In a predominantly Christian country where old baroque churches are the norm, seeing Islamic symbols and structures is such a refreshing sight. It instantly gives off that unfamiliar feeling, the kind that makes you uncomfortable yet welcoming at the same time. And you know what’s weird? It’s the fact that you know you haven’t left the Philippines but it feels as if you’ve flown miles away and out of the country. That’s how exciting setting afoot Mindanao makes you feel. It’s unnerving yet promising that you’ll find yourself craving for more. If you’re wondering where to start exploring, the Grand Mosque & Pink Mosque would be your best bets.
The Grand Mosque
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It’s officially known as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque and it’s currently the largest mosque in the Philippines. It’s located in Tamontaka Bubong Road, Cotabato City, and is characterized by its immaculate white color with its domes painted gold. Its architectural design and massive build may be captivating but the simplicity of its interior is the one I found most astonishing. No statues or paintings. No nothing. Just a peaceful place where people can worship and surrender themselves to Allah.
—How To Go To The Grand Mosque
From Manila – Fly to Cotabato. Note that due to the pandemic, passengers are being divided depending on their destinations. Just tell them that you’ll be staying in the city. From the airport, you will have to take the minibus going to the city proper first (20 Min | P50/person). Once in the city, you can ride the jeep going to Awang and ask to be dropped off at the junction going to the grand mosque. There will be motorcycles there that you can hire for P200 to take you to and from the Grand Mosque.
From Davao – Ride a bus or a van to Cotabato City (7 Hrs | P400/way). Once in the city, you can ride the jeep going to Awang and ask to be dropped off at the junction going to the grand mosque. There will be motorcycles there that you can hire for P200 to take you to and from the Grand Mosque.
—Useful Tips For Your Visit
- Wear proper clothes. Women should wear no revealing clothes. Arms and legs must be covered. You should also wear a hijab. They may also require you to wear shoes and sandals instead of mere slippers. Men should wear a shirt and jeans, not shorts pants.
- Avoid wearing military clothes, shirts/pants with camouflage prints. This part of the province is known for kidnapping and killing military personnel so you would do better not to be mistaken for one.
- They collect an entrance fee of P50 for non-Muslim visitors.
- Have your CCTS code handy. You may secure yours prior to your travel at https://southcotabato.ph/web/Register/Citizen and just save it on your phone.
The Pink Mosque
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Known as The Dimaukom Mosque, the Pink Mosque in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao is characterized by its bright pink color. It’s smaller than the Grand Mosque yet equally stunning. What I found amazing even was the intricacy of the prints in its interior walls. After scouring the internet for info, I learned that the late Mayor Dimaukom, who was responsible for the construction of Masjid Dimaukom, was fond of pink and was his favorite color for he believed it symbolizes peace and prosperity.
—How To Go To The Pink Mosque
From Manila – Fly to Cotabato. Note that due to the pandemic, passengers are being divided depending on their destinations. Just tell them that you’ll be staying in the city. From the airport, you will have to take the minibus going to the city proper first (20 Min | P50/person). Once in the city, go to the husky terminal and ride the one bound to Marbel. Alight at the junction leading to the Pink Mosque. The Pink Mosque should just be a 10-minute walk.
—Useful Tips For Your Visit
- Wear proper clothes. If you wish to enter the mosque, women are required to wear a burka and a hijab. You can rent one at the entrance for P100.
- Have your CCTS code handy. You may secure yours prior to your travel at https://southcotabato.ph/web/Register/Citizen and just save it on your phone.
- Don’t stay too late in the area as transportation can be pretty limited anytime past 4PM.
Tips In Traveling During The Pandemic
- Fully vaccinated visitors from Manila flying to Cotabato are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test. They only have to present their vaccination cards and/or vaccination certificate from https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/
- Secure your CCTS code prior to your travel at https://southcotabato.ph/web/Register/Citizen
- Download the Traze App as you may be required to present it at the airports.
- Only passengers are allowed to enter the airport, so it is better if you travel to the airport on your own.
- Be at the airport at least 3-4 hours before your flight. Queuing to get your travel requirements checked and dropping off your check-in baggage may take an hour or longer.
- Each passenger is now required to have only one hand-carry baggage. The rest should be checked-in.
- Wearing a face mask and face shield is required at the airport, on your flight, and on your arrival. Face shield is no longer required when traveling to your respective destinations.
- And most importantly, maintain social distance, have alcohol handy, and always disinfect.
There you have it, Lovelies. Local travel is now slowly being opened. Let’s support local tourism while being safe. Share this guide to your friends. If I missed anything, feel free to leave your questions in the comments. Until next time. Ciao!
