Cotabato is one of four provinces comprising the Soccsksargen Region ( Region XII ).
The province is subdivided into seventeen (17) municipalities, along with the capital city of Kidapawan, which serves as the seat of the provincial government.
Below is a summary of the primary attractions and activities found in each municipality.
Northwest Sector
Alamada
- Asik-Asik Falls: A unique curtain-type waterfall unlike traditional waterfalls fed by a surface river. Its waters emerge directly from the crevices of a 60-meter-high, moss-covered cliff, creating a lush wall of cascading silver threads. Its name is derived from the Hiligaynon word asik, meaning ‘sprinkle’.
- Guo View Deck: A scenic roadside attraction known as a premier spot to watch the sunrise, offering a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Palepaz Falls: A scenic horsetail-type waterfall characterized by its strong currents and a loud gushing sound that cascades into refreshing pools surrounded by lush greenery.
- Mount Siya-Siya: A scenic mountain known for the Siya-Siya Shrine, or the Shrine of the Holy Cross, a popular religious destination located at its peak. The site is known for its panoramic views and as a place of pilgrimage, particularly during the Lenten Season.
- Rangayen: A scenic, high-altitude barangay known for its cool climate, mountain views, and agricultural produce like strawberries and lettuce. It serves as a popular tourist destination for sea-of-clouds spotting, nature resorts, and as a gateway to the nearby Asik-asik Falls.
Banisilan
- Banisilan Nature Park: A vast, green area ideal for nature lovers, offering well-marked trails for trekking, birdwatching, and spots for picnics. A notable feature in the surrounding area includes a large colony of giant golden-crowned flying foxes (Acerodon jubatus).
- Malagap Underground River: An emerging eco-tourism destination featuring a natural underground river system, currently undergoing infrastructure projects to improve access.
Carmen
- Liliongan Cave: A natural underground attraction featuring stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations alongside an underground creek. The cave is home to a variety of wildlife, including a documented rare bat species (Ptenochirus minorbats) and other guano-dependent creatures, which thrive in its dark, moist underground environment.
Libungan
- Mount Agkir-Agkir: A popular 526-meter above sea level spot offering a relatively easy hike, stunning views of neighboring provinces, and a famed sea of clouds experience.
Pigcawayan
- Evergreen Heights Mountain Park: A park-cafe getaway destination known for its scenic, elevated location. A favored spot for relaxing, dining, and enjoying nature in a mountainous setting.
Southwest Sector
Aleosan
- UK Peak for scenic views and outdoor camping.
Midsayap
- Midsayap Eco-Park: A popular spot for nature lovers featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- Blue Lagoon: A scenic, quiet water body suitable for relaxation.
Pikit
- Fort Pikit: A historic Spanish-era stone fort located on a hill, established in 1893 to bolster Spanish military control over Mindanao and is now recognized as a National Historical Landmark.
Northeast Sector
Antipas
- Pisan Caves: Caving and exploration.
Arakan
- Salingsing Falls: Natural water feature for swimming.
- Mountain View Resort: Panoramic mountain views and eco-tourism.
- Epol River:
- Gambudes Caves:
Kabacan
- Masjid Dimaukom: The famous "Pink Mosque" serving as a landmark.
- Batasan Falls: Nature trekking.
Magpet
- Tousuvan Ecopark: Nature trekking and viewing in Brgy. Bongolanon.
- Pidlanan Falls: Swimming and scenic views in Brgy. Magcaalam.
- Mount Apo: Hiking and biodiversity exploration.
Matalam
- Mountain Lake Resort: Recreation and nature-based activities.
President Roxas
Southeast Sector
Makilala
- New Israel Eco Adventure Park: A popular tourism destination nestled at the foothills of Mount Apo, famous for its cool mountain climate and unique cultural heritage. Over a hundred wild but friendly macaque monkeys roam freely through the village.
- Le Rêve Resort: A popular roadside escape that features beautiful scenery from mountain ranges plus cool and clear water coming right from mountain springs at the foot of Mount Apo and free-flowing into four swimming pools.
- Sang’ngawan Hot Springs Falls: Also known as Batasan-Biangan Hot Springs and ddubbed as Cotabato’s “Fountain of Youth”, it is a favorite picnic area with clear water flowing from mountain falls believed to have healing powers.
- Marbel Falls: Trekking and scenic swimming.
M'lang
- Shrine of the Holy Cross: A prominent religious landmark with a scenic view deck located atop Arapoc Hills, known for its serene atmosphere and sea of clouds.
- Green Desert Agritourism Park: A nature-inspired destination well-known for its extensive collection of desert flora, specifically various species of cacti and succulents.
Kidapawan
- Lake Agco: A popular volcanic lake and natural spa destination found at the foot of Mount Apo, renowned for its unique combination of therapeutic, sulfur-rich hot springs and mud pools, amidst the cold and lush mountain surroundings.
- Lake Venado: An endorheic lake located at the foot of Mount Apo, and serves as a primary overnight campsite and rest stop for hikers ascending or descending the country’s highest peak.
- Mount Apo Trails: Kidapawan serves as a major jump-off point for trekking to the Philippines’ highest peak, featuring trails with scenic views and the serene Lake Venado.
Tulunan
Cotabato features a distinct character shaped by its varying cultures, dialects, traits and ways of life as reflected by its unique blend of people. Today, about 80% of the population are Christian migrants hailing from the Visayas and Luzon, while the remaining 20% consists of cultural communities predominated by Muslims and Manobo highlanders.
Half of the province’s total land area is forest land, which includes timberlands, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and forest reserves. Of notable interest is Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak at 3,142 meters (10,311 feet), home to the rare monkey-eating eagle and the Waling-Waling. Both domestic and foreign tourists have come once and again to Mount Apo National Park, among them geologists and other scientists eager to uncover new species of flora and fauna.
Despite its being an inland province, Cotabato manages to make up with two stunning freshwater lakes. Hidden among the mountain ranges at an elevation of 2,194 meters (7,200 feet) is the rare freshwater lake at Venado. In addition, there is Lake Agco, a popular volcanic lake and natural spa destination renowned for its rare blue sulfuric boiling water.
The Liguasan and Libungan marshes, which spans across Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat, form a vast wetland exceeding 2,200 km², acting as a crucial biodiversity hotspot. These adjoining basins serve as a major fishing ground, provide a crucial habitat for migratory birds and sustain a variety of aquatic species.