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.