Alamada is a small town in North Cotabato located in the highlands. It is progressing rather gradually and is now being recognized as one of the tourist capitals of the province. Some years back, Alamada was pretty hard to visit due to unpaved roads that are prone to accidents. Things changed when people learned that behind the treacherous roads of this mountainous town are waterfalls, cold springs, rivers, and stunning views. Today, Alamada is far from what it used to be. Concrete roads, commercial establishments, and resorts exist alongside its natural spots that people can all enjoy. In this blog, let’s take a look at these 6 beautiful tourist spots in Alamada, North Cotabato.
—1. Asik-Asik Falls
Asik-Asik Falls put the town of Alamada on the map upon its discovery in 2011. The locals call it the miracle falls. According to hearsays, this waterfall was non-existent and only emerged out of nowhere after a destructive flood. Even today, people still wonder where the water from these falls comes from that cascades perfectly like curtains on a rock wall covered in shrubs. Regardless of its origin, there is no denying its magnificence that kept pulling visitors from different parts of the country and the world.
How to get here: Fly to either Davao or Cotabato then ride a bus going to Libungan. From Libungan, charter a ride to Asik-Asik Falls for P600-P800 for a return trip.
Entrance Fee: P30-P50/head
Travel Guide: ASIK-ASIK FALLS: Journey To The Unspoiled Curtain Waterfall In North Cotabato
—2. Salukot Mountain View Resort
One of the newest resorts to emerge in Rangayen, Alamada is Salukot Mountain View Resort. It has infinity springwater pools that both adults and kids can enjoy. Its view deck was built to capture Instagram-worthy moments. Aside from day tour cottages, the resort also has native huts for those who wish to spend the night there.
How to get here: Fly to either Davao or Cotabato then ride a bus going to Libungan. From Libungan, charter a ride to Rangayen for P500-P600 for a return trip.
Entrance Fee: P50/head viewing only | P100/head viewing & pool access
Travel Guide: SALUKOT MOUNTAIN VIEW & RESORT: Travel Guide & Review
—3. Portalio Coldspring
Portalio Coldspring is one of the newly discovered spots in Alamada. It offers serenity like no other and one of the coldest and clearest waters you’ll ever bathe yourself in. The best part? It’ll only cost you P10 to experience this amazing coldspring.
How to get here: From Libungan, charter a ride and follow the road leading to Asik-Asik Falls. Turn left at the rough road before reaching the Golf Course, just a few meters away passed the cemetery. You can also ask the locals for directions to Sitio Waterpoint.
Entrance Fee: P10/head
—4. Daday Falls
Daday Falls is not your average kind of waterfall as it requires a difficult hike along a perilous trail. Anyone who dares to see this magnificent beauty should be prepared to take on its challenge as this stunner is not making things easy one bit.
How to get here: In Libungan, charter a ride (motorcycle) to Brgy. Upper Dado. Just follow the road markers going to Daday Falls. Once you reached a Muslim village, drive straight until the end of the concrete road. You’ll see a dirt road on the right going inside a banana plantation. Just follow that road until you reach the caretaker’s house.
Entrance Fee: P200/head
Guide Fee (Not required): Starts at P300
—5. Coco’s Funville & Nature Park
Coco’s Funville and Nature Park is set on a vast piece of land overlooking the mountains of North Cotabato. It features a Mid-Century barn, a boating area, and a laidback cafe. It’s also home to several farm livestock and exotic birds. But the best thing to do here is to watch the collision of colors in the skies at sunset while munching popcorn.
How to get here: From Libungan, charter a ride to Rangayen for P500-P600 for a return trip.
Entrance Fee: P100/head with free popcorn.
—6. Palepaz Falls
Our visit to Palepaz Falls was probably my favorite trip to Alamada from the drive all the way to the hike. It was a topsyturvy ride from the moment we took the turn to get to the trailhead. Then the hike which I thought was easy turned out to be very challenging but the beautiful scenery along the trail compensated for it. My only regret was being unable to capture the splendor of this waterfall due to heavy rainfall that forced us to vacate the area in a hurry.
How to get here: In Libungan, charter a ride to Brgy. Upper Dado. Take the right turn to the road leading to Palepaz Falls. If you encounter a junction/intersection, just ask the locals as they can point you in the right direction.
Entrance Fee: None
Guide Fee: Starts at P200
Some Tips in Visiting These Tourist Spots in Alamada, Cotabato
- Bring your vaccination card and wear a facemask to maintain safety and adhere to health protocols.
- Some parts of the town especially in the locations of these tourist destinations have spotty signals for all networks.
- Bring enough cash as you can’t find any ATMs passed the town proper.
- Don’t forget to bring food and water especially if you’re going to Palepaz and Daday Falls as there are no eateries in these areas.
- Start your trip early to avoid rains that are pretty common in the afternoons. Bring waterproof bags and raincoats in case you get caught in the downpour.
- Don’t stay far too late since the roads in the area are poorly lit which makes driving even more dangerous.
- As always LEAVE NO TRACE and RESPECT the place and the locals.
