Adrenaline Pumping Seven Falls Zipline

Lake Sebu in South Cotabato  is slowly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Mindanao. If you are within the vicinity, make sure to visit the Seven Falls Zipline. Adrenaline junkies will get more than just the usual thrill that comes with the ride, but a visual treat of the breathtaking view of the falls and surrounding greenery.

The zipline consists of two lines, the first one spans 740 meters and 200 meters in height, readily one of the highest zipline in south east asia. Jump off is at falls no. 1 also known as Dongon Falls (or Hikong Alu in the local dialect which means passage). Once strapped, you can go in pairs or in threesome depending on your combined weight. For the brave, why not go alone to fully experience the exhilaration that comes with the feeling of flying. :) 

Your first zipline will take you directly to the fifth falls or Hikong Ukol (meaning wildflower in T'boli) . I assure you that the experience is one of the picturesque rides you will ever have in a zipline. You will be in awe of the magnificent view of the four falls - the second falls (Hikong Bente or unmeasurable falls, being the tallest of all the seven), the third (Hikong B'lebel meaning coil or zigzag), the fourth (Hikong Lowig which means booth) and fifth falls (Hikong Ukol).

The second zipline spans about 400m which takes you from falls no. 5 (Hikong Ukol) to falls no. 2 (Hikong Bente). Of course if you don't like the thrill the comes with the ziplines, you can always trek down from falls no. 1/Hikong Alu to falls no. 2/Hikong Bente. There are paved pathways which makes it easier, but its a long walk from falls 1 to 2, so be sure too wear comfortable walking shoes. You can always bring your car to the 2nd falls nevertheless. :)  Falls six  Hikong K’fo-I (“Short”) and seven Hikong Tonok (“Soil”) on the other hand is a bit far from the rest of the falls and we were told would take a longer trek down the valley, so we didn't bother finding it.

For the zipline ride, be prepared to shell out P250 (or P200 during weekdays), that will cover both ziplines.

Hagimit Falls in the Island Garden City of Samal

We were at the Hagimit Falls as part of a day tour of the Island Garden City of Samal. The van we were in was only allowed at the gate so we had to troop down on foot along a paved pathway going to the falls. Its really a long trek down so better be prepared and leave your high heeled shoes in your hotel =).

The falls is a mishmash of small waterfalls cascading into small pools ideal for swimming… well probably during the summer months when the weather is really hot. Its quite hard to go swimming when we went there since the water was really ice cold. Its just too bad that the weather didn’t seem to cooperate with us at the time since it was a bit rainy. But nevertheless, just the sound of the water makes you relax and enjoy the scenery at one of the picnic huts strewn around the falls.

Going up the falls was another matter since we opted to take a short cut, a local boy led us to a path along the trees where we had to brave a few knee scratches since the climb up was really steep. I had to hold on to my sister-in-law’s skirt when I was off balanced at one time.. luckily her skirt was hanging on to her dearly (else I need to buy her a new one =)

Samal Island by the way, is just a stone’s throw away from Davao City. You can get to Samal Island by taking a ferry boat at Sta. Ana Wharf or a RORO at Km. 11 Wharf in Sasa if you’ll be bringing your own vehicle. The Island has 5 seaports - Kaputian, Samal, Babak PEO and Sta. Cruz, Talikud. From the island, you can rent a motorcycle or habal-habal and it would take you around the island. Hagimit Falls is about 2kms from Penaplata and is accessible to all vehicles.

Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines - Lake Sebu

The first time hubby mentioned we were going to Lake Sebu, I thought we were going to fly to Cebu in the Visayas. Its funny how people from the northern Philippines (well, me included) are so ignorant of the beautiful spots here in the south. The only lake in the country that I knew then was the Taal Lake. Excuse my ignorance that first time, but when we went over to Lake Sebu I was truly amazed.

Lake Sebu is a natural inland sea located in the municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato within the Allah Valley region. It is home to a number of local tribes such as the T'boli, Tasadays or Ubos and the Tirurays. Lake Sebu is one of the protected watersheds in the country, providing irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.   

It is also known as the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines since it is situated in an elevation of roughly 1000ft. So the climate is typically cooler. There are a number of resorts there offering bed and breakfast. You can try the Punta Isla Resort, Estares Lake Resort, Artacho Resort or the Tourism Lodge to name a few. If you are a fan of the lowly tilapia, then you're in for a treat since it is served in most of the local restaurants and eateries there.. take your pick, you can have your tilapia "pinaputok"(deep fried), "ginataan" (with coconut milk), sinabawan (in a soup base) or grilled among others. You can also rent a boat ride which will take you around the lake in about 45 mins so you can enjoy the view and take photos.

Also in Lake Sebu is the magnificent Seven Falls. Of the seven, only two were accessible at the time we were there, Falls #1 or Dongon Falls and Falls #2. For first timers, I recommend wearing comfortable slippers (don't bother wearing your rubber shoes as these may get wet).I wouldn't advise bringing small kids down to the falls since the long trek down is really not suitable for them. I remember I had my one year old in tow the last time we went there, and she wanted to piggyback on the way back up so my feet were literally killing me at the time. Anyways, you can leave the small kids over at the picnic area by the baggage counter and ask for a number....kidding! =) 


The falls is one of the best ones I've seen. It's nature at its very best. The view of both falls left me in awe. 
                                                             
Going to Lake Sebu takes about 1 hour 30mins from Gensan and about 45mins from Koronadal City. You can take the Yellow bus going to Surallah or Koronadal over at the Bulaong terminal in Gensan. Once in Surallah, take the jeep going to Lake Sebu.

Come see for yourself why this place is dubbed as the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines!
                                                                       

A View from Punta Isla Resort