Mindanao is considered the major breadbasket of the Philippines. Therefore, it is no wonder that each province offers different abudance whether tourism, agriculture and etc. Now, let us go further to the north of SOCCSKSARGEN, to North Cotabato- the fruit basket of Mindanao.

The original Cotabato Province known as the Empire Province of Cotabato used to be the largest in the country in terms of land area. On November 22, 1973, Presidential Decree 341 created the new provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. South Cotabato was segregated and what used to be north Cotabato was renamed Cotabato under Batas Pambansa 660 on December 19, 1983. The word ""Cotabato"" is derived from the Maguindanaon ""Kutawato"" or ""Stone Fort.""

Cotabato province lies on the eastern part of Region XII and is strategically located in the central part of Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, on the east by Davao City, on the southeast by Davao del Sur, on the west by Maguindanao province, and on the southwest by Sultan Kudarat.

How to get here? One way to get from Manila to North Cotabato without a car is to bus and ferry and car ferry and bus which takes 38h 42m and costs ₱4,200 - ₱5,000. How long does it take to get from Manila to North Cotabato? It takes approximately 4h 16m to get from Manila to North Cotabato, including transfers. Now that's a lot of wasted time, just for my opinion. I would recommend doing the following:

1. Fly from NAIA to Gensan, then hop on a bus going to Kidapawan City.
2. Fly from NAIA to Davao City, then hop on a bus to Kidapawan City.

The province of Cotabato lies on the eastern part of SOCCSKSARGEN Region and is strategically located in the central part of Mindanao. Regarded as the fruit basket of Mindanao, the province has an agriculture-based industry with its vast plains and rolling terrains providing suitable areas for growing a variety of crops and tropical fruits. The highest peak in the country is also located in the three municipalities of this province.

Top tourist spots of the province

1. Asik-Asik Falls - lies in the slopes of Mt. Ragang. This water falls is very unique as there is no water falls or river above it. This is situated in the town of Alamada.

2. Lake Agco - situated in Sitio Agko, Brgy Ilomavis, Kidapawan City. This spot is known to be as the Eden of Kidapawan. Lake Agco is a natural lake of boiling water pools surrounded with lush forests. It sits on elevation of 1,250 meters above sea level. A favorite activity here is mud-masking using mud taken from the lake.

3. Daday Falls - located in sitio Mimbalawag, Brgy Dado, Alamada. Standing tall at 400 feet, Daday Falls is one of the highest cascades in Cotabato. It flows down to the face of a massive cliff into a deep pool. Huge boulders surround the pool, giving it a dramatic view. Daday Falls pristine waters emanate from dense forests upstream. The river from the falls leads to Asik-Asik Falls.

4. Lake Baranibud - also located in Alamada, North Cotabato, Lake Baranibud is one of the least known Cotabato tourist spots. That’s because it lies deep in the remote forests that can only be accessed via hours of hiking. It is believed that the overflow of the lake feeds Daday Falls.

5. Kapati Falls- located in Sitio Batongbasag, Brgy Sallab, Magpet, Kapati Falls is was just newly discovered.

6. Mt. Apo - who does not know him, his majestic view. His name comes back and forth across the land. It stands 2,956 meters above sea level. Known to be the king of Philippine mountains. It also hosts the iconic yet critically-endangered Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle amongst other wildlives in the area.Trekking to the summit is not easy but it can be your adventure of a lifetime. This is situated in Digos.

7. Tamontaka Church - the province itself is predominantly occupied by our muslim brothers and sisters and so having this church in the province symbolizes respect for each ones beliefs. Built in 1872 by the Spaniards, this has served as a peaceful co-existence between the Muslims and Christians. In 2004, it was declared a National Historical Landmark.

8. Skyline Heritage Resort - located in the municipality of President Roxas. Enjoy the tranquil, rustic setting and cool water of the pools coming right from the headwater of the mountain streams.

9. Batasan-Biangan Hotspring Resort -dubbed as the "Fountain of Youth" because it is believed to have healing powers and, thus, has become a medical haven for old folks who have arthritis and rheumatism.

10. Beauville Resort - Lust over the wonders of cool water, indulge in the luxury of soaking in the pool covered by sun rays. Located in the municipality of Makilala.

The following are my runner ups

-Sang-ngawan Falls
-Liliongan Cave
-Epol River and Gambudes Caves
-Sinapangan Falls
- Mt Akir-Akir
-Tausuvan Falls
-Lake Venedo
-Koong Campsite
-Pikit Fort

At present Cotabato is a prime focus of the rubber industry, with its 27 processing plants producing pale creep, brown, crumb, air dried sheets. Fruit production leading to fruit processing complements these advancements. So up for your next adventure, find North Cotabato- The Beauty Within.

https://danielsecotravels.com/cotabato-tourist-spots/
https://philippines.travel/destinations/cotabato-province
https://sites.google.com/site/philippinesthebeautywithin/reg-12-soccsksargen/north-cotobato