Lake Sebu provides cool weather and a serene ambiance for those who want to get away from the city's frenetic pace. The scenic views of the fields and the lake, the fresh air and the rugged landscapes enable you to escape the daily grind.
Read my budget and itinerary for Lake Sebu.
Guide to Lake Sebu
Located in South Cotabato, Lake Sebu has grown in popularity as a tourist destination over the years. Its natural attractions such as the lake and the waterfalls, and its peaceful atmosphere make for a perfect getaway. Lake Sebu is an important watershed in the country and supplies irrigation to South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. It is also the ancestral domain of the T'Boli and Ubo. The community is not just famous for its natural attractions but also for its rich cultural heritage. The T'nalak is a fabric used by the T'Boli dream weavers to make beautiful handicrafts. The patterns they weave were inspiration from the dreams they had.
Things to Do in Lake Sebu
Nature and culture lovers will enjoy their trip around Lake Sebu. Here are some of the things to do in Lake Sebu.
Try the Zipline over the Falls and Wilderness
One of the must-try activities while in Lake Sebu is the zipline. Flying over Lake Sebu provides you bird's eye views of the waterfalls and the rolling hills and countryside below. The zipline didn't last long but it was definitely worth it! The jump-off point for this activity is the Lake Sebu Eco-tourism Park. There is a 400m long zipline from Falls 5 to Falls 2 and a 750m long zipline from Falls 1 to Falls 5.
The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu are:
- P20 entrance fee
- P300 zipline during holidays and weekends
- P250 zipline during weekdays
- P100 for souvenir photo
Hike to Some of the Waterfalls
After the adrenaline pumping zipline ride, you might want to hike to see some of the falls. There are trails that are easy to follow and get through.
Enjoy Nature
Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit and Lake Seloton are the important lakes in this part of South Cotabato. They aren't connected to each other so you have to go to them separately and rent a boat or kayak to explore. Some resorts offer a cruise with lunch or rentals for visitors and some also charge a small entrance fee. The fees vary depending on the establishment. Enjoy nature while you drive around the countryside.
Cultural Heritage
Lake Sebu has a rich cultural heritage passed on from generation to generation. Even the passing of Lang Dulay, a dream weaver, the designs of the weaves live on. The School of Living Traditions and Lang Dulay T'nalak Weaving Center are great additions to your itinerary to learn more about the weaving process and maybe even buy the products the locals make.
Getting Around Lake Sebu
The most convenient way to explore Lake Sebu is to hire a motorcycle taxi ( habal-habal). The drivers have their own association that sets a price for tourists, these are:
- P400 for half day trip
- P600 for whole day tour
Where to Stay in Lake Sebu
You don't have many options on where to stay in Lake Sebu. It's a small community. However, rooms for a group of two or more are still affordable.
How to Go to Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu is easy to reach.
Via General Santos City
The nearest airport to Lake Sebu is in General Santos. There are regular flights to this city. Book your flights weeks or months before your trip to get low fares.
- After arriving at the airport, make your way to Bulaong Terminal. You can take a taxi for around P250. The cheap way is to take one of the multicabs outside the arrival area. Fare is around P50. You can also take a tricycle for P20 or charter the entire tricycle for P100.
- From Bulaong Terminal, you can take a direct van to Lake Sebu. Fare is around P150 one way and the trip takes approximately two hours. FYI: The last returning van to General Santos City from Lake Sebu leaves at 2:00pm.
- Upon arrival at Lake Sebu terminal, you can hire a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) for P400 half day tour or P600 for a whole day excursion. This option is up to two passengers only. You can also take a jeep for P50 one way.
Via Davao City
You can reach Lake Sebu from Davao City.
- Board a bus departing for Marbel, South Cotabato from Ecoland Terminal. Trip costs P350 one way and the ride may take around four hours or longer.
- Once in Marbel, ride a van bound for Lake Sebu. Schedule for this is sporadic. If you don't see any vans, get on a bus departing for Surallah for around P30.
Budget for Lake Sebu
Here's an estimate of your possible budget for Lake Sebu.
*Everything's in Philippine Peso.
1800 - 2 nights accommodation shared with at least one other person
900 - Food and drinks
300 - Transportation
300 - Round trip van fare from Bulaong Terminal to Lake Sebu
300 - Habal-habal whole day tour shared with at least one other person
20 - Entrance fee Lake Sebu Eco-tourism Park
300 - Zipline
100 - Souvenir photo
200 - Donations for Lang Dulay T'nalak Weaving Center and School of Living Traditions
4220 - Total for 3 days and 2 nights
*The amount will vary depending on where you stay, what you do and how much you eat.
Sample Itinerary for Lake Sebu
This is a rough sample itinerary for your trip.
Day 1
Flight to General Santos City
Depart General Santos City for Lake Sebu
Check in accommodation at Lake Sebu
Day 2
Whole day tour
Zipline over the 7 Falls
Hike to some of the falls
Lake cruise and boating
Visit the T'nalak Weaving Center and School of Living Traditions
Day 3
Check out accommodation
Depart for General Santos City
