1. Zipline over waterfalls
This is what we came here for. For more details, click this link for my post 7 Waterfalls Zipline
2. Try out different Tilapia dishes
The 3 big lakes are home to the freshest Tilapia. If General Santos is the Tuna capital of the country, then Lake Sebu must be the Tilapia capital. These are so abundant they can cook it in anyway and will always taste good! The best ones we've tries is the Kinilaw na Tilapia which is the Filipino version of sashimi. I've tried kinilaw before but never thought it would be so good with Tilapia. Must be the quality of their Tilapia here. We tried this when we stopped over Punta Isla Lake Resort for Lunch.
Another must-try dish at Punta Isla is their Chicharong Tilapia. Now that's healthier than the common pork chicharon.
3. Meet the T'boli tribe
Lake Sebu is home to the T'boli tribe. Like most indigenous people in the Philippines, they are down-to-earth and a very peaceful people. Contrary to what most people think about South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is pretty tranquil and it is safe to go around town. You won't recognize them as T'boli because they're pretty modern now but you can catch some cultural shows at Punta Isla Lake Resort.
4. Rent a habal-habal
Places of interest in Lake Sebu aren't walking distance and there are no jeepneys or tricycles around. You can spot habal-habal drivers from time to time but you can't always be sure that there's someone waiting for a rider.
The best and most convenient way is to rent a habal-habal. We paid ours for Php500 for a full day. There's also an option to rent for half a day. Ask your resort staff for their habal-habal contact. I also recommend our habal-habal driver, Kuya Johnny, he would patiently wait for you on each stop. You may text him at +63905-817-4947.
6. Swim in the cold waters of T'daan Kini Falls
The 7 waterfalls aren't really suitable for swimming due to the strong current and murky water. Your other option is to head to T'daan Kini Waterfalls to swim. You can ask your habal-habal driver to take you to this place after your morning zipline. It's a short trek down to the area but be careful as the trail is narrow and steep.
T'boli people take cares of the area and they will ask you for a donation if you use their cottages.
7. Swim and relax at Sunrise Garden Lake Resort
We chose to stay at Sunrise Garden Lake because of the beautiful view of Lake Seloton. There's also a swimming pool where you can enjoy when you're not going around town.
Climate in Lake Sebu is cool and felt like Baguio weather. Hence, most resorts offer fan rooms. Rooms with air-conditioning are also available but at a much higher rate. We had our spacious fan room for Php800 which was really big for 2 people.
Sunrise Garden Lake Resort also offers delicious Tilapia dishes which you can enjoy at their nipa huts.
They are very responsive through Facebook messenger. And the staff are very accommodating.
8. Lake Activities
If you have spare time, you can try out some lake activities such as hook fishing, boating or a lunch lake cruise. Sunrise Garden Lake resort just posted that they now have aquabikes as one of their fun lake activities. Check their Facebook page for details.
Getting In and Out
We arrived in General Santos airport and from there rented a taxi for Php2,000. It was expensive, but it was worth it for the time we saved. It took 2 hours to the resort. I would assume it will take much longer if we took the public transportation as you would have to take more than 2 rides plus a habal-habal. It would be nice to try it you have enough time.
Going back to General Santos was easier as the resort was just 15 minutes to the terminal through habal-habal. The habal-habal only costs Php60 going to the van terminal, while the van ride directly to the airport was P300.
