I visited Cotabato Metropolis anticipating nothing. Effectively, what I imply is I anticipated it to be a enjoyable trip, however nothing particular. One cause for that was I wished to shock myself, so I didn’t do any analysis; another excuse was that my buddy, the individual touring me across the metropolis, didn’t give specifics for our itinerary.
We scheduled to depart at 2 PM, however that didn’t occur. We had been capable of go away at 5 PM already. And I used to be a bit frightened as we needed to move by a number of provinces that had been but to be reached by the complete good thing about modernization. For some cause, I wanted we bought there earlier. However we arrived late within the night. We reached Pigcawayan at previous 10 PM. However it turned out superb regardless of touring by highways with out the “metropolis lights” vibes.
Pigcawayan is a vibrant municipality a few 30-minute experience to Cotabato Metropolis. Upon arrival, we instantly toured their park. And since it was late at night time, we had the park all for ourselves and had “kids” enjoyable! In fact, I didn’t miss taking some photographs of myself at their landmark.
Once we arrived at my buddy’s household property, about 2 kilometers from the municipality’s middle, I instantly pitched my tent. I slept exterior; that was the plan. And I spotted I felt at dwelling. The place was lovely – numerous timber and the air was recent.
The next day, I awoke feeling good as I had an excellent night time’s sleep – inside my tent. I instantly took a bathe (whereas others had been nonetheless asleep) as a result of it will be an extended day for our Cotabato Metropolis tour. And I used to be proper.
At round 8 AM, we had been able to depart. A couple of minutes later, once we had been already within the automobile, my buddy started discussing our itinerary. And these had been the locations we visited:
First Cease: PC Hill
Anybody visiting Cotabato Metropolis can’t miss this one, as that is excellent after you cross the bridge, the place you may see town signage – a landmark that signifies you might be formally within the metropolis. Why is that this spot attracting guests? As a result of other than the Cotabato Metropolis signal, additionally, you will discover rows of homes in rainbow colours on the again, which make a fantastic backdrop to the landmark.
Second Cease: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque (The Grand Mosque of Cotabato Metropolis)
Once we arrived at this spot, I used to be already in awe seeing this lovely spiritual construction looming earlier than me, shining and shimmering like gold. I noticed an impressive web site earlier than me, paying homage to these middle-east buildings typically seen solely in motion pictures.
Certainly, your go to to Cotabato Metropolis wouldn’t be full with out dropping by the Grand Mosque (Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque). It was a uncommon superior alternative for me to go to the most important mosque within the Philippines till surpassed by the newly-constructed Grand Mosque of Marawi.
Third Cease: Baywalk
Our subsequent cease was the Baywalk. Stunning panorama it was – an extended stretch of a physique of water with a mountain vary serving because the backdrop. I believed it will be much more superior to go to there within the late afternoon when the solar wasn’t excessive above. I loved the place nonetheless, regardless of the solar’s scorching warmth.
The Baywalk is simply about 100 meters from the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, so if you go to Cotabato Metropolis, don’t miss the Baywalk.
Fourth Cease: Timako Beachwalk/Port
After spending a while on the Baywalk, we proceeded to Timako Beachwalk. It’s a 200-meter (if I’m not mistaken) concrete platform extending out into the ocean. It’s simply beside Timako Hill, which is an attraction in itself.
Tip: When visiting Timako Beachwalk, come throughout the late afternoon for sundown viewing.
Fifth Cease: Kutawato Burp & View Resto
After having fun with Timako Beachwalk, it was time for a gastronomic journey. We determined to attempt Kutawato Burp & View Resto, situated alongside the highway traversing on the foot of Timako Hill. The restaurant supplied us a nice panorama of the mangrove forest beneath it. And, to my shock, we noticed some monkeys within the forest – from our vantage within the restaurant. And, in fact, the meals was scrumptious (it was my first time consuming sinigang na manok – solely in Cotabato Metropolis!)
We ended our Cotabato Metropolis tour shopping for pasalubong/delicacies alongside the highway on our return to Pigcawayan. I ate lots, and if I had to decide on one of the best from among the many objects I purchased, it will be dudol – it’s just like kalamay – I find it irresistible!)
Belle’s Farm and Resort
In fact, my Central Mindanao journey wouldn’t be full with out visiting a preferred vacationer spot in Pigcawayan – Belle’s Farm and Resort (nearly 100 meters from my buddy’s property). It’s an inland resort with large swimming swimming pools for youths and adults. It was a variety of enjoyable!
Certainly, my go to to Central Mindanao was a memorable and satisfying one worthy of this house on-line for storytelling.
BONUS: I loved the inexperienced rice fields we handed by on our approach dwelling.
MeantToGo wish to thank Ramboanga Household for the warmest welcome and for accommodating me throughout my go to to Pigcawayan and Cotabato Metropolis. Particularly, I’d prefer to thank Piper Ramboanga, her buddy, Jessa, for touring/driving me round. Particular thanks additionally to Tatay Agustin Ramboanga for caring for us – for lodging, and meal preparation. Thanks very a lot.