Sultan Kudarat - Mindanao's Unexplored Gem
Not much is written about Sultan Kudarat, named after Sultan Mohammed Dipatuan Kudarat of Mindanao and Sulu, the great ruler during the 17th century. Much like its name, the province has so many great things waiting to be revealed to the world. For one, it boasts of 12 unique caves, all found in one town: Sen. Ninoy Aquino. There are more caves in the province that could potentially make Sultan Kudarat a spelunking haven of the Philippines.
Demographics
1. Population - 675,644
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 675,644 sq. km
3. Capital - Isulan
4. Language/Dialect - Cebuano, Maguindanao, English,
and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (11)
Kalimudan
Festival
It is an annual gathering of the different tribal groups
in the province to celebrate a bountiful harvest.
Caves at
Sen. Ninoy Aquino
The town named after the former senator has at 12 caves
that have been explored and a must-see for any caving
enthusiast.
Hot and
Cold Springs
The establishments where these hot and cold springs
are located give visitors not only relaxation, but also
peace of mind since most of them are located in secluded
areas.
Man-made
Sultan Kudarat
Provincial Capitol Building
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
The provincial building is adorned with a huge gold
dome at the center, which is the prayer room for the
Muslims. Inside, there are specialized rooms used by
the sultans of Mindanao. The Hall of Sultans was reserved
for times when Muslim Sultans would gather in Isulan
for meetings. Hall of Kings was reserved for meetings
of important Christian visitors of the Province.
Natural
Caves at
Sen. Ninoy Aquino
Location: Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat
There are 12 caves in the town. Each has unique stalagmite
and stalactite formations
1. Lagbasan Cave
2. Bitongon Cave/Casi Cave
3. Kalupingon Cave
4. Batasan Cave
5. Midpanga Cave
6. Tinalon Cave
7. Bugso Cave
8. Tudog Cave
9. Kiabuan Cave
10. Saklay Cave
11. Paradise Cave and Falls
12. R.A. Midpanga Cave
Buluan Lake
Location: President Quirino and Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat
It is one of the ten major lakes of the Philippines.
It serves as home to numerous marine life.
Bamban Falls
Location: Brgy. Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat
The area is enclosed in lush vegetation. Swimming and
picnic area common activities in the area.
Fekung Bula
Fall
Location: Brgy. New Batangan and Lasak, Columbio, Sultan
Kudarat
Its cool water attracts locals to have a refreshing
swim in its waters
Marguez Hot
and Cold Spring
Location: Brgy. Marguez, Ezperanza, Sultan Kudarat
It has a hot and cold pool located near each other.
The area is enclosed in lush vegetation and isolated
from the busy activities of the town. One can enjoy
the serenity of life and richness of its unspoiled nature.
Kalimudan
Festival
Place: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Date: November 21
It is an annual gathering of different tribal groups
in the province and celebrate for a bountiful harvest.
Activities include dancing parade, horsefight, trade
fair and sports competition. The festival highlights
the foundation anniversary of Sultan Kudarat Province.
Bansadayaw
Festival
Place: Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat
Date: First week of November
The term was coined Ilonggo root word “ Bansa”
which means “ in full view “ and “
sayaw “, hinugway, dayaw “ all having connotation
of merrymaking. The festival is highlighted by religious
prayers, cultures and other traditions. The objective
of this festival is to unite the effort of the citizens
and preserve their culture heritage of al tribes such
as the Muslims, T’boli, B’laan, Manobo,
Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Pampanggeñio and Tagalog.
Pasundayag
Festival
Place: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Date: September 15
The festival commemorates the Foundation Anniversary
of the municipality. The Festival showcases the skills
and talents in literary, musical and cultural aspects
of the constituents both the young and the old. It is
not only unique but is reflective of a special talent
in the person as well.
Talakudong
Festival
Place: Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
Date: September 18
Talakudong" is a historical and cultural spectacle
mostly performed as street dancing and rituals accompanied
by exotic and native sounds of bamboo, drums, kulintang
and gongs. It is a head-covering festival designed to
blend the different Filipino cultures.
By Air:
From Manila, take a flight bound for either General
Santos City, Davao City or Cotabato City. Once
there, busses and jeepneys travel towards the
capital of Sultan Kudarat, Isulan.
By Sea-Land:
From Manila, take a ferry to Iloilo then ride
another ferry headed to General Santos City. Another
option is to ride an ferry headed to Zamboanga
City and another ferry to Cotabato City. From
Cotabato City or General Santos, one can take
any available land transportation to Sultan Kudarat.