Kidapawan City is a 1st class city and also the capital city of the province of Cotabato. It is a favorite tourist destination, where thousands of tourists climb the majestic Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

Kidapawan, the city hailed as “The Spring in the Highlands”, comes from the words “TIDA” which means spring and “PAWAN” meaning highland. The city is found at the bottom of the Mt. Apo, 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 four other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos, Koronadal, and Cagayan de Oro.

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 Mt. Apo, Kidapawan City bustles with renewed energy as it opens its doors to the world. Mt. 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.

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 stands 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 stands at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level. It is five kilometers from the jump-off point of mountain trekkers located 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 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.

Accommodations

• Mount Apo Inn - Bautista St. Kidapawan City
• AJ Hi Time Hotel and Restaurant - Downtown City of Kidapawan
• Grand Ficus - Near City Bus Terminal
• Boylyn Pensione Plaza - Magsaysay, Kidapawan City,
• SAM's Guesthouse & Apartelles - Villamarzo Street
• Casa De Rositas
• Apo Summit-Boragay kidapawan City
• Supper Cool hotel -Bonifacio Street Kidapawan City
• JBL Lodge-Kidapawan City
• Fadj Inn and restaurant-Jose Abad Santos Street Kidapawan City
• Old Barracks Suites (Silver Spoon Lodge) - Sudapin, KIdapawan City

How to Get There

By Air

To Cotabato City

• From Metro Manila        1 hr 30 min
• From Cebu City              45 minutes
• From Zamboanga          25 minutes Check for Plane Fares and Flight Schedules

To Marawi City (through Cagayan de Oro City)

• From Metro Manila to CDO        1 hr 20 min
• From Cebu City to CDO 35 minutes

(Marawi is 3 hours overland from Cagayan de Oro)

By Sea

Sulpicio, Negros Navigation, Aboitiz, William and Gothong Lines ply routes from Manila to Cotabato, serving areas of Cotabato province, Cotabato City, and Sultan Kudarat.

Their Manila-to-Cagayan-de-Oro routes also serve the areas of Iligan, Lanao del Norte, and Marawi City.

By Land

( PUV's like L300 Vans, Jeeps and Buses ply these routes)

• To Cotabato City From Davao City                     4 hrs
• To Marawi City From Cagayan de Oro via Iligan 3 hrs
• To Cotabato City From General Santos City        4 hrs

 By Bus

From Davao to Cotabato City    6 hrs

Air-conditioned minivans

From Lanao Sur, General Santos City, Tacurong, Marawi City, Kidapawan City to Cotabato City

Jeepneys

From General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Marawi City, all points of the Municipalities of Maguindanao.

Non-aircon/aircon Bus lines

From the city to nearby municipalities and to Davao City. Weena Express, and Grand transport provides service from the north leading to Davao City.

There are many jeepneys and tricycles to get you around the city.