Arakan

Nestled in the highlands of North Cotabato, Arakan is a nature-rich paradise waiting to be explored. Known as the Eco-Adventure Capital of Cotabato, Arakan is perfect for thrill-seekers, hikers, and travelers looking for an off-the-grid escape surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and meaningful cultural encounters. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to birdsong and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.

Arakan may be quiet, but it’s packed with adventure and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression:

• Matigol Falls – A dramatic 100-foot waterfall surrounded by dense forest, a must-visit for trekkers
• Bukatol Cave – A mysterious cave system with stalactites, perfect for spelunking and exploration
• Epol River – A turquoise-blue river that runs through lush valleys, ideal for picnics and bamboo rafting
• Mount Mahuson – A hiking destination with panoramic views of the Arakan Valley
• Trekking to Sitio Inamong – Visit the Manobo tribe for a cultural immersion like no other

These spots are uncrowded and raw, offering a different side of Mindanao tourism focused on ecotourism and cultural preservation.

Arakan is home to the Manobo Kirenteken tribe, one of the indigenous groups that have kept their customs alive through storytelling, traditional farming, weaving, and rituals. The town is proud of its roots and works actively to protect both ancestral lands and tribal identity.

Languages spoken include Cebuano, Manobo, Hiligaynon, and Filipino. You’ll also hear chants and songs in the Manobo dialect during tribal ceremonies, especially in the upland communities.

Every March, Arakan celebrates the Ehet Festival, a tribute to the town’s indigenous people and the environment. “Ehet” means “unity” or “gathering”, and that’s exactly what this festival is all about.

Festival highlights include:

• Ethnic dances and rituals by Manobo tribes
• Eco-tours to waterfalls and mountains
• Agri-trade fair showcasing organic products and native crafts
• Street dancing in tribal attire
• Environmental forums and youth programs

It’s a meaningful celebration that combines fun, advocacy, and culture in one event.

Arakan offers farm-to-table goodness, with ingredients sourced directly from local fields and forests. Here are must-try dishes:

• Nilutlot na Mais – Corn soup cooked in bamboo, a native delicacy of the Manobo tribe
• Inubaran – Chicken cooked with banana pith and coconut milk, a creamy and hearty dish
• Sinanglay – Fish wrapped in banana leaves with ginger and spices
• Binaki – A sweet steamed corn cake wrapped in corn husk, perfect with coffee
• Camote delicacies – From chips to candies, sweet potato is a staple here

Food in Arakan is simple, organic, and deeply cultural, a true taste of the land.

Traditional kulintang music, agung drumming, and tribal chants are still practiced during ceremonies and celebrations. Youth groups also blend native instruments with modern beats to keep the music alive and engaging.

Expect to hear:

• Manobo courtship songs
• Epic chants (ulaging) during tribal rituals
• Live acoustic music during community gatherings
• OPM covers during youth nights and plaza events

Music in Arakan is soulful, rooted, and often spiritual, a celebration of life and nature.

Arakan is famous for:

• Being a gateway to ecotourism in North Cotabato
• Home of the Manobo Kirenteken tribe
• Matigol Falls and natural wonders
• Organic farming and cultural preservation
• A peaceful, clean, and green environment perfect for eco-travelers

It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic experiences, cultural encounters, and untouched natural beauty in the Philippines.

• Best time to visit: March (Ehet Festival) or November to February (for cooler hikes)
• How to get there: From Davao City, take a van to Kidapawan, then transfer to a jeep or habal-habal bound for Arakan
• What to bring: Trekking shoes, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and respect for local customs