General Santos City

Mindanao harbour city on Sarangani Bay, shaped by yellowfin tuna fishing and highland cultures nearby.

General Santos City — known locally as GenSan — is the southernmost city in Mindanao and one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the Philippines. It sits on the shore of Sarangani Bay, a deep natural harbour that has made the city the tuna capital of the Philippines and one of the largest yellowfin tuna processing centres in Southeast Asia. The tuna trade shapes the city's character: the Fisherport Complex in the early morning is a working spectacle, with fishing boats unloading catches that can include individual fish weighing 80 kilos or more.

The city was founded by settlers from the Visayas and has a multi-ethnic population that includes Maranao, B'laan, T'boli, and other indigenous groups from the surrounding highlands, alongside the majority lowland Christian community. The result is a pragmatic, forward-looking city without much colonial architecture — GeneralSantos was established only in 1939 — but with real energy and a strong sense of civic identity.

Sarangani Bay and the nearby Sarangani Province offer the area's best outdoor opportunities: diving on coral reefs, beach resorts at Gumasa in Glan, and mountain trekking to the slopes of Mount Matutum. The city itself is a commercial hub rather than a beach destination, but its position as the gateway to the SOCCSKSARGEN region makes it a useful base for exploring southern Mindanao.

Guide

Bars and Cafes in General Santos City

General Santos City, or Gensan, as it is fondly called by the locals, has many bars and cafes where one can let their hair down and relax in the evenings.

**Taaz Bar **

Taaz Bar will offer you a new experience. They cater to all “night crawlers.” Its ambiance combines cultural handmade products and modern designs. You can hang out here with friends and have a cozy time. You can also connect to the Internet with its free WI-FI. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Sarangani Bay and the lights of General Santos City. The bar offers cocktails, very affordable pulutans and flowing drinks, besides cold beers. It is situated on the rooftop of Citifront Lodge, and is open Monday to Thursday from 6:00pm to midnight, and during Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00pm to 2:00 am. The bar also plays a variety of great music.

**Caico’s Grill & Resto **

Caico’s Grill and Resto is a rave bar in Gensan. The ground floor is devoted to fine dining, while the second floor holds a bar offering popular drinks with a mix of Filipino and Mexican cuisine. The place is a cozy den for friends to hang out in. You will enjoy the easy going ambiance, good food and great music.

**Sunset Cafe in the East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade **

This is a very good café to go to with family and friends. Its environment is pleasing and the seafood is delicious.

**Café Jeepney **

You get great seafood here. The tuna is especially fresh and will leave you smacking your lips for more. A must visit for all lovers of seafood.

Vanessa

One gets decent seafood here as well, although the portions are a bit small. All the cafes in this marvelous city specialize in seafood, especially fresh seafood. Visitors can expect groovy music at most bars. The Filipinos are a friendly people who love to party, and this is reflected in their bars. Most of the bards welcome tourists, and you can safely take a business colleague to any of the bars or cafes that flourish in the city.

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Beaches in General Santos City

General Santos City is a beautiful coastal town where visitors can indulge their appetites for water sports and seafood. The seafood here is reputed to be one of the freshest in the world. The tuna alone is one of a kind. Also, there are many spots in the city from which you can enjoy water sports.

** Sarangani Bay **

This is the most common diving area. It is situated just outside the province, and is an easy drive away. The beach is clean and well-maintained. Most people will enjoy the view of the sea from this point.

**Tinoto Wall **

This diving spot is great for the unusual rock formations at the deep end of the sea. It's considered a top rate place for deep sea diving. Otherwise, there is not much to see here.

**Rocky Beach **

You can dive in shallow waters here and witness the underwater reefs. This place is best for those who prefer shallow water diving. The underwater reefs are a visual treat to behold.

** Kamanga Reef **

Again, this is a good place for shallow water diving and seeing the underwater reef. You will find some fantastic marine life here with the reefs.

**Veteran's Beach **

This is a great place to enjoy the mild climate and the sun, sand and sea. The weather is especially good from November to March. You will be taken in by the beauty of this beach.

**London Beach Resort **

This is a nice place to enjoy serene, peaceful relaxation. There is not much of a crowd here and you will have the place almost to yourself. An ideal spot if you want some precious `me’ time.

** Rajah Beach Resort **

The beach at this resort is simply out of this world and very clean. You can unwind here away from the crowd. You will love the easy charm of this place.

**Santos City Beach **

This beach is lined with thatched roof huts. making for interesting rustic scenery. If you love a rustic setting rather than a posh touristy theme, head here for some rudimentary charm. The ambiance is perfect for a day out in the sun.

All the beaches mentioned above are great places to relax in and catch some time in the sun. Enjoy the sea, fresh sea-food and the beaches if you visit Gensan.

Guide

Books

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Day Trips in General Santos City

General Santos City or Gensan in the Philippines is strategically located to provide acess to many interesting places in a day. Kalaja Eco-tourism Destination This is situated 15 km to the northeast of General Santos City, at Barangay Conel. The Kalaja Karsts Land’s name is derived from “Kalaha” or frying pot because of the surrounding towers of the karsts formation made millions of years ago. These karsts produce waterfalls and caves. Across this place is a camping ground. The place offers a wide view of Gensan, Sarangani Bay and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province. It is a large natural reserve that is a camper’s delight. One can also go climbing and hiking in this rugged environment. A day trip from Gensan is enough to see all that this beautiful place has to offer. Lake Sebu This lake is certainly worth seeing. It is clear and pure and the whole area surrounding it is serene. There is a mystical quality about this lake that the tribals first spotted. Also make it a point to visit Lake Maughan. There are five major rivers in T’boli, with Lake Maughan acting as the source for all of them. The lake and the area surrounding it have been proclaimed a sanctuary and a natural reserve. The vast area of about 50,000 hectares has some exotic flora and fauna. Some of them are unique to this region. The area is truly a nature lover’s paradise. There is so much natural beauty to see in this area. The lake itself is pristine clear and the area surrounding it is kept very clean. Mt. Matutum This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a must visit for any lover of nature. It is home to the protected Philippine Eagle. There are over 110 plant species and about 60 animal species in this area. Koronadal Valley and the beautiful surroundings of pao-pao This area too should be visited by the discerning tourist and nature lover. The valley and its surroundings are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. As is evident from the descriptions given above, the area surrounding Gensan is rich in natural wonders and places of natural beauty. Make Gensan your base city and go exploring these places in day trips. The wide variety of flora and fauna make for an interesting exploration.

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Eating Out

General Santos is the tuna capital of the Philippines, and seafood dominates the local dining scene. Grilled tuna belly, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and sizzling seafood platters are the things to order.

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Getting Around

GenSan

Karl Jacoby

I have just gotten back from Gensan I was there from Sept 2nd Till Sept 14th and the whole entire time i was there my fiancee and I toke the tricycles and I had no problems we also took a taxi one day to go to Islla Parilla and the cost was very cheap,just one thing when takeing a tricycle make sure there are no other ones in it when they stop and the average cost going anywhere in the town is 20 peso's and all the drivers are good I never expieriencesd any thing wrong very safe

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address: Pennsylvania

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Guide

Getting There in General Santos City

General Santos City receives droves of tourists and visitors each year. Many transportation options are on hand to help aid travelers in their arrival.

Air

Tourists traveling by air are afforded the most options, as General Santos City plays host to a massive international airport. Daily flights arrive in the city from both Manila and Cebu, via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, respectively. Flights out of Manila are either non-stop or require a stop-over in Cebu first. On average, direct one-way flights from Manila to General Santos City cost around $100. Air Philippines and PAL Express provide service to General Santos International Airport as well.

Bus

Although not as popular as flying, bus travel serves the General Santos City area quite well. Davao City and Koronadal City remain the two most common towns from which tourists can catch a bus. Yellow Bus Lines serves as one of the oldest and most respected transportation companies in the Philippines. Other reliable bus facilities which cater to General Santos City include Holiday Bus and Huskey Lines.

Boat

Many tourists arrive in General Santos City via boat or ferry. Such major cities as Manila, Iloilo and Cebu all serve as common jumping off points for travelers making their way to town. A flurry of ferry lines service the region, including SuperFerry and Sulpicio Lines. Travel from Manila takes approximately two full days, while Iloilo only takes a little more than 24 hours. Accommodations on these lines vary from economic facilities, well-equipped cabins or lavish staterooms. Fares can run as low as $15 or as high as $100.

Guide

Shopping in General Santos City

The city will offer you everything that you need, right from street shops to huge supermarkets; from tribal clothing to world famous designer labels. Here is what all you can do to shop till you drop!

**KCC Mall

**The city’s largest mall would be the fully air conditioned, three storied KCC mall. The department store here has a wide array of clothing for all ages that are reasonable priced. The mall also has luxury shops for the fashion conscious, right from Guess to Bench. Other than these KCC has watch shops, jewelry stores and bookstores. The tech freaks can also feel at home here with mobile stores, hardware stores and computer shops. You can visit this mall from 9 am until midnight. It has free parking on the 3rd floor, and is considered safe. Weekdays are recommended as they would certainly be crowd free. If you are on a tight budget you can pick up some low priced local clothing brands or some souvenir shirts that will cost you around $3. A lot of items are sold at a discount, like the new cell phone models, Filipino crafts and factory surpluses.

Gaisano Mall

Another popular mall would be the Gaisano Mall which houses the country's top designer shops and fast food outlets.

** The Robinson Place**

The Robinson place is the latest addition to the city’s malls. With over 200 stores and parking for about 2000 people, this mall will surely be a hit. A huge department store and movie theatre along with a supermarket, appliance center is what you will find here. For the children it has come up with an amusement center as well.

**Cagampang Street ** There is a row of Maranaw stores along the Cagampang Street right opposite the city's public market. Imported goods from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand flood this street. Local artists and craftsmen also sell their famous sarongs made of Batik or Thai silk. All the items are considerably cheaper than sold in other nearby markets. Another very popular set of shopping items would be the native Tiboli tribe items such as their cloths, artifacts, jewelry etc. With a budget of $25 you will be able to buy sufficient amount of apparel.

General Santos City has much on offer for hardcore shopping enthusiasts including local artifacts, designer stuff and high-end electronics.

Guide

Things to do in General Santos City

Located in the Southern part of the Philippines, General Santos City, called GenSan, is probably best known for its abundant fresh fish. Anyone who visits Santos will learn quickly that the people there are proud of the tuna that has helped their livelihood. The fish is exported from Santos City to other parts of the world, and sent to Japan for sushi. Because Santos City is a coastal city, visitors must take advantage of the water activities available there.

Diving is a popular pastime among visitors. The most common diving areas include the Sarangani Bay, which is located just out of the province. Divers should try the Tinoto Wall dive to see the unusual rock formations at the deepest areas of the sea. Other dives of interest include Rocky Beach, and Kamanga Reef. These are two good dive areas for people who prefer dives that are little more shallow to view the underwater reefs.

Visit the Tuna Festival

The tuna festival is usually held in August, and every year it draws dozens of people who enjoy the music, dancing and of course, eating tuna. The festival also has a parade and a beauty pageant.

Relax at the Beach

The beaches at Santos City are a big draw for tourists. The weather is typically mild and dry from November to May. Visit Veteran's Beach, Sarangani Bay, London Beach Resort or Rajah Beach Resort. These beaches are considered to be some of the best that the area has to offer. Santos City Beach is lined with thatched roof huts, interesting for people who enjoy rustic scenery, shunning posh touristy areas.

Visit the Fishport Complex

Watch fishermen haul in their catch at this complex, and be amazed at the size of the tuna. Spend time watching the fishermen carry their fish on their shoulders and transporting their the catch to the busy market area. Get there early in the morning to see the organized chaos and, be sure to bring your camera to capture the experience.

Eat Fish

Although Santos City is known for its exports, you can sit back and enjoy the tuna at its freshest if you visit the area. Local restaurants serve fresh fish throughout the city. Jams Restaurant on Nunez Street has a variety of tuna dishes, including a local grilled tuna dish called Grilled Tuna Jaw. Meals cost under $10 at the restaurant.

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When to Go in General Santos City

What more exciting place is there to plan a vacation than choosing the Philippines, with your destination for a traveling base at General Santos City? When to go and when not to go will most likely be high on your list in making your travel decisions. The idea of coming to this section of the world may bring thoughts of severe tsunamis and monsoon rains. However, the city is below the tropical typhoon belt and the mountain ranges withhold tropical depressions. For the most part, the weather is pleasant year round. The enjoyable weather combined with the tropical location are big factors in attracting visitors.

Summer Season

If you are coming over to General Santos City for a vacation focusing on fun in the sun, this is when you want to visit. Summertime starts in the month of April, with temperatures rising up to about 38 ℃ . The summer season ends around October. The tropical climate makes it great to get the tan that will have your friends jealous. During this period is when the most travelers come, so be aware that it can get slightly congested. Water sports are the most preferred of all activities available in the city. One of the advantages during the summertime is that barely any rainfall occurs. So if your reason for coming here is just to relax and find some sight-seeing for pleasure, the cool winds that blow off the water make the evenings very cozy. You may find that the nice weather gives you the opportunity to try out all the many restaurants here.**

Winter Season**

General Santos City has a distinctive winter season that separates it from the others. The weather at this time still allows you to do a lot of activities with your family or friends. From November to the month of April is when it is coolest. The average is around 30 ℃, but can lower to 26 ℃ . If you like fishing, this would be the opportune time to set out on a boat. The water temperature doesn't change much, so some scuba diving and cliff diving is still going on. The most attractive benefit about the winter months is that the crowds are noticeably smaller.

Contributors February 09, 2010

February 03, 2010