Looking for an alternative destination in Lake Sebu? Try the refreshingly cold cascades of Traangkini. Most would surely head first to the 2nd Falls for the zip line in Lake Sebu, but if you are looking for a quiet place to cool down, the cascades of Traangkini is the perfect place.

raw beauty

The place got its name from the T'boli word "tdaan-kini" which loosely translated means an intersection of two streams, one which is hot ("kini"). According to the locals, the hot stream remains warm even on a cold night. Traangkini is one of the major water sources of Lake Seloton.

wildflowers

The cascades however are further upstream on the cold stream. Although most outsiders thought Traangkini (or Traan-kini) is a name of a waterfalls, its actually a series of small cascades, some just 4-5 feet tall. There is also no specific spot, and the current "Traangkini" is further upstream of the previous swimming spot. It "moves" as new more beautiful nooks are discovered upstream.

Traangkini is just a short habal-habal ride from the poblacion. However its best to get drivers who actually live near the sitio as the road conditions change on a daily basis, especially during the rainy season. If you ask around the habal habal drivers you'll get conflicting answers as to how bad the current road is.

fields of green

Along the way you'll pass by verdant rice fields and scenery a bit different from the lake side views.

home on the range

The habal-habal will not be able to take you right to the cascades. There is a bit of a hike, about 20-30 minutes depending on how fit you are. This hike will surely make you long for the cold waters that awaits you in Traangkini.

cool and refreshing

The South Cotabato government is actively promoting Lake Sebu as a tourist destination, and spots like Traangkini are likely to be "highlighted". I was talking to some of the elders the last time I was there and there was a mention that the provincial government is already considering "developing" Traangkini by building a road that will lead you right to the river. A staff of the tourism office had been there a previously "taking measurements" around the place.

I just hope that the government's idea of "development" does not involve building concrete tables around the place and creating swimming pools. Sometimes by developing the place we destroy the very reason people hike or go there.