Philippines5 days
Mindanao: Tuna Port, River Tubing & Lake Villages — 5 Days
General Santos to Kidapawan via Lake Sebu, with river tubing, hot springs, and bird sanctuary visits
This five-day itinerary moves through Mindanao's southern interior, beginning at General Santos, the country's largest tuna port. The route follows a southern arc through agricultural heartland—from river tubing near Maitum to Lake Sebu's floating villages and freshwater ecosystem, then inland to Sultan Kudarat's bird sanctuary and geothermal pools at Esperanza, and finally to Kidapawan's thermal spa resort before returning to Davao. Activities combine water-based leisure (tubing, lake boating, thermal bathing) with visits to working agricultural sites—a Dole plantation, muscovado refinery, and palm oil mill—alongside cultural engagement with local communities around the lake.
Highlights
- River tubing on the Maitum waterway near General Santos
- Boatride and cultural performance at Lake Sebu, set among fishing communities and island villages
- Trek to waterfalls and museum visit in the Lake Sebu uplands
- Bird Sanctuary tour and palm oil milling plant visit in Sultan Kudarat
- Thermal bathing at Esperanza hot and cold natural pools
- Day spa and relaxation at Lake Agco Resort near Kidapawan
Day by day
1Arrival in General Santos: River Tubing & Sunset at Sarangani HighlandsGeneral Santos · Sarangani Highlands · Maitum · General Santos' commercial district
Morning arrival in General Santos. Transfer to Maitum for river tubing, then return for hotel check-in. Afternoon city tour of General Santos' commercial district. Evening: sunset viewing and dinner at Sarangani Highlands overlooking Sarangani Bay before returning to hotel.
2General Santos Fish Port to Lake SebuGeneral Santos fish port · Lake Sebu · Dole Plantation · Koronadal · Punta Isla Lake Resort
Transfer to General Santos fish port, then proceed to Lake Sebu in the interior highlands. Visit Dole Plantation and local fruit stands en route. Lunch in Koronadal. Check-in at Punta Isla Lake Resort. Afternoon boatride on Lake Sebu, followed by dinner and cultural performance. Overnight at the resort.
3Lake Sebu to Esperanza: Boat Tour, Upland Trek & Geothermal PoolsLake Sebu's floating villages · local museum · village and waterfall · Bird Sanctuary · Ken Ram palm oil milling plant · muscovado refinery · Esperanza's geothermal pools · local inn
Morning boat ride around Lake Sebu's floating villages, then visit the local museum. Trek upland to a village and waterfall before heading south to Tacurong. Afternoon tour includes the Bird Sanctuary, Ken Ram palm oil milling plant, and muscovado refinery. Late afternoon transfer to Esperanza's geothermal pools for swimming in natural hot and cold waters. Overnight at a local inn.
4Kidapawan: Thermal Spa at Lake Agcothe hotel · Kidapawan city · Lake Agco Resort · a local restaurant
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer north to Kidapawan city. Proceed to Lake Agco Resort, a thermal spa facility known for its warm mineral-rich waters and day-use amenities. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon spent at the resort's pools and spa facilities for relaxation and bathing. Return to Kidapawan city for dinner and overnight stay.
5Kidapawan to Davao: Return to ManilaDavao · the hotel · a local restaurant · Davao International Airport · Kidapawan to Davao city
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Davao city, approximately three hours south. Guided city tour of Davao, including lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to Davao International Airport for check-in and departure on an onward flight to Manila.
Included
- Overnight Manila
- overnight General Santos
- overnight Lake Sebu
- overnight Sultan Kudarat
- overnight Kidapwan
- meals as indicated
- outfitting during activities as indicated with local or technical guide
- transfers.
Not included
- Domestic air ticket Manila/General Santos/Davao/Manila
- A separate multilingual guide from Manila can be provided at extra cost