When you hear GenSan, the first thing that likely comes to mind is its booming tuna industry and being the hometown of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. However, just beyond the bustling city center and the ports lies a rugged, beautiful landscape of rolling hills, towering peaks, and hidden waterfalls. For outdoor enthusiasts, GenSan offers a surprisingly diverse array of hiking destinations.
Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or a casual weekend warrior, here is a guide to the top hiking destinations in General Santos City.
Sanchez Peak
Where it is: Located in Sitio Balakayo, Barangay Olympog, Sanchez Peak stands at approximately 800 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in General Santos City. It sits right at the boundary of GenSan and the municipality of Polomolok.
How to reach it: From the city center, you can hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you to the jump-off point in Purok Balakayo, Barangay Olympog. The ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate. The trail is generally established, but the continuous uphill trek requires decent cardiovascular stamina. It usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace.
Why to visit it: Sanchez Peak is the crown jewel of GenSan hiking. It offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the sprawling city, the majestic Mount Matutum in the distance, and the sparkling waters of Sarangani Bay. It is a favorite spot for overnight camping to catch the breathtaking city lights at night and the sea of clouds at sunrise.
Buko-Buko Peak
Where it is: Also located in Barangay Olympog, Buko-Buko Peak is a neighboring summit to Sanchez Peak and is often part of a traverse itinerary.
How to reach it: The jump-off point is the same as Sanchez Peak (Sitio Balakayo). Hikers usually take a diverging trail that leads directly up the face of this peak.
Difficulty: Intermediate. Do not let its close proximity to Sanchez Peak fool you. Buko-Buko is notorious for its steep, direct assault. The trail offers very little tree cover, making the ascent quite punishing under the sun.
Why to visit it: It is the perfect training ground for major climbs. The steep incline will test your leg strength, and the reward at the top is a fantastic, unobstructed vantage point of the surrounding lush ridges. It is less crowded than Sanchez Peak, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter commune with nature.
Malyango Peak
Where it is: Situated within the same mountainous terrain in Barangay Olympog, Malyango Peak is another stunning vantage point in the city’s highlands.
How to reach it: Similar to Sanchez and Buko-Buko, the adventure begins with a habal-habal ride to the Olympog foothills. Malyango is often integrated into a multi-peak day hike or weekend traverse by local climbing groups.
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate. The hike involves rolling terrain with a mix of established dirt trails and grassy ridges.
Why to visit it: Malyango is beloved for its expansive, picturesque ridgeline. It feels like walking on the spine of the mountain. It’s an excellent spot for photography, especially during the “golden hour” when the cogon grass glows under the late afternoon sun.
Nopol Hills
Where it is: Located in Barangay Mabuhay, closer to the city proper compared to the peaks of Olympog.
How to reach it: A short 15-to-20-minute tricycle or habal-habal ride from downtown GenSan will drop you off at the base in Barangay Mabuhay.
Difficulty: Easy. It is a very relaxed, rolling trail that is wide and highly accessible.
Why to visit it: Nopol Hills is the ultimate destination for trail runners, mountain bikers, and absolute beginners. If you want a quick afternoon escape to break a sweat without committing to an arduous mountain climb, this is the place. It is arguably the best spot in the city to watch the sunset dip below the horizon of Sarangani Bay.
Brigada Waterfalls
Where it is: Brigada Waterfalls are hidden in the lush bounds of Barangay San Jose.
How to reach it: You can take a motorcycle or private vehicle to the community jump-off in San Jose. From there, local guides can lead you through the forested trails and river systems.
Difficulty: Easy to beginner. The challenge here isn’t elevation, but rather river trekking. Expect to get your shoes wet as you navigate slippery rocks and shallow streams.
Why to visit it: After exploring the hot, grassy ridges of GenSan, Brigada Waterfalls offers a refreshing change of pace. The hike is shaded, cool, and highly immersive. The reward is a pristine, cascading waterfall where you can take a well-deserved ice-cold dip.
Kalaja Karst Canopy & Malakong Gorge
Where it is: Located in Barangay Conel, about 15 kilometers from the city proper.
How to reach it: Hire a habal-habal to Barangay Conel. From the residential area, you will need a local guide to take you into the gorge.
Difficulty: Intermediate. This is not your traditional mountain hike. It involves wading through a river, scrambling over massive boulders, and navigating a narrow, steep-walled canyon.
Why to visit it: Kalaja Karst is an absolute geological marvel. Millions of years ago, this area was underwater, and today you can hike through a stunning gorge with towering limestone walls. Further inside, you will find Kalaja Cave, which served as a natural shelter for Japanese soldiers during World War II. It is an adventurous, Indiana Jones-style trek that combines history, geology, and raw nature.
Preparing for hiking in GenSan
General Santos City is known for its undeniably hot and relatively dry tropical climate. While the highlands offer cooler breezes, the trails themselves (especially towards Buko-Buko and Malyango) are highly exposed to the sun. Preparation is key to having a safe and enjoyable hike here.
How to Prepare:
- Physical Conditioning: Even for beginner trails, prepare by doing light cardio (jogging, walking up stairs) a few weeks prior.
- Secure a Guide: Even if trails seem straightforward, always hire local guides at the barangay hall or jump-off points. This ensures you don’t get lost and directly supports the local community.
- Leave No Trace: Always bring a trash bag. Whatever you bring up the mountain must come down with you.
Hiking Tips:
- Start Early (or Late): To beat the punishing midday heat, start your treks around 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM. If you are doing a quick hike like Nopol Hills, a late afternoon start (4:00 PM) is perfect. Avoid exposed trails between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Hydrate Aggressively: The GenSan heat will drain your fluids incredibly fast. Bring a minimum of 2 to 3 liters of water per person for a day hike. Hydration salts or sports drinks are highly recommended to replace lost electrolytes.
- Sun Protection is Mandatory: Since many peaks in GenSan feature open grasslands with little to no forest canopy, you must protect your skin. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protection arm sleeves, comfortable trekking pants, and apply coral/environmentally-safe sunscreen liberally.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: Avoid heavy cotton. Opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics (like polyester blends) that will keep your core temperature manageable.
General Santos City’s mountains offer a unique blend of challenging ascents, historical gorges, and relaxing hillsides. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and discover the heights of the Tuna Capital!
