General Santos Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to eat, things to do, and more in General Santos, Philippines. Plan your trip using our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to General Santos

Located in Soccsksargen, Mindanao, Philippines, General Santos is a bustling city known for its rich culture, amazing natural attractions, and warm hospitality. Known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” the city is home to some of the best seafood in the region, making it a haven for foodies. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to visit, things to do, and food to eat in General Santos.

List of Places to Visit in General Santos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mindanao State University General Santos Museum

Located within the Mindanao State University campus, the General Santos Museum houses a collection of archaeological artifacts, musical instruments, and cultural items from the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Visitors can learn about the rich history and traditions of the region through the informative exhibits.

T’boli Settlement

The T’boli Settlement is a living museum that showcases the customs and traditions of the T’boli people, one of the major indigenous groups in Mindanao. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, weaving, and other cultural activities.

Natural Attractions of General Santos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

T’boli Lake

Surrounded by lush green hills, T’boli Lake is a tranquil oasis that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming are available year-round.

Conel River

The Conel River is a popular spot for kayaking and white water rafting. With its calm waters, this river provides easy access to a range of water activities for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of General Santos

Balakayo Nature Trail

The Balakayo Nature Trail is a perfect spot for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail passes through a lush forest with waterfalls and natural swimming pools along the way.

Balut Island

For visitors who want to explore the beauty of General Santos on two wheels, Balut Island is an excellent choice. The island has a well-established network of biking trails that cater to riders of all levels.

Best Things to Do in General Santos: Activities and Tours

Island-Hopping Tour

Take a boat ride to the nearby islands of Sarangani and experience the stunning natural beauty of General Santos. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and beach picnics on the pristine sandy beaches.

Tuna Festival

Held every September, the Tuna Festival is a week-long celebration of the city’s rich fishing heritage. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as tuna-catching competitions, street parties, fireworks, and a display of colorful tuna-themed floats.

Week-Long Itinerary for General Santos

Day 1 Visit Mindanao State University General Santos Museum
Day 2 Explore T’boli Settlement and experience traditional dances
Day 3 Discover the beauty of T’boli Lake
Day 4 White water rafting on the Conel River
Day 5 Hiking on the Balakayo Nature Trail
Day 6 Island-hopping tour
Day 7 Attend the Tuna Festival

Food and Drink Scene of General Santos

Must-Try Dishes

Tuna Sisig

A classic Filipino dish with a twist, Tuna Sisig is made with fresh tuna fillet mixed with onions, chili pepper, and calamansi juice. This dish perfectly captures the essence of the city’s rich fishing heritage.

Kinilaw na Tuna

Kinilaw na Tuna is a local delicacy in General Santos. It’s made with fresh, raw tuna marinated in vinegar, onions, tomato, and ginger. The dish is often served with cucumber and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly) on the side.

Local Beverages

Barako Coffee

Barako Coffee is a popular drink in General Santos. Made from the local robusta coffee bean, this rich and bold brew is perfect for jump-starting your day.

Tuba

Tuba is a fermented coconut drink that is popular in many parts of the Philippines. It’s a slightly sweet, slightly sour drink with a distinctive flavor that’s perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.

Where to Stay in General Santos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Microtel by Wyndham General Santos

Located in the heart of General Santos, Microtel by Wyndham provides guests with clean, modern rooms and excellent amenities. The hotel staff is friendly and accommodating, making it a great choice for travelers who want to experience the city’s warm hospitality.

Greenleaf Hotel Gensan

For travelers looking for a more luxurious experience, Greenleaf Hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a top-notch restaurant. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of many of the city’s sights and attractions.

What to Buy in General Santos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tuna

As the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos has a reputation for producing some of the best tuna in the world. Visitors can bring home fresh tuna, canned tuna, or even tuna jerky as a tasty and unique souvenir.

Handwoven Textiles

The T’boli people are famous for their intricate weaving techniques. Visitors can purchase beautiful handwoven textiles, such as blankets and clothing, as a unique and meaningful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of General Santos

The people of General Santos are warm and friendly, with a deep appreciation for their rich cultural heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, such as removing shoes before entering someone’s home, and wearing conservative clothing when visiting cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit General Santos

The best time to visit General Santos is from December to May, when the weather is dry and comfortable. The Tuna Festival is held in September, making it a great time to visit the city and experience its vibrant culture.

Do’s and Don’ts of General Santos

Do:

  • Do try the local food, especially the fresh tuna dishes.
  • Do be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
  • Do learn a few words in the local language, such as “Salamat” (thank you) and “Magandang araw” (good day).

Don’t:

  • Don’t wear revealing clothing when visiting cultural sites.
  • Don’t take photos without asking for permission, especially of people or religious sites.
  • Don’t be disrespectful of the local customs and beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in General Santos

General Santos is a relatively safe city, but visitors should always take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of petty theft or scams. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in General Santos

Visitors should be up to date on all routine vaccinations before traveling to General Santos. It’s also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Getting to General Santos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near General Santos

The General Santos International Airport is located just 24 kilometers from the city center. Several airlines offer daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu.

Bus Stations Near General Santos

Several bus companies offer daily trips to and from General Santos. The city’s major bus terminal is located in Bulaong, just a few kilometers from the city center.

Other Options

Taxis and jeepneys are the most common forms of transportation in General Santos. Motorcycle rentals are also available for travelers who want to explore the city on their own.

How to Get Around in General Santos

The most convenient way to get around General Santos is by taxi. Jeepneys and tricycles are also available, but can be crowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.

Where to Go Next from General Santos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lake Sebu

Located just a few hours from General Santos, Lake Sebu is a beautiful destination that’s known for its tranquil lake, waterfalls, and T’boli culture.

Sarangani Islands

The Sarangani Islands are a group of beautiful islands just off the coast of General Santos. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping.

Conclusion

General Santos is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. With its amazing natural attractions, rich history and traditions, and warm hospitality, General Santos is truly a destination worth exploring. We hope our comprehensive travel guide has provided you with inspiration and valuable information to plan your next trip to this amazing city.