Glan Sarangani: A Nature Lover's Paradise

Glan is a municipality located in the southern part of Sarangani Province, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, Glan has a population of approximately 131,347 people. The majority of the population is composed of Cebuano-speaking Visayans, with a significant number of Maguindanaon and Tagalog speakers.

Glan was originally part of the Kingdom of Sarangani, a powerful native kingdom that controlled parts of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and the Davao Occidental. When the Spanish arrived in the area, they established a fort in Glan to protect their interests from the native tribes. In 1914, Glan became a municipality and was named after a river that runs through the town.

Glan's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The town is known for its abundant coconut plantations, as well as other crops such as rice, corn, and bananas. Fishing is also a major industry in Glan, with its long coastline and rich fishing grounds. In recent years, Glan has also developed its tourism industry, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and historical landmarks. The town is also home to several beach resorts, making it a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Glan is a town rich in history and culture, with a thriving economy driven by agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

Here are some of the top things to do in Glan, Sarangani:

• Visit Gumasa Beach - Gumasa Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Glan. It is known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets.

• Explore Margus Beach - Margus Beach is another beautiful beach in Glan, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

• Visit the Fort at the Poblacion - The Fort at the Poblacion is a historic landmark in Glan. It was built by the Spanish in the 1800s to protect the town from Moro attacks. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for taking photos.

• Go on a waterfall adventure - Glan has several waterfalls that are worth exploring, including Tuka Falls, Lamlifew Falls, and Kalbugan Falls. These waterfalls are surrounded by lush forests and are a great place to cool off on a hot day.

• Experience local culture and cuisine - Glan is known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Visitors can experience the town's local delicacies, such as "latik" (coconut milk caramel), "kulintang" (a traditional musical instrument), and "tinagtag" (a sticky rice cake).

• Attend the Mahin Festival - The Mahin Festival is a cultural festival held every May in Glan. It is a celebration of the town's rich culture and traditions, featuring traditional dances, music, and food.

Here are some of the most popular events and celebrations in Glan:

• Mahin Festival - The Mahin Festival is an annual celebration held every May in Glan. It is a colorful cultural festival that showcases the town's traditions, dances, music, and food.

• Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary - The Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is a religious celebration held every October in Glan. It is a solemn occasion that attracts many devotees and visitors.

• Sarangani Bay Festival - The Sarangani Bay Festival is an annual event held every May in nearby General Santos City. It is a celebration of the region's seafood and tourism industry, featuring music, dance, and food.

• Araw ng Glan - Araw ng Glan is a celebration of the town's foundation anniversary. It is held every August and features various activities, such as parades, concerts, and sporting events.

• Timpupo Festival - Timpupo Festival is an annual festival celebrated in the barangay of Lago in Glan. It is a celebration of the barangay's founding anniversary and features cultural shows, sports competitions, and a beauty pageant.

Overall, these events and celebrations offer visitors an opportunity to experience Glan's rich culture, traditions, and religious practices.

If you are coming from Mindanao or other parts of the Philippines, please fly to General Santos City and then follow the above route. Alternatively, you can take a bus or van from other major cities in Mindanao such as Davao City, Cotabato City, and Koronadal City, and transfer to another bus or van to Glan.

To get to Glan from General Santos City,  

• take a van or bus to Glan. It takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. 
• Once in Gran town, you can take a tricycle or habal habal (motorcycle) to Gumasa Beach,  about 7 km from the city center. 
• Tricycle or Haval Habal rides cost between Php50 and Php100 per person, depending on your bargaining skills.