ABOUT
Cotabato, formerly but still colloquially known as North Cotabato, is a landlocked province in the Philippines. Its capital is Kidapawan. Cotabato derives its name from the Maguindanao word kuta wato (from Malay – “Kota Batu”), meaning “stone fort”, referring to the stone fort which served as the seat of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat in what is now Cotabato City (which the province derives its name from).
LOCATION
Coordinates: 7°12′N 124°51′E 
FAST FACTS
The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
CLIMATE
The climate in this province is tropical. Cotabato City has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. The average annual temperature is 27.5 °C in Cotabato City. The rainfall here averages 2194 mm.
If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Cotabato, the hottest months are April, March, and then May. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early April where highs are regularly around 92.9°F (33.8°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 74.1°F (23.4°C) at night.
The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
CITIES & TOWNS
The Cotabato provinceis divided into 17 Municipalities, 1 City:
- Alamada
- Aleosan
- Antipas
- Arakan
- Banisilan
- Carmen
- Kabacan
- Kidapawan
- Libungan
- M’lang
- Magpet
- Makilala
- Matalam
- Midsayap
- Pigcawayan
- Pikit
- President Roxas
- Tulunan
ISLANDS
None
POINTS OF INTEREST
The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Cotabato province:
- Asik-Asik Falls
- Kusiong Beach
- Kutang Bato Caves
- Kutawato Cave
- Mab-bu Falls
- Matigol Falls
- Nabuns Cave
- Nanilungan Falls
- New Israel Eco Park
- Robinson’s Department Store
- Sang-Ngawan Falls
- Sinapangan Falls
- South Seas Mall Bai Walk
- Tamontaka Church
- Tausavan Falls
- Tausuvan FallsAC
- Timako Hill
- Towsuvan Falls
- Traankini Spring
If you plan to visit the province of Cotabato, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:
FESTIVALS
The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Cotabato throughout the year:
- Kalivungan Festival (August) – Kidapawan City
FAQs
The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Cotabato province.
Where in the Philippines is Cotabato located?
Cotabato is located in the central part of Mindanao in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
Is Cotabato a city or province?
Cotabato is a province.
What is the Capital of Cotabato?
The capital of Cotabato is Kidapawan.
What is Cotabato famous or known for?
Cotabato is known for the largest mosque in the country and as Mindanao’s food basket.
How do I get to Cotabato?
There are several ways to get to Cotabato, the most common being from Manila:
- Plane | 1.75 hours | $50-$170
- You can fly to an alternate airport (Davao, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos or Kidapawan), and then take a bus to Cotabato. Travel time will be longer though.
RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines
How many islands are in Cotabato?
There are NO islands in Cotabato. The province is landlocked.
What does Cotabato mean?
Cotabato came from the local term kuta wato (from Malay – “Kota Batu”), meaning “stone fort”, referring to the stone fort which served as the seat of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat.
How Safe is Traveling in Cotabato?
Cotabato is generally safe for locals and tourists.
Is the climate the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Cotabato is considered tropical with significant of rainfall during the year.
To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below …
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
GUIDES
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