General Santos (dadiangas) Travel Guide

The 'Tuna Capital of the Philippines' boasts more than a hearty fishing industry. This is one of the few urban centers on Mindanao Island, with plenty of cosmopolitan comfort within a short distance of beaches and mountains.

Rapid growth in multiple business districts has put a fresh spin on life in General Santos. The region was known as 'Dadiangas' by the B'laan ethnic group that lived here for ages, but the name was eventually changed to pay homage to the general that led the first group of Luzon settlers over.

Today's General Santos is important to Filipinos as it is generating some of the country's fastest growth, but there's relatively little here of interest to tourists. More than anything this is a transportation hub, especially for those planning a visit to the idyllic Lake Sebu.

But General Santos is not a bad place to spend the night, and there are several easy daytrip opportunities on hand. Thirty minutes outside of town is a striking landscape of karst formations, caves and hot springs that draw regular crowds. Some of the outcroppings here are suitable for rock climbing and bouldering for those who can arrange gear.

As a larger city, it also hosts its fair share of festivals. The Tuna Festival generates a lot of fanfare around a few floats and culinary events, but the Kalilangan Festival gets more attention. The latter celebrates the cultural diversity that marks Mindanao.

Travel to General Santos - getting there

General Santos is a well-connected city with its own airport. Regular flights arrive from Cebu (1 hour, 20 minutes) and Manila (1 hour, 55 minutes). Taxis and tricycles are the main mode of transportation within the city, while jeepneys follow fixed routes throughout the countryside. A bus to Davao City takes three hours.

In brief

Worth it? Only if you're planning a trip to Lake Sebu.

What to do: visit the Kalaja eco-tourist attractions, enjoy the view from Nopol Hills, celebrate a local festival.

Best time to go: during the cool December to February season.

How long? One or two days are enough time for tourists' purposes.

Trivia: Memot General Santos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the archipelago.

General Santos attractions

  • 2 Mt Matutum: an imposing landmark easily seen from General Santos, this volcano is a UNESCO-nominee and last erupted in 1911.

Side trips from General Santos

  • 1 Lake Sebu: an important watershed situated 3,000 feet above sea level, this lake is part of the ancestral grounds of the T'Boli ethnic tribe and is best accessed from General Santos.
  • 1 Kalaja karsts: this collection of unique and sometimes bizarre limestone rock formations is riddled with towers and was used as a Japanese stronghold during WWII.
  • Kalaja Face: near the karst structures is a 150-foot face with three overhangs that has been recently bolted as a climbing path.
  • Nopol Hills: just 10 miles from the city center, this hill stands 1800 feet above sea level and features a hiking trail leading to a camp ground at the summit.

Events

  • 1 Kalilangan Festival: held every February, this event is marked by cultural expositions, royal ceremonies and general merrymaking.
  • Tuna Festival: this inevitable event is held every September in the 'Tuna Capital of the Philippines'.