Kidapawan City Hall and Town Proper

Kidapawan is the capital of Cotabato and is the only city within the province. It is geographically located at the foot of Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines at 10,311 feet above sea level. Kidapawan got its name from the Manobo words "tida" meaning spring, and "pawan" meaning highland, thus giving it the nickname The Spring in the Highlands.

The city is also considered as the industrial and commercial center of Cotabato as evidenced by the local branches of various high profile companies in the Philippines, such as Jollibee, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Banco de Oro (BDO), and Mercury Drug. Majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Kidapawan City Hall

After having lunch at one of the restaurants along the national highway (Davao-Cotabato Road), we walked towards Kidapawan City Plaza where the city hall is located. The entrance is marked by a huge city arch. We learned from the locals that the dome was just added to originally white building when it was renovated in 2008/2009.

tricycles in Kidapawan City and the national highway (Davao-Cotabato Road)

The most common means of public transportation within the city is the 6-seater tricycle (or motor as referred to by Kidapaweños). It can seat four (slim) passengers at the back and two in the front plus one more passenger at the seat behind the driver.

The most famous natural attractions of Kidapawan City are Lake Vanado and Lake Agco. Lake Vanado is the highest lake in the country (with an estimated elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level) and is known for its clear water that mirrors the peak of Mt. Apo. Lake Agco is a lake of boiling mud that stands at 4,200 feet above sea level. It surrounded by a number of hot spring resorts.

How to get there: from Davao City: at the Davao Overland Transport Terminal, take the Weena bus bound for Kidapawan or Cotabato. Tell the conductor to drop you off in front of Jollibee Kidapawan. The bus will make a 15min stop at Digos City, Davao del Sur to drop-off and pick-up passengers. Fare is Php165.00 and travel time is ~2hrs. The city plaza is within walking distance from Jollibee.

How to get back: to Davao City: take a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the Kidapawan Overland Transport Terminal. Take the Weena bus bound for Davao. The bus will make a 15min stop at Digos City, Davao del Sur to drop-off and pick-up passengers. Fare is Php165.00 and travel time is ~2hrs.Get off at the Davao Overland Transport Terminal.