Land Trip to Kidapawan, Cotabato

[Gen1]

Mag marlboro adventure ako, manila to cotabato. Mga brad, ano kaya ang pinakamagandang ruta na hindi ako ma-ambus.

naka drive na ako hangang liloan sa southern leyte at balak ko sanang mag ferry liloan-surigao. patulong naman sa ruta.

TY.

[vhenok]

Been driving in Mindanao a couple of years back and been into different cities. Road conditions are very good, except of course sa mga mountainous area.

Let me think...so your jump-off point is from Surigao.

Find your way going to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte)
Travel time: 3-4 hours
Watch out for some unfinished/unpaved roads

From here...you need to get to Davao City

I can think of a couple of options:

OPTION 1: Butuan-Gingoog-Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay(Bukidnon)-Davao Route

Travel time: total of 6-8 hours (approx.)

This is a good road and if you're looking for a scenic view, I suggest this route. Do expect a panoramic view and driving pleasure along the coast between Butuan and Gingoog and the view stretches until you reach Cagayan de Oro City. On the way you can see on the other side is the island of Camiguin. Expect some mountainous ascends and descends especially between Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay (Bukidnon). You'll be passing by Manolo Fortich (home of the offroading competitions in the south). If you had driven in Bitukang Manok (Quezon), this place would be familiar though the curves are far more lenghty and treachy. Malaybalay is a city on top of the mountain then on your down you'll be passing by Valencia City and towns of Quezon. As you ascend again you'll find that there are unpaved but flat roads. Then later on you'll be seeing signs that says "Welcome to Davao City". Don't be fooled by this as to let you know, Davao is the biggest city in terms of land area in the world. So, from this sign it will take you about a couple of hours more before reaching city proper.

OPTION 2: Butuan-Prosperidad-Tagum-Panabo-Davao City ROute
Travel Time: 8-10 hours (Approx.)

If you would base from the map, total distance using this option is considerably shorter but it is in fact hard to traverse. Brace yourself for some unfinished roads (terrible) especially between Butuan-Prosperidad-San Francisco. just expect driving in rough roads for about 3 hours. You'll see signs of hope when you reach the Agusan-Davao border as roads for this areas are very well paved, well signed and quite wider.

And when you're in Davao, you'll have other options as well.

OPTION 1: Davao-Kidapawan via Digos-Gen. Santos

[vhenok]

Just to continue (sorry po naputol)

OPTION 1: Davao-Kidapawan via Digos-Gen. Santos-Koronadal

Travel Time: 3-4 hours

Total flat out roads and a few driving along the coast of Davao Gulf. You'll encounter treacherous climbs ala-Baguio on the approach to Gen. Santos and upon descend you'll be on your way to Koronadal.

OPTION 2: Davao-Kidapawan via Tacurong
Travel Time: 2-3 hours

A shorter route but a mountainous area as you'll find yourself within the foot of Mount Apo.

Again, these are all suggestions as there are other routes (perhaps) to choose from but base from my experience, these are the safest. Road conditions I have mentioned here are all couple of years back, some may have been repaired and some could have worsened.

Just a couple of question though? What ride will you be bringing? And what time (summer or now na)?

TIPS/ADVISORIES.
1. Be sure to check your ride conditions. Bring all your tools especially spares (bulbs, fuse,etc and of course, tire). I suggest, if your ride is big enough to accomodate, better have a couple of spare tires. As you can see, you'll find yourself most of the time in rural areas where services would be scarce if not available.
2. Check on local weather as this would greatly affect your travel time.
3. Never drive at night. If its already late afternoon and you're in a city, I suggest you should spend the night there. Some areas are not clearly signed and you can have direction problems.

Driving in Mindanao is really an awesome experience. I've done it for over a year and I didn't encounter any hassles nor problems, thank God! Don't be shocked if you encounter some military checkpoints (in full battle gear plus tanks and canons) but they are courteous enough. I may also add that you should bring proper IDs and your vehicle's regs and papers. This would wipeout suspicions if you encounter such. But don't be afraid, people in Mindanao are friendly and disciplined. If you would ask me to choose between walking in Recto/Quiapo and in Mindanao, I would prefer the latter.

Again, just my opinion!

[Gen1]

maraming salamat vhenok!

malamang gamitin ko yung option 1, Butuan-Gingoog-Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay(Bukidnon)-Davao Route.

gagamitin kong ride pajero gen1, bagong recondition ko. baka mid january ako umalis. so mga two days din pala aabutin yung trip.

abot pa sana ako ng durian season. balita ko P20 per kilo lang duon.

[vhenok]

Good luck on your Roadtrip bro!

Mid-Jan is good. Btw, tiga-Kidapawan ka ba?

Yan din ang na-miss ko, the durian. Smells awful but tastes great. Try mo din Durian-flavored Magnolia Ice Cream, you can't find that anywhere else in the archipelago. Grabe sarap, pinag-aagawan pa nga yan kaya madalas nauubos sa suking snack house. Must try also kilawing bariles (tuna)....basta try mo lahat seafoods dun. Sure ka namang fresh lahat yun...and mura pa.

Anyways, balitaan mo na lang me....

[pparado]

WOW! Gen1, yan din sana ang gusto kong gawin....at Gen1 din ang plano kong gamitin!

Hindi nga lang ako familiar sa south ...pinakamalayong narating ko sa south ay Batangas (hehehehe)

vhenok:

How do you get across the islands? For example in Luzon, pag umabot ka na sa dulo ng Luzon...how do you get to the next island? RORO?

Do you think, taking the family along can be adviseable? Safe kaya? Sightseeing din kasi yan e...I have always wanted to see Davao...

Salamat po! Is the May-July season inadvisable to undertake this road trip?

[vhenok]

pparado:
Of course, wala nang mas sasaya pa kapag kasama ko family. It's safe naman, yun nga lang I only drive during daytime whenever I go sa unfamiliar areas. This is the ultimate drive of a lifetime. Dala ka ng cam/pic to document this once in a lifetime journey, who knows baka matagal pa maulit.

Hhhmmm....May-July I think is medyo alanganin considering onset na ng rainy season, you might not want to get caught flooded in an unfamiliar town, or mud stuck somewhere, or maybe delayed ferry services due to bad weather. If you can do it much earlier the better or better yet to pray for a good weather.

If you're starting from Manila....
Go on your way to the southernmost end of the Island of Luzon, it is in Matnog, Sorsogon Province (Bicol Region). You'll see an arch in the pier that says "YOU ARE LEAVING THE ISLAND OF LUZON".

Island hopping is very possible coz marami naman ferry services to accomodate any vehicles kaya no problem. RORO is an option pero what I know is malalayo na yung gap between piers of stop so you would missed out the adventure of driving on other places...eh di sulitin mo na, sayang di ba?

In my next post I will give infos/tips getting there...

[pparado]

Thank you very much for your reply...at aabangan ko yung mga tips mo!

"Island hopping is very possible coz marami naman ferry services to accomodate any vehicles kaya no problem. RORO is an option pero what I know is malalayo na yung gap between piers of stop so you would missed out the adventure of driving on other places...eh di sulitin mo na, sayang di ba?"
-You mean, hindi lang pala RORO ang availability ng transferring vehicles between islands? And the ferry services you mentioned are plenty? and safer? and numerous? tama bang sabihin na: if I want to maximize the adventure...maraming ferry services (not RORO w/c is government) that will take vehicles across islands? hindi lang RORO pala?

*sencia na...kulit ko no?

"If you're starting from Manila....
Go on your way to the southernmost end of the Island of Luzon, it is in Matnog, Sorsogon Province (Bicol Region). You'll see an arch in the pier that says "YOU ARE LEAVING THE ISLAND OF LUZON"."
-basta drive lang ako ng drive? past batangas....etc...hanggang marating ko yang sign na yan? Will I need to spend the night anywhere between Manila and Matnog? (kasi day driving nga is safer)

TY again...

[Gen1]

vhenok:
hindi ako taga kidapawan. ma-assign lang ako ng mga three months. hindi na kasi ako sanay mag-public, kailangan laging may sariling auto.

ganda sana mag-organize ng trip with tsikoteers ikutin lahat ng major islands ng 'pinas. 'gawin natin with dept of tourism and sponsored by a fuel company like say shell.

[Gen1]

pparado:

kaya ng 10-12 hours ang trip to legaspi city which is a short detour on the way to matnog. legaspi to matnog, mga 3-4 hours. kung alis ka ng mga 6am, andoon ka before sunset. magayon hotel mga P200 pero common bathroom. ok na yun kung koboy ka, safe naman.

yung ibang hotels mga 1,000-1,200 per night, inclusive of breakfast.

[vhenok]

Getting there you'll be passing by these provinces with towns in order....here goes, basta write ko lang here yung mga major cities/towns na madadaanan.

Syempre, exit ka dulo ng SLEX:

1. LAGUNA/BATANGAS (Sto. Tomas - Alaminos - San Pablo)
Approx. Distance from 1st to last town: 40 kms.

This road medyo congested kasi nga lapit pa sa Metro Manila. Very good roads on this section though as you go further medyo masikip na. Watch out sa mga ogags na dyipni drivers na basta na lang in/out ng lane para magbaba/magsakay. In San Pablo, may mga one-way streets sa City proper na di well-signed kaya nakakalito.

2. QUEZON
(Tiaong-Candelaria-Sariaya-Lucena)
Approx. Distance: 34 kms.

The road is straight and in good condition. You can see Mt. Banahaw on the background during this traverse. After Sariaya town, about 7 kms., you should expect a bypass road to which you should take para di ka na mapunta sa bayan. Believe me, its hell getting inside Lucena, dami tricycles, one-way lanes, pedestrians. So better watch out to avoid the Poblacion area.

(Lucena-Pagbilao-Atimonan-Plaridel-Gumaca-Lopez-Calauag)
Approx. Distance: 110 kms.

Expect narrow streets, one-ways and lack of signage in Pagbilao. There's a sign that says alternative route before reaching Atimonan, its the Quezon National Park. I suggest taking this road as the view is more scenic characterized by the long Zigzag Roads. The rest of the sections are hilly. When you're in Pagbilao pansinin mo the sea is in your right pero pagdating ng Atimonan asa left na siya. Nope, di ka na-engkanto or what, its just that you reached the narrowest portion of Luzon as the road passes diagonally from south to north coast. Road improves in Atimonan and a coastal drive along the edge of the shoreline makes it an absolute pleasure. There's a far more scenic view of the sea after passing Plaridel proper, you'll know when you're there when happen to see a large fish statue on your left. I suggest stopping at this point and take advantage of the view and of course, the clean cool sea breeze. In Gumaca, may masarap na stopover, try Bulwagang Salakot Resto, its near the Shell Station on your right. Sarap foods nila, mura and malinis pa yung place. Dami nga autographed pics ng mga sikat na personalities ang kumain na dun. Calauag is the last town in Quezon and expect lots of buses/jeeps waiting for passenger as you are about to enter Bicol Region. I suggest taking a longer rest, check your ride and make wiwi as the next towns is medyo rural na.

Bicol Region

3. CAMARINES NORTE/CAMARINES SUR
(Santa Elena-Tagkawayan-Del Gallegos-Ragay-Sipocot-Pamplona-San Fernando-Milaor-Naga)
Approx. Distance: 150 kms.

After Calauag in Quezon, expect some hilly ups and downs road. There's a major diversion road which is Quirino Hiway before reaching Santa Elena, this will save you about a couple hours travel time as you will not be passing Daet and the Old Hiway anymore. This is a relatively new alternative road. WARNING: THE SIGN ON THIS ROAD IS VERY CONFUSING. It says straight ahead to Naga/Legaspi and on the right indicates the way to Tagkawayan (Quezon). IT NEGLECT TO INFORM MOTORIST THAT ON THE RIGHT IS THE QUIRINO HIWAY, the shortcut going to Naga/Legaspi. Please watchout for this coz I fell victim on this before. Be very careful at QUIRINO HIWAY coz marami na nangyari accidents dito like buses falling into the ravines and some other like yung nagyari kay Halina Perez, it was on this Hiway. Drive carefully as there are many potholes which were caused by large trucks using this road kaya nasira agad, dati daw kasi banned ang mga trucks sa Quirino Hiway pero sometime 2001 pinayagan na kaya yun, yari lang kasi sa asphalt....Del Gallegos is the first town in Camarines Sur, you will notice this as you can see an arch welcoming you to the province. Here, medyo improve na konti yung road coz concrete na sya though medyo bumpy. There's a large bus stop and small gas station in Ragay and the road gets hilly as you approach Sipocot. Quirino Hiway ends here and you are now back on the old Hiway. Medyo may konting traffic here coz this a major junction. The road is very excellent, as in sarap mag-drive, as you go towards Naga. This is a major city and expect a moderate traffic here.

(Naga-Pili-Baao-Nabua-Bato)
Approx Dist: 40 kms.

Going to Pili, the road medyo deteriorates and expect heavy traffic sa city proper. In Baao town, you can take the Nabua road. You don't have to go to Iriga City. Same road conditions until you reach the Albay province border.

4. ALBAY (Libon-Polangui-Oas-Ligao-Guinobatan-Camalig-Daraga)
Approx Dist: 50 kms.

Excellent road conditions when you reach Albay. Lahat ng towns ay may bypass road kaya medyo na-lessen yung traffic. Expect flat roads and more scenic views. Enjoy the view of Mt. Mayon and you can enjoy this more by stopping by at Cagsawa Ruins after Camalig. It is actually on your left, though medyo maliit lang yung sign and yung street. It's about 2 minutes drive from the Hiway. Enjoy the view and the delicacies. May magandang kainan din dito just outside the park wherein yung fish mo ay kukunin straight from the pond bahay-kubo style ng mga mesa nila. Try nyo din native foods nila like laing and pinangat, and syempre Bicol Express and you'll love it.
Sabi ng mga folks doon, very rare lang daw makita ang tuktok ng Mayon coz its usually covered ng clouds kaya bibihira nakaka-take advantage na kumuha ng pics of MAyon on a clear day. Me, medyo sinuwerte coz I shoot the cone on a perfect day. In Daraga, you'll see on your left is going to Legaspi but you don't need to go there, unless you really wanted to. Instead, take the road on your right going to Sorsogon Province.

5. Sorsogon (Castilla-Sorsogon City-Casiguran-Juban-Irosin-Matnog Ferry Terminal)
Approx Dist: 110 kms.

First part of the road medyo hilly and generally poor pero okay lang coz may mga malalaking trees along the road. Before reaching Sorsogon City, enjoy the fantastic view of the bay on your right. Traffic is good here coz very small lang ang city. Medyo improve road dito onto Casiguran pero medyo masama pagdating sa Juban. Expect mountainous road on the town of Irosin. Drive straight hanggang maubos yung daan, as in literally, coz yung end ng road in Matnog is yung Ferry Terminal. Basta diretso lang kahit di mo na hanapin yung pier. This is your gateway to the Visayas.

[wildthing]

Gen 1,

I use to drive Cagayan de Oro to Davao then to Gen San...my personal experience was...we left CDO 6am reached Valencia around 7:30 (had a 15 min breakfast at Jolibee), reached Davao around 11am - that is already at least 5 hrs.

Mind you I was maintaining about 80-120kph whenever possible.

Road to Davao (via Buda) you will need to turn left to the road to Quezon (Bukidnon) from Valencia...if you go straight (about 70-100km na lang yata) you'll reach Kidapawan faster but this is via North Cotabato. You would be passing an ARMM area (10-15km lang naman)....but this is route is NOT RECOMMENDED to people not familiar with the "practices" in the ARMM area.

Mas recommended yung Butuan-CDO-Malabalay-Valencia-Quezon-Davao City-Digos-Kidapawan route

[vhenok]

Matnog allows easy access for vehicles coming from Luzon to Samar/Leyte (Visayas) by using inter-island ferry services noon pa, way before na-introduce ang RORO. Marami dun mga shipping lines to accomodate you. You need to pay about P600 for this ferry, don't know lang kung how much na ngayon. Advise ko lang to have yung OR/CR ng ride to get xeroxed (the more the merrier) coz kukunin nila copy nito pati na rin xerox ng license mo. You'll be docking off at Allen, Northern Samar.

The ferry trip takes about an hour, maganda din facilities ng barko like aircon and entertainment kaya comfortable ka din, sarap pahinga kaya lang you might miss the views like yung mga small islands with white sands. Kita mo din dito Bulusan Volcano.

VISAYAS

1. SAMAR (Allen-Victoria-San Isidro-Calbayog-Santa Margarita-San Jorge-Catbalogan-Jiabong-Motiong-Wright-Buray-Hinabangan-Calbiga-San Juanico Bridge)
Approx Dist: 230 kms.

The road from Allen to Calbayog is the most scenic coastal road I had driven. Ganda view dito kaya pleasurable mag-drive. Okay naman road condition and well signed ang mga directions pati na rin mga kilometer posts. Medyo di maganda road when you reach San Isidro. Next city is Calbayog which is about 60km pa from San Isidro but you won't get bored sa ganda talaga ng views. Traffic is easy as you approach the city, bad trip lang talaga dami tricycles and even pedicabs dun. The road to Catbalogan is sadly medyo mahirap coz of may mga rough roads. You need plenty of skills, patience and luck. In Catbalogan, medyo masikip na yung daan and grabe dami ng tricycle/pedicabs. The most terrible road is the section after Calbiga, as in worse talaga, stretch of rough and muddy road. Dito medyo madalang na ang mga private vehicles, puro buses and jeeps lang na puno ng pasahero hanggang bubong.

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE - 2 kilometer bridge that connects Samar and Leyte.

2. LEYTE (San Juanico Bridge-Tacloban-Palo-Tanauan-Tolosa-Dulag-Mayorga-MacArthur-Abuyog-Mahaplag-Sogod-Libagon-Liloan)
Approx Dist: 140 kms.

Roads here are in good condition especially in Palo where you can wide (4-lanes) road. Must see here MacArthur Shrine at Red Beach. After Abuyog expect mountainous areas and rough roads, and according to locals, madalas daw mag-landslides lalo pag tag-ulan. Medyo interesting din mga views dito. This leads to Liloan, ferry port going to Mindanao.

Ferry service takes about 3 hours from Liloan to Surigao City...your gateway to Mindanao.

And from here you can take my earlier posts....

[vhenok]

I was in Media Research kasi before kaya medyo gala ako. It usually takes me 2-3 days in between cities before heading to the next. It's really a pleasure and worthy enough to drive around the archipelago. Dami talaga gandang spots that have yet to discover. Of course, dami din friends na-meet along da way.

Sarap nga ulitin pero malabo na yata, iba na kasi line of work ko ngayon.

It would be great nga sana to organize an event like this with the participants and sponsors. Possible kaya to?

Anyways, Gen1 and pparado, Good Luck and Hapi Motoring ika nga ni Mang Butch and Mang Pocholo. Just dont forget to share your experience in this thread once na tinahak nyo na ang landas na ito.

Share ko pa sana Manila-Vigan-Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud-Tuguegarao-Manila trip ko pero siguro later na lang pag may nag-post ng New Thread like "Land trip to Ilocos Norte or Cagayan"....he he

See you around!

[Gen1]

pucha vhenok ikaw ang masarap kasama sa land trip . alam na alam yung mga daan. madalas ako sa bicol dati, pero di ko ganyan ka-alam yung mga bayan na dinadaanan. basta ang hindi ko malimutan lagi akong muntik maubusan ng crudo sa Quirino Highway na yan, andalang ng gasolinahan.

convoy-tour natin minsan ang dulo-dulo ng 'pinas, tapos gawa tayo ng cofeetable book, he,he.

wildthing, may advantage ba yung rutang davao-kidapawan via gen san? balak ko talagang magpunta sa gen san, pero pag settled na ako sa kidapawan. pero kung ok ang rutang via gen san, daanan ko na rin. mura daw ang sashimi dyan sa gen san, adik din kasi ako sa hilaw na yellow fin.

[pparado]

WOW!!! vhenok! HANEP! I will definitely keep a copy of this when I do the road trip with my family...in-depth and informative!

The convoy would really be a nice idea....if it can be organized, and I am available...sasama talaga ako!

Another additional query: saan ka tumutuloy when you stop at the different cities? I may not be at par with your driving skills, so my time travel may be slower/longer...so baka abutin ako ng dilim in some city along the way...I may not know where exactly. But any tips from you will be held in high esteem.

Yung mga recommendations mo ng places to eat...EXCELLENT! Just the kind of places I wanna stop and have a break in. Also to be able to take full advantage of the novelty of the locals....

I have done Manila-Baguio-La Union-Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpud-Baguio already...kaya south naman ang pinaplano ko....I also wanna go to Sagada and Bontoc and Banaue. vhenok: baka alam mo rin yung route na yun?

Cheers!

[jojo_mouth2]

you can also try surigao-tandag-prosperidad, then davao. thats via the surfing beaches of carmen-lanuza. but expect a nice paved road hehehe.

[vhenok]

Sir Gen1:
If I have d time, why not? I really love travelling lalo kasama family and friends. Peste talaga diyan sa Quirino Hiway, alanganin kasi kaya my advise if you're going to Bicol, sa Calauag, Quezon pa lang eh full tank na ulit saka refresh ng radiator. Pabalik Manila ay sa Naga naman, pero yung Shell Station sa Ragay (tabi ng Raymund Bus Line along d hiway) is very useful for quick checkups.

Oo nga no? Why not organize something like this ang tsikot, what do u think? Paging mods. As early as now organize na tayo for summer adventure, something like Tour ng Pilipinas, this time di bikes kundi mga rides nating tsikot members. Kahit di na mag-hotel, just bring na lang camping stuffs oks na yon, cowboy naman mga tsikot members, di ba?

Sir Pparado:

I post other infos once I remember them like places to stay. Nire-review ko nga yung mga pics, videos pati na rin mga stuffs galing dun. Baka kasi maling name maibigay ko sa mga places to stay. Don't worry, I'll post is asap. Take a trip down memory lane lang ako. It's good to hear you've done Manila-Ilocos-Baguio, at least sanay ka na talaga sa long travel. And YES! I went to Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue already, pero once lang nangyari yun. Siguro, start ka na lang ibang thread para may reference din tayo. I'll reply agad once you start it. May available din ako ibang places like Palawan, Mindoro and Panay Islands. Just start the thread.

Kaka-miss din mag-travel uli....invite nyo na lang me, for sure sama ako, and if time allows.

Ngapala, advise ko for those peeps whose rides are using unleaded or hi-octane fuels tapos going on a long journey like this, don't be surprised kung di available mga fuels nyo sa suking fuel brands, its either kasi diesel or premium lang mga pumps nila.
Ciao!

[Gen1]

Tara let's organize something like the tour of the PI. We can call it " Ikot-Tsikot ng Pilipinas". Show of hands muna if there are enough people interested. Medyo matindi rin kasi ang logistical requirements ng trip na ganyan. OK lang ba sa Mods 'yan?

'Yung interested :jump: please post:

Call Sign: Gen1
Ride: Pajero Gen 1
Current Location: Cavite

[vhenok]

Oks to! Adventure to the Max.....Ikot-Tsikot ng Pilipinas.