Beyond the Golden Capitol: Why Sultan Kudarat Should Be Your Next Trip
If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’ve likely seen that building. A massive, glittering gold dome that looks like it belongs in the United Arab Emirates or a scene from Aladdin.
But it’s not in the Middle East. It’s in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
For years, travelers skipped this province, heading straight to more famous neighbors like Davao or South Cotabato. But the secret is out. Sultan Kudarat is having a massive viral moment, and for good reason—it is majestic, surprisingly affordable, and visually unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.
Whether you are chasing "aesthetic" photos or genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your complete guide to exploring the Golden South.
The Weekend Itinerary
This itinerary assumes you are arriving on a Saturday morning and leaving Sunday afternoon. It is paced to give you the best lighting for photos and the best timing for nature viewing.
Day 1: The Golden Hour and The Birds
08:00 AM: Arrival in Tacurong City or Isulan (via GenSan or Cotabato City). Check-in at your hotel to drop bags.
10:00 AM: Brunch at a Local Cafe. Tacurong has a surprisingly vibrant cafe culture. Try Abrazo Rustico or look for local marang/durian stalls if they are in season.
01:00 PM: Travel to Isulan. Take a tricycle or multicab to the capital town.
02:00 PM: Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol.
Note: You can explore the grounds for free. If it is a weekday, you may be able to enter the lobby to see the grand interiors.
Spend time walking the manicured grounds. The sheer scale of the white and gold architecture against a blue sky is breathtaking.
04:00 PM: Head to Baras Bird Sanctuary (Tacurong).
Timing is everything here. You want to arrive late afternoon.
05:00 PM: The Great Migration.
Watch as 20,000+ herons and egrets return to the sanctuary for the night. The noise is deafening, and the sight of thousands of white birds filling the sky is a National Geographic moment.
07:00 PM: Dinner in Tacurong City. Head to the night market or a local grill for barbecue and pastil.
Day 2: Sea of Clouds and Scenic Ridges
05:00 AM: Depart for La Palmera Mountain Ridge (Columbio).
Travel Tip: You will likely need to hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or have a private 4x4 vehicle. The roads can be steep and rough.
06:30 AM: Arrival at La Palmera.
Witness the "Sea of Clouds" if the weather cooperates. Even without the clouds, the view of the rolling green ridges is distinct—often compared to New Zealand or Scotland, but with tropical palms.
Enjoy a hot native coffee at the ridge-side stalls.
09:00 AM: Side Trip to Pangadilan Falls.
If you have extra energy, ask your guide to take you to this nearby waterfall for a refreshing dip.
12:00 PM: Lunch and Departure.
Head back to town, grab a final meal, and catch your bus/van back to the airport.
The "Aesthetic" Checklist
To make your content pop, here are the specific shots you need:
The Wes Anderson Shot: Stand dead center in front of the Provincial Capitol. The symmetry is perfect.
The "Royal" Walk: Use the slow-mo feature while walking up the Capitol stairs. Wear white or deep red to contrast with the gold.
The Moody Ridge: At La Palmera, shoot video in landscape mode to capture the vastness of the hills. Use "Cinematic Mode" if you have an iPhone.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Sultan Kudarat is simple, clean, and affordable. Don't expect 5-star luxury chains; expect warm local hospitality.
Sodela Events Place and Inn (Tacurong): widely considered the best option in the area. It’s clean, modern, and has a pool.
Woodland Tourist Inn (Tacurong): A reliable budget option for backpackers.
Residencia Helen (Isulan): If you want to stay closer to the Capitol.
How to Get There
The province doesn't have its own commercial airport, so you will fly into a neighboring city.
Option A: Via General Santos City (GenSan)
Fly to: GenSan International Airport (GES).
Land Travel: Go to Bulaong Terminal. Take a bus (Yellow Bus Line or Husky) or Van to Tacurong City.
Time: Approx. 2 to 3 hours.
Option B: Via Cotabato City
Fly to: Awang Airport (CBO).
Land Travel: Take a husky bus or van heading to Isulan.
Time: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.
Practical Travel Tips
Bring Cash: While some hotels accept GCash, most trikes, entrance fees (La Palmera is ₱50, Bird Sanctuary is ₱20), and small eateries are cash-only.
Dress Modestly: Sultan Kudarat has a significant Muslim population. While crop tops are fine in resorts, it is respectful to dress modestly when visiting the Capitol or walking around the town proper.
Respect the Heat: It gets hot in the valley. The marble at the Capitol reflects sunlight. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Signal is Decent: Smart and Globe generally have good 4G/5G coverage in the city centers, but it may be spotty up in La Palmera.
Ready to book?
Sultan Kudarat is one of those rare places that looks even better in person than it does online. If you are looking for a weekend trip that is affordable, culturally rich, and visually stunning, this is it.