COTABATO CITY

Historical:

A. Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine

     A monument in honor of Takumi Butai and Japanese soldiers who died here during the Second world War. Takumi was the Provincial Commander of the Japanese forces assigned in Cotabato City. Before he died, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in Cotabato City. This shrine was put up by the Lion's Club of Kyoto, Japan in cooperation with the City Government of Cotabato.

B. Tamontaka Church

     Built in 1872 of Spanish architecture and design. It is the oldest church in the city , a relic of the living past.

Natural:

A. PC Hill

     A stone fort towering over the city with a height of 90 feet., now houses the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. This is Cotabato City's famous landmark, this historic hill served as a watch tower for the natives in their defense drive to detect and repel assaults by enemies. From this hill, one can have a panoramic view of the city and the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

B. Kutang Bato Caves

     The only cave in the country that is right in the heart of the city. Its various entrances, all within traffic a rarity that can only be had in the "Heart of Mindanao". These caves were also the source of the city's present name for "KUTA" means FORT and "WATO" means STONE hence the name "Fort of Stone" which later on became Cotabato. Its walls of white, beige and brownish shade glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon its land. The caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the Castillan Faith and has served the purpose when the Filipino guerillas fought the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

     When the Japanese firepower proved superior to that of the natives, the caves were then used as an armory and even as a garrison. Within it confines, tortured and oppressed souls that thirst for freedom and democracy echoed their faint moans and cries that were buried in its bossom, muted for over half a century. there are four entrances, the Provincial Capitol Cave, Bagua Cave, Caverna Español and the Kuweba ni Satur.

C. Rio Grande de Mindanao

     The second largest river in the Philippines and the longest in Mindanao crisscrossing with its tributary the city's vast area. Estimated to be 182 kilometers long and 96 meters wide. Water Sports and boat racing are the popular attractions of the river, usually held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival and the Feast of Peñafrancia.

D. Timako Hill

     The hill overlooks the Illana Bay and graced by the beach resorts of Linik, Kushiong and Tapian Point. A good resort considering its blue water and sandy white beach. Ideal for camping, boating, swimming and fishing.

Man-made:

A. Cotabato City Hall      A century old structure which houses almost all of the city government offices. It showcases a unique and antique architectural design depicting the Muslim Art.

B. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

     A replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France. The compound is equipped with ideal retreat house for recollection and seminars, a mini zoo and a children's park.

C. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Compound

     Houses the Office of ARMM Regional Governor, Regional Legislative Assembly, Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, the Regional Museum and almost all Regional Offices of Region XII and ARMM. The buildings in the compound showcase unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.

D. Herbal Processing Plant

     The first Herbal Processing Plant in the Philippines, inaugurated by former President Corazon C. Aquino in 1988. It processes herbal medicines like lagundi, sambong and tsaang gubat.