SIRANG LENTE: 8 Days Solo Backpacking in Regions 12, 13, and BARMM

Photo compilation of tourist spots in Regions 12, 13, and BARMM.

Introduction:

So far, traveling to the provinces in Regions 12, 13, and part of the BARMM is the most expensive trip. Again, that's so far. Nonetheless, this part of Mindanao is one of the great tourist destinations in the Philippines. There are fine white sand beaches, gigantic waterfalls, lakes, historical sites, and many more.

Provinces Visited:

Sarangani
South Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
Maguindanao del Sur
Maguindanao del Norte
North Cotabato
Surigao del Norte
Dinagat Islands
Agusan del Sur

Total Expenses:

Total: 20,721 pesos
Airfare: 2,235 pesos for two way
Without airfare 18,486 pesos

Day 0 - Traveling from Manila to General Santos City

Transportation, Cebu Pacific: 672.64 Pesos
ETD NAIA 3: 12:10 PM | ETA General Santos Airport: 2:15 PM
From apartment to NAIA 3, I spent a total of 471 pesos.
At 2 PM, we arrived in GenSan Airport.
Rode in a van from the airport to SM. I paid 100 pesos.
Then, checked in at Residencia Heneral for 250 pesos, overnight.
Had dinner at fastfood for 105 pesos.
Bought water for 27 pesos.
End of Day 0.

Nearby Tourist Spots in General Santos City:

Plaza Heneral
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church
The City Hall

Where to Stay in General Santos City:

Hotel San Marco
Avior Hotel
Columbus Plaza Hotel
Notre Dame
OYO 489 Casa Mia Hotel Suites

If you're looking for other hotels, reviews from other tourists, updated prices for comparison, or you want book them, Agoda made it easier for you, just click HERE.

The fine white sand beach of Isla Jardin del Mar.

Day 1 - A Quick travel to Isla Jardin del Mar, Sarangani

How to Get to Isla Jardin del Mar:

From Residencia Heneral, used Google Maps, super walk to KCC Mall.
Then, breakfast in McDo. Spent 89 Pesos.
Beside the KCC Mall, took a ride in a van to Glan, Sarangani. Fare was 114 pesos.
Alighted at Glan Terminal.
And a tricycle ride to Isla Jardin del Mar. I paid 400 pesos for back and forth.
Settled the entrance fee of 70 pesos.
Explored the beauty of Isla Jardin del Mar. I stayed there for an hour and a half.
Then, a tricycle ride back to the terminal.
Van ride to from Glan Terminal to General Santos City. Fare was 114 pesos.
Had lunch at Jollibee for107 pesos. Hulaan nyo anung meal ko?
Took a ride in a tricycle from KCC Mall to Bulaong Terminal. Paid 80 pesos. Mahal dahil binayaran ko buong trip. Isinama ko narin pamasahe nung driver.
Another van ride from Bulaong Terminal to Lake Sebu. ETD: 1:55 PM, ETA: 4:05 PM. Kayo na mag compute, please lang.
Checked in at SLT Homestay for 350 pesos overnight.
Then, had a palutong dinner for 220 Pesos (Escabecheng Tilapia with Ginko Biloba extract).
Tidied up. Browsed photos on camera.
Rested.
End of Day 1. Total Expenses for today: 1,444

Tourist Spots in Sarangani:

Sarangani Capitol, Alabel
M’langen Falls, Maitum
Susan Beach, Maasim
Paragliding, Maasim
Mosqueda Beach Resort, Kiamba
Tuka Beach, Kiamba

Where to Stay in Lake Sebu:

SLT Homestay
Sunrise Garden Lake Resort
Ramfels Paradise Resort
Executive Villa

SLT Homestay is highly recommended because it's affordable and has a unique structure. Please note that they only have common rooms, meaning, all visitors are sleeping together with curtains as dividers. Very local. If you're looking for other hotels, reviews from other tourists, updated prices for comparison, or you want book them, Agoda made it easier for you, just click HERE.

A photo of a tourist canoeing on Lake Sebu.

Day 2 - A Day Tour in Lake Sebu:

Woke up early. Anlamig kasi sa SLT Homestay. Labas pasok ang hangin because of the local materials used to build the house. Tapos mag-isa pa ako.
Met Jorie, my contact guide.
At 6 AM, we visited the Lotus Farm, canoe rental was 200 Pesos (this is the best time para kita nyo pag-buka ng mga ma-mink-mink na mga Lotus flowers.
It was followed by a visit to the T'Boli Museum. The entrance fee was 20 pesos. Sarado pa sya nung pumunta kami kasi maaga, pinabuksan namin. Spell POWER!!!!
Pass by the I Love Lake Sebu signage. Photo shot.
Headed back to SLT Homestay for breakfast.
Then, visited the 7 Falls Adventure, entrance fee: 20 pesos.
Zipline, 350 pesos.
Souvenir: ref magnet: 150 pesos, sando: 150 pesos.
Visited The Dreamweavers. Donation: 50 pesos.
Visited Evelandia, entrance fee: 30 pesos.
Headed back to SLT Homestay. Paid my dinner: 285 pesos.
Hinatid ako ni Sir Jorie sa Lake Sebu Terminal. Pero malapit lang talaga.
A van ride from Lake Sebu to Surallah for 40 pesos, alighted in Surallah Terminal.
Another van ride, from Surallah to Isulan for 50 Pesos, alighted in Isulan Terminal.

List of Attractions in Lake Sebu:

Lotus Farm
T'Boli Museum
I Love Lake Sebu signage
7 Falls Adventure
The Dreamweavers
Evelandia

The Provincial Capitol, recommended destination in Sultan Kudarat.

Upon arrival in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, rode in a tricycle to the Provincial Capitol. Paid 50 pesos.
I stayed there for 30 minutes.
Then, rode in a tricycle back to the terminal. Paid 50 pesos.
Took a ride in a Husky Bus bound for Cotabato. Fare was 70 pesos.
Alighted on the highway near the Pink Mosque. Used Google Maps to track my location.
By the highway, rode a van to Cotabato City, alighted sa kanto pa Grand Mosque (check Google Maps).
Chartered a tricycle to the Grand Mosque. Paid 200 pesos, back and forth.
Habal to CityMall: 60 pesos.
Break at Jollibee: 105 pesos.
Beside Jollibee, rode on a padyak to Carta de Amor.
Checked In at Carta de Amor. Paid 500 pesos for overnight, with AC and TV. Added ko na sya sa Google Maps, just search it. Basta, pag nasa Jollibee (front of Greenwich), may trike jan, sakyan nyo. Tapos sundan nyo sa Mapa.
Tidied up.
Rested.
End of Day 2.

The Pink Mosque:

The Masjid Dimaukom commonly known as The Pink Mosque, is situated by the highway of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. The mosque is painted with a stunning pink to symbolize peace and love. Also, this color symbolizes unity and brotherhood. To fulfill its meaning, the structure was built by the combined hands of Muslims and Christians. Very unusual because mosques are usually built solely by Muslim brothers.

The Grand Mosque:

The Masjid Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah or commonly known as The Grand Mosque in Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte is currently the biggest mosque in the Philippines. The towering minarets are 43 meters, which is equivalent to a 15-story building, with a pilot's light on top to avoid aerial accidents. The walls are painted white, while the gigantic domes are covered with gold with crescent moons on top.

Day 3 - Trekking to Asik-Asik Falls

From Carta de Amor, early in the morning, I walked to Jollibee.
Of course, had breakfast for 114 pesos. Wala kasing carinderia na bukas.
In front of Jollibee, rode in a jeep to Terminal. A jeep with “Super Magallanes” signboard.
Rode in a bus from Cotabato to Libungan Terminal. Paid 72 Pesos. Travel Time: 1.5 hours.
I met Yson at the terminal tapos isang mahabang bumpy ride.
Arrived at Asik-Asik Falls, entrance fee: 30 pesos
Visited Palipaz Falls, entrance fee: 20 pesos.
And headed back to the jump off.
Pabantay ng bag sa bata: 20 pesos.
Souvenir: 90 pesos.
Motor parking: 10 pesos.
Habal tour fee was 1,300 pesos.
Then, Yson brought me to Midsayap, where I took a bus ride to Davao City: 370 pesos. ETD: 2 PM, ETA: 8 PM. Kayo na ulit mag compute.
Alighted in Ecoland Terminal in Davao City.
Had dinner at the carinderia: 60 pesos.
Rode on a habal to D'Morvie Suites: 70 pesos.
Checked in at D'Morvie for 250 pesos, 12 hours.
Tidied up and rested.
End of Day 3.

Other Tourist Spots in Cotabato:

Daday Falls
The White Mosque

Day 4 - Traveling from Davao to Surigao City:

Please note: Surigao City is in Surigao del Norte. Wala lang, reminder lang.
Woke up early, kasi 12 hours lang binayaran ko sa D'Morvie.
Load: 200 pesos, mahirap na walang load in case of emergency. Kelangan Globe at Smart meron kayo.
From D'Morvie, walked to Almyndras Gym and rode in a jeepney to Ecoland Terminal.
Breakfast at the carinderia: 40 pesos.
Took a bus ride bound for Butuan City, with 2 Stops. The bus fare was 730 pesos. ETD: 8 AM, ETA: 4 PM (terminal near Puregold).
Bough a bottled water and hopia: 80 pesos.
While waiting, had lunch/dinner for 60 pesos. Ayokong mag-paka busog, baka mag-hanap ako ng toilet.
Rode in a bus from Butuan to Surigao. Bus fare was 174 pesos, 4 hours travel period.
Then, another tricycle ride from the terminal to a lodging house in front of the port. Paid him 100 pesos.
I stayed in B & J Pension House. Paid 300 Pesos for 12 hours with common toilet.
Tidied up. Rested.
End of Day 4.

The stunning fine white sand beach of Dinagat Islands.

Day 5 - Island Hopping in Dinagat Islands

Woke up early.
Tidied up, packed my things, and walked to Pier 2, in Boulevard.
Hopped on the fast craft to San Jose, Dinagat Islands (Viel's Liner 2). The fare was 120 pesos. Travel Time: 1 hour. ETD: 7 AM, ETA: 8 AM
Bought biscuit for 20 Pesos.
I Met Kuya Dadong at the port.
Breakfast at the carinderia plus take out (for our lunch): 150 Pesos.
Island hopping: 2,500 Pesos, medyo mahal kasi magisa lang ako.
Pangabangan Blue Lagoon: 20 Entrance Fee.
Duyos Beach, entrance fee: 50 Pesos.
Bitaog Beach, entrance fee: 30 Pesos.
Garden Resort, entrance fee: 20 Pesos.
Checked in at 3RJA Pensione House: 250 Pesos for overnight. The room has single bed, fan, and common toilet and bath.

Top Attractions in Dinagat Islands:

Pangabangan Blue Lagoon
Duyos Beach
Bitaog Beach
Garden Resort

Day 6 - Getting Around Siargao Island

From 3RJA Pension House, I walked on the road to the port.
Bought a ferry ticket bound for Surigao. Paid 120 pesos and terminal ticket for 10 pesos.
ETD: 6 AM, ETA: 7AM
Had a breakfast at the carinderia, by the port. Spent 85 Pesos.
Then, another ferry ride to Dapa Port, Siargao. Ferry fare was 300 Pesos, ETD: 9:30 AM, ETA: 11:00 AM.
I met my habal driver/guide near the port date.
Then, headed to Happynest, a backpackers hostel.
Settled my things on the bed.
Then, we started a habal tour. Paid 1,500 pesos, gas: 280 pesos. Dito ako napamahal dahil hindi ako marunong mag-motor.
Dinner with my new found friends.
Tidied up and rested.
End of Day 6.

Tourist Destinations is Siargao Island:

Cloud 9 Boardwalk
The Secret Beach (Guiwan Beach)
Coconut View Deck
The Pacifico
Magpupungko Rock Pools

Affordable Places to Stay in Siargao:

Hang Loose Hostel
Tropical Temple
Rucksack Inn Siargao
Happiness Hostel
Casavia Siargao

If you're looking for other hotels, reviews from other tourists, updated prices for comparison, or you want book them, Agoda made it easier for you, just click HERE.

Day 7 - Visited Bega Falls in Agusan del Sur

Early wake up call.
Tidied up and packed my things.
Nagpahatid ako kay Cliff sa Dapa Port. Nag pa gas kami ng 70 pesos, ayoko mag tulak.
Bought a ferry ticket (Sean Ferry 2) to Surigao: 350 Pesos. Terminal Fee: 10 Pesos, Municipal Fee: 5 Pesos ETD: 6AM, ETA: 7:23 AM
Upon arrival in Surigao, I used Google Maps, from the boulevard, walked to BPI and withdrew.
Breakfast at McDo, beside BPI: 125 Pesos.
In front of McDo, rode in a jeep to the terminal.
Rode in a bus from Surigao to Butuan: 252 Pesos (non-stop). ETD: 8:40 AM, ETA: 11:30 AM.
Alight in Butuan Terminal, near Puregold. Not in Robinsons.
Toilet: 5 pesos. Ihi lang ginawa ko, wag judgemental.
Bought a distilled water for 25 pesos, 75 ML.
Rode in a bus from Butuan to Awa Crossing for 154 pesos. ETD: 12:30 PM, ETA: 2 PM.
I met Kuya Aljon (habal driver/guide). Paid him 400 Pesos.
Settled Bega Falls, entrance fee: 30 Pesos.
I stayed at the falls for an hour, then, headed back to the tourism office, by the highway.
Then, habal again to Prosperidad, the capital of Agusan del Sur. Hinatid ako ni Kuya Aljon.
Rode in a bus to San Franz for 45 pesos. Nag cutting trip ako para makahanap ng 2 stops na pa Davao.
Then, another bus ride to Davao City. Paid 514 pesos for No Stops. ETD: 5:50 PM, ETA: 10 PM
Alighted in Ecoland Terminal.
A habal ride to D'Morvie San Pedro, 60 pesos.
Checked in at the D'Morvie, 450 Pesos for 24 hours.
Tidied up and rested.
End of Day 7.

Day 8 - Getting Around Davao City

Breakfast at McDo, Bankerohan. Spent 119 Pesos.
Bought bread for 25 Pesos.
Walking galore around the city, tapos hanap malong and ukay-ukay.
Bought Ukay: 370 Pesos.
Rest galore at D'Morvie.
Then, at 6 PM, took a taxi ride to Davao International Airport. Paid 270 pesos.
Flown back to NAIA Terminal 3. ETD: 08:15 PM, ETA: 10:15 PM

The Summary:

These 8 days of solo backpacking in Regions 12, 13, and BARMM cover a total of 9 Provinces. I thought this was not going to work for 8 days, but I made it because of research and contact person. The time computation was a great help in compressing everything. What I planned was followed. Ang galing ko, diba?

Click Helpful Links Below:

GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE: LIST OF ALL PROVINCES

8 Days Solo Backpacking in Regions 12, 13, and BARMM