South Cotabato-Sarangani-Davao Occidental Itinerary: A 4-Day Solo Backpacking Adventure
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable solo adventure, this South Cotabato-Sarangani-Davao Occidental Itinerary is perfect for you. Spanning across three provinces in Mindanao, this 4-day backpacking trip promises a mix of pristine beaches, scenic islands, and local cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring General Santos City, soaking up the sun at Gumasa Beach, or immersing yourself in the local vibe of Balut Island, this itinerary ensures a fulfilling journey.
Day 1: GenSan to Gumasa Beach
- 6:00 AM – Flight from Manila to General Santos City
- 7:30 AM – Arrive at GenSan Airport
- 8:20 AM – Habal-habal ride to KCC Mall Terminal (Php 150)
- 8:40 AM – Van from KCC Mall to Glan Terminal (Php 100)
- 9:40 AM – Tricycle from Glan Terminal to Isla Jardin Del Mar, Gumasa (Php 100)
- 10:10 AM – Arrive at Isla Jardin Del Mar, Gumasa. Explore, swim, and take pictures (Php 70 entrance fee)
- 12:00 NN – Lunch at the resort’s restaurant (Php 155)
- 3:00 PM – Habal-habal ride back to Glan Terminal (Php 100)
- 4:00 PM – Van back to KCC Mall
- 5:00 PM – Dinner at KCC Mall (Php 170)
- 6:00 PM – Tricycle to Lion’s Beach to board the ferry to Balut Island (Php 10)
- 9:30 PM – Ferry from General Santos to Balut Island (Php 370 including terminal fee)
Total Day 1 Expenses: Php 1,350.00
Day 2: Island Hopping in Balut Island
- 5:00 AM – Arrive at Balut Island, check-in at accommodation
- 7:00 AM – Start island hopping tour (Php 1,500 for boat rental)
- Visit Olanivan Island, Tuke Maklang, and Paras Beach
- Zipline at Tuke Maklang (Php 150)
- Swimming and picture taking
- 3:00 PM – Return to Mabila Port and rest
Total Day 2 Expenses: Php 2,025.00
Day 3: Exploring Balut Island (South Cotabato-Sarangani-Davao Occidental Itinerary)
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast (Php 35)
- 9:30 AM – Habal-habal tour to Sabang Hot Spring (Php 700 for the day)
- Visit Gomtago Mountain, Manando Beach, and Sabang Hot Spring
- 3:20 PM – Return to accommodation, rest
- 8:00 PM – Check out and proceed to Mabila Port
- 9:20 PM – Ferry back to General Santos (Php 310 including terminal fee)
Total Day 3 Expenses: Php 1,565.00
Day 4: General Santos City Tour (South Cotabato-Sarangani-Davao Occidental Itinerary)
- 5:00 AM – Arrive at General Santos City, visit Tuna Fish Port
- 7:00 AM – Explore Plaza Heneral Santos and City Hall
- 9:30 AM – Visit SM GenSan for lunch and shopping (Php 100 for lunch)
- 12:30 PM – Taxi ride to GenSan Airport (Php 250)
- 3:35 PM – Flight back to Manila
Total Day 4 Expenses: Php 805.00
Overall Expenses for the South Cotabato-Sarangani-Davao Occidental Itinerary
- Total Daily Expenses: Php 5,745.00
- Airfare: Php 1,983.00
- Travel Insurance: Php 179.00
- Grand Total: Php 7,907.00
NOTES, FACTS and OTHER INFO. :
Taxis and PUJs are also available at GenSan Airport
If you are taking a day tour in Isla Jardin del Mar, you may opt not to avail of the open cottage which is priced at 500.00 during off peak and 600.00 during peak season. In my case, I just left my bag at the guard and brought a small dry bag instead with my important stuff in it. Shower and dressing areas are also available.
Overnight accommodations in Isla Jardin del Mar are priced from 1,500.00 to 5,500.00 per night depending on the type of villa (fan villas to presidential suites) and season.
Dont forget to explore the rightmost side of the resort (if facing the ocean) where a concrete pathway will lead you to a somewhat secret beach/cove. If you like a serene beach setting, then that place is perfect for you.
You can always hail a tricycle or habalhabal at Glan Terminal going to Gumasa. They usually charge 100.00 per way. You may also prearrange for a pickup on your return to Glan terminal.
Last trip (van) from Glan to GenSan is 6:00 PM.
For the ferry service from GenSan to Balut Island, prior reservation is required before you can purchase the ticket. Reservations are usually accepted at 4:00 to 5:00 PM on the same day of travel. Standard ETD is scheduled at 10:00 PM. Only M/V Frederick sails the route Lion’s Beach (GenSan)-Balut Island every Tuesday and Friday and Balut Island-Lion’s Beach (GenSan) every Sunday and Thursday. Lion’s Beach is beside Queen Tuna Park. Likewise, there are bigger vessels plying the route Puting Bato Wharf in Calumpang (GenSan) to Balut Island every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Puting Bato Wharf however is quite far from the city center compared to Lion’s Beach.
Crossing the Sarangani Strait is treacherous so brace yourself for the ride. Just sleep it off.
There is no Smart signal in Balut Island and the entire Municipality of Sarangani. Only Globe Telecoms services the group of islands with only 1 celsite installed in Mabila Poblacion.
Overnight stay at Tuke Maklang (means “Punta Putol”) in Sarangani Island is 750.00 good for two pax. One overnight cottage can accommodate up to 15 pax for 2,000.00. Open cottages are also available for overnight stay at 500.00 plus entrance fee per pax of 40.00 and for day tour at 300.00 plus 20.00 entrance fee per pax.
JVL Inn and Cafeteria in Balut Island offers accommodation at 1,500.00 per night good for 3 pax and 200.00 per additional pax but maximum of 5 pax and common toilet and bath. A separate room can house a maximum of 3 pax with own toilet and bath also for 1,500.00 per night. Likewise, a room can also accommodate 2 pax for 1,300.00 per night good for 2 and 200.00 per additional pax but maximum of 3 pax. It is conveniently located outside the gate of Mabila Port.
My “no name” (literally no signage whatsoever) non-airconditioned accommodation can house 8 to 10 pax at 150.00 per night per pax. It has 2 queen size beds and additional beds/foams can be requested depending on the number of pax staying. It has also 1 electric fan and comfortable toilet and bath. However, advance reservation is recommended or you have to call the owner ahead of time since the units are regularly rented out by DSWD workers assigned in the island for longer periods. The building is relatively new wherein the first floor units are commercial spaces and the second floor units are the 4 guestrooms. It is situated right at the center of Mabila Poblacion and is 5-minute walk from Mabila Port.
A 364meter zip line is the newest attraction in Tuke Maklang for 150.00.
The Municipality of Sarangani comprises 2 major Islands (Balut and Sarangani) and the Olanivan Islet. Barangay Mabila in Balut Island is the center of trade and commerce in the entire group of islands. LGU offices, community hospital and the municipal hall are situated in this Barangay.
Although the islands have a diversed mixture of inhabitants, Binisaya/Bisaya (or Cebuano) is commonly used by the locals; even Indonesians (Sangil), muslims and B’laan natives speaks the dialect. Generally, the locals are accommodating and welcoming.
Sabang Hot Spring can be reached faster and easier via habalhabal. However, you are on for a bumpy ride since roads outside Mabila Poblacion are unpaved. It can also be reached via motorized boat but waves are bigger on that side of the island.
Approaching Olanivan Island can also be treacherous. Waves can go bigger since the current from the Pacific Ocean going to the Celebes Sea is stronger specially if the winds are also strong.
There is no ATM machine in the island.
Power supply (diesel powered) is only available from 08:00 AM to 12:00 MN and only covers 3 or 4 barangays out of 8 barangays in Balut Island. The rest of the barangays including 4 barangays in Sarangani Island uses generators and solar energy.
There are eateries and carenderias around Mabila Poblacion but majority of them serves halal foods.
As I was informed, a local tourism office is yet to be installed by March 2017.
Getting in at Tuna Fish Port will only be allowed if you are wearing boots and long/jogging pants or leggings (and the likes). But, it can be rented inside the complex for 20.00 each. Just inform the guard at the gate that you are just visiting for a tour.
Contact Information:
Isla Jardin Del Mar (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province): 09176778177/09296668600
Tata Masin (My Balut Island contact) : 09069012505. He can assist you on securing a reservation for the ferry, accommodation and boat rental in Balut Island.
Tuke Maklang (Sarangani Island, Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental): 09154253187
JVL Inn and Cafeteria – 09053772600 . Same owners of Tuke Maklang.
My “no name” accommodation- 09364331917 – JenJen (or JinJin)
Habal Habal in Balut Island – Romeo Villa Tagpuno or “Onyok” – 09067052807
Happy travels everyone.
