Cotabato is one of the famous city in the Philippines. It is situated in a region called Mindanao. The city has a population of almost 300,000 people residing there. This city is located at the mouth of the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Pulangi River; the longest river in Bukidnon. Most of the inhabitants there are of various ethnicities such as Cebuanos and Tagalogs. There are plenty of great attractions, places that rich with historical values and many more. Cotabato city is also vibrant with its own culture and the uniqueness of the city helps in attracting many tourists to visit the city.

Airport in Cotabato, Philippines

Cotabato Airport (CBO)

This airport is an airport that generally serves Cotabato city and it is also known as the Awang Airport. It is classified as a main domestic airport by the Philippines's Civil Aviation Authority. Cotabato Airport is also the 20th busiest airport to operate in the Philippines with an annual number of passengers of nearly 300,000 people, aircraft movements of nearly 3,000 and these numbers are increasing year by year. However, it does not serve the city by handling major international flights. It is located in the Maguindanao province, about 7 km away from the centre of Cotabato City. An international airport is expected to be built in June 2019 to serve the Cotabato City.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Cotabato?

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When is the Best Time to Fly to Cotabato?

The Philippines are top-rated destination among tourist during the dry season which happens to be between November and April. During this period, Cotabato is fully accessible, be it the stunning islands and its remote spots. Cotabato is busiest in May until August and during these months, the rates for the hotels and flights could be higher and much expensive than usual. During the wet seasons (May until October) the rain does not befall at all times and it will hardly impact any hard plans made to tour the city. Tourists may still even enjoy the sun and there will be much fewer crowds.

The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is an annual festival held every 15th until 19th of December as a celebration to honor an Arab missionary from Johor names Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan who managed to plant the seed of Islam in Central Mindanao. Activities such as traditional dances, sports, and food events are available during the 3-day festival. Cotabato Day Festival or as the local calls it; Araw ng Kutabato is also an annual event that is celebrated from the 12th of June until the 25th. This festival happens to be the biggest celebration in the city and it is held to commemorate Cotabato's charter day.

What are the Top 2 Things to Do in Cotabato?

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit while being in Cotabato.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque - This mosque is also known as the Grand Mosque of Cotabato because it happens to be the largest mosque in the entire Philippines and it is the 2nd largest mosque in Southeast Asia. The construction of this mosque is funded entirely by the Sultan of Brunei with a cost of RM102 million. His Majesty used his own money with a hope to assist in the emerging population of the Muslims in the Philippines. The mosque was designed by a Filipino-born architect named Felino Palafox Jr and it can be filled up to 60,000 people at one time.

Kutawato Caves - Kutawato Caves or also known as Kutang Bato Cave is the only cave system in the Philippines and it is located at the foot of a hill named the Pedro Colina Hill of the Maguindanao region. This location owns several hidden underground passageways and one of them is connected to the oldest church in the city; the Tamontaka Church. The cave was the source behind the name of "Cotabato" where the word "kuta" means fort and the word "wato" means stone. Hence, the name is translated as "Fort of Stone."