La Palmera Mountain Ridge: A Captivating Gem of Sultan Kudarat

“I wish I could say we didn’t sign up for this but hell I know we did.” Our bags felt heavier on our shoulders in every step in a partly uphill trail. It was 9:00 in the evening – four hours later than our expected time of arrival at the place and there we were: using up all our remaining energy for the trek. We had to walk our way to station 2 since it has been raining and the dirt road had been muddy. Our tour guides wouldn’t dare having their motorcycles stuck especially in the dark so we agreed to walk our way to our accommodation. Before our knees could fail us, we reached our destination where we were warmly greeted by our hosts. This better be worth it. And yes, it was. After a sweet slumber at the mountains, we opened up our windows to the most scenic view I think I’ve ever had this year: So, this is La Palmera Mountain Ridge. The next thing we know, we decided to extend our stay and it was not even in our plans.

About La Palmera Mountain Ridge

La Palmera is tucked in the landlocked town of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat in south central Mindanao, Philippines. The place is named after the palm plantation that surrounds the ridges. This plantation has been a source of livelihood to the B’laans – the indigenous people of Sultan Kudarat.

La Palmera is characterized by a mountain range blanketed with lush green cogon grass. Because of the unparalleled view that it offers, it rose to fame even more during the pandemic. Now, it has been among the top favorite and must-see destinations when one goes on a SOCCSKSARGEN backpacking trip.

Take note that this does not require any advance skills in hiking as it can be reached through riding a habal or motorcycle. You may enjoy a little trek in few of the ridges, though.

What to Expect

The good thing about the accommodation despite being nestled atop the mountain is that, electricity, water and network signal are somehow available. Hence, an overnight stay in the place is quite ideal. Expect interruption though on the electricity and make sure that you’ll conserve water as it is limited. Network signal, on the other hand, is sporadic. The best spot with good reception is at the restaurant located in Station 1.

We stayed in a fan room at Station 2 where the more modern style rooms are and we had our own bathroom and toilet inside. There might be no air-conditioning in the room but it was really cold at night. In the morning, we woke up to the view of the lush green ranges. On the other hand, staying at Station 1 offers a different experience. They have nipa A houses with balcony and a grand view of the other side of La Palmera. The comfort rooms though for this type of accommodation is a common one.

As for the food, they would be glad to grant your request but make sure that you’ll tell them ahead of time as some ingredients may not be readily available. The restaurant was non-operational during our visit (maybe because we went there during weekdays and we were the only guests) but they sure cooked the food that we requested.

Things to Do in La Palmera Mountain Ridge

There may not be much to do in La Palmera but we felt like our two-day stay was not enough. In those two days, here are the things that we were able to do:

1. Picture taking. There are several spots to take good photos in La Palmera. They have also set up nests around that are perfect for taking photos.
2. Sight seeing. La Palmera offers a 360 degree view of Sultan Kudarat. Though landlocked, it is among the best places to get a view of Sultan Kudarat’s vastness.
3. Trekking. You may go on a little trek from Phase 1 to Phase 2 or even down the river that flows at the foot of the ridges. Just make sure that you’ll wear appropriate attire for it with enough sun protection, too.
4. Breakfast with a view of the mountain ridges. This perhaps is one of the most exhilarating thing we’ve ever done during our stay. The dining really felt like we’ve taken it in a whole new level with the breathtaking view of the ridges in front of us.
5. Coffee with a view. The management offers unlimited coffee. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in La Palmera especially during early in the morning and towards dusk as it gets really cold.
6. Connect with the B’laans. One of the indigenous groups in the region that you’ll be able to meet and connect with in La Palmera is the B’laan tribe. You may talk to them and learn basic words and phrases in their language during your common idle time.

How to Get There

Awang Airport (Cotabato City)

1. From the airport, take a tricycle or habal going to the van loading area. Fare is at Php 60.00.
2. Take a van going to Tacurong. Fare is at Php 200.00 and the trip takes two to three hours.
3. From the drop of point, walk to the tawnis (colorful multicab) stop then take one going to Datu Paglas. Fare is at Php 50.00 and trip may take an hour. You may also opt to go straight to Columbio through taking another tawnis but some tour guides would recommend coming from the town themselves.
4. Option 1: From Datu Paglas, contact your hailed habal driver who will take you to Columbio where La Palmera is. The trip from Datu Paglas to La Palmera takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and more.
5. Option 2: From Datu Paglas, you may take another tawnis to Columbio. From the drop off point, you may hail a habal to La Palmera Mountain Ridge for only Php 150.00 per head per way.

South Cotabato

1. Make your way to Koronadal Integrated Public Terminal.
2. From the terminal, take a van going to Tacurong. Fare is at Php 150.00 per head and the trip takes an hour or two.
3. From the drop of point, walk to the tawnis stop then take one going to Datu Paglas. Fare is at Php 50.00 and trip may take an hour. You may also opt to go straight to Columbio through taking another tawnis but some tour guides would recommend coming from the town themselves.
4. Option 1: From Datu Paglas, contact your hailed habal driver who will take you to Columbio where La Palmera is. The trip from Datu Paglas to La Palmera takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and more.
5. Option 2: From Datu Paglas, you may take another tawnis to Columbio. From the drop off point, you may hail a habal to La Palmera Mountain Ridge for only Php 150.00 per head per way.

General Santos City

1. Make your way to Bulaong or Yellow Bus Terminal. Hop onto a van or bus going to Tacurong City. The trip may take 2 hours with the fare Php 170.00 (bus). You may want to check Yellow Bus’s Facebook page for updates regarding their trips schedules and cancellations.
2. From the drop of point, walk to the tawnis stop then take one going to Datu Paglas. Fare is at Php 50.00 and trip may take an hour. You may also opt to go straight to Columbio through taking another tawnis but some tour guides would recommend coming from the town themselves.
3. Option 1: From Datu Paglas, contact your hailed habal driver who will take you to Columbio where La Palmera is. The trip from Datu Paglas to La Palmera takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and more.
4. Option 2: From Datu Paglas, you may take another tawnis to Columbio. From the drop off point, you may hail a habal to La Palmera Mountain Ridge for only Php 150.00 per head per way.

La Palmera 2022 Rates

As of December 2022, below are La Palmera Mountain Ridge’s updated [published] rates and inclusions:

• Day trip entrance fee – Php 100.00
• Overnight stay for 2 (with breakfast) – Php 1,500.00 a night
• Rent the whole place for a night (good for 10 to 12 persons) – Php 5,000.00

The overnight rate is only good for 10 to 12 persons. They collect Php 100.00 per head for additional pax but they would let the guests use tents (i.e. three additional tents for 15 guests). The overnight rates are inclusive of stay in fan rooms, beddings and linens, toiletries, fresh bath towels, bonfire set up, coffee and complimentary bottled waters. Check in time is 2:00 PM and check out is at 12:00 NN the next day.

La Palmera Contact Details

For inquiries and booking, you may reach them through the following:

Mobile: +63 927 228 5930
Facebook: La Palmera Mountain Ridge

You can walk in as a day trip guest but if you prefer to stay, make sure that you’ll contact them first as they have limited rooms accommodation.

Tour Guide or Habal Driver

For tour guide in Sultan Kudarat or habal rental, you may contact sir Jeff Abid or Kuya Jomarie at +63 967 5323 722.

What to Remember When Visiting La Palmera

1. Observe advance booking when staying in La Palmera overnight.
2. Make sure that you’ll inform the management of your food preferences if you wish to have your food cooked by them.
3. Bring insect repellent.
4. Always bring cash.
5. Bring extra snacks and drinks as there are no convenience store in the area.
6. For your safety, make sure that you’ll leave or arrive at La Palmera in daylight.
7. Save your habal driver’s contact details so you can just contact him if ever you’re ready to leave the area especially if you stayed overnight.

Explore Mindanao!

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• The Ultimate Mindanao Philippines Bucket List
• Lake Sebu Lotus Garden: Paddling through the T’boli Culture
• CAMIGUIN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2022 (Itinerary + Budget)
• Your Ultimate DIY Travel Guide to Siargao Island 2022