I usually never return to a place I’ve been to in order to achieve the goal of going to new places as much as I could. I booked for Mt. Apo climb this month and Lake Holon was supposed to be my tune-up climb. So to support our friends who haven’t visited Lake Holon, we decided to push Lake Holon climb.
Lake Holon is also known as Lake Maughan located in the crater of Mt. Melibengoy in T’boli South Cotabato with 4,000 MASL from the main view deck. Lake Holon was one of the reasons why I was addicted more to mountain climbing. I was fond of traveling and adventures before and it was a mystery to me why mountaineers keep on climbing despite the difficult trails and struggles going up. Lake Holon solved that mystery.
A whole view of Lake Holon
It was beautiful and majestic beyond description. The second time my eyes laid on Lake Holon from the top, it was still very beautiful, like no matter how many times I climb to see the whole Lake Holon, it remains beautiful and majestic to me. No exaggerating here. Lake Holon remains beautiful as it is. Thanks for the T’boli locals for preserving the lake and to all responsible mountaineers.
Along the trail, memories of struggles during my first climb flashed back. This time, it was a little bit of struggle but seems lighter to me. It seems like I’m getting used to climbing. But seriously, I am with a great company, hilarious friends that made our trek lighter.
So before that, registration is a must. By the way, we booked our Lake Holon trip with DayOffAdventours. The group was recommended by my friend who said that they serve many and sumptuous food on the mountain. The organizers were fun to be with and they are best when it comes to photo ops. Superb shots.
And so the trek begins. I didn’t hire a porter because my bag was only 7 kilos. I love my tent from Naturehike. It’s a Cloud UP Ultralight tent designed to be a wind and waterproof. It’s so light and perfect in size. I’ve used the tent numerous times with heavy rains on the peak and so far it’s good.
I would love to wake up every morning with a view like this.
The weather was great during our trek and giving us a perfect view of the lake. We took Kule trail then traverse to Salacafe trail. There’s a new view deck opened but not that overlooking like the main one.
Geeks on a mountain
After the photo ops, we headed down to the lake. The weather started to change and it becomes cool and breezy. It took us 2 hours reach to the lake. Amazing how other mountaineers managed to run the trail going down while carrying backpacks, while my pace was slow but surely safe from ankle sprains.
We reached the end point of Kule trail and needed to take a boat to reach the campsite. We had our lunch on the campsite, relax a bit then enjoy a fish spa and swimming. We hired a paddle boat to tour us around the lake and swimming at the center of the lake was fun.
How deep was the lake? It was not measured yet. And according to the locals, some divers tried to measure it before but nobody reached the bottom yet. There’s a measuring device that I know of but not sure why Lake Holon’s deep wasn’t measure til now.
Few mountaineers were already on the campsite when we got there. We pitched our tents and rain started to pour late afternoon. I woke up early in the morning and heard music and singing near the campfire. Good to know that one of the T’boli tribe leaders is a pastor and they usually held a short worship service every Sunday.
DESTINATION OVERVIEW
- Lake Holon is located in Brgy. Salacafe, T’boli, South Cotabato
- It’s a crater lake inside Mt. Melibengoy (Mt. Parker)
- Popular for camping, trekking, and cultural immersion
HOW TO GET THERE VIA TRAVEL AGENCY
Book for a joiners tour or a private tour. Day Off Adventours offers an all in package, from roundtrip van transfer from Davao City to Lake Holon Jump off area and vice versa. Foods included, registration fees and permits.
HOW TO GET THERE (DIY/SOLO TRAVELER)
Option 1: From Davao City
- Davao to General Santos City
- Bus or van from Ecoland Terminal
- Fare: ₱450–₱500
- Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours
- General Santos to Marbel (Koronadal)
- Van or bus to Koronadal
- Fare: ₱120–₱150
- Time: ~1 hour
- Koronadal to T’boli Town Proper
- Van or jeepney from Koronadal terminal
- Fare: ₱80–₱100
- Time: ~1.5 hours
- T’boli Town to Brgy. Salacafe (Jump-off)
- Register at T’boli Tourism Office first (required!)
- Take habal-habal to Salacafe (trailhead)
- Fare: ₱150–₱200 per person (one way)
- Time: ~45 minutes – 1 hour
TWO MAIN TRAILS
1. Salacafe Trail (easier, shorter – ideal for beginners)
- Hike time: 3–4 hours to the lake
- Rolling terrain and scenic views
- Open year-round (weather permitting)
2. Kule Trail (steeper, more challenging – for experienced hikers)
- Hike time: 4–6 hours
- More forested, culturally immersive
- Requires more stamina
You can enter via Kule and exit via Salacafe (or vice versa) for a traverse experience.
Strictly no guide, no hike policy. Booking in advance is required via T’boli Tourism Office.
CAMPING AT LAKE HOLON
- 1 designated campsite near the lake
- Tent pitching allowed (bring your own or rent in town)
- Comfort rooms available (basic)
- Cooking allowed — bring stove or charcoal
- Drinking water: Lake water is clean but boiling or filtering is advised
CULTURAL ETIQUETTE
- T’boli tribe manages the lake — respect local customs
- Dress modestly
- No loud music, drinking, or unruly behavior
