seven falls at lake sebu South Cotabato

seven falls at lake sebu South Cotabato

Launch into Lake Sebu Seven Falls Zipline

I must admit, I was thinking, “What the hell did they do to they do to the Seven Falls?” first I heard about a zipline being set up there. Marring the amazing sight of the falls with wires was the image that came to mind. But then again, I’ve heard and read from people how they enjoyed the zipline but I wanted to see it first and make sure they didn’t do anything drastic to the natural landscape. So the recent Backpack Photography gave me a chance to experience the getting famous Lake Sebu Seven Falls Zipline.

Lake Sebu Seven Falls Zipline Video

I was a bit disoriented when I saw the jump-off to the first falls now known as Hikong Alu (in T’boli means “Passage” also formerly known as Dongon Falls). What used to be natural vegetation and rocky pathway now has concrete paved roads to the falls and a concrete arc as gateway. It was busy with parked cars and people passing by. We almost didn’t find the Dongon Family’s eatery just on the side of the road. The popularity of the zipline definitely has changed this area.

Approaching the zipline midpoint

The Lake Sebu Seven falls Zipline boast the highest zipline in Asia measuring 200meters above ground. It is composed of two lines first one coming from the first falls Hikong Alu. I think it’s also worth to mention that Hikong Alu recently had a landslide making its side path to the falls impassable.

Recieving end of the zipline

The group got in line to suit up and ride the zipline in pairs. There was a light rain which is still okay to continue but they do stop the operation when the rain gets real heavy. I secured my camera and heard the signal on the radio for launch and then we’re off. Ziplines are ziplines and it was a straightforward flying action but what I love about this zipline is the scenery. It’s the most scenic zipline I’ve tried to date.

Falls 3 and 4 seen from the viewdeck

The group at the view deck

I won’t giveaway much of the details except that there are two lines of zipline the first 740meters going over the majestic second falls now known as Hikong Bente(in T’bolik is “immeasurable”) going to the viewdeck where you could see the other falls 3 Hikong B’lebel(meaning “Coil or Zigzag”), Falls 4 Hikong Lowig(meaning “Booth”) and Falls 5 Hikong Ukol (meaning “Wild flower”). The other two falls Hikong K’fo-I (“Short”) and Hikong Tonok (“Soil”) is out of sight and is said to be a long trek from the other falls.

The second zipline goes from the view deck and down to the jumpoff area of Falls 2 Hikong Bente with the falls as a dramatic backdrop. It was really fun and the views are just spectacular worth the P250 pesos I paid for (P200 on weekdays). It’s not really as bad as I thought and the lines aren’t all that visible in the scene. I’m still amazed how they were able to set this up considering their stopping mechanism is manually done with the help of rubber tires as stoppers.

MT. MATUTUM Tupi, South Cotabato

Mt. Matutum (2,293+)

MT. MATUTUM
Tupi, South Cotabato
Major jump-off: Sito Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi
LLA: 6°22'N, 125°06.5'E, 2293 MASL Days required / hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3

BACKGROUND
Beautifully rising in Tupi, South Cotabato, a town famous for its pineapple plantations, is Mt. Matutum. Its characteristic irregular but imposing cone shape dominates the landscape from General Santos to Koronadal City. It is so grand in its rise that it literally beckons climbers passing by the road from GenSan to Koronadal to climb it. Rising to 2293 MASL, it is considered a active volcano.

Realizing the need to protect the mountain, local officials have made it an ecotourism spot, regulating hiking activity. An interesting feature is the requirement for each climber to plant a seedling in a designated area in the mountain (a good idea!). The motto is "Amyak Maleh Matutum!": Climb and plant Matutum!

Commencing at Brgy. Kablon, the first leg is an open trail passing by rolling hillds surrounded with fields and plantations. An hour away is the first camp, which is also the entrance to the forest. There is a water source here. From this camp to the summit is 3-4 hours of trekking through a dense montane forest, full of vines, mosses, and the usual flora. This forest is host to diverse plant and animal species including the Philippine Eagle. In all, there are 110 plant species and 57 animal species.

At the summit, a 360-degree view is at hand, offering splendid views of General Santos City, Koronadal, and Polomolok, as well as Mt. Parker (NW), the Daguma ranges, and of course, majestic Mt. Apo (NE). A metal railing fences the viewdeck, and a marker bearing the history of the mountain as an ecotourist destination can be found. The summit is a suitable place for camping -- it is the highest point in South Cotabato.

ITINERARY

Day 1
0500 Take bus / transport to Tupi, South Cotabato
0900 ETA Kablon Crossing, Tupi. Take vehicle to Sitio Glandang
0930 ETA jump-off; register at Tourist Guard House / DENR
1100 Start trek
1200 Lunch at Camp 1
1300 Resume trek
1700 ETA summit of Mt. Matutum
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0600 Breakfast / sunrise views
0700 Break camp
0800 Start descent
1200 Back at jump-off; return to highway
1300 Take bus back to Davao / GenSan / Koronadal

SPECIAL CONCERNS
The municipality of Tupi requests climbers to secure permission beforehand / coordinate with the Tourism office before climbing. a P150 climb fee is collected together with a P10 fee for seedlings. Guides may be secured at the tourism office, as well as porters.

Safety, a major concern especially among hikers from Luzon and foreigners, is generally assured in Mt. Matutum. Rain protection, insect repellants, are advised. 3 L of water would suffice for each climber from water source at Camp 1 until Day 2.

It is possible to dayhike Mt. Matutum, especially if you're coming from Koronadal or GenSan. It is comparable to Mt. Makiling (starting from the UPLB College of Forestry) in difficulty.

Linan Tupi, South Cotabato “Tarsier Sanctuary”

Despite influx of visitors to the newly discovered “Tarsier Sanctuary” in Mt. Matutum, local authorities here has instead restrained accepting guests to favor the wildlife protection group that will do research on the smallest primate’s habitat early next month.

Just recently, Mayor Tamayo issued an order to Linan officials and tourism council to suspend accepting visitors while the research of Endangered Species International (ESi) is being conducted.

ESI, an international wildlife conservation group, will start its study of the primates after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted it “wildlife gratuitous permit.”

The permit that DENR Region XII Director Alfredo S. Pascual issued early this year ESI to collect and study the tarsiers in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) for 1 year.

ESI will assess the tarsier's distribution, population size and density, habitat association, and status, which are needed for the establishment of a core conservation center for the protection of the animals’ habitat and prevention from possible extinction.

ESI President Dr. Pierre Fidenci, during his visit here last month, sought the help of Tupi Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. to free the area from further disturbance in preparation for the research.

“We need to secure the area to ensure that the habitat will not be disturbed,” Fidenci told Mayor Tamayo.

“I was alarmed with the reports that the locals are hunting the tarsiers and held it in captivity as showcase to visiting tourists,” he added.

“We need to secure and free the area from disturbance or we might end up no tarsiers to study because tarsiers are sensitive and might flee out of their habitat if disturbed and worst it may commit suicide,” he further explained.

Fidence also pointed out that the study is needed to come up with a sustainable eco-tourism plan for Linan.

In response to the Mayor’s order, Linan chairman, Reynaldo Alburo said, “ We will obey with the Mayor’s order. This is good for the conservation and for our eco-tourism program.” (DED/CDIO-Tupi)

Tourist spots in South Cotabato

Profile

South Cotabato is a province of the Philippines located in Southern MindanaoRegion. It is bounded on the north and on the west by Sultan Kudarat, on the east by the eastern part of Sarangani, on the south by Sarangani Bay and the western part of Sarangani. Topography consists of a vast valley from General Santos City to the municipality of Norala with high mountains in the northeast and the southwest. Mount Matumtum is the tallest mountain with a height of 2,293 meters followed by Mt. Busa (2,083) and Mt. Magolo (1,450). Climate in the southern part of the province is of Type IV while the northern part is of Type III. Type IV is characterized by rainfall which is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year while in Type III, seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

People

The province is the original home of the colorful T'boli tribe. However, majority of the people are migrants from the Visayas and Luzon islands.

Famous People

1. Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao - Famous Filipino boxer
2. Melai Cantiveros - Movie and television actress, commediane

Economic Profile, Products, and Industries

Agricultural production in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Product	Metric Ton	Rank
Palay	291	18
Corn	431	4
Banana	217	8
Mango	19	13
Coconut	146	34
Fish	213	5

Animal inventory of South Cotabato in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

Chicken	2,574	19
Hog	222	18
Cattle	85.5	7
Source: NSCB

South Cotabato is home to vast pineapple plantations. Other products include durian, papaya, asparagus and other vegetables. The province has several fish processing plants especially tuna canning factories. The province is rich in mineral resources. A gold and copper mining project in Tampakan town which is located just south of the provincial capital, Koronadal City, is reputedly one of the largest in Asia. In 2007 there were 75 banks with total deposits of 17.7 billion pesos. Poverty incidence stood at 37.3%, a little higher than the national average of 32.9%.

Business Opportunities

The presence of General Santos City with its international airport and seaport makes the province an ideal alternative location to expand business to the Mindanao market. Its bustling fish processing and pineapple canning industries can be complemented by other allied industries such as packaging products, fertilizer, and feed. It would do well for the province to develop the shipbuilding industry in support to the fishing industry. Its vast and fertile agricultural lands still has room for further development to produce other commercial cah crops such as cassava, cacao, coffee, and cutflower. A modern cold storage terminal should be put up.

See List of South Cotabato Cities and Municipalities
Places of Interest/ Tourist spots in South Cotabato

1. Polomolok - a picturesque town of pineapple plantations with Mt. Matumtum as a background.
2. Lake Sebu - has seven waterfalls and water lily plantations
3. Lake Maughan and Lahit
4. Cadidang Cave

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO

Koronadal Highway Ramona Plaza Hotel Koronadal Restaurant Koronadal Round Ball Koronadal City Hall Local Orchids Round Ball at Night

KORONADAL CITYMindanao's Treasure Geography Koronadal is situated in the northeastern part of the province of South Cotabato lying between 6 degrees 24 minutes to 6 degrees and 34 minutes north and longitude 124 degrees and 47 minutes to 124 degrees and 58 minutes east. The city is bounded in the northwest by the municipality of Tantangan, South Cotabato and the municipality of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat in the northeast; on the southwest, by the municipality of Banga and on the southeast, by the municipality of Tupi and Tampakan, South Cotabato. Koronadal is a fertile valley bounded by the Roxas Mountain Range on the southwest and Quezon Mountain Range on the northeast. Roxas Mountain Range extends from as far as Barangay Saravia on the southeast to Barangay Morales on the north, cutting through the Barangays of Carpenter Hill, San Isidro, Sta. Cruz, Mambucal, and the Poblacion. Quezon Mountain Range, on the other side, extends along the Barangays of San Jose, Mabini, Esperanza, Cacub and Zulueta. History of Koronadal Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato now known as the City of Koronadal by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000. At present, Koronadal is a fast developing growth center composed of twenty seven (27) barangays including the four (4) zones in the poblacion. Being the capital town of South Cotabato, it is the center of the province in terms of political, cultural and socio-economic activities. Business firms and other establishments sprout in Koronadal. Identified also as the Provincial Agri-industrial Center of South Cotabato. Koronadal boasts of its favorable geographical location, rich human and natural resources, and potentials conducive for trade business and industry. The settlement of Koronadal and its creation as a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 82 dated August 18, 1947 was marked by a rapid initial development, so that when the province of South Cotabato was created under Republic Act No. 4849 on July 18, 1966, it easily became the capital town. In the past, the place was populated by B'laans and Maguindanaos. The word Koronadal is believed to have been derived from two Maguindanaoan words- koron or kolon meaning cogon grass and nadal or datal meaning plain which optly described the place to the natives. On the other hand, Marbel, which is another name for the poblacion, is a B'laan term "Marb-El" which means "murky waters" (it is possible that name was first used to) referring to a river, now called Marbel River. Koronadal used to comprise the area extending from the banks of Buluan Lake to the north to Barangay Polonoling in the municipality of Tupi to the south from Quezon mountain range to the northeast to the municipality of T'Boli to the southeast. It was in August 18, 1947 when President Manuel Roxas signed the Executive Order creating the municipalities in the entire province of South Cotabato, one of which was Koronadal. The same executive order likewise mandated the official function of the municipal government which began after the qualification and election of the first set of municipal officials. Elected were Datu Kudanding Kamsa, Municipal Mayor, Perfecto Sueno Sr., Vice Mayor; Councilors: Porferio Cuenca, Felix Suscano, Alejandro Poticar, Gregorio Hechanova, Zacarias Cadule, and Dencio Sarate. The first Municipal Judge was Braulio Hurtado and the first Health Officer was Dr. Felimon de Jesus, Cornelio Mariveles became the Chief of Police and Godofredo Gazo, the Municipal Secretary. The municipal government of Koronadal began its official function on January 1, 1948 with an approved Annual Estimated Budget of P30,000.00. The land area of the municipality by then was comparable with the Province of Bata-an embracing the present municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, T'Boli, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Isulan. Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 of each year as the Municipal Town Fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement. Climate  Records from PAG-ASA in General Santos City show that the average annual temperature of Koronadal for the past five years is 27.07 degrees centigrade. Warmest temperatures in the city occur during the months of April and October while the coolest in December to January. Temperatures below the annual average are felt in the upland areas of Barangay Assumption, Paraiso and Sta, Cruz. The average relative humidity of Koronadal varies. As of 1976, it was registered at 28.36 degrees centigrade. Rainfall distribution in the city is more or less even throughout the year. Because of the mountain ranges, tropical depressions rarely affect the city.