Old Kaabakan

Nestled within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Old Kaabakan is a tranquil, culture-rich destination where tradition thrives amid the stunning landscapes of North Cotabato. This quiet barangay turned local tourism gem offers scenic countryside charm, fascinating culture, and warm hospitality that travelers rarely forget.

Old Kaabakan is more than just a name on the map — it’s a place where indigenous Lumad and Moro communities live side by side, preserving age-old customs and practices. With lush greenery, sprawling rice fields, and distant hills that glow during golden hour, it’s the kind of place that invites peace seekers and cultural explorers alike.

While small in size, Old Kaabakan holds big surprises. Nearby river trails, ancestral farmland, and community-built bamboo structures offer immersive ecotourism and heritage experiences. Photographers will love the soft natural light filtering through coconut palms, while adventurers can follow trails that lead to forest pockets and freshwater streams.

Old Kaabakan embraces a blend of Maguindanaon, Manobo, and Iranun cultures, making its traditional events feel like living museum exhibits. During local gatherings, you’ll witness kulintang performances, tribal dances, and the sharing of food as a symbol of unity. While not yet home to grand-scale festivals, its local feasts and inter-community celebrations are vibrant and heartwarming, often featuring music played on gongs and agung.

Craving authentic rural Filipino-Moro fusion? Try pastil (rice wrapped in banana leaves with shredded beef or chicken), sinina (a Maguindanaon beef stew), and locally harvested root crops cooked over open fire. Visitors may also get lucky during harvest season and be invited to a traditional communal meal, where fresh native chicken tinola and rice coffee are served with pride.

Traditional instruments like the kulintang, dabakan, and kudyapi echo through the air in Old Kaabakan during cultural showcases or family events. Local youth also remix folk music with modern beats, creating a unique BARMM acoustic-tribal blend that’s slowly finding its way into social media content and YouTube playlists.

Peaceful. Cultural. Underrated. Old Kaabakan offers a raw, off-the-grid adventure that captures the soul of the Bangsamoro region. It’s perfect for travelers looking to connect deeply with local communities, support grassroots tourism, and unplug from the digital noise. Whether you’re there to document culture or simply breathe in the mountain air, this small barangay will leave a lasting impression.