The Intro: Our Mindanao Adventure
Lake Holon is a beautiful crater lake in South Cotabato, Philippines, that offers a lot of activities for adventurers, such as trekking, swimming, kayaking, and cultural immersion.
Our trip to Lake Holon was part of our SOCCKSARGEN adventure. SOCCKSARGEN is an acronym that stands for the region's four provinces and one highly urbanized city: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos Since we were already down south, we decided not to miss the opportunity to visit the celebrated lakes, Lake Holon and Lake Sebu.
Lake Sebu is another natural lake in South Cotabato, within the Alah Valley region. It is one of the country's most important watersheds and is a prime eco-tourism destination in Mindanao, with attractions such as the Seven Waterfalls, the highest zipline in Southeast Asia, and the lake cruise and lily fields.
In this blog post, we will focus on how to hike to Lake Holon, which is located in the municipality of Tboli, South Cotabato. We will share with you our guide to Lake Holon, including how to get there, what to expect, and some tips and reminders for a memorable and hassle-free trip.
DIY Guide to Hiking Lake Holon
Planning your Hike:
Transportation: From GenSan, ride a van to TBoli for ₱200 and ask to be dropped of the the Tboli Tourism Office, where you will register and pay for the fees. Ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) to Salacafe or Kule for ₱700 roundtrip.
Accommodation: Camping at Lake Holon is the most budget-friendly option. Rent a tent for around ₱200-300 per night. You can also find simple 0in T'boli for around ₱500-800 per night.
Guide: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended, especially for first-time hikers. Expect to pay around ₱500-1,000 per day, depending on the duration and group size.
Permits and fees: Registration at the T'boli Municipal Tourism Office costs ₱50, while the entrance fee to Lake Holon is ₱100.
Food and water: Pack enough food and water for the duration of your hike. Budget around ₱500-1,000 for meals and snacks.
You also need to choose which trail you want to take to reach Lake Holon. There are two established hiking trails available: Kule Trail and Salacafe Trail.
Kule Trail: This is a difficult trail, but it’s usually taken by visitors because it passes by the view deck, which offers the best view of Lake Holon. The trail includes 3-4 hours of trekking, depending on your pace. You need to ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) from the tourism office to the jump-off point at Sitio Kule, which costs 200 pesos per person.
Salacafe Trail: This trail is easier, but the view at the top is not as impressive as the Kule Trail. The trail also takes 3-4 hours, but the route is less steep. You need to ride a motorcycle from the tourism office to the jump-off point at Salacafe, which costs 300 pesos per person.
What to expect at Lake Holon
Once you reach the view deck, you will be greeted by the stunning sight of Lake Holon, a water-filled crater in Mount Parker, which is locally known as Mount Melibengoy. The lake is surrounded by lush mountains and has a clear blue water that is safe for swimming. You can also rent a kayak or a bamboo raft to explore the lake. The rental fee is 100 pesos per hour.
To get to the campsite, you need to ride a boat from the view deck to the other side of the lake, where there are cottages, tents, and restrooms. The boat ride is included in the boat fee that you paid at the tourism office. You can either bring your own tent or rent one at the campsite. The rental fee for a tent is 300 pesos per night.
At the campsite, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lake and the cool breeze of the mountain. You can also interact with the locals, who belong to the Tboli tribe, one of the indigenous peoples in Mindanao. They are known for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, and rich culture. You can learn more about their history, traditions, and beliefs from your guide or from the tourism office.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Hike
Pack light: Only bring essential items to avoid unnecessary weight.
Cook your own meals: This is cheaper than buying food at the campsite.
Share transportation and guide fees with other hikers.
Utilize public transportation whenever possible.
Choose camping over homestays to save on accommodation costs.
The Outro: A Mystical Lake, A Pause for Your Quiet Introspection
Reaching the peak of Lake Holon wasn't just about conquering the physical terrain; it was about conquering the inner noise. It was about enjoying the silence and proving to myself that breathtaking views don't require a crowd. In this fast-paced world, enjoying the trail to a majestic lake in the mountains is just the reset you need. Don't be afraid to turn off the music, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with nature.
Lake Holon awaits, ready to offer its serenity to those who seek it on their own terms.
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