Are you into hiking? Needed a break? Are you stress at work? Or just life in general? Why not try the growing popularity of Lake Holon formerly known as Lake Maughan. 

Located at T'boli, South Cotabato the “Crown Jewel of the South” Is what you need. Marked as the cleanest lake in Region 12 because of its pristine water you can actually see the aquatic plants that grew underneath. The lake is a perfect spot to just relax and interact with nature. However before you will see the lake itself, be aware that you will take a 3-4 hours trekking depending on the persons pace to reach the panoramic view of the lake. It is accessible through two trails, Salacafe which is easier perfect for first time hikers and Kule if you wish for a more advance and challenging trek. 
 
Salacafe trail
Before you take your adventure, you need to call first the T’boli tourism office since they require a reservation. You may contact them through their website https://www.facebook.com/LAKEHOLON. Contact numbers are also available at the website. Take note that if you chooses the harder trail Kule, you’re required to be at the tourism office before 12 noon, since they will not allowed any tourist to use the trail after lunch. You may ride a motorcycle (P450 good for two) from tourism office to the jump off area. Distance is approximately 1 hour (23.8 km) via Laconon-Salacafe Road.

Upon your arrival at the jump off area, an orientation will be conducted by T’boli women on their T’boli attire for the guidelines and rules upon reaching the lake. Payments will be as follows.
  • Environmental Fee  – P50
  • Entrance Fee – P100
  • Travel Guide Fee (KULE Trail guide good for 10 person) – P600
  • Travel Guide Fee (SALACAFE trail guide good for 10 person) – P300
  • Boat rides going to the Camp site (KULE trail) – P50


What to bring:

  • 1-2 liters Bottled water, although there’s a potable fresh water source when you reach the lake. 
  • Bring only your necessary belongings but if you’re incapable of carrying your bag throughout the trail, you may pay a porter to carry your bag for P20 per kilo (one way). You may also rent a horse for convenience P400. 
  •  Food. Trail food while hiking (chocolates, jelly ace, protein bar or granola). There are foods for sale at the registration area, you may also ask the locals to cook a tilapia fresh from the lake for only P50 per stick around 8-10 pieces of tilapia (depends on sizes) for dinner upon your arrival at the lake.
  • Dry bags or rain cover for your backpack in case of rain
  • Tent preferably double ply but if you had an ordinary beach tent, you may rent a tarpaulin for extra coverage in case of rain P100.
  • Set of Cloth for the next day and personal belongings. 

 

Read Also: Bakngeb River Cave


What to expect at the lake:


  •  Other than the incredible and amazing view of the lake, you can also take a plunge, they have available life vest for rent. 
  •  A fish spa (for free) that will relax your tired and achy feet upon hours of walking. 
  • Bonfire during night time, experience your (boy scout/girl scout) childhood memories once again. 
  • Camping, even though Day hike is possible, but staying overnight and experience the life without electricity, only the whisper of the wind and crickets will be heard and appreciate the beauty of the lake comes morning is highly recommended.
  • Water Kayaking P150 per head (1 hour) and lake tour P450 per head (1 day)
  • There is a comfort room made by locals (P10 pee and P20 “call of nature”) per usage.
  • Do not also forget to try the locals invigorating native black coffee P20 per pack

Going back is through Salacafe trail (1 to 2 hours depending on the pace) and as soon as you reach the registration area, your will each be given a certificate as a proof that you overcome the exciting trail to Lake Holon.


How to get to Lake Holon:

By Plane:
From General Santos City International Airport
1.    Take the airport shuttle service van to SM General Santos P150.
2.    Ride a tricycle going to Bulaong terminal P20-30
3.    Look for a bus bound for Marbel (Koronadal City) P90-P120.
4.    Ride a bus bound for Surallah P30-P50.
5.    At Surallah Integrated Transport Terminal, look for vans bound for Tboli P30-P40
6.    Inquire the locals for the location of T’boli Municipal Hall and register at the tourism office.
By Land:
From Bulaong terminal, look for buses (usually Yellow Bus Line or Mindanao Star Bus) bound to Marbel and follow steps number 4 to 6. Good luck and enjoy your journey!