If you think that Lake Sebu is just that—a lake—you are only partially correct. That’s because Lake Sebu is, in fact, a lake within the first class municipality of its namesake in South Cotabato in Mindanao.
Located two hours away from General Santos City, Lake Sebu (the lake) is one of the country’s most important watersheds, supplying important irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. The natural lake’s beauty has also endeared it to travelers, who come back again and again to explore the lake and the many activities that can be done there.
The placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Allah Valley, which is part of the 42,450-hectare landscape of the municipality. Rolling hills and mountains surround the lake, with the tweets of birds, swaying leaves, and water cascading from falls the only thing you hear.
Designated as an ancestral domain of the T’boli and Ubu peoples, the tribes believe that the lake is a gift from God.
The Department of Tourism and the local government unit of Lake Sebu have promoted the lake as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in the municipality.
Lake Sebu is known for its seven waterfalls, which has become one of the municipality’s most visited destinations. The seven falls zipline, on the other hand, has offered a new way to enjoy the waterfalls and the surrounding lush scenery. (More info on the seven waterfalls and the zipline in upcoming articles).
The lake has an area of 354 hectares (the biggest among the three lakes that can be found in town), which is a good thing for wildlife living in and around the lake, including egrets, Kingfishers, swallows, herons, Philippine cockatoos, wild boar, Philippine deer, among others.
In recent years, there have been lots of food stands that have set up shop around the lake to cater to the increasing number of tourists. Many of them serve local food, some of which are fishes that they catch from the lake.
There’s even a floating restaurant on a big raft, where guests can have their lunch while they enjoy the scenery around the lake. Many days, the T’boli also provide entertainment with their cultural dances.