Things To Do
in Tulunan
Tulunan is a peaceful agricultural municipality in Cotabato province on the island of Mindanao, known for its rice and corn fields and friendly small-town atmosphere. The town sits on the plains and foothills near the Mount Apo massif, offering easy access to scenic rural landscapes and mountain views. Local life centers around the municipal plaza, public market and barangay communities where festivals, markets and everyday farming shape daily rhythms.
Visitors come for relaxed countryside experiences, warm hospitality and as a gateway to nearby natural attractions in North Cotabato and neighboring provinces.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tulunan Municipal Hall, an architectural gem that showcases local history. Afterward, explore the nearby Tulunan Museum to learn about the indigenous cultures and artifacts of the region. Enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast at a local eatery, savoring dishes like longganisa and sinangag.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the vibrant Tulunan market, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and handmade goods. Engage with local vendors and discover unique souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of the area. As the sun begins to set, visit the nearby rice fields for a picturesque view of the landscape.
Dine at a local restaurant serving authentic Mindanao cuisine, where you can sample dishes like kinilaw and lechon. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the town plaza, often filled with locals enjoying the evening air. Conclude your day by visiting a nearby café for a sweet treat and some local coffee.
Begin your adventure with an early morning hike up Mount Siao, where you’ll be greeted by the cool mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Along the trail, listen to the sounds of nature and spot various flora and fauna unique to the region. Bring a packed breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic lookout points, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
After descending, head to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can refuel with a hearty meal. Spend the afternoon visiting nearby waterfalls, such as the Malasila Falls, where you can swim and relax in the natural pools. Take time to explore the surrounding area, capturing photos of the lush landscapes and cascading water.
Return to Tulunan in the evening and enjoy a dinner made with ingredients sourced from the local market. Engage with locals at a community event or festival, if available, to experience the vibrant culture. Wind down your day with a quiet walk around the town, enjoying the illuminated streets and warm ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / inn (per night) | $10-25 |
| 🚌Local bus or jeepney fare | $0.20-1.50 |
| 🚕Short tricycle or habal-habal ride | $0.30-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly small-town atmosphere and welcoming communities
- Easy access to agricultural landscapes and Mount Apo views
- Affordable prices for food and lodging
- Good base for low-impact rural tourism and agro-experiences
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared with larger cities
- Fewer amenities and fewer high-end accommodations
- Public transport outside town center can be infrequent
- Weather (rainy season) can limit access to some outdoor spots
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magandang umaga" - Good morning
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang palengke?" - Where is the market?
- "Pwede bang kumuha ng litrato?" - May I take a photo?
- "Paumanhin" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Nasaan ang ospital?" - Where is the hospital?
Places to Visit in Tulunan
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant civic center where daily life, festivals and community gatherings happen—great for street and portrait photography at golden hour.
Colorful stalls full of produce, textiles and local vendors—excellent for candid market scenes and food close-ups.
Expansive agricultural landscapes with seasonal patterns, ideal for wide-angle shots, sunrise and sunset photos, and rural lifestyle images.
From surrounding hills and foothills you can capture majestic views of Mount Apo on clear days—best early morning or late afternoon.
Local rivers and seasonal falls near Tulunan offer opportunities for nature and long-exposure water photography—check accessibility during rainy season.
Food in Tulunan
Tulunan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Garlic fried rice served with dried or fried fish; a common and affordable breakfast found in local eateries and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Skewered or slab grilled meat seasoned simply and charcoal-cooked—widely available at roadside grills ('ihawan') and small restaurants.
Comforting bone broth and meat stew served in many local diners—great on cooler or rainy days.
Fresh tropical fruits sold at markets and roadside stands; excellent as snacks or desserts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s main market is where farmers sell fresh produce, rice, meats and fish; try local snacks, fresh fruits and small cooked stalls for affordable meals.
Eveningsbring out grills selling skewers, grilled fish and local delicacies—perfect for casual dinners and photography of local life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to elders through polite greetings and using respectful language—Filipino culture emphasizes family and community respect.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting communities with Muslim residents or attending religious gatherings; avoid overly revealing clothing.
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural or indigenous communities; many are happy to be photographed if asked politely.
In more traditional settings, use your right hand when handing items, giving money or eating to show good manners.
Safety
Tipping in Tulunan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis/tricycles, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is common; in restaurants, a 5–10% tip for table service is generous but not expected in small eateries.
Cash (Philippine peso) is the dominant payment form in Tulunan, especially for markets, tricycle fares and small shops. ATMs and banks are available in town center but may have limits—carry enough cash for rural trips. Mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are increasingly used in towns but acceptance varies; larger payments (hotel, vehicle hire) may accept cards in nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally pleasant days with less rain—ideal for outdoor activities, hiking and market visits. Temperatures can be warm in the afternoons; early mornings are cooler and good for mountain views. Expect dusty rural roads in the hottest months (March–April).
Heavier rains and occasional thunderstorms, with higher humidity; some rural roads and trails can become slippery or impassable. Rain may affect visibility of Mount Apo, and river levels rise—avoid risky crossings and check local weather before hikes.
Tulunan at Night
Hiking in Tulunan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The Philippines’ highest peak—while full ascents take time and planning, viewing and day-hike options in the foothills near Kidapawan offer spectacular scenery; arrange guides and permits in advance.
A dramatic volcano with trails and local guides available from nearby municipalities; best for experienced hikers and those coordinating multi-day treks from larger towns.
Shorter community trails around Tulunan’s barangays give pleasant walks, sunrise viewpoints and birdwatching opportunities—ideal for half-day hikes and accessible without extensive equipment.
Airports
How to reach Tulunan by plane.
Major international airport serving Davao City; offers the most flight options and is a 2–3 hour drive (depending on traffic) from Tulunan—useful gateway for international and domestic connections.
Regional airport near Cotabato City with limited domestic flights; closer to Tulunan than Davao for some routes—ground transport like bus or private vehicle needed for the final leg.
Regional international airport serving South Cotabato and General Santos City; an option for southern approaches with onward land travel to Tulunan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population are Christian Filipinos (Catholic and Protestant), engaged in farming, commerce and public service.
There are Muslim residents and neighboring Muslim-majority municipalities; cultural interaction and halal practices are part of local life in some barangays.
The area includes indigenous and migrant groups from across Mindanao—languages such as Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano and Maguindanaon are commonly spoken alongside Tagalog and English.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport—community courts in barangays and town centers host pickup games and local leagues almost daily.
Commonly played at schools and community events, with mixed-gender and youth tournaments during festivals.
Sabong is a traditional pastime in parts of Mindanao and occasional local boxing/martial arts events draw community crowds—these are part of local culture but can be sensitive subjects for some visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tulunan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—look for vegetable stir-fries, egg dishes, fresh fruits and rice; communicate clearly in Tagalog or point to dishes in markets. Bring snacks if you have strict dietary needs.
Mindanao has significant Muslim populations; halal food options exist though certification may be informal—ask about how meat is prepared and seek establishments known to serve Muslim customers if halal certification is required.
Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with sauces, soy sauce and processed items. Ask about ingredients when in doubt.