Sarangani Province, Philippines

By James Barcelona

Tourist Attractions

Malakahi Water Falls

Malakahi Water Falls is located of Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

Atnayan Waterfalls

Atnayan Waterfalls is located in New Canaan, Brgy. Pag-asa in Alabel, Sarangani.

Basyawan Waterfalls, a site probably fit for the truly adventurous. Its is a bit farther than Atnayan, about two hours away from Sitio New Canaan. Trekkers will also pass by three or four cascades before reaching the main falls.

Basyawan Waterfalls

Lake Mofong is located at the top of the mountain. This can be reached through a two and a half hour trek or a motorcycle trail ride.

Lake Mofong

Siniel Falls in the town of Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani is shorter compared to that of Atnayan and Basyawan.

Sarangani is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCKSARGEN region in Mindanao. It is subdivided into 7 municipalities which are grouped into two parts. The western part consists of the municipalities of Kiamba, Maasim and Maitum, while the eastern part is composed of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, and Malungon. The provincial capital is the municipality of Alabel and borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the east.

Siniel Falls

The early inhabitants of Sarangani were the indigenous natives called “MunaTo” which is a native term for “first people”. Sarangani was once part of South Cotabato and held its title as the Lone Third District of South Cotabato. The province was created on March 16, 1992 by virtue of Republic Act No. 7228.

Coconut, rice, corn, banana, durian, rubber, and sugarcane are just some of the major crops of Sarangani. About 66% of the province’s total land area is forest land. Half of this is highly cultivated for corn. The province has also rich deposits of precious metallic and non-metallic minerals such as gold, copper, iron, silica, limestone, cement lime, coal, marble, gypsum, phosphate rock and white pebbles. 

Northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon are the prevailing wind directions of Sarangani. There is no distinct dry and wet season in this province but it is considered a typhoon belt area. April is the hottest month while January is the coldest. 

Sarangani is a melting pot of rich Filipino culture that continues to imbibe the values and traditions of its ethnic tribes such as B’laan, Tagakaolo, T’boli, Manobo, Ubo, Kalagan and Moro. These tribal villages are rich in cultural traditions which are evidently seen in their daily lifestyle and craftsmanship. Their artwork has captured both the local market and neighboring countries. 

The ethnicity and origin of the province is celebrated every month of November in the MunaTo Festival. Cultural shows and activities are the focal interest. The colorful attires, bright smiles, graceful artworks will immerse and transport visitors to Sarangani’s rich cultural era. Another festive event in the province is the Sarangani Bay Festival celebrated every month of May that advocates the conservation and protection of Sarangani Bay. 

Dive and snorkeling fanatics can’t get enough of the marvelous diving grounds of the province where exotic and untouched coral gardens spread out. It will be no surprise if tourists will be captivated of Sarangani’s colorful marine life, powdery white sand beach, pristine clear water and glistening golden sunset.