Lake Sebu
Misty highland lakes, a chain of waterfalls and the living culture of the T'boli people of Mindanao.
Quick answer
- Where: the highlands of South Cotabato in southern Mindanao, home to the T'boli and Ubo peoples.
- The lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit and Lake Seloton, covered with lotus and fish farms.
- Seven Falls: a chain of waterfalls with T'boli names, crossed by a high zipline.
- Culture: t'nalak, a sacred cloth woven from abaca, and the Helobung Festival in November.
- Getting there: fly to General Santos, then about three hours by bus and van.
Why it is a wonder
High in the hills of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is the ancestral home of the T’boli and Ubo peoples. Its three lakes, Sebu, Lahit and Seloton, lie in cool, misty highlands, with lotus flowers opening at dawn and fishermen paddling dugout canoes between the fish pens.
Nearby, the Seven Falls tumble one after another through the forest, each with a T’boli name. A long zipline carries visitors high over several of them. But the heart of Lake Sebu is its culture: the T’boli are famous for t’nalak, a sacred cloth woven from abaca fibre in deep red, black and white, its patterns said to come to the weavers in dreams.
Beat the crowds
- Go out on the lake at dawn to see the lotus flowers and the mist.
- Visit midweek for a quieter zipline and falls.
Getting there
Fly to General Santos, then take a bus to Koronadal (Marbel) and a van up to Lake Sebu, about three hours in all. Buses also run from Davao, about four hours to Marbel. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) take you around the lakes and to the falls. See our Davao guide.
A perfect day
- A canoe ride on the lake at sunrise.
- Visit a t’nalak weaving centre and the T’boli museum.
- Walk to the first falls and ride the zipline.
- Eat tilapia, the lake’s speciality, cooked many ways.
Through the seasons
- December to April: generally drier.
- November: the Helobung Festival.
- Rain is possible all year in the highlands; bring a jacket for cool evenings.
Respect the place
Lake Sebu is ancestral land. Ask before photographing people, buy weaving directly from cooperatives, and treat t’nalak and its patterns with respect.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is t'nalak?
A cloth woven by T'boli women from abaca fibre, with patterns traditionally said to come from dreams. Visit a weaving centre to see it made.
When is the Helobung Festival?
In November, usually around the 9th to 11th, with T'boli music, dance and games.
Is the zipline safe?
It is run by the local government park and is popular with visitors. Follow the staff's instructions and weight limits.
Is Lake Sebu safe to visit?
It is a popular domestic destination. As anywhere in Mindanao, check your government's travel advice before you go.
Samal Island
Davao's island playground: white beaches, cool waterfalls and a cave of more than a million fruit bats.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
