Lake Sebu – One-Armed Wanderer

Food
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- Solo Travels
- South Cotabato

Bob Nowong, A Must Visit Restaurant in Lake Sebu

Posted on February 28, 2016September 25, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

When I asked my new-found Tboli friends where’s the best place to eat in Lake Sebu, they immediately suggested Bob Nowong.

Located in Purok Rosas and just few minutes habal-habal ride from Lake Sebu landmark, Bob Nowong is undoubtedly the most popular restaurant in Lake Sebu. Unlike dining in various Lake Sebu resorts, this restaurant is unique as it is the only Lake Sebu dining destination in a non resort setting.

“Bob” in Tboli means “pond” and Nowong is from the word “Owong” which means a traditional Tboli boat.

I was surprised to see the restaurant’s entrance. I did not actually expect that there is such restaurant in Lake Sebu. The ambiance reminds me of high-end restos in Tagaytay.

restaurant south cotabato — The high-end feel in Bob Nowong

The restaurant has 2 floors. There is a mini recreational area in the first floor where guests can play billiards and darts while enjoying beer or coffee. Since we came there a bit late, I was unable to take photos of Bob Nowong’s ground floor.

On the second floor, we were welcomed by the friendly and accommodating staff.

I was amazed by the overall look of the restaurant. Who would have thought that there is an expensive looking restaurant right in the middle of the laid back Lake Sebu?

Apart from the beautifully arranged fixtures, this restaurant also has a garden area. Again, I’m guilty of not being able to take photos of the garden.

with Ms.Anne Bob Nowing owner — From left: Ms.Ann (Bob Nowong owner), Larry, Maricel

My new found Tboli friends Larry and Maricel know the owner of Bob Nowong. Maricel requested if we can dine in the more private and romantic garden area. The very welcoming and kind Ms.Anne did not hesitate and she immediately had our table set-up in the garden.

Bob Nowong food — Our dinner (Just ignore the “More” cigarette pack, there are no Marlboros in Lake Sebu sari-sari stores lol)

We ordered Chicharon Tilapia (240 Php), Crispy Pata (390 Php), Sizzling Squid(190 Php), Yangchao rice platter (120 Php), Passion fruit calamsi juice (40 Php each) and Bob Nowong’s signature desert (50 Php).

When the waitress started serving our orders, I was totally surprised by the generous amount of serving! One dish is actually good for 4 persons.

I should say that Bob Nowong’s foods are delicious! It was actually my first time to eat chicharon Tilapia and fell in love with it! Bob Nowong’s high-end ambiance matches the quality of the food it offers.

Bob Nowong Menu

Overall, Bob Nowong is truly a must visit restaurant in Lake Sebu. At night, it has this cozy and romantic feel that no other Lake Sebu resort-restos can offer. With their generous servings, this restaurant’s delicious and quality foods are reasonably priced. And not to mention, customer service is superb too!

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Solo Travels
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- South Cotabato

Lake Sebu Resorts and Accommodations

Posted on February 27, 2016June 29, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Tboli accommodation at Mountail log lake sebu

If you are planning to visit the municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, there are actually 11 Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations you can choose from.

11 Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations:

1. Punta Isla Lake Resort

This is probably the most popular resort in Lake Sebu. According to T’boli locals, this resort offers the best view of the lake and is the most beautiful among all the resorts in Lake Sebu.

Best resort in Lake Sebu — Entrance of Punta Isla Lake Resort

Unfortunately, Punta Isla was fully booked when I visited Lake Sebu (Too bad I did not reserve ahead of time). I asked the reception if I can walk around the resort instead. With a minimal fee of 30Php, I was able to have a quick day tour inside Punta Isla.

The room rate for a matrimonial room is 1,500 Php.

Reasons to stay here: Beautiful view of the lake, cultural presentations for the guests

Punta Isla Resort Online booking here.

2. Mountain Lake Eco Resort

Among the four resorts I’ve visited , this is the farthest and most secluded resort in Lake Sebu. It is also the biggest Lake Sebu resort in terms of land area.

mountain lake eco resort lake sebu south cotabato

View from mountain log resort lake sebu — View of the lake from a Tboli accommodation in Mountain Lake Eco Resort

Reasons to stay here: Experience staying in a T’boli house accommodation. The resort is spacious.

Mountain Lake Eco Resort rooms and rates:

Family Villa (3 pax) – 1,200 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

Twin bed villa (2 pax) – 1,000 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

King size bed villa (2 pax) – 800 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

family room (6 pax) – 1,500 Php

Twin bed room (2 pax) – 900 Php

King size bed room (2 pax) – 700 Php

Gono Tboli room (7 pax) – 1,600 Php

Mountain Lake Eco Resort contact numbers
+63 9173113071, +63 9189622209

3. Mountain Log Resort

Since Punta Isla was fully booked, I just asked the habal-habal driver to take me to the nearest resort. Few meters away from Punta Isla is the Mountain Log Resort.

According to the locals, if you want to simply relax and enjoy nature, Mountain Log Resort is the best choice in Lake Sebu. Unlike the popular resorts such as Punta Isla and Montain Lake Eco, Mountain Log resort is simple, quiet and do not get too crowded during peak season.

mountain log resort in lake sebu — Room accommodation in Mountain Log Resort

Lake Sebu view from Mountain Lake resort — View of Lake Sebu on one side of Mountain Log Resort

Reasons to stay here: cheap room rates, quiet surroundings

Mountain Log Resort rooms and rates:

Ordinary room (2 pax) – 750 Php

Standard room (2 pax) – 1,000 Php – comes with hot and cold shower

Room with terrace (2 pax) – 1,200 Php

2 double deck room (4 pax) – 950 Php

Mountain Log Resort contact number

+63 9266295640

4. Sunrise Garden Lake Resort

Among the resorts I’ve visited. Sunrise Lake is the only resort with a swimming pool. This Lake Sebu resort has a modern feel. Perhaps due to the all concrete rooms they have.

Lake sebu accommodation with pool — Swimming pool at Sunrise Garden Lake Resort

Lake Sebu resorts — Dine in cottages facing the lake

Reasons to stay here: You get to dine in a cottage that is very near to the lake. You get to see locals in owong boats while dining. Food is good too!

Sunrise Resort rooms and rates:

Matrimonial – 800 Php

Standard (4 pax) – 950 Php

Superior (4 pax) – 1,650 Php – airconditioned and comes with 2 complimentary breakfast, hot and cold shower

Family (6 to 8 pax) – 1,800 Php

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort Online booking here.

Sunrise Garden Lake Resort contact number

+63 9175567763

Below are the rest of Lake Sebu resorts and accommodations:

5. Lemobung Lodge/Resto

6. Monte Cielo

7. Merl Garden Spring Resort

8. Dolores Lake Resort – Online booking here

9. Tolento Lodge and Restaurant

10. El Galong Resort – Online booking here.

11. Nadines

If you are visiting Lake Sebu, do not expect posh hotels with high end facilities. This definitely sets Lake Sebu apart from any other summer destinations in the Philippines. In Lake Sebu, you get up close to nature and experience the rich culture and heritage of the Tboli tribe.

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Solo Travels
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- South Cotabato

How to Get to Lake Sebu from Manila, Davao or Gen San

Posted on February 27, 2016March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Lake Sebu is pegged as South Cotabato’s summer and eco-cultural center. If you are planning to visit this beautiful and unique South cotabato municipality, here is the quick guide on how to get to get there:

The nearest airport going to Lake Sebu is General Santos city airport. Flight from Manila to General Santos city is approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you may also take a Davao flight from Manila with an approximate travel time of 1 hour and 35 minutes.

If you are coming from General Santos city airport, skip step number 1.

1. Davao airport to Koronadal, South Cotabato

Davao airport philippines — Davao International Airport

From Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International airport, take a cab to Ecoland bus terminal. Cab fare is approximately 200 Php to 250 Php and travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

ecoland bus terminal in davao — Ecoland Bus Terminal, Davao City

Once you reach the Ecoland bus terminal, there are a number of bus classes going to General Santos City. If you want to save time, executive buses can take you to General Santos in 2.5 hours. These buses come with toilet, free wifi and do not have any stopovers. Executive bus fare is 300 Php. Alternatively, you can take other buses with cheaper fares but they stops more often and will approximately bring you to General Santos city in 3 to 4 hours.

2. Geneneral Santos to Koronadal, South Cotabato

General santos City bus terminal to Koronadal — Eusebio Bulaong Public Terminal, General Santos City

The bus from Davao to Gen San will drop you off at Eusebio Bulaong public terminal. From there, take a bus to Koronadal, South Cotabato. Bus fare is 90 Php and travel time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

If you are coming from General Santos airport, head to Eusebio Bulaong bus terminal.

3. Koronadal to Lake Sebu

The bus from Gen San will drop you off at Koronadal City bus terminal. From there, just walk few meters to Denmark terminal and hop to a van going to Lake Sebu. Van costs 80 Php and travel time is approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

The van will pass Surallah, South Cotabato’s agri-industrial municipality.

The van will drop you off at Lake Sebu’s landmark. From there, a number of habal habal are waiting to drive you to any part of Lake Sebu.

On the van going to Lake Sebu, I was lucky to get to know these very friendly, welcoming and accommodating Lake Sebu Locals (Gretchelle, Larry and Maricel) which also happen to be members of the rich in culture T’boli tribe.

Given that you have taken non-stop buses, the total travel time from Davao is approximately 4.5 hours to 5.5 hours. Total fare would be 720 Php.

If you are traveling from General Santos City, travel time is approximately 2.5 hours to 3 hours. Total fare is 180 Php.

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