Best Places to See in Cotabato City

BEST PLACES IN COTABATO CITY

Cotabato City is one of the historical cities in Mindanao region in the Philippines. It is regional center of ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) and a part of Maguindanao province, Cotabato City is politically independent from the province. The city offers monumental attractions, historical sights, and other man-made and natural wonders. There are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in Cotabato City. One could experience a different culture, learn new things, appreciate great architectures, and try new food, among many others. Read More: https://wikitravel.org/en/Cotabato_(city)

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid Mosque

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Adorned with four tall spires or minarets in the major corners of the main chamber; domes crowned with crescents; walls, doors, and floors crafted with Islamic designs; and array of stunning arches, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or the Grand Mosque of Cotabato looks really magnificent for every spectator.

The mosque, which stands in a well-landscaped and gated compound west of Cotabato City, is funded personally by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whom the mosque was named after, to help the emerging Muslim population in Mindanao. The US$48 Million mosque is the largest of its kind in the country when it was completed in 2011. It is capable of hosting 15,000 people. Read More: https://www.freedomwall.net/travel/grand-mosque-of-cotabato/

Tamontaka Church

Photo from: http://frenzfries.blogspot.com/2017/02/cotabato-city.html

This is the Immaculate Conception Church located in Tamontaka, Cotabato City. Here the Jesuits – Fr. Juan Bautista Vidal, Fr. Jose Ignacio Guerrico, Bro. Venancio Belzunce, Bro. Ignacio Zumeta established the Tamontaka Mission in 1861 patterned after that of an earlier mission in Paraguay. The first church was built along the banks of the Tamontaka River in 1872. It was relocated to its present site in 1879 where it was administered by the Jesuits until 1899 then by the Oblates of the Mary Immaculate in 1939. The church was destroyed during an earthquake in 1976, reconstructed in 1978, razed by fire in 1994 and completely rebuilt in the same year.

When Cotabato City was on its heights as one of the fastest growing cities in Mindanao, Tamontaka was one place where many travelers and tourists desire to visit. Likewise, many religious activities are often held here since this has become known to be a venue of strengthening the faith of many Christians. Though the city is dominated mostly by our Muslim brothers, this place paved ways to those who desired to serve the almighty. Read More: http://laruylaruysinta.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-you-still-remember-church-in.html

Old Cotabato City Hall

Photo from: https://www.soxph.com/2016/07/old-cotabato-city-hall-building.html

The old municipal hall was built in the early 1940’s under the leadership of then mayor Jose S. Lim. It was later dubbed as the Cotabato City Hall in the year 1960’s when Cotabato was already recognized as a chartered city.

A vintage Malay inspired architectural design structure showcasing a blend of ethnic culture.Cotabato City’s Old City Hall located along A. Dorotheo Street and aside from being an information center, the iconic Malay-inspired seat of government of Cotabato City in the past decades is now a museum. It houses some of the city’s historical artifacts, pioneer families’ heirlooms, and other noteworthy pieces of history like photos and books. Read More: https://explora.ph/attraction/709/cotabato-city-s-old-city-hall

People’s Palace (New Cotabato City Hall)

Photo from: http://www.juan-ted.com/2014/03/new-city-hall-peoples-palace-cotabato.html?view=snapshot

The return of Cotabato City as a part of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is most welcome by most Cotabato City residents as their votes show.

This City Hall will symbolizes a new beginning of a good governance since Cotabato City has been very progressive City these last few years. Read More: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g661417-d10435205-Reviews-Cotabato_City_Hall-Cotabato_City_Maguindanao_Mindanao.html

Rio Grande

Photo from: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Reputedly the second longest river in the country, Rio Grande is estimated to be 182 kilometers and 96 meters wide. It is not only of aesthetic value but also of economic importance. Water sport and boat racing are the popular attractions of the river, usually held to coincide with the feast of Hariraya Puasa, Hariraya Hadj, Maulidin Nabi, Araw ng Kutabato, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fiesta and Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. Read More: http://cotabatenawanderer.blogspot.com/2017/04/where-to-go-in-cotabato-city.html

Pedro Colina Hill (PC Hill)

Photo from: https://www.soxph.com/2018/03/colorful-pc-hill-in-cotabato-city.html

It is on the land of Cotabato. Considered as the highest place in the city, where there are many trees and giant rocks. Where you can breathe fresh air and your heart will be at ease for its peaceful vibe. Pedro Colina Hill is its name but people are more familiar calling it– PC Hill. Well it is no special place, neither grand festivals nor particular tourist spots you will witness. PC Hill is just a simple place and that’s what makes it extraordinary.

My mother’s family has been here since the time that it is still a developing place. When I say developing place, I mean the time when PC Hill is still a forest-like place or a plain hill—wherein there are many kinds of trees, plants and there aren’t still roads for vehicles or many people and houses. They’ve seen this place grow and develop into what it is now. Read More: https://myshiroonline.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/hill-youll-love/

Lourdes Grotto

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Our Lady of Lourdes replica. People who come to Cotabato City or those who have never set foot on this historical place have a lot of misconceptions and fears. The disparity between Christians and Muslims is always perceived as something terrifying. The atrocities that are often published in broadsheets or broadcasted both over the radio and TV have created a stigma for travelers and tourists alike. As for the locals, these have become part of their daily lives. Whether there are some realities behind these stories depending on how one perceives them, there is still one symbol of hope and refuge for everyone. This is the Tamontaka Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.

Run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), a Catholic religious congregation specializing in difficult missions, this replica of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France is peacefully and aptly laid in this part of Muslim Mindanao within Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, around 20 minutes from downtown. This is an oasis. Those who take refuge can be relieved both in body and soul. It is a sacred ground as well as a recreation area for children. It could also be a place for families where they could pray together, play together and enjoy each other’s presence in the midst of a coiffured landscape of huge trees and forest, ornamental plants and bermuda grasses. Read More: https://www.facebook.com/180268832027636/posts/pit-stop-for-the-soul-tamontaka-grottotamontaka-grottoour-lady-of-lourdes-replic/809982252389621/

Kutang Bato Cave

Photo from: https://blog.mabuhaytravel.uk/2019/10/23/cotabato-city-city-of-the-philippines/

Found right at the heart of the city, is the one-of-its-kind Kutang Bato Cave. It was used by Filipino soldiers during the Second World War to outsmart and fight the Japanese invaders. It had also provided natives a sanctuary when the Spaniards tried to convert them to Christians. The cave has several entrances scattered around the city, but only four are open to admit visitors. Read More: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/top-10-attractions-in-cotabato/

Tantawan Park

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Tantawan Park is a historical park in Cotabato City. Located on the corner of Quezon Avenue and Sinsuat Avenue, next to the Central Bank of The Philippines – Cotabato City Branch and Immaculate Conception Cathedral Cotabato, locals use the park for the relaxing massage offered by the therapist while viewing the busy street and the monument of Muhammad Kudarat.

Situated at the foot of Pedro Colina Hill, also known as Tantawan, it is a historical site in Mindanao. It served as the watch tower of the natives during their defence of the island from the invasion of the spaniards dated 1635 to 1645. Read More: https://travel.sygic.com/en/poi/tantawan-park-poi:18444568

Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine

Photo from: http://paradisebeautycenter.blogspot.com/2015/03/cotabato-province-philippines.html

The Provincial Commander of the Japanese force assigned here in Cotabato, Takumi died during the World War II and requested before he died that some of his ashes be buried in the city. He considered the city as his second home.

Years later a shrine commissioned by the Cotabato government and the Lion’s Club of Kyoto was erected, memorializing Butai and the many deceased Japanese Soldiers. Japanese nationals visit in homage to a local hero and relieve the memories of war during the Japanese All Soul’s Month in August.

Now Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine might be one of the places we have forgotten. It was a discovery in my part since I haven’t really thought nor read about it. I just happen to bump Mr. Boy Dimaandal after taking photos of a famous and took me to the place. Read More: http://laruylaruysinta.blogspot.com/2010/11/takumi-butais-shrine-japanese-hero.html

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