General Santos Hotels

General Santos is ideal for vacationers who still want the feel of the urban jungle and at the same time being close to the ocean. This is one destination you would say should be frequented on a regular basis not only because it is home to a famous personality, but because of the warmth and hospitality of the local residents and the experience they offer.

More commonly known as GenSan, General Santos is a highly urbanized city located in South Cotabato, Philippines and is also popular as being the home of world-famous boxer, Manny Pacquiao. Another non-show business fact the city is known for is that it is called the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”.

 

How to Go

By plane

Coming from Manila, there are daily flights going straight to General Santos International Airport, the second largest airport in the country by runway. Visitors can choose from carriers: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and PAL Express.

By boat /ferry

There are also numerous ferry/ship operators from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo going to General Santos. Choices available are Super Ferry, Negros Navigation, Sulpicio Lines and PT Kanaka Lines.

By land transportation

Philtranco offers direct transport from Manila to Davao, the ride varies from 33 to 48 hours.

 

Getting Around

The most common ways to be transported within the city are jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles. For farther destinations, there are also metered taxis available.

 

Tourist Attractions

The Philippines is known to have at least one famous mountain or volcano in each region. For General Santos, it’s Mount Matutum, which is at the north side of the city.

There are also beautiful nature destinations such as the Kalaja Face or the Kalaja Karst, Klaja Ecopark that is very much picturesque with the giant rocks, wild trees and the unbelievable waterfalls, and will definitely bring out the photographer in you. It is said that your visit to General Santos City is not complete without visiting this site.  the city park, Plaza Heneral Santos.

 

Top Things to Do

Being the tuna capital of the country, you should definitely not miss going to the General Santos Fish Port Complex and have your picture taken beside a giant tuna. While you are at it, you should also visit the Queen Tuna Park at the end of the city’s bay.

If you want the sands and whole beach experience, you should head out for Balut Island and personally experience the big waves and clear blue water. Also visit Sarangani Island, which was described as heaven on earth. This is definitely a good vacation spot to relax and unwind. You should also visit Lake Sebu for some action-packed experience – from zipline, to enjoying the beauty of nature, to enjoying the fresh fish grown in the lake.

 

Where to Eat

The must go-to place in General Santos City is the Tiongson Arcade where you can have as much fresh seafood as you want – especially tuna! You will find rows and rows of vendors selling their fresh catch and they will prepare it in whatever kind of cooking or dish you would want.

Other seafood places that are highly recommended are the Grab a Crab restaurant on Laurel East Avenue and the Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant.

If you like the street food type of dining, you should also check out Kabayan Nelson FoodMaxx where you choose from fresh seafood and they will cook it for you. This is highly recommended by those who have visited the city and if you are a seafood lover, you will definitely find it “lami” (delicious).

 

Nightlife

Night life in General Santos is definitely festive as the streets come to life as stalls start selling various seafoods. Plaza Heneral is definitely a place that you need to visit at night.

For the more music and socializing scenes, there are so many bars to choose from like the Pahayahay Resto Bar, Tatay Pepe’s RestoBar that are open until after midnight.

 

Where to Stay

The city already has the more popular hotels such as

and East Asia Royale Hotel. There are also so much more hotels that you can choose from whether you are a business traveller, a backpacker or vacationer. There are available hostels, pension houses and business hotels.

 

Travel Tips

• When choosing a seafood restaurant, read as much reviews and already pick out the best one you have discovered.

• Wear comfortable clothing as you will be experiencing a lot of walking under the sun.• Make sure that the hotel you are booking is close or within proximity of the destinations in your itinerary so that you will not have such a hard time getting to and back.

• Pack extra clothes when you go out on your day trips because you will be going to fish markets, bodies of water and sights that will simply need you to change your clothes.