Cotabato City, the first district in the province of Maguindanao, is composed of 299,438 people according to 2015 census. The name was derived from the maguindanao word kuta wato and the Malay Bruneian word of Kota Batu, or City of Stone, Kota  means city or fortress, and batu mean rock or stone. (wikipedia)

When mentioned on people from Luzon and Visayas, Cotabato is a cringe worthy word for them. The city is always being seen on the television with lots of news about bombing, war and terrorism. These news has brought unfair treatment not just only for the place but also for the people inhabiting there. Often times when you tell someone from the two regions above that you’re from Cotabato, they would automatically avert their eyes and judge you deep down thinking either you’re a suicide bomber or a terrorist and contemplating whether to trust you or not. But if they would just give it a shot and visit this place, their perspective would completely change. Cotabato is no longer the Cotabato you hear from that famous song of Ka. Freddie. It has changed a lot over the past years. It tries to become the friendliest place for tourists in Mindanao and it would be bad if this place will never be acknowledged because it has a lot of wonderful tourists spots to show off;

The Grand Mosque

The grand mosque was named after the Sultan of Brunei who reportedly funded part of its construction. It is one of the most striking landmarks in the city with its attractive yellow domes, beautiful minarets and white and cream walls. It is a gigantic structure that can hold over a thousand worshippers. (triptheislands.com)


Photo credits to google

Tamontaka Church

This is the oldest Christian church in Cotabato City. It was built in 1872 by Spanish friars as can be easily seen in its architecture and design. Inside, you will find relics of the living past, which together with the church housing them stands in testimony that both the Muslim and Christian religion can co-exist harmoniously. One of the most interesting features of tamontaka church is its underground passageway leading to a catacomb which is a part of the network caves for which Cotabato is named for. (triptheisland.com)

Photo credits to google

Kutang Bato

Found right at the heart of the city, is the one-of-its-kind Kutang Bato Cave. It was used by the Filipino soldiers during the Second World War to outsmart and fight the Japanese invaders. It has also provided natives a sanctuary when the Spaniards tried to convert them to Christians. The cave has several entrances scattered around the city, but only four are open to admit visitors. (triptheislands.com)


Photo credits to google

Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine

This monument was built in honor of Japan’s Provincial Commander Takumi Butai and Japanese soldiers who died in the city during WWII. It was Butai’s wish to have his ashes be buried in the city when he died. The shrine was put up to Kyoto’s Lion’s Club in cooperation with Cotabato’s City Government. (triptheislands.com)

Photo credits to google

PC Hill

PC Hill is a 90 feet stone fort by the natives as a watch tower to detect and repel enemy assaults during the war. It gives a panoramic view of the whole city as well as the Rio Grande de Mindanao. Today, it serves a as a headquarters to the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. (triptheislands.com)


 Photo credits to google

Rio Grande de Mindanao

This is the longest river in Mindanao and second largest river in the Philippines. It is estimated to be 96 meters wide 182 kilometers long. Various water sports and boat racing activities are held along it, especially during the Feast of Penafrancia  and the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. (triptheislands.com)


Photo credits to google