Area code: (64)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TRIVIA Cotabato is known as Mindanao’s major producer of fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, coconut, coffee, freshwater fish and livestock. The terrain is clean and green and the people are very friendly.
TOUCHDOWN Take a tricycle to the highway for PHP6–7 then ride a jeep to town for PHP14. Or hire a taxi at the airport for PHP100–200. In the city, tricycles are the only mode of transport
BY DAY Venture into the towns of Kidapawan, Magpet and Makilala or KMM, where many natural wonders like hot springs, rivers and waterfalls are found
BY NIGHT Avenue Grill has become a favorite spot for a relaxed night of listening to acoustic music and drinking ice cold beer. It’s one of the few evening haunts in the city
SLEEP The rooms at Hotel Castro on Sinsuat Avenue are small but nice and reasonably priced, with rates that start at PHP650. Very accessible because it’s in the city center. Tel: (64) 421 7523
LOCAL LIFE
Mang Gorio for home-cooked Pinoy dishes and Las Hermanas for Chinese delicacies
Best breakfast
Grand Rio Hotel’s in-house restaurant offers the best American and Filipino breakfasts
Best night out
Experince fine dining at Circuit Resto. The food is consistently good
Best dinner
For the best seafood and Chinese cuisines, have your dinner at Peach Seafood Garden
Best buys
Native products such as malongs, sarongs, inaul cloth and Muslim delicacies
Best souvenirs
Moslem brassware and assorted fruits are great to take home to family
Must-do experience
Visit the Kutawato Cave, which is fascinating to see up close
Must learn…
“Mapiya mapita” which means “Good morning” and “sukran” meaning “thank you”
Insider tip
The city is safe and offers the best of both modern and old world attractions
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