Sandwiched between the towns of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, Cotabato city or officially the City of Cotabato, is located neither in the Cotabato province nor the ARMM region. Cotabato is an independent component city with a population of approximately 299 438 people.

Best time to fly from Cagayan de Oro to Cotabato

Compared to the northern parts of the Philippines, Cotabato is outside the typhoon belt, making it accessible all year round. However, if you are looking for a slightly drier month, January to March is the best time. Do keep in mind that Cotabato receives a large amount of rainfall, even during the drier months. Therefore do keep an umbrella handy. If the warmth is what you are looking, March through to May are the best times to enjoy the warm tropical sun.

Main airports available in Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato

Laguindingan Airport (CGY) – Located 46 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro, the Laguindingan Airport is the main airport that serves the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao. The airport opened in June 2013 replacing both Lumbia Airport and Maria Cristina Airport. Laguindingan airport is the sixth busiest airport in the Philippines. There are various ways to get to and from Cagayan de Oro city from Laguindingan Airport. The cheapest and most common way to get to the airport is by van. The van offers travelers comfort, convenience, safety and a quick route of only around 45 minutes to the airport. The fare to and from the airport is only PHP199 per person, per trip. The second option to getting to and from the airport if via metered taxi. A journey from Cagayan de Oro to the airport will cost around PHP 400 to PHP 450. There are also Jeepneys and busses to the airport but are not as recommended due to the unpredictable timing and also the hassle of having to catch a connecting shuttle to get to the airport.

Cotabato Airport (CBO) – The Cotabato Airport or locally known as Awang Airport serves the general area of Cotabato City, North Cotabato and Maguindanao in the Maguindanao province. The airport is located near the township of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, approximately 11 kilometers away. The people of Cotabato City generally use the Cotabato Airport, the Cotabato Airport is the twentieth busiest airport in the Philippines. There are several ways to get to the airport and back, including the bus and taxi. A taxi to and from the city centre will take approximately 12 minutes and cost around PHP 150 to PHP 250.

Climate pattern in Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato

Located approximately 250 kilometres south from Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato city experiences a tropical rainforest climate, compared to Cagayan de Oro which experiences a tropical climate. Cotabato receives a large amount of rainfall, including during the drier months from January to March. The annual average precipitation in Cotabato is approximately 2194mm per year while in Cagayan de Oro it is only 1771mm per year. The yearly average temperature in Cotabato is 27.5 degrees Celsius, only 1 degrees Celsius higher than the average in Cagayan de Oro.

Highlights attractions in Cotabato

• Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque – The latest star of Cotabato city is non-other than the largest mosque in the Philippines, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque or also known as the Grand Mosque. The mosque is named after the Sultan of Brunei who is said to have helped fund its construction. The intricate tile works, woodworks and ironworks are captivating and make the mosque a very photo worthy location. This majestic mosque is said to be able to hold 800 male and 400 female worshippers at one time.
• Lake Sebu – Often used as a location for wedding photos, Lake Sebu is a tourist destination located in the south of Cotabato city. The three scenic lakes, seven waterfalls, the highest zip line in the Philippines are only amongst the many attractions offered here at Lake Sebu. The lake also provides lake cruises, a museum and meet-ups with the local people to experience the unique local T’Boli culture. When in Cotabato, do plan your trip to Lake Sebu in July, which is when the T’nalak Festival is held.
• Timako Hill – There are only two elevated areas in Cotabato and with one of them being Timako Hill. Located along the coast is Barangay Kalanganan II, fronting the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, Timako Hill is where trees are preserved and are home to several species of monkeys, birds, bats and other flora and fauna. The 197-meter high hill is steep and jagged, suited for adventure seekers and trekkers.