SULTAN KUDARAT
• The name of the province was derived from a Muslim ruler, the late Sultan Mohammad
Dipatuan Kudarat of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, who reigned from 1625 to 1671.
• He was considered as one of the heroes of the Republic of the Philippines not only because
of his virtues of leadership but also because of his patriotic exploit in repelling Spanish
domination. For his honor, Sultan Kudarat province was named after him. Sultan Kudarat is
also a top producer of coffee in th philippines. and is one of the few producers of Irish
potatoes in the Philippines.
How to get there?
From Manila, fly directly to General Santos City, South Cotabato. From the airport, make
your way to the bus terminal and take a bus bound for Koronadal City (Marbel). Travel time
is about an hour and fare is around 70 pesos. From Koronadal bus terminal, take another bus
to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
HISTORY OF SULTAN KUDARAT
• Sultan Kudarat was part of the former province of Cotabato, until its creation as an
independent province on November 22, 1973, through Presidential Decree No. 341 signed by
President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
• Sultan Kudarat was part of the former Empire Province of Cotabato presently covered by
three provinces namely: Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato. Being one of the largest
and the richest provinces in the country.
ECONOMY OF SULTAN KUDARAT
• The economy of Sultan Kudarat is predominantly agricultural.
• Leading crops produced are: rice, corn, coconuts, coffee, bananas, mangoes, durians and
African palm.
• The southern Philippines Grain Complex in Tacurong is the largest grains-processing
complex in the country having more than 200 rice in the province
• Cottage industries include crafts made of rattan
• Metallic minerals, which include copper, gold and silver, are found within the mountainous
areas.
• Non-metallic minerals which include sand, gravel and marbleized limestone are also found
in the province.
FESTIVALS OF SULTAN
BANSADAYAW FESTIVAL
HINABYOG FESTIVAL
HINUGYAW FESTIVAL
KALIMUDAN FESTIVAL
KANDULAN FESTIVAL
SALAGAAN FESTIVAL
TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL
TIMPUYOG FESTIVAL
ATTRACTIONS OF SULTAN KUDARAT
Sultan Kudarat—the name alone can evoke images of royalty. Rightfully so as the province
was named after the ancient sovereign ruler Sultan Muhamammad Dipatuan Kudarat who was
famous for bravely resisting the Spanish occupation during the colonial period. And what
outsiders, even many Filipinos outside the region, probably don’t even know is that they have
a land blessed with rich natural resources—so rich in fact that many of its flora and fauna
have not been fully discovered—right inside their backyard. And just as the province opens
its doors to tourism and investment, let us offer you an insight on where to start your vacation
it the province.
Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol which gives you a glimpse of the Arabic architecture
with its white Arabic-inspired structure noticeable for its a big gold dome at the center. And
wait until you get inside. Unlike other provincial capitols in the country, everything inside the
Capitol are expensive and luxurious. Opulent chandeliers, fine window drapes, intricately
designed seats and chairs—it is swelling with luxury! Here’s a fact, the whole 5-storey
building cost almost half a billion pesos in construction. No wonder why it is considered one
of the finest government buildings not only in the country but also in Asia.
BALOT ISLAND If you’re chasing for the sun, check out Balot Island. A secret island
complete with the ingredients for a perfect getaway, Balot Island is every sun worshippers’
paradise. It boasts of fresh sea breeze, calm turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches,
satisfying every real beach lover’s dream. Balot is one of the six islets in Barangay Paril,
Kalamansig. You can hire a bangka from the fishport to take you to the island. The ride can
take for more than hours but once you see the beautiful coral reefs under the clear blue water
teeming with life and the white sand jutting from the blue waters, you know that the long boat
ride will be worth it.
KALAMANSIG The town of Kalamansig itself is a worthy attraction. It is famous for its
beaches, including Lenek, Santiak, Tayandak and Poral, as well as special coves which you
can have all to yourself. It emerald waters are so clear you don’t need to snorkel or dive just
to see what’s underneath. And here’s something that will get you excited, the coastal is
swarming dolphins, whales and yellow fin tuna.
Tenobac Cave is a spectacular river cave system similar to the famous Puerto Princesa
Underground River. It has a total length of more than 7 kilometers. As you navigate inside,
you’ll see various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. It is also one of the off-beaten
Sultan Kudarat tourist spots.
Baras Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 20 000 migratory birds. It was established in
2002 to protect the species.
Tres-Andanas Falls is one of the most popular Sultan Kudarat tourist spots. It has three
layers with a beautiful catch basin that will certainly invite you for an invigorating swim.
Lush forests surround the waterfall, adding to the scenic view. Locals love to come here for
picnic and other recreational activities. Adventurous visitors can climb from one of the
surrounding cliffs and take a thrilling jump to the deep pool.
Foods and delicacies
The province of Sultan Kudarat is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicity and this diversity is
also reflected in the cuisine of the province. The Maguindanaos constitute the local Muslim
population of Sultan Kudarat and they bring with them their rich culinary tradition.
Pastil is a Maguindanaoan delicacy that is basically steamed rice topped with flaked chicken,
beef or tuna, and wrapped in banana leaves. Each serving of pastil costs between P8.00 to
P10.00 which makes it a very affordable (and portable) meal. It may be paired with a hard
boiled egg. Both Muslims and Christians in Sultan Kudarat love pastil that you can see pastil
houses in almost every block in Isulan and Tacurong City. There are also pastil vendors at bus
stations. If you get the chance to visit Sultan Kudarat, you should try one, it's really
delectable.
Sultan Kudarat is also blessed with fertile lands making the province agriculturally self-
sufficient. Where you can find the sweetes and creamiest Durian
Another fruit that grow in abundance in Sultan Kudarat is Marang. If you are sensitive to the
smell and taste of durian, then you might love marang. It doesn't have a strong smell and the
taste is more fruity, almost like guyabano but sweeter. It is also very cheap, a small piece of
marang costs between P15.00 to P20.00.
