The Holy Land in Tupi, South Cotabato
When getting tired, we often long for a short break to regain our focus, not just both physically and mentally but also need to give our inner selves to reconnect with the Creator we believed in. So I quickly leaned back in my seat and fiddled with the phone looking for a spot that can be visited until I came across a picture that caught my attention – A huge cross at the top of the mountain that’s why planning for a weekend was not so long drive has begun.
One weekend in September we left early from Davao City to visit the municipality of Tupi in South Cotabato traversing the 163 km Pan-Pacific highway passing throughout Davao del Sur province, Sarangani, and General Santos City. While in Sulop town, we just stop by to taste the locally famous Bibingka, and quite a bit of rest before heading uphill to Sarangani.
It was more than 3 hour not so long drive when we arrived the downtown Tupi. Inquiring from several locals about the exact location of Magsangyaw to make sure that our maps are right since this place said is newly opened until we reached the intersection directing where the spot is situated. Going there takes more than 30 minutes of overwhelming rides; the road is paved, zigzag, and climb a slope until the entrance was reached.
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After paying for the entrance, all visitors need to walk more or less 30 minutes to the central cross. Expect that all visitors will certainly be sweaty. Walk slowly with lots of stops to reduce short breathing. Bring your water and ensure that you wear your best walking outfit once you visited this place. I swear, all hardship will be wiped out once you reach the top as you are blown away by the 360 degrees panoramic views.
There are 3 towering crosses at the top which are the center of attraction that appears to protect the entire place as I imagined. Next to these crosses, there are structures where you can take photos. a flying broom and a flying carpet, several chairs with mountains background, and an arc made of a metal frame in white. You will definitely be creating photos beyond your imagination. Imagine that you are part of Aladdin’s main cast. That was what we felt and experienced when we took pictures in a different spot inside the park.
This place will not just give us physical challenges but it will nurture our strength and nourish our spiritual touch during this vacation. As I understand from our guide, before Magsangyaw became more popular as a tourist spot as the Land of Praise, they treated this place as sacred and a place for pilgrims. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon as this place will blow you away with spectacular sunrise or sunset experiences.
At the end of the enjoyable visit, you will definitely feel thirst and hunger where some shops are waiting for visitors to drop off. They offer good snacks and coffee while sitting on the hammocks or the best seat fronting the mountain with an astonishing view. They also have an overnight camping site where you can rent a tent.
HOW TO GET HERE
- Book a flight going to General Santos City where the nearest airport is located.
- At the airport, hire a cab to reach the Bulaong terminal
- then, catch up a bus going to Koronadala City, Tacurong, Isulan or Surallah
- inform your driver to drop you off at Tupi Bus terminal
- then, hire a motorcycle to reach the Magsangyaw Land of Praise
- The environment fee is P10 per person
- Entrance fee
- morning): P50 per person (6:00am - 5:00pm)
- Overnight camp: P100 per person (5:00pm - 6:00am)
- Cabin fee: P500 (6:00am -5:00 p.m.)
- The Tent rental is 300 pesos
- Bringing own tent is allowed however, prior reservation is needed
- Strictly all visitors should wear Masks
- Breakfast and lunch are only served on Saturdays and Sundays.
- The park has large parking area
