The Intro: Lake Sebu is a Cultural Feast
The trip to Lake Sebu was part of our SOCCKSARGEN Adventures where we travelled thru South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos. Lake Sebu is a hidden gem in the southern part of the Philippines, where you can experience the rich heritage of the T'boli tribe and the stunning beauty of nature. Whether you are looking for a cultural immersion, an adventure trip, or a relaxing getaway, Lake Sebu has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, I will share with you some tips and recommendations on how to travel to Lake Sebu in 2024, including the best time to visit, how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. You can check out our hike to Lake Holon too.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sebu
The best time to visit Lake Sebu is from late November to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the peak season for tourists, so expect higher prices and more crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, you can visit Lake Sebu during the rainy season from June to October, but be prepared for occasional showers and thunderstorms. The average temperature in Lake Sebu is around 25°C throughout the year, so you don't need to bring heavy clothing. However, it can get chilly at night, especially during the months of December to February, so bring a jacket or a sweater.
How to Get to Lake Sebu
There is no direct flight to Lake Sebu from Manila, so you will need to take a connecting flight to General Santos City, which is the nearest airport to Lake Sebu. You can book a flight with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific, which offer daily flights to General Santos City. The flight duration is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From General Santos City, you can take a taxi or a tricycle to Bulaong Terminal, where you can find vans and buses going to Lake Sebu. The travel time is about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic and the stops. The fare is around 200 to 300 pesos per person.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Lake Sebu from Davao City, which is another major city in Mindanao. You can take a flight from Manila to Davao City, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Davao City, you can take a bus to Koronadal City, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. The fare is around 300 to 400 pesos per person. From Koronadal City, you can take another bus or van to Lake Sebu, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. The fare is around 100 to 200 pesos per person.
What to Do in Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu is a paradise for nature and culture lovers, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities that will surely make your trip memorable. Here are some of the things that you can do in Lake Sebu:
Learn the T'boli Way of Living: Lake Sebu is home to the indigenous T'boli tribe, who are known for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, brass casting, wood carving, and loom weaving. You can visit the T'boli Museum, where you can see their artifacts and learn about their history and culture. You can also visit the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, where you can watch the T'boli women weave the famous T'nalak fabric, which is made from abaca fibers dyed with natural colors. The T'nalak fabric is considered sacred by the T'boli, as it is inspired by their dreams. You can also buy some T'nalak products as souvenirs or gifts.
Go to Lake Sebu's Nature Spots: Lake Sebu is named after the largest of the three lakes in the area, which covers an area of 354 hectares. You can rent a boat or a kayak and explore the lake, where you can see the lotus flowers, the fish cages, and the floating restaurants. You can also visit the other two lakes, Lake Lahit and Lake Seloton, which are smaller but equally scenic. Another must-see attraction in Lake Sebu is the Seven Waterfalls, which are a series of cascading waterfalls that flow from Lake Sebu to Lake Seloton. You can hike to the first two waterfalls, Hikong Alu and Hikong Bente, which are the most accessible and the most spectacular. You can also ride a zipline that will take you over the waterfalls, giving you a thrilling and breathtaking view of the landscape.
Watch Cultural Performances: If you want to witness the T'boli's artistic and musical talents, you can watch their cultural performances, which usually take place during festivals and special occasions. You can see them dance, sing, and play their traditional instruments, such as the hegelung (a two-stringed lute), the kubing (a bamboo jaw harp), and the agung (a large gong). You can also join them in their dances, such as the Madal Be'lan (a courtship dance) and the Lemlunay (a thanksgiving dance).
Buy Local Crafts: Lake Sebu is a great place to shop for local crafts, such as T'nalak products, brass items, wood carvings, beads, and accessories. You can find these items in the souvenir shops, the market, and the roadside stalls. You can also bargain with the vendors to get the best prices. Buying local crafts is not only a way to support the local economy, but also a way to appreciate the T'boli's creativity and craftsmanship.
Try Other Adventures Near Lake Sebu
If you are looking for more adrenaline-pumping activities, you can also try some of the other adventures near Lake Sebu, such as:
Paragliding with Sox Paragliding: If you want to soar high in the sky and enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Sebu and its surroundings, you can try paragliding with Sox Paragliding, which is located in Imelda Hills, Barangay Maligo, Polomolok. They offer tandem paragliding adventures daily, basic paragliding course and tandem paragliding course. The rates are 2,500 pesos for reservation and 3,500 pesos for walk-in.
River Tubing in Sepaka River: If you want to experience a thrilling ride on the rapids of Sepaka River, you can try river tubing, which is the newest outdoor water activity in Lake Sebu. You will be given a rubber tube, a helmet, and a life vest, and you will be guided by trained staff. The river tubing lasts for about 45 minutes and costs 320 pesos per person.
Wearing Traditional T'boli Costumes: If you want to feel like a T'boli for a day, you can also rent and wear their traditional costumes, which are made of colorful fabrics, beads, brass, and wood. You can find some places that offer this service near the T'boli Museum or the Lang Dulay Weaving Center. The rates vary depending on the type and quality of the costume, but they usually range from 100 to 500 pesos per person
Where to Eat in Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu is famous for its tilapia, which is a freshwater fish that is abundant in the lakes. You can find many restaurants and eateries that serve tilapia dishes, such as grilled, fried, steamed, or stewed. You can also try other local delicacies, such as the linotlot (tilapia cooked in bamboo tubes), the sinugbang baboy (grilled pork), the tinolang manok (chicken soup with ginger and vegetables), and the hinagom (sticky rice with coconut milk and sugar). Here are some of the places where you can eat in Lake Sebu:
Bob Nowong: This is a popular restaurant that serves tilapia dishes and other Filipino dishes. It is located near the Lake Sebu Municipal Hall and has a cozy and rustic ambiance. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. You can also enjoy the view of the lake from the restaurant.
Punta Isla Lake Resort: This is a resort that has a restaurant that serves tilapia dishes and other Filipino dishes. It is located along the lake and has a spacious and airy dining area. The prices are slightly higher than other places, but the quality and the taste are worth it. You can also enjoy the view of the lake and the lotus flowers from the restaurant.
Where to Stay in Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu has a range of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, lodges, homestays, and cottages. Most of the accommodations are located near the lake or the waterfalls, giving you a scenic and relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the places where you can stay in Lake Sebu:
Sunrise Garden Lake Resort: This is a resort that offers rooms and cottages that can accommodate up to 6 people. The rooms and cottages are clean, comfortable, and equipped with basic amenities, such as air-conditioning, TV, and hot and cold shower. The resort also has a restaurant, a garden, a playground, and a function hall. The rates range from 1,000 to 3,000 pesos per night, depending on the type and size of the accommodation.
Lake Sebu Mountain Log Resort: This is a resort that offers rooms and cabins that can accommodate up to 10 people. The rooms and cabins are cozy, rustic, and equipped with basic amenities, such as fan, TV, and hot and cold shower. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a zipline, and a souvenir shop. The rates range from 800 to 2,500 pesos per night, depending on the type and size of the accommodation.
School of Living Traditions Homestay: This is a homestay that offers a unique and authentic experience of living with a T'boli family. You can stay in a traditional T'boli house, which is made of bamboo and nipa, and sleep on a mat or a hammock. You can also join the family in their daily activities, such as cooking, farming, fishing, weaving, and dancing. The homestay also offers cultural workshops, such as T'nalak weaving, brass casting, and T'boli music. The rates are 500 pesos per person per night, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Outro: Embracing the Adrenaline Rush
As someone who typically favors tranquility over adrenaline, my experiences near Lake Sebu offered a refreshing change of pace. Despite my initial hesitation, paragliding and river tubing proved to be surprisingly enjoyable.
Gliding through the air during paragliding provided a unique perspective, while drifting along the river's gentle currents during tubing brought a sense of peace and connection to nature.
Though adrenaline isn't my usual companion, these adventures reminded me of the value in stepping outside my comfort zone. As I bid farewell to Lake Sebu, I carry with me the memories of both thrilling moments and quiet reflections, cherishing the balance they bring to my journey.
May your own adventures be a blend of excitement and serenity, revealing the beauty of the outdoors in unexpected ways.
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