DiscoverMakilala
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Makilala.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedMakilala HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Makilala.
Stays AcrossMakilala
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Makilala
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Makilala.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Makilala
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Makilala
- Makilala is a landlocked Municipality in the Province of Cotabato, in SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) of Mindanao.
- The municipality is 38 barangays in an area of 343.57 square kilometres.
- As per 2024 Census of Population, Makilala has a population of 88,522.
- It is situated in a location that can access rural and upland areas that are linked with the Mount Apo landscape.
- The municipality provides nature based destinations, outdoor activities and countryside experiences.
- Holidays to Makilala can suit travellers interested in nature, rural scenery, outdoor activities, and local community experiences.
- Province: Cotabato
- Region: SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
- Provincial Capital: Kidapawan City
- Population: 88,522 (2024 Census)
- Number of Barangays: 38
- Land Area: Approximately 343.57 square kilometres
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time Zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving Side: Right-hand side
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
- Island Group: Mindanao
Reason 02
Highlights
- New Israel Eco Adventure Park: Nature and adventure park in Makilala which is recognized for its outdoor recreation and access towards Mount Apo.
- Mount Apo Area: Makilala offers entry to Mount Apo via New Israel area and trail.
- Garsika Falls: It is locally identified as a natural attraction in Barangay Garsika, whose access should be verified before visiting.
- Agricultural landscapes and countryside communities are a part of the large land area and make up the rural scenery of the municipality.
- Upland Communities: higher elevations add some of the mountain atmosphere to parts of Makilala.
- Outdoor Travel: Holidays to Makilala may be nature trips, countryside exploration, outdoor recreation activities, and community experiences.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The climate of Makilala is tropical, which means that visitors should expect warm weather and rain at various times of the year.
- Outdoor activities like waterfalls, mountain roads, trails, etc. may be impacted by weather.
- Outdoor travelers should always consider the weather before they travel.
- Hikes on the mountains and hills will require extra preparation as roads and trails may become wet.
- For holidays to Makilala, travelers should inquire about conditions before traveling within the community.
- Flexibility in plans can be helpful when going to natural and rural locations.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
New Israel Eco Adventure Park
- New Israel Eco Adventure Park is a tourist attraction in Makilala which is related to nature and outdoor activities.
- According to the official municipal tourism information, New Israel is a port of entry to Mount Apo.
- There is a trail leading to the Mount Apo area known as the New Israel trail.
- The region is also home to free-roaming long-tailed macaques.
- The destination has official tourist information which describes a two-stage zip line.
- Please check the status of operating hours, fees, and activities before visiting.
Garsika Falls
- Garsika Falls is a locally known natural attraction located in Barangay Garsika of Makilala.
- Information about the falls is not as readily available as other more established falls in the municipality.
- It is advisable that visitors check with the owners before arranging a special visit.
- The state of natural attractions may be influenced by weather and rain.
- Appropriate footwear is recommended for wet and uneven outdoor conditions.
- Please adhere to local safety and environmental advice.
Makilala Public Park
- Makilala Public Park is a Municipality listed Park.
- It offers a low maintenance area for play and fun for residents and visitors.
- The park is a perfect place to stop to tour the more developed part of Makilala.
- It's more for day trips than longer excursions for sightseeing.
- Prior to visiting, the current facilities and local arrangements should be checked.
- Local rules should be followed and an area kept clean.
Rural Barangays
- Makilala is composed of 38 barangays that are spread out over an area of about 343.57 square kilometres.
- Visits outside the town centre allow the opportunity to experience agricultural and rural landscapes.
- Some communities are situated in higher elevations, adding to Makilala's diverse landscape.
- Roads in the rural areas may take longer to travel than in areas with more population density.
- Respect private homes, farms, agricultural land and community areas.
- Holidays to Makilala can include a quieter countryside experience by exploring the countryside.
Mount Apo Landscape
- Makilala is one of the gates for Mount Apo through New Israel.
- According to the official information pack published by the municipality, the New Israel trail is a hike to the top of Mount Apo.
- Areas of Makilala have a very hilly appearance to them, due to the surrounding upland environment.
- Good safety measures, equipment and footwear must be used for longer mountain activities.
- Before undertaking longer outdoor activities, weather conditions should be monitored.
- Trail and access information may be changing, so be sure to check before you travel.
Local Communities
- Makilala's 38 barangays include settled, rural, and upland communities.
- Exploring areas outside the main commercial centre can provide a view of everyday provincial life.
- Local residents and tourism personnel can provide useful information about current conditions and lesser-known places.
- Visitors should ask permission before photographing people or private property.
- Community and religious activities should be approached respectfully.
- Local experiences can complement the nature-focused attractions of Makilala.
Reason 05
Discover More
Nature and Countryside
- Makilala is located in the interior and its tourism experience is geared towards the interior environment and not beaches and coastal activities.
- The rural and agricultural areas are an integral part of the countryside character of the municipality.
- Outdoor learning experiences in waterfalls and upland sites.
- Visitors can see the various beauty by going out of the main inhabited regions.
- Nature photography can be done without disrupting wildlife, private property or local communities.
- Travelers should be prepared for extra time when traveling beyond the municipal centre.
Local Exploration
- Rural, residential and upland situations are found in Makilala's 38 barangays.
- Other barangays are in the rural and higher elevation areas while Poblacion is the major settled area.
- Local transport may be necessary to get from attraction to attraction.
- Travel times may be impacted by road and weather conditions.
- On rural outings, it's helpful to bring water, snacks, money and essential items.
- Itinerary flexibility is an added advantage to holidays to Makilala.
Island Hopping
- Makilala is a landlocked community, so there is no coastline to offer local island hopping.
- The Municipality has no local island hopping tours.
- Those seeking beaches, boat rides or island excursions will have to go to Makilala and beyond.
- The municipality, instead, emphasizes landscapes in the interior, waterfalls, rural settings, and experiences of the uplands.
- Nature and countryside activities are also available to visitors as alternatives to coastal activities.
- The location of Makilala in the country should be taken into consideration in developing travel plans.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Hiking and nature walks may be allowed in Makilala's rural and upland areas (where access is permitted).
- If access is available and weather conditions are right, it may be possible to add waterfall visits.
- The municipality's countryside is suitable for nature photography.
- Activities should be modified to match the conditions outdoors.
- There are appropriate shoes, equipment and planning for longer mountain activities.
- Local environmental and safety advice should be followed by visitors.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The communities of Makilala add to the character of the municipality in terms of their cultural values.
- Visitors can learn about aspects of provincial life by visiting beyond the main commercial centre.
- When making a community visit it is important to treat the community with respect.
- Religious and cultural activities cannot be used merely as a show for tourists.
- Information from local residents and/or tourism professionals can be helpful.
- There is potential for cultural experiences to accompany the nature-based activities that might be associated with Makilala.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Makilala's food options are primarily based around Filipino and everyday provincial cuisine.
- Local eateries can provide convenient meals during sightseeing and outdoor trips.
- Agricultural products from surrounding rural areas contribute to the local food environment.
- Travellers should consider carrying snacks when visiting destinations farther from the main town.
- Visitors with dietary restrictions should explain their requirements when ordering.
- Food choices may be more limited outside the main settled areas.
Fun
- Outdoor exploration is one of the main ways to experience Makilala.
- New Israel Eco Adventure Park provides a dedicated nature and adventure destination.
- Waterfall trips can provide opportunities for sightseeing and nature photography where access is available.
- Rural road trips allow visitors to explore the countryside at a slower pace.
- Parks and community areas provide simpler options for relaxed stops.
- Holidays to Makilala can combine outdoor experiences with quieter countryside activities.
Fashion
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing is suitable for most daytime activities.
- Good walking shoes are recommended for outdoor attractions and rural exploration.
- Visitors going to waterfalls should consider footwear with good grip.
- A rain jacket or umbrella can be useful because rainfall can occur throughout the year.
- Sun protection is advisable during outdoor activities.
- Warmer layers may be useful when travelling to higher elevations.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Makilala's upland and rural environments provide opportunities for nature observation.
- The New Israel area is known for free-roaming long-tailed macaques.
- Wildlife sightings should not be guaranteed because animals move freely in their surroundings.
- Animals should be observed from a respectful distance.
- Visitors should never feed, chase, capture, or deliberately disturb wild animals.
- Responsible behaviour helps protect Makilala's natural environments.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Local events and community celebrations may vary from year to year.
- Travellers should check the current municipal schedule before planning a trip around a specific event.
- Community celebrations can provide opportunities to experience local food, traditions, and community life.
- Visitors should follow local customs and instructions when attending community activities.
- Event schedules and programmes should be confirmed before publication or travel.
- Checking current information is especially important when planning holidays to Makilala around a specific celebration.