General Santos Monument

Dieter Matzat, Würzburg, Gy

General Santos City is unconventionally pleasing and not overtly touristy with its small fishing beaches, diving centers, volcanic mountains, waterfalls and stately buildings that stand beside upscale malls.  Here is a guide to sights in this ‘Tuna Capital’ that may be of interest to visitors.

Fisherport Complex

This is an iconic attraction of General Santos City, where visitors are often spotted photographing and catching vistas of laboring fisherman dragging their humongous tunas at the break of dawn. Watch the fisher folk categorize the fish according to their quality and lineage and then proceed toward the adjoining Market 3, where the fresh picks are lapped up immediately. This is a nice place to witness a traditional fishing village complete with tiny fishing boats and drying hangers for salting and preserving dried fish.

Lemlunay Dive Resort

Lemlunay is a picturesque, well-maintained and fully equipped diving resort on the outer strip of General Santos City and a great place to witness the marine ecology of the region amidst enjoyable diving sessions. Even non-divers can savor the moist breeze and relax on the palm-fringed, sandy coast of the beach. The resort serves delectable regional sea-food and the staff offers attentive service without being obtrusive. There are regular diving instructional courses followed by a guided session for novices.

Kalaja Karst Area

This is an idyllic natural reserve thrown away from the chaos of the throbbing city towards the Brangay Colonel way.  There are waterfalls, underground caves, wild flowers and shrubs along with small water beds dotting the lush emerald park. A large camp ground provides facilities for several nature enthusiasts and tourists who can also take a guided tour of the entire region or go on a self-exploratory nature-trail.

Absekong Waterfalls

Ansekong Waterfalls is another natural attraction nestled between Polomok and General Santos City. The breathtakingly gorgeous waterfalls plunge down the Camp Flores mountain river in the midst of lime-stone cliffs and boulders made of granite. The waterfalls are also surrounded by lovely puddles and make for an extremely photogenic sight.

Mt. Matatum

Mt. Matatum is a volcanic attraction located on the southern end of General Santos City and is rich geological zone characterized by rolling flat terrains, a diverse ecology, including 57 species of animals and about 110 plant varieties and non-active volcanic cones. The area is filled with relics of volcanic eruptions and forms a catchment region for several rivers in the area.

General Santos City has several scenic attractions and sights for visitors keen on discovering its unusual beauty and off-beat natural persona.