Exploring the Fortress of Stone
March 26, 2017Cotabato City
“Ako’y Isinilang sa isang Bayan ng Cotabato”
“Kasing gulo ng tao, kasing gulo ng mundo”
Are these phrases familiar to you? Yes it is the famous song of Asin about Cotabato way way back when the City is still at its worst, but if you look into it now, that song no longer defines the place because things changed drastically over the years and those changes are reflected on the city itself, on its development and the government’s, together with the people, strenuous effort on trying to uplift the city and permanently erase the negative thoughts about it. But words are just words; it is still the best if you see for yourself. Try to explore the city and fall in love with its rich cultural heritage and everything it has to offer.
How to get there:
Via Airplane;
Manila to Awang Airport- 1 hr 30 min.
Cebu City to Awang Airport- 45 min
Zamboanga to Awang Aiport- 25 min
Land Travel;
By Van:
From Davao City (located along SM Ecoland) to Cotabato City-4-5 hrs fair; php 350
From General Santos City (A.G.P Van) to Cotabato City –3-4 hrs fair; php 280
By bus:
From General Santos City (Husky Bus) to Cotabato City -4-5 hrs fair; php 300
From Davao to Cotabato City-6-7 hrs
From Cagayan de Oro to Iligan-2 hrs 30 mins fair; php 100
From Iligan to Marawi (by van )- 45 mins fair; php 70
From Marawi to Cotabato City (by Innova) - 4 hrs fair; php 400
The Mosque
The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or popularly known as Grand mosque is the biggest and grandest mosque ever built in the Phillipines. It is named after the Sultan of Brunie who financed the up building of the mosque. It can accommodate 800 male and 400 female worshippers. It lies at the far end of the main highway of Barangay Kalanganan Dos, Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines.
How to get there:
From Cotabato City, ride a jeepney or a town ace (larger version of multicab) via Highway-Awang route for only 12 php or if you’re from Awang Airport, ride a tricycle to take you on the highway then ride a jeepney via “super”, “town” or “orc” route and tell the driver to drop you off along the motorcycle terminal going to the grand mosque. The round trip fare for the motorcycle is around 100-150 php good for persons.
Tamontaka Church
Just a few blocks away from the terminal going to the grand mosque, lays another historical worship site for the Christians. It was the Tamontaka Church which was the first church built in the city in 1872.
How to get there:
From Cotabato City, ride a jeepney or multicab via Highway-Awang route for 12 php or if you’re from Awang Airport, ride a tricycle to take you on the highway then ride a jeepney via “super”, “town” or “orc” route and tell the driver to drop you off on Tamontaka Church. Then from there it wouldn’t be hard for you to look for the church for it lies at the heart of the end of the road standing humbly still, as if waiting for your arrival.
Kutang Bato Cave
Its name was derived from the Malay-Bruneian word Kota meaning city or fort and Bato meaning stone, hence, the name of the City, Cotabato. It is the only cave in the Philippines found in the middle of the city. The most common point of access is that in Barangay Bagua, though it has some constraints on tourists caving due to the preservation of the cave. It is most advisable to go there in groups so you can get formal approval from the city hall.
People’s Palace
The new city hall called the “People’s Palace” is located in Malagapas, Barangay Rosary Heights 10. It has a majestic structure using the modern designs whilst preserving the Moro architecture present on the concept of the roof, hence symbolizing the existence of Christianity in the City.
How to get there:
From Cotabato City, ride a jeepney or multicab via Highway-Awang route for 12 php or if you’re from Awang Airport, ride a tricycle to take you on the highway then ride a jeepney via “super”, “town” or “orc” route and tell the driver to drop you off People’s Palace.
WHERE TO STAY
Pesion Rafael
San Isidro Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-2941
Fiesta Cotabato
Dr. Rabago Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-5491
Hotel Filipino & Restaurant
Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421- 307/ (064) 421-3232
Hotel Cirilo
Sultan Makakua Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-3583
Vision Inn
Bonifacio Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421- 7289/ 421-1364
Citi Plaza
Makaku Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-9148
Pacific Heights Pension House
San Vicente Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421- 5832
Hotel Castro
Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-7523
Sardonyx Pension House
Gov. Guutierrez Street, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421- 1364
Azaleas Pension House
Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-8122
Diamond Hotel
Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-5118
El Manuel Hotel
Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City
Contact Info: (064) 421-9883
(all pictures are not mine)
0 comments