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A place fringed by forests and mountains, overlooking the placid lakes, is the town of Lake Sebu, a rising eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure destination in Southern Mindanao. It is home to the indigenous T’boli and Ubo tribes, which make up 55 percent of its population, and is also known as the “Land of Dream Weavers” because of its proud and celebrated T’nalak tapestry.

Lake Sebu offers bounteous and ravishing landscapes that are all sights to behold — a place worthy of being added to your bucket list. From its lush, virgin forests and abundant biodiversity to the rich and diverse culture of its native tribes, the kindness of its people also makes Lake Sebu a fairytale-like experience. It offers not only peace and beauty but also the thrill that will satisfy your adventurous self.

How to get to Lake Sebu:

Car Rental Davao will make everything seamless for you as you can get there by renting a vehicle from us. We offer everything from sedans to SUVs to vans, all high-quality but affordable rental cars. For tourists, we can arrange an airport car rental for you, meaning you’d have the unit picked up or delivered at the city airport. If you are already in Davao, we can also have it dropped off at your preferred location — just make sure to let us know in advance.

To get to Lake Sebu, you have to drive for an estimated time of 4 hours from Davao city proper to the municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. But worry not because, while on the road, you will pass beautiful sceneries and experience peaceful travel away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Once you enter the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato, you will be greeted by the Tri-People Monument, Surallah’s cultural landmark, which pays tribute to the tri-people living in the area: the T’bolis, Muslims, and Christian settlers.

From Surallah, it will just take you a few minutes to arrive at the municipality of Lake Sebu, where the smell of fresh air, birds chirping, and beautiful forests will welcome you.

Things to do in Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu offers numerous exciting and thrilling adventures to its visitors. For a hassle-free and comfortable experience, reserve a unit from Car Rental Davao, either for a short or long-term car rental.

Now, let’s get started with the must-visit attractions and must-try activities in Lake Sebu. First, you should visit the seven majestic falls, namely Hikong Alo, Hikong Bente, Hikong B’Lebel, Hikong Lowig, Hikong Ukol, Hikong K’Fo-I, and Hikong Tonok. You can ride a zip line here to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire region.

Trust me, your whole Lake Sebu trip will be a total waste of time and money if you do not try zip-lining. Consider this a must-try and one of the highlights of your trip. While on it, you will surely feel a surge of emotions—and that is normal.

At first, you will be anxious when the staff dangles you. But once you are already up there, you’ll feel relieved, excited, and euphoric at the same time. The feeling that you are above the gorgeous scenic view of Lake Sebu will eliminate all your doubts, hesitations, and fears.

Scream when it’s necessary. That will definitely help you get through your emotions. Or cry if you see the need to. Others who went zip-lining with me chose to do that, not because they were afraid, but because they were overjoyed with the entire adrenaline-fueled experience. No words can describe the emotions you’ll feel while zip-lining. It’s 60 seconds of bliss. If given the chance to try it again, without any hesitation, I will do it.

If you want more adventures, you can also go trekking and wander around the virgin forests following the trail to see up close the diverse beauty of fauna and flora and some of the majestic seven falls. Hear the sounds of nature—the macaques laughing, insects buzzing, and the bubbling streams and crashing of waters from nearby waterfalls. A rather bizarre orchestra, I know, but these sounds create a symphony that will not just uplift your spirits but will also make you rediscover your purpose in life.

What’s more, you can also experience the Wooden Canoe Lake Cruise by paying a very affordable price of P500. A single canoe can fit at least three people, so if you’re with a group of friends, you can share a ride with them.

And, of course, you should never leave the region without experiencing the rich culture of the T’boli and Ubo tribes. Be delighted by the delicacies, dances, rituals, and practices unique to each tribe. One of the famous weaving techniques in the Philippines originated from the T’boli tribe — the T’nalak weaving. See the process of weaving with your very own eyes and be amazed by how they weave the T’nalak.

Where to stay in Lake Sebu:

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

Punta Isla Lake Resort
Sitio Toku-fol, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
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, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
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, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Contact No: +639159885175/+639484895385
Email: estares01lakeresort@yahoo.com

Merl Garden Spring Resort
Barangay Lake Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Contact No: +639194577221/+639258140524

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

El Galong Waterpark Resort
SitioTukofol, Barangay Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Budget: As low as P900 for room good for 2
Contact No: +639185065222
Email: artachoedgar@yahoo.com

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

Nadine Lake Resort Mountain Log Resort
Barangay Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
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, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Contact No: +639173265281
Email: reservation@mountainlakeecoresort.com

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