Soccsksargen offers many different ways to explore: nationally recognized burial jars, weaving traditions, mountain views and water activities. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether culture, scenery or active pursuits should take center stage.
Cultural Heritage and Crafts
The anthropomorphic burial jars of Maitum in Sarangani Province are recognized as National Cultural Treasures. Their human form gives them a distinctive appearance; their recognition also classifies them as cultural heritage. They offer a distinctive starting point for a cultural focus in Soccsksargen.
Intricately woven Tabih is made at the Cultural Village of National Living Treasure Fu Yabing. In Lake Sebu, the Manlilikha ng Bayan Centers share the living cultural heritage of the T’boli through traditional T’nalak weaving, brasswork and indigenous singing. Tabih and T’nalak are two specific examples of weaving; brasswork and singing broaden the picture of the cultural practices being shared.
Another cultural facet is the Shrine of the Holy Cross, a pilgrimage site on the summit of Mt. Siya-Siya in Brgy. Bao. Its mountaintop location sets it apart from the craft and weaving traditions.
Mountain Views and Waterfalls
In Tupi, SG Farm is situated on a mountain and offers views of Mt. Matutum. The Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada present a different kind of landscape: water emerges between rocks, accompanied by water-loving plants. This creates a curtain-like backdrop about 140 meters wide and 60 meters high.
At La Palmera Mountain Ridge, visitors can sightsee, take photographs and enjoy leisurely walks with panoramic mountain views. Both taking in and capturing the scenery, as well as going for a walk, are among the ways mentioned to experience the landscape.
Water Activities and Regional Cuisine
The Lake Sebu circuit is also known as the “Dream Valley Tour.” You can also take boat trips across Lake Sebu. One name refers to the circuit, while the other option is a ride on the water.
Swimming, fishing and fast-paced river tubing are possible in the rivers of Alamada. At the Seven Falls, visitors can soar over cascading waterfalls on one of Southeast Asia’s highest ziplines. This gives you a choice between river experiences and a ride over waterfalls as distinct activities.
Regional snacks are also among the visitor experiences mentioned: guests can enjoy Kakanin at Kolon Datal Nature Park. When looking for a hotel, these themes can help guide your choice: Would you like to make culture, mountain landscapes, water experiences or a mix of them the focus of your trip?
Other Cultural Landscapes in the Philippines
Looking more broadly at the Philippines reveals further cultural highlights. The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras originated as far back as two millennia into pre-colonial times; the inscribed terrace clusters are still traditionally cultivated and maintained. The country’s four Roman Catholic Baroque churches were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. They are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao and combine European church planning and building techniques with local materials and decorative motifs.
Vigan offers another perspective on Philippine history. Founded in the 16th century, the city is considered the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture combines cultural elements from the Philippines and China with those from Europe and Mexico. The historic city center includes 233 buildings along a grid of 25 streets.
Discover more destinations: South Cotabato, Kidapawan, Esperanza, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Caraga, Ilocos, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
For the main travel overview: Philippines.
