The Golden Domes of SOX – Grand Mosque, Cotabato City

April 4, 2020July 27, 2021 Rex Lim Lim BLOG, MOSQUES, TOURIST SPOTS, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

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One of which that has invited a handful of brave souls to venture into this part of Mindanao is because of the Grand Mosque.

Part II

Table of Contents

Sigay ka Cotabato!

After the brief encounter with the gossamer water curtains of Asik-Asik Falls (Link HERE) in Cotabato province, we ventured down to Cotabato City. Although Cotabato is geographically located inside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), it is still administratively part of SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Cotabato has gained this negative reputation all throughout the country as one of the hot spots for terrorism, political discords, kidnapping and extrajudicial killings.

Despite being a commonly misunderstood place, the city of Cotabato continues to rise above all of these adversities.

One of which that has invited a handful of brave souls to venture into this part of Mindanao is because of the Grand Mosque. This is the largest mosque in the country, located just little bit beyond the city.

The Grand Mosque is like a banner of peace, a structure that stood out like the sun shining out of the darkest of days.

As our van rolled out on the streets of the city, everything seemed to be peaceful. Muslim locals went on with their daily lives and stores littered out the sidewalks. Some military personnel are stationed across the busy intersections.

Since it lies at the mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao and the Pulangi River, the ancient “Moroland” has stood the test of time against the colonizers. This has welcomed the religions of Hinduism, Catholicism and Islam along their native shores.

The name “Cotabato”, was derived from the Maguindanaoan word “Kuta Wato”, meaning Stone Fortress or the City of Stone. It is also because of the presence of Kutawato Cave that is located inside the city center itself. Sigay ka, Cotabato! (Progress, Cotabato!)

Of Minarets and Crescent Moons

Almost 11.3 kilometers away from the city, we entered the laidback barangay road of Kalanganan Dos. From afar, Mt. Minandar looms faintly but its summit is seemingly burned from a recent grassfire.

The Grand Mosque or Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or The Grand Mosque was partly funded by the Philippine Government under the Arroyo Administration. To add, the larger amount for its construction was donated by the Sultan of Brunei, Hadji Esmail Hassanal Bolkiah. In addition, this is through the initiative of former Congressman Didagen Dilangalen.

An estimated US$ 45 Million was spent to complete this 5000 square meter project sitting on a 5 hectare land. Moreover, what makes this project special is it was built and designed by Christian Architects for their Muslim Brothers.

The Grand Mosque was made under the supervision of the Palafox Associates.

This impressive white and gold structure is composed of a huge mosque complex. In fact, the area can can allow 800 male and 400 male worshipers.

As grand as it gets, the Grand Mosque is now the biggest Islamic worship place in the Philippines.

Golden Domes

The Grand Mosque has fourteen (14) golden painted domes adorned with silver crescent moons on top. In addition, these domes serves as wind towers that will distribute air inside the mosque.

Standing out from the rest is the forty-three (43) meter high minarets each with loudspeakers to call the daily prayer.

Taking a peek inside, everything was painted in white while. Also, several chandeliers are hanged to illuminate the prayer hall at night. Moreover, the semicircular Mihrab, which directly points to the location of Mecca, is located on the opposite end of the hall.

It has two prayer halls at the center of the building. These halls are separated by mesh walls from the ablution halls. where people can wash themselves after each prayer.

Travel Tips and Takeaways

It is said that this area once served as battle grounds for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). But since it was finished in the year 2011, the armed conflicts here have now ceased.
Dress appropriately if planning to visit, no slippers, shorts and any sleeveless garments. One can also rent a dress and a Hijab for the women and a Thobe/Dishdasha partnered with a Skullcap for the men. We rented them at the store in front of the mosque for 50php and worn before entering.

There are no entrance fee to be collected but it is encouraged to leave tips at the gate where you will register.
Be respectful of their culture and follow the rules.

How To Get There

- The Grand Mosque is located in Barangay Kalanganan Dos around 11.3 kilometers away from Awang Airport in Cotabato City.
- If from General Santos City Airport, take the Husky buses bound for Cotabato City passing through Koronadal City, Tacurong, Isulan and Shariff Aguak. It is around 180 kilometers away. (Fare: 250php-300php, travel time 4+hrs)
- If from Midsayap in Cotabato (North) take any Husky bus bound for Cotabato City that passes by Pigcawayan and Sultan Kudarat Municipalities, this route is approximately 54 kilometers. (Fare 100php-150php, travel time 1 hour)
- If from Cotabato City Airport, take a multicab or tricycle and alight at the Husky Bus Terminal, from there hail any Payong-payong or motorcycle to take you directly to the Grand Mosque.