HISTORY

Kidapawan, the city hailed as “A Spring in the Highland”, comes from the words “tida” which means spring and “pawan” meaning highland. The city is found at the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest mountain making it a great spot and first-rate tourist attraction. Kidapawan is situated at the southeastern section of Cotabato province, placed in the middle of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato,General Santos and Koronadal city.

Its first settlers were predominantly Manobos. The influx of Christian settlers from Luzon and the Visayas has resulted in the evolution of the word Tidapawan to Kidapawan.Strategically located at the foot of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest peak at 10,311 feet above sea level, Kidapawan City bustles with renewed energy as it opens its doors to the world. Mount Apo and its other scenic attractions make the province of Cotabato a potential world-class tourist destination.

Kidapawan City plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the province and its adjacent areas. It is the commercial and trading center of six adjoining municipalities. It also boasts of agricultural productivity that can provide a strong base for much-required industries.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Kidapawan City is located Southeastern portion of Cotabato Province;located almost midway of the cities of Davao and Cotabato at a distance of 110 km and 120 km, respectively

BOUNDARIES: North: Pres. Roxas and Magpet; South: Makilala; Southwest: M’lang; Northwest: Matalam

QUICK FACTS ABOUT KIDAPAWAN CITY

CLIMATE

Located outside the typhoon belt, the city is blessed with a favorable climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The coldest time of the year is between December and January, and the hottest months are during the months of April and May. Wet and dry, characterized by an even  distribution of rainfall year round; average temperature is 27.5 degrees Celsius

TOURISM

Kidapawan City is synonymous to Mt. Apo which towers at 10,311 feet above sea level with a total area of 14.6 square meters. The country’s tallest peak is an abode to the almost extinct Philippine Eagle. The majestic mountain is surrounded by moss-covered century-old-trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur craters, and massive boulders. Within the Mt. Apo

Natural Park is the Mandarangan Geological Site which is being promoted as a major educational tourism site. Lake Venado which is hidden among the mountain ranges stood at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Its crystal waters mirror the twin peaks of Mt. Apo. Lake Agko, on the other hand, is a steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge. It stood at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level. It is five kilometers from the jump-off point for the mountain trekking at Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

The Marbel Falls, which is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height, is surrounded by hot springs. The Mawig Falls on the other hand, which is located in Barangay Balabag, is the source of the crystal-clear waters of Matingao River.

To celebrate the abundance of the exotic fruits grown in Kidapawan City, the city government spearheads the annual celebration of a Festival which falls annually in the month of August called Timpupo or the fruit festival. This festival first held in 2002 (the 2007 festival was the 6th occurrence of the festival) celebrates the fruit harvest, the city purchases large quantities of local fruit which is laid out on tables along the streets for visitors and residents. In 2006, the festival was held in October due to problems with the harvest.

The 2007 festival was held in the traditional month of August. Dubbed “Timpupo” from the Manobo word “harvest”, the celebration signifies the people's thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and richness of the exotic fruits that thrive in the area. The Timpupo Festival is the best venue to savor the sweet, rich, and healthful banquet of tropical fruits which usually falls during the harvest season -August to October - depending on the ripening of fruits. Activities featured during the annual event include the Fruit Galore, Fruit Float Parade, Fruit Arrangement and Street Dancing Competition.

The Foundation Anniversary of the City of Kidapawan (February 12) is celebrated with parades, beauty contests, and traditional non-lethal horse fights.

INDUSTRIES

The cutflower industry is a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City. In addition to ornamental and forest tree seedlings, flowers such as roses, anthuriums and orchids are abundantly grown locally providing a very promising and highly profitable source of livelihood and business in the area.

Kidapawan city also prides itself as the fruit basket of the Philippines. Exotic fruits like Durian, Mangosteen, Lanzones, Marang, Rambutan, Banana, and the like are grown and harvested in abundance from the rolling highlands of Mt. Apo, passing through the wide plains of the rural communities of Kidapawan City, and down into the backyard of every household.

Crops abundantly grown in the area include abaca, rubber, corn, rice, coconut, and vegetables.

TRANSPORTATION

Local means of transportation is served by almost 2,000 motor tricycles known locally as just "motor". Transportations to its barangays and adjacent municipalities are served by Multicabs, Jeepneys, and L300 Vans. Weena Bus Company serves the Davao City—Cotabato City Route which passes the cities of Digos and Kidapawan. Public Utility Vans also served routes to and from the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Tacurong-Isulan, Koronadal and General Santos.

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, CONVENTION AND RESORT FACILITIES

AJ HI-TIME HOTEL
Plaridel St. Kidapawan City
Tel Nos. (064) 288-1811 / (064) 288-1475
34 Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms, Complete Amenities, Function Rooms
Continental and Filipino Cuisine

SILVER SPOON LODGE
Old PC Barracks, Sudapin, Kidapawan City
Te No. (064) 288-1299
11 fully Air-Conditioned Rooms w/ amenities
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine

GRAND FICUS RESORT AND RESTAURANT
Ninoy Aquino Ave, Lanao, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-3192 or (064) 278-3308
24 Air-Conditioned cottage type rooms
Has swimming pool
Continental and Filipino Cuisine

JBL LODGE
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-5002
15  Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms

AJD GARDEN PADS AND PENSION HOUSE
Quimco St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-4781
5 Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms
2 Dormitory type Rooms

PEPPER BIRD RESTAURANT AND CONVENTION CENTER
Singao, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1428
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine

LADY M RESTAURANT AND COFFEE SHOP
Bryant St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1272
Air Conditioned Function Rooms and Restaurant

SPOTTSWOOD METHODIST TRAINING CENTER
Singao, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-5121 / (064) 288-5362

DAWN’S CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel no. (064) 288-1835
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine, Cakes, Pastries, and Native Delicacies
Function Rooms

FAJZ CAFÉ AND LODGING HOUSE
Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1609
6 Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms, Function Rooms, Jazz Bar

JARDIN TROPICANA RESTAURANT
Ninoy Aquino Ave., Lanao, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1609

BOYAK’S CHICKEN HOUSE AND EXPRESS COOKING
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-4012

PEP’S COUNTY BAR AND RESTAURANT
Balindog, Kidapawan City
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine

MANG OMING LODGE   
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
8 Air-Conditioned Rooms

JOLLIBEE KIDAPAWAN
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-6888

LAKE AGCO SWIMMING RESORT (Health Spa)
Lake Agco, Ilomavis, Kidapawan City

MARTINEZ SWIMMING RESORT
Brgy. Mua-an, Kidapawan City

UNCLE ARTS COLD CUTS
Quezon Blvd. Kidapawan City

BOB’S RESTAURANT AND BAKERY
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1214
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine, Cakes and Bread

SUGNI SUPERSTORE
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-4243

KIDAPAWAN CITY RECREATION CENTER
Quezon Blvd.,Kidapawan City
Bowling Center, Badminton Courts, Restaurants, Videoke Bars, Coffee Shops

APO SUMMIT HOSTEL
Boragay, Kidapawan City
30 Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms
Tel No. (064) 278-3400 / 278-5535

CENTRAL WAREHOUSE CLUB INC.
Singao, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-5534 / 288-5533
Warehouse type mall

SURVIVE MARKETING AND FASTFOOD
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1823
Chinese and Filipino Cuisine

FOODCRAFT FASTFOOD
Dayao St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-1840
Filipino and Chinese Cuisine, Cakes and Pastries

TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOUR OPERATORS

VACATION TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
Mang Oming Bldg., Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-3300
Mobile No. 0926-900-6555

A TO Z TRAVEL SERVICES
Fajardo Bldg., Jose Abad Santos., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-3132

A+ WORLD TRAVEL SERVICES
Fajardo Bldg., Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064)288-1836

RMSA TICKETING TRAVEL AND TOURS
Zepol Bldg., Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-5391

EAGLE’S EYE TRAVEL ND TOURS
Hernandez Bldg., Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 288-5587
Mobile No. 0920-416-7549

TOURISM ACCREDITED TRANSPORT GROUPS

METRO KIDAPAWAN AIRCON VAN TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (MKATA)
Contact Person: Mr. Jojo Gaviola
Contact No. 0917-348-5066

KIDAPAWAN-DAVAO AIRCON VAN & JEEPNEY OPERATORS & DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (KIDAVJODA)
Contact Person: Mrs. Marife Quiamco
Contact No. 0921-234-4171

GLORIANI’S RENT-A-CAR
Contact Person: Mr. Darius Gloriani
Contact No. 0920-954-9129

UNITED VAN TRANSPORT COOPERATIVE (UVTC)
Contact Person: Mr. Joel Dino
Contact No. 0905-762-2100

CONTACT INFORMATION

CITY TOURISM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
City Plaza, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-3344
Fax No. (064) 288-1604
Mobile No.  0909-261-2018

KIDAPAWAN CITY TOURISM COUNCIIL
Secretariat Office
City Plaza, Kidapawan City
Tel No. (064) 278-3361

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Regional Office XII
2nd Floor COMSE Bldg. Quezon Ave., Cotabato City
Tel No. (064) 421-1110
Fax No. (064) 421-7868