Introduction
Cotabato is the largest city in the Province of Maguindanao del Norte, and this independent City holds the largest and one of the most stunning mosques in the Philippines. These structures were built as places of worship, but their breathtaking beauty and spectacular architectural design captured the eyes of travelers, regardless of religion. With that in mind, I have traveled to the Northern side of Maguindanao to see how vibrant these structures are.
How to Get to Maguindanao del Norte:
- By Air: Book a flight from Manila to Cotabato Awang Airport. Philippine Airlines has regular flights to CBO.
- Take a ride to Poblacion where you can ride to your destinations.
Maguindanao del Norte Tourist Spots:
- The Grand Mosque
- Blue Lagoon
- White Mosque
- Ambo Beach
- Barter Trade Center Bay Walk
- Tabuan Falls
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| Selfie at The Grand Mosque. |
Important Details about The Grand Mosque:
- Other Name: Masjid Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
- Location/Address: Cotabato City
- Coordinates: 7.2019°N 124.1656°E
- Capacity: 15,000
- Funded by: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
- Completed: 2011
The Grand Mosque, or the Masjid Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Cotabato City, is currently the biggest mosque in the Philippines. The towering minarets are 43 meters, which is equivalent to a 15-story building, topped with pilot's light to avoid aerial accidents. The walls are painted white, while the gigantic domes are covered with gold with crescent moons on top. Though I was just outside the compound, I still felt the Arabian ambiance in the area.
9 Days Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao
So from the highway near the Pink Mosque, I rode in a Van bound for Cotabato but alighted at the intersection going to the city proper and the Grand Mosque. It's pinned on my Google Maps. Then, rode in a tricycle to the stunning mosque for 200 pesos, back and forth. I stayed there for an hour, but there was an event, and I couldn't go inside. The final decision was to take more photos and head back to the highway. Then, I rode in a habal-habal to the CityMall, where I had my lunch/dinner.
The established hotels in the city are expensive, ranging from 700 pesos and up. What happened, while eating at Jollibee, I noticed the signboard "INN - THIS WAY." I judged the signboard, no name, very plain and looks new. I thought that it was a new establishment hidden in a private subdivision. Since there was a trike beside the signboard, I asked the driver to bring me to that "INN - THIS WAY." And I discovered Carta de Amor - a new and hidden establishment. I spent 500 pesos for an overnight stay in a room with a single bed, AC, TV, and toilet.