Defying Gravity at Seven Falls of Lake Sebu

If I had flown (or zipped) fast and furious in B�lakayo in Gensan, I guess I have defied gravity in Lake Sebu, still in South Cotabato. This S3X Tour hasn�t been more adrenaline-laden than before. The day before, we went to one of the fastest. This time, we�re going to take one of the highest ziplines in the country�and boy I would want to have more!

Lake Sebu is well known to be a placid mountain town, the cultural domain of the T�boli people. While most would associate this place for the tranquil lake, the people with colourful t�nalak cloth, the brass bling blings and that famed tilapia, many Mindanao townsfolk flock here every weekend to enjoy one of the Philippines, if not Asia�s highest zipline, flying over Lake Sebu�s three of the famed Seven Falls.

Before we went �flying,� we went to the First Falls. This is the most accessible among all since you can go near the thundering and cascading water coming from Lake Sebu itself. The Seven Falls itself is part of the lake’s outlet to Surallah then eventually to Allah River, then joining Rio Grande de Mindanao further north.

Enough technicalities, going here would take a bit of an extra adventure. If you�re commuting, you need to hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) and try to negotiate how much you can pay the driver. The road is not yet paved but it offers a glimpse of beauty of nature, Allah Valley and even Mount Matutum beyond. The after rains are great�mist embraces the river valley!

The Seven Falls Zipline is made of two ziplines: One from the top of the Second falls to the second station below. The second is from the second station back to the Second Falls view deck. The first one is deemed to be the highest in the country, as it gives a glimpse of the Second Falls, Third Falls and Fourth Falls�all in one take�SOARING! I DID DEFIED GRAVITY WITH A CARGO ON MY BACK! (Bags are allowed, as long as it is a backpack and you don�t go beyond 120 kilos�I was hundred by the way.)

Kainis! Because I was so darn nervous, I wasn�t able to capture the first zipline video! I was shaking because I was in a �Superman� position, unlike the sitting up position at B�lakayo.

A TV commercial of a telecom company even featured Seven Falls in it, for the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

The Seven Falls Zipline in Lake Sebu is a worthwhile experience and additional activity for your weekend vacation in South Cotabato. The ride costs PhP250 only. However, the line is very long on weekends�so better be there early. Also, the zipline closes early if there�s strong rain.

How to Get to Seven Falls and the Zipline?

• When coming from General Santos City, take a bus to Marbel (Koronadal City) which costs from P60 to P90. It is a one hour ride.
• From Marbel Bus Terminal, go to the van terminal a few meters away. You can either go straight to Lake Sebu from Marbel, or stop over at Surallah (You can also take a bus bound for Surallah at the bus station of Marbel itself). The latter leaves in a few minutes. The former goes straight to Lake Sebu, although longer waiting times.
• (If taking Surallah), take a van to Lake Sebu. It’s more or less P40 for the fare. Tell the driver or conductor to stop at “Seven Falls.”
• Before reaching Lake Sebu town proper, there is a clear sign and a rough road leading to Seven Falls. Several�habal-habal (public utility motorcycles)�drivers are there. Negotiate for the fare, either they’ll wait for you or just a one-way trip. A P50 per head per way would be sufficient, but you may opt to negotiate for the price.�Habal-habal�is the main mode of transportation in the town.

Location Map of Seven Falls Zipline

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