Central Mindanao is known in history as the site where the Muslim
faith was introduced. It is composed of North Cotobato, South Cotobato,
Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.
North Cotobato
North Cotobato is a province with diverse, ethnic groups. It is
a wildlife haven with places such as New Israel, known for its tame
monkeys, Pisan Cave, which has a variety of bats and snakes, and Flortam
Hot Spring, dubbed the 'Fountain of Youth' for its healing powers.
Kidapawan City and Magpet are the starting points for climbers of Mt.
Apo. Remnants of an old Spanish fort can be found in Pikit.
South Cotobato
South Cotobato is the home province of the T'boli tribe, who
are known for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, woven
baskets, and traditional brass ornaments. Lake Sebu, which is surrounded
by rolling hills and waterfalls, is the site of the Lemlunay Cultural
Festival every last week of November, and Lake Maughan is the source of 5
big rivers, and is abundant with flora and fauna, including the rare
Tigris Butterfly. Mt. Matutum, located in the countryside, is a haven
for climbers and trekkers. Waterfalls include Lumabat, Lumakot, Matamos
and Narcon.
Sarangani
Sarangani's main attraction is the Sarangani Island which
consists of blue lagoons, white sand beaches and tropical rain forest.
Other beaches include Siguel and Gumasa, which has been compared to
Boracay for its powdery, white sand. Another natural site is the Ayub
Caves, where prehistoric pottery were discovered. Tampat is the site of a
shrine and ancient tombs of the ruling Sultanates of Maguindanao.
Sultan Kudarat
Sultan Kudarat, named after the great ruler of Mindanao and
Sulu during the 17th Century, is a big producer of food, especially
fruits and vegetables. The people consists of Maguindanoans, Tirurays,
Hiligaynons, Ilocanos and Cebuanos. Natural attractions include Marquez
and Columbio Hot Springs, Lebak Caves, Buluan Lake, and Lebak and
Kalamansig Beaches. The Waling-Waling Orchid can also be found in Sultan
Kudarat.
