Into The Blue – Blue Lagoon, Maguindanao
The Blue Lagoon is fed by waters from the highlands of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Libungan, and North Upi. The sole source of potable drinking water for the locals before it exits into the Tamontaka River.
Part III
Maguindanao?!
“Maguindanao? Malapit yan sa Marawi ‘diba? Nako, ‘nak, diyan din ‘yung may grabeng pinatay na mga journalists tapos nilibing kasama yung sasakyan!?” (Maguindanao? That’s near Marawi right? Son, that’s also where journalists were brutally killed and buried with their cars!”) my mother exaggeratedly exclaimed over the phone. I told her that I am going to visit the province of Maguindanao after our Mt. Apo hike.
Sadly, that’s how majority of the people perceives the greater part of Mindanao. Conflicts and political discords perpetually taints the looming potential for tourism of the region. Truth be told, just the mention of the place gives cold shoulders to anyone hearing it. Not realizing that there’s so much in store for the wandering souls who will brave to explore the province.
Datu Odin Sinsuat
After a long drive from Alamada, North Cotabato down to the City of Cotabato where we paid a visit to the Grand Mosque or the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid. Then from there, we drove further down to another municipality called as Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Just 17 kilometers away from the bustling city of the ARMM Region, DOS was once quiet municipality is now thriving to become one of the new tourist destination in this part of Mindanao. From towering mountains, rivers, beaches, lagoons and waterfalls, Datu Odin Sinsuat will make you rethink whenever Maguindanao comes to mind.
We traveled down to Brgy. Margues to reach one of their famed attraction that they call as the “Blue Lagoon”. This is Maguindanao’s answer to the Hinatuan Enchanted River of Surigao Del Sur. Just fifteen (15) minutes away from the airport, this lagoon is still in its raw and undeveloped state.
Margues Blue Lagoon
Upon arrival, a welcome signage along the main road will be seen pointing down to where the lagoon is located. Cars can be parked nearby then walk down some fifty (50) meters to reach the small yet enchanting body of water.
There are no changing areas, nor benches for the tourists to spend time. I think this is the best part in here, no crowd to be seen, just locals taking a dip on its blue waters.
Best time to visit here is early in the morning and late in the afternoon as a side-trip from other attractions of DOS or Cotabato City.
It is said that this lagoon is home to an elemental who takes a life occasionally.
The Blue Lagoon is fed by waters from the highlands of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Libungan, and North Upi. The sole source of potable drinking water for the locals before it exits into the Tamontaka River. If you think that this is the only lagoon in DOS, then you are wrong. Not too far away from Margues is the village of Bitu where another Blue colored Lagoon lies untouched and is much bigger than the latter.
We had our lunch at Hasheera’s located along the highway before the Datu Odin Sinsuat Welcome Arch.
Other Attractions in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao worth a visit:
- Mt. Minandar (447MASL)
- Kusiong Beach and Bai Walk
- Sifaran Falls
- Awang Rock Formation
How To Get There
- From Cotabato City Airport or Awang Airport, flag a Multi-cab or UV Express Vans that are bound for Isulan in Sultan Kudarat. (Fare: 15php to 30php, 15 minutes travel time)
- Alight at Margues Elementary School in Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality which is on the left side of the road and you’ll find the Blue Lagoon not too far from the highway.
Next Stop: Masjid Dimaukom, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao
TransitPinas would like to thank Sir Mark Anthony Plecerda of Buen Viajeros for the hassle free #RoadtripMindaNow day tour arrangement!
The 2018 #RoadtripMindaNow Adventure Series
Updated as of April 05, 2018
