https://www.facebook.com/midsayaptourismofficial
• Koronadal City – https://www.facebook.com/CityGovernmentofKoronadal
• Magpet – https://www.facebook.com/municipalityofmagpet

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