Lake Sebu Travel Guide: Experience the Culture of T’Boli Tribe

Lake Sebu

Perched in the highlands of South Cotabato is the town of Lake Sebu, home to the indigenous T’boli and Ubo tribes and an emerging eco-tourism and adventure destination in Southern Mindanao.

Known for its majestic waterfalls, lakes, rivers and springs, and with its rich biodiversity and culture, the town is starting to hit big in the tourism landscape of the region. Its main attractions include Lake Sebu itself, the biggest of the three lakes that dot the town and an important watershed in the region being the source of water of the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Lake Sebu
Hikong Alo or Waterfalls One

Aside from the lake, tourists also troop to this part of Mindanao to see the waterfalls in Barangay Siloton. A total of seven majestic waterfalls with the water coming from the outflows of the Lakes Sebu and Siloton. The first two waterfalls are easily accessible to tourists while the others require trekking. But the best way to see these waterfalls is by riding a zipline that passes above five of them!

With all the attractions that the town offers, it is without a doubt that Lake Sebu is one of the best places in the country to experience culture, appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy thrilling adventure. A paradise on its own right, make this place one of your unforgettable travel experiences in your journey to Mindanao.

Lake Sebu
The base of Waterfalls Two known as Hikong Bente

How to Get to Lake Sebu

From General Santos

General Santos City is the usual jump off point. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily regular flights to General Santos City International Airport from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.

From General Santos City’s Bulaong Terminal, there’s a direct van going to Lake Sebu.

From General Santos via Marbel

Alternatively, you can catch a nonstop Marbel (Koronadal) bound Yellow Bus Line (YBL) from Bulaong Terminal, travel time is approximately one hour and fare is P100 (as of 2017). At Marbel Terminal, catch a van to Lake Sebu (travel time takes 1.5 hours) but schedule is unpredictable and limited. Alternatively, you may ride a bus going to Surallah, travel time is around half an hour and fare is P30 (as of 2017) and transfer to a jeepney stationed at Surallah Terminal going to Lake Sebu, a forty-five minute journey for P50 (as of 2017) with last trip usually at six in the evening.

From Davao City

Take a bus from Davao Ecoland Terminal to Marbel. Travel time is at least four (4) hours and fare is around P350 (as of 2017). From Marbel Terminal catch a van straight to Lake Sebu or one via Surallah.

Lake Sebu
More waterfalls!

Going Around and Away

Habal-habal or motorbike is the main mode of transportation around the town, minimum fare is P10. Meanwhile, jeepneys going to Surallah regularly ply the main road of Lake Sebu with the last trip at around 4PM. If you miss the last trip, a habal-habal can take you to Surallah for P50 fare.

Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu

Where to Stay

A trip to Lake Sebu can be done on a day if you are coming from General Santos City but there are accommodations in town for those who prefer to stay a night or two.

School of Living Traditions
Sitio Lambanig, Barangay Poblacion
Contact No: +63935-4569359 (Maria Todi)

Punta Isla Lake Resort
Sitio Toku-fol
Budget: As low as P1000 for room good for 2
Contact No: +63919515015/+639052895134
Email: reservations.puntaisla@yahoo.com

Lemobung Lodge and Restaurant / Tourism Lodge
Poblacion
Budget: As low as P100 per person
Contact No: +639206033554

Balben Family Cove
Contact No: +639165126256
Email: balbenfamilycove@yahoo.com

Estares Lake Resort
Barangay Poblacion
Contact No: +639159885175/+639484895385
Email: estares01lakeresort@yahoo.com

Merl Garden Spring Resort
Barangay Lake Lahit
Contact No: +639194577221/+639258140524

Tonez Farm Resort
Contact No: (63-83)238-3011 / +639278819461

El Galong Waterpark Resort
Sitio Tukofol, Barangay Poblacion
Budget: As low as P900 for room good for 2
Contact No: +639185065222
Email: artachoedgar@yahoo.com

Dolores Lake Resort
Sitio Tukofol, Poblacion
Contact No: (63-83)552 4435 / +639175214666
Email: dolores.lake@yahoo.com

Nadine Lake ResortMountain Log Resort
Barangay Poblacion
Contact No: (63-83)236-1052/+639175746729
More details: Contact No: +639071153289

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort
Contact No: +639277500888 / +639092217614

Mountain Lake Eco Resort
Barangay Bacdulong
Contact No: +639173265281
Email: reservation@mountainlakeecoresort.com

Book Your Accommodation in Lake Sebu

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort Resort
Barangay Lake Seloton
Starts at 1,000 PHP

BOOK NOW

El Galong Waterpark Resort

El Galong Waterpark Resort
Poblacion
Starts at 1,000 PHP

BOOK NOW

Lake Sebu
Ride the zip line to see the other waterfalls!

Things to do in Lake Sebu

  • Visit the Seven Falls: Hikong Alo, Hikong Bente, Hikong B’Lebel, Hikong Lowig, Hikong Ukol, Hikong K’Fo-I and Hikong Tonok; Ride the zipline and or go trekking to get closer to other falls
  • See Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit and Lake Siloton
  • Ride a boat or kayak in Lake Sebu
  • Go on a boat tour of Lake Sebu and visit its 12 islets (Approximately P 500.00 per boat with a tour guide, good for 8-15 persons)
  • Check out T’daan Kini Falls
  • Trekking  to Virgin Forest
  • Visit the T’boli Museum
  • Immerse with the arts and culture of T’boli and Ubo tribes
  • Experience Tboli’s fascinating culture at School of Indigenous Knowledge and Tradition (SIKAT Cultural Center) or at School of Living Traditions by Maria Todi
  • Go on a culinary trip with the different tilapia recipes
  • Celebrate with town’s Helobung Festival every 9th to 11th of November
Lake Sebu
View from the zip line, bring your camera at your own risk.

Tips

  • Mobile signal is of major networks are present
  • Some hotels have free wifi
  • Big hotels/resorts accept credit/debit card

*Originally Published: 12-Apr-2011 | Updates: 22-Jan-2018; 13-Mar-2020

Comments

  1. […] highlands of South Cotabato is home to Lake Sebu, an important watershed in the region located in the town of the same name. Home to the T’boli […]

  2. sherly

    how to access road to lake sebu?

  3. Anna Liza B. Catalan

    hi… i am planning to have my tour in lake sebu this maybe third week or last week of December 2016.. how much is the current fare from Bulaong terminal to Lake sebu?. How much is the entrance fee??
    I’m looking forward for your response. thank you..

  4. Patricia

    Is the zipline open on Sundays? thanks!

  5. Beth Lazaro

    from lake sebu how do we get to Davao City and how long will that be

    1. Jon bitang

      it will take you approximately 5 to 6 hours ma’am.

  6. Beth Lazaro

    from Lake Sebu how do we to Davao City?

  7. mae

    pano pumuntang bulaong terminal from airport? at magkano po? salamat

    1. jil

      Hi, I don’t know how much would it cost pero I know a site where you can approximate the taxi fare. Maybe, you can try it. 🙂
      rahaogroup.com.ph

  8. joseph

    spt n ung 5000 pesos n budget no? Ksma n jn ung roundtrip airfare manila-gensan

  9. hopxie

    i want to ask if we want to rent a room in lake sebu what would be the most of those hotels/lodge that is very affordable???

  10. jay abalos

    do you know an inexpensive place to stay with a great view from room window?

    thank you!

  11. Synara

    How many days can we do all the activities in Lake Sebu?

    1. Lakwatsero

      One whole day would be enough 🙂

      1. Anna Liza B. Catalan

        hi… i am planning to have my tour in lake sebu this maybe third week or last week of December 2016.. how much is the current fare from Bulaong terminal to Lake sebu?. How much is the entrance fee??
        I’m looking forward for your response. thank you..

  12. This is very helpful! I was wondering if you know of any homestays in Lake Sebu? 🙂

    1. the most economical stay is in Tourism Lodge— only P60/per night.

Comments are closed.