Sultan Kudarat was infamous for decades for its "rido," or lethal clan battles, in which opposing families—including blood relatives—fought one another, forcing people to flee.
With well-lit streets and an emerging tourism program, Sultan Kudarat, known as the "Taj Mahal of the South," has now rebranded itself as one of Mindanao's finest.
Striding for tourism
Located west of Sarangani and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat is an independent province, often confused with a municipality of the same name in Maguindanao.
Sultan Kudarat Province is among the growing and lesser-known tourist locations that the Department of Tourism (DOT) focuses on as part of its "Love the Philippines" tourism campaign launched under the Marcos administration.
Sultan Kudarat's local tourism sector takes pride in their KKK — Kapatagan, Kabundukan, and Karagatan.
Kapatagan
Inspired by a blend of Malay and Arab contemporary arts, Sultan Kudarat's new capital was dubbed the "Taj Mahal of the South". A function hall, executive office, and hallway evoking the sultanate palace of the thirteenth century are all integrated into the architecture.
A monument honoring the famous Muslim hero Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat can also be seen in the middle of the expansive, romantic, picture-perfect park outside the capitol.
Kabundukan
The Baras Bird Sanctuary in Sultan Kudarat in Tacurong City is their main tourist draw.
Baras makes bird viewing easy since it is home to an estimated 20,000 birds, predominantly herons and egrets, constantly in flight.
Tacurong is also the site of the bright Talakudong Festival, which features the head coverings of several indigenous peoples in the area.
Pangadilan Rock Formation in Columbio and the Grand La Palmera Mountain Ridge wrap up the list of mountainous attractions in the province.
Karagatan
Among the province's top water destinations are Fekung Bula Falls, Fetam Klego Underground River, and Pangadilan Rock Formation Falls in Columbio; Margues Hot and Cold Spring, and Panigan Falls
Additionally, its coastlines boast the likes of Medol Island, Balasan Reef/Vanishing Island, and Twin Islands in Palimbang; Balot Island, Tayandak White Sand Beaches, and Tubo-tubo Island in Kalamansig; and Katunggan Coastal Eco-Park and Tres Andanas Falls in Lebak, among many others.
Several hot spring spots are also scattered throughout the province, offering many leisure and relaxation opportunities.
