Laak

Tucked away in the lush heart of Mindanao, Laak, Davao de Oro (formerly known as San Vicente) is a peaceful municipality filled with scenic forest trails, rich traditions, and a culture that thrives in harmony with nature. If you’re looking for serenity off the beaten path or a rural adventure surrounded by rivers and mountains, Laak is your next underrated destination!

Laak is famous for its expansive woodlands, clean rivers, and its identity as an agricultural stronghold in Davao de Oro. As one of the province’s biggest municipalities in terms of land area, it is home to vast banana plantations, forest reserves, and peaceful communities that are deeply connected to their tribal roots.

While Laak may not boast commercial resorts, it stuns with natural beauty and community-kept gems:

• Pasian River – Ideal for riverside picnics and freshwater dips.
• Mount Sabwag – A thrilling climb for trekkers and nature lovers.
• Agong House – A symbolic structure showcasing tribal music and art.
• Laak View Deck – Overlooks the panoramic forest canopy and rolling hills. Ecotourism thrives here, with trails, springs, and waterfalls waiting to be explored by those who appreciate nature in its purest form.

Laak’s community is an inspiring mix of Indigenous Peoples (IP) and settlers from Visayas and Luzon. The original Manobo and Mandaya tribes maintain their vibrant customs, from storytelling to tribal dances and ritualistic chants. Visitors are often welcomed with genuine smiles and heartfelt hospitality-a signature of Laak’s warm and grounded culture.

Cebuano is widely spoken in Laak, but many locals also speak Tagalog, English, and native dialects like Mandaya and Manobo, especially in upland communities.

Don’t expect big city fast food here. Laak offers farm-to-table freshness! Popular eats include:

• Nilotlot na Manok – native chicken cooked in bamboo.
• Paksiw na Tilapia – fresh catch from the local rivers.
• Cassava and root crop desserts – staples among indigenous groups.

It’s best enjoyed with a cup of locally grown coffee or native cacao drink while overlooking the green plains.

Araw ng Laak (Laak Day) – Celebrated every August with a week-long festival full of street dancing, cultural showcases, agro-trade fairs, and live tribal music.

Panaghiusa Festival – A celebration of unity among cultures in the area, highlighted by rituals and indigenous art forms.

Tribal music using traditional agong, kulintang, and bamboo instruments takes center stage in Laak. Performances often involve dance, chants, and ancestral storytelling, giving guests a glimpse into a proud and living heritage.

• Expansive forest cover and eco-parks
• Strong Indigenous People’s (IP) presence and cultural preservation
• Untouched natural beauty and organic farming
• Peaceful rural life perfect for eco-retreats and cultural immersion