Sarangani Province

Sarangani is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. Its capital is Alabel and borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the east. Sarangani is part of the South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-Gen. Santos City (Soccsksargen) development cluster, and is linked by paved roads to the international airport and world-class fish port of Gen. Santos City. Good roads and regular flights through Gen. Santos City allow the province easy access to Manila, Cebu, Davao City, as well as the rest of the Soccsksargen areas. Gen. Santos City’s airport has one of the country’s longest runways.
The province is situated as the country’s major gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East Asean Growth Area. With its proximity to its regional counterparts, Sarangani is in a unique position to marshal its resources, entice tourists and investors, and compete in an international market under a borderless trade regime.

Sarangani Province is compose of 7 Towns.

(1)ALABEL
Alabel features a myriad of investment opportunities as well as featuring several of the best beaches in the Philippines. Having an area of more than 52, 000 hectares, Alabel is also home to Alson's Aqua Technologies, producers of the world-renowned Sarangani milkfish. The long stretch of coastline makes it ideal for aquaculture venture while its vast plains and rolling hills are suited for housing, eco –tourism and agri-industrial opportunities.


Merely a 10-minute drive from General Santos City, more and more people are opting to settle in Alabel in order to enjoy the idyllic and serene ambiance the town has to offer, devoid of the stress that urban living typically provides. And finally, some of the best beaches in the Philippines are just a few minutes' drive from the town center.

(2)GLAN

Glan is a first class Municipality in the Province of Saranggani. It is located on the west by Sarangani Bay, on the north by Davao del Sur, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. Many foreign and local tourists flock to the area during summer because of its world class beach resorts. The sorrounding waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds. As many as 2,400 species of marine animals have been found in the bay. The dominant catch include yellowfin tuna, shipjack, and mackerel.

The people of Glan is a mixture of people of various regions. Cebuano is the most widely spoken language in the area, followed by English and Tagalog.By the way, Glan can be reached from Manila and Cebu by airplane going to General Santos City and a 45 minute drive from the airport.

(3)MAITUM
Nature. Adventure. Culture. History and Heritage. Maitum is Sarangani's cradle of civilization. Its rich history as well as astounding archeological finds, blended with some of the Philippines' best beaches, waterfalls, distinct biodiversity, mountain ranges, crystal clear rivers make Maitum truly a gem of the Celebes.

(34KIAMBA
Kiamba also features vast plains ideal for agri-industrial investment as well as mountain ranges, waterfalls, caves and thick rainforests which outdoor enthusiasts will surely delight in, while the town's long stretch of coastline is ideal for those interested to invest in the fishing industry.


The town is best enjoyed by taking short walks along the narrow roads to appreciate the colonial architecture. Kiamba is also the place to witness the spectacular Celebes Sea sunset. A perfectly shaped setting sun amidst the explosion of colors in the sky is the perfect cap to a fun-filled day in the town. The village of Badtasan hosts the School of Living Tradition where the Tbolis have preserved their ancient craft of brass-casting. Falel, a hamlet just a 35-minute uphill trek from the town center, is a Tboli community that still practices their age-old tradition of burying their dead on a "lawaan" tree trunk. The trunk is sealed air-tight and is prominently displayed inside their house up until they can overcome their sadness and longing for the departed.

(45MAASIM
Maasim has a long coastline that furthermore provides wonderful beach resorts. Perched, on top of a cliff overlooking Sarangani Bay, Lemlunay Diving Resort is among the premiere dive spots in the country. A 30-minute drive from the airport of Gen. Santos City, Lemlunay offers modern accommodation and full amenities. Divers from all over the world have been mesmerized by the underwater beauty this dive spot has to offer.

Going to Maasim mean driving through a world-class highway passing by wonderful sceneries. Canyons and coastal villages, cheerful and accommodating people dots the highway to the town. Going past the town, tourist can experience the Maguindanaon way of life as villages that line the road to Kiamba and Maitum is dominated by Muslim communities. The mountain villages, home of the Blaans as well as Christian.

(6) MALAPATAN
Malapatan has coconut plantations, rice and corn fields, and many people are also fishermen. The Blaans named the place for "mala" (pepper) and "fatan" (place). Pepper abound the place during the 15th century. Malapatan's coastline is fortified with Mangrove forests and several sites have been declared as marine sanctuaries. Aquaculture is also a leading industry of the town.

With its proximity to the capital town of Alabel and Gen. Santos City, Malapatan is the ideal suburb for those who want to experience a serene but exciting life. Visitors can explore the town center and sample the delicious "tinagtag" (rice crispy) as well as choose from the array of expertly woven colorful "Malongs" (Sarong in other parts of Southeast Asia ).

(7)MALUNGON
Malungon is Sarangani's gateway to the Davao region. Bordering Gen. Santos City and the province of Davao del Sur, the town offers a lot of potential for business ventures. Investors have already poured in capital for banana, mango, sugarcane and palm oil plantations.

The vast mountain ranges and rolling hills is ideal for eco-tourism activities. Comprised mostly of Christians and Indigenous people and even though it is the only town in Sarangani that does not have a coastline, Malungon will enchant visitors who wish to experience the Indigenous People's way of life.

Places of Interest/Activities in Sarangani Province

ALABEL
A Montana Resort 
it is formerly Isla Parilla, located in Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province


GLAN

White Sand Beach Resorts

A short ride from the town center is the famed strip of powdery white-sand shorelines of Glan, one of Philippines' best beaches. The now world-renowned beach line of Gumasa boasts of many resorts that offer overnight stay on well-appointed beach cottages, villas and hotel rooms.
Gumasa is best enjoyed via an overnight stay. Guests can come in the afternoon and marvel at the setting sun which regularly provides a majestic sight of the explosion of colors upon the horizon while feasting on the fresh catch of the fisherman living near the resorts. The cool and calm sea on the early morning will surely relax and de-stress urban dwellers.

Brod Louie Resort- Gumasa, Glan  Sarangani Province 
 


Davak Beach Resort - Gumasa Glan  Sarangani Province 
 




White Haven - Gumasa Glan  Sarangani Province 

This beach resort invites anyone to enjoy the suns, the fine white sand and the sea in a very clam environment. But of course there are lots of things you can do to make your stay more exciting and memorable. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking or playing volleyball. One can also enjoy a body massage.




Rosal Beach Resort - Gumasa Glan  Sarangani Province  
 


Coco Beach Resort  Gumasa Glan  Sarangani Province   



Isla Jardin Del Mar  Gumasa Glan  Sarangani Province   



Ruiz Old Artifacts Collection

To fully appreciate the history and culture of Glan, a visit to the Ruiz Artifacts Collection is a must. Dr. Jose TraRquilino Ruiz II, a scion of one of the first families to settle in Glan during the early 1900s has a vast collection of antiques, gongs, and old pictures of "colonos" (first Christian settlers) of Glan, among others.  Their ancestral house, which is a now a semi-museum, is open to the public (by appointment) and is just near the town hall making it ideal for visitors to have it on their list when they explore the town.


KIAMBA
Tuka Marine Park
A short boat ride will take you to Tuka Marine Park, a protected area where fishing is banned. It has four protected coves and only one (Tuka 2) is open to the public. The site has awesome coral formations and you will be literally swimming with schools of fish once you decide to snorkel.




MAAASIM
Lemlunay Diving Resort
Lemlunay has long been a best-kept secret of diving enthusiasts. But as you really cannot hide beauty, divers from all over the world have been flocking to this spot ever since it opened its door to the public. Boasting of stunning villas, cottages and a function room which overlooks Sarangani Bay, Lemlunay offers tourist a chance to go scuba diving or simply relax and savor the Sarangani experience. A resident dive master makes the activity more exciting and enjoyable. The infinity pool is a must-try and the panoramic lounge is a great place for meals and drinks. Best visited for overnight stays, weekend getaways and group activities.


IML Ecopark
It boasts a firing-range for those who would want to try-out practical shooting. Tourists can also enjoy the zip-line and later indulge in scrumptious local dishes. Best visited early morning till sunset.






MAITUM
Pawikan Sanctuary
Visit the pawikan nesting and study site in barangay Old Poblacion. The sanctuary has freed over 40 adults and more than 6,000 hatchlings to the wild.








Whitewater Tubing
Take the challenge, take the plunge! Pangi River's 1.6-km. tube ride in barangay New La Union is among the most exciting adventures in Mindanao. Tourists can enjoy the cool and clean Pangi River aboard an inflated tube and experience the thrilling rapids and drops. Furthermore, visitors and guests can also enjoy trekking and commune with nature along the way. The resort offers overnight cottages and tents.

Maitum Jars
These artifacts are material evidence for the determination of Maguindanao pre-history and the Filipino people in general. Discovered in 1991 at Pinol Cave, the anthropomorphic (human-shaped) burial jars were products of local artists and potters from hundreds of generations. A diorama of these artifacts is found in the municipal hall. The artifacts are on exhibit, entitled "Faces of Maitum: An Exhibition of Anthropomorphic Pottery," at the National Museum.

Diving in Maitum - Mabay Reef
Maitum has a biologically diverse marine area with one of the best diving environments. Mabay Reef is situated some two hours off the coast of Maitum. At 40 ft. deep, this offshore reef is home to weird and unusually huge size cardinal fish (Apogon sp.). At "Barracuda Highway," as many as five hundred of this fish can be found in constant patrol. About 5 km. to the west is Kalaong Reef. It is home to the solitary grey black tip reef sharks. Water visibility is good all-year-round. Turtles can be seen since the Sarangani coastline is a major breeding area of four species of sea turtles.

MALAPATAN
Handloom Weaving and Garments
Handloom Weaving and Garments Making is that Moro women weave garments traditionally known as malong using legis or cloth fibers in a handloom machine. This cultural site is located at barangay Tuyan formed by Balungis Women Association with at least eighteen regular and trained weavers. They also accept made to order garments. Other crafts produced are bags, pouches, and shawl.


MALUNGON
Kalunbarak Skyline
An upstart eco-cultural tourism that is seated approximately 750 feet above sea level which provides a 360 degree perspective where tourists can observe Mount Apo, Mt. Matutum, Sarangani Bay, and Davao Gulf spanning five provinces. The cool climate also and the spectacular landscape will surely mesmerize tourists and guests. Best to visit early morning or late afternoon.


PacMan Farm
Galleria Emmanuel exhibits photos of significant events in the career of internationally-acclaimed boxing icon and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Native inspired sculptures by artist Kublai Millan are also main attractions in the farm. A souvenir shop along with a lounge is also available where one can buy PacMan memorabilia's and sample local food.




Lamlifew Village Museum

The hamlet offers Blaan culture and tradition plus ethnic accessories-necklaces, earrings, bracelets, dress, tabih (cloth), and baskets. Women of the Blaan tribe weave tabih and other craftsmanship as their cultural heritage. Best to visit early morning until lunch.

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