Prehistoric Maitum Jars in Maitum Sarangani

Well known for its rich cultural heritage, Sarangani Province is highly blessed with a wealth of natural possessions: from indigenous tribes, prehistoric artifacts, exotic flora and endangered wildlife, rugged coastal attractions, to bat caves and waterfalls. It is a budding tourist haven, particularly its developing attraction--the 230-kilometer coastline of white sands, amazing coves, and rock formations with a spectacular sunrise and sunset in different locations.

To thoroughly round up Sarangani’s sights and sounds, at least a four-day stay in the province is recommended to soak in the culture, coastal adventures and the get some serious tan from its popular white beaches.

In Maitum, go to Barangay New La Union for the exhilarating 1.5 km River Tubing Adventure. Meet the slowpokes in the Turtle Sanctuary in Old Poblacion. There’s Kiamba, the “Sleeping Beauty” of Sarangani, which can easily provide a classic backdrop for romantic ‘60s Pinoy films. Ride a boat to Tuka Marine Park, a 10-hectare protected reef area spanning two small coves where fishing is banned.

If you’re into ancient relics, go to Maitum for the “Maitum Jars”. These are exceptional archaeological finds in Pinol Cave which shelters the nearly 2,000-year old anthropomorphic jars that are still beautifully preserved.

In the municipality of Glan (the oldest town in Southern and Central Mindanao), Gumasa Beach is widely popular because of its fine white sands and startling blue sea. Small towns are protected by picturesque coves, offering a haven for exploration from snorkelling, kayaking to diving down shipwrecks that date back to Spanish times. A quick walk around town affords you a vintage view of old colonial houses all lined up and built from Spanish influence.

If you are excited to score some undersea action, stay at the Lemlunay Dive Resort in Maasin. Southpoint Divers Clubhouse offers a beautiful dive experience the whole day. In the 15-foot of aquatic pool, you are already swimming with a plethora of multicolored fishes. As you near its stunning drop off at the famed “Abyss” and Tinoto Wall (probably Sarangani’s not-so-best-kept secret anymore), watch the current brings in schools of fishes that brush past you. Because of strong currents and changing tides, experienced guides and boatmen are with you on every dive. The deep blue will give you a spectacle to behold --huge corals, pelagic, sea turtles of mammoth sizes, groupers, clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, snappers and even the majestic Napoleon Wrasse. Go Sarangani Travel provides day tours, and full three days/two nights’ packages (visit www.gosarangani.com). Visit www.southpointdivers.ph for more info).

The revelry of the Sarangani Festival is held every May, when beaches are bursting with tourists and locals alike, enjoying fun-filled aqua sports activities from skimboarding, surfing, beach volleyball, jetskiing, and competitions like banca race and sand sculpture. Beach cottages offer ample amenities right in front of beautiful coastal beaches and aquamarine waters. Stay in high-end accommodations like Isla Parilla and Lemlunay Resorts as well.

The Sarangani Bay is also home to the famous Sarangani Bay bangus (milkfish), and the biggest producer and exporter of prime milkfish products worldwide. A protected seascape under Presidential Proclamation No. 756, it is rich in marine resources and wildlife, and the people’s sources of livelihood in Sarangani province and neighboring General Santos City.

Sarangani is located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. It borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the east. To the south lies the rich Celebes Sea. On paved roads, it is reached in an hour from General Santos City, the gateway to Glan. From Manila, there are regular flights to General Santos City (an hour away) and Davao City (four hours away). For more information, visit http://www.sarangani.gov.ph. Special thanks to Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez, Ariel Decena and staff for the generous accommodation and support each time we visit.

(Jojie Alcantara is a travel photographer and lifestyle columnist from Davao City, and explores off-the-beaten paths that she loves to share about her islands through her stories and lens. View them in www.pbase.com/jojie_alcantara)