By Girlie Solis, Anchor, Brigada News FM Koronadal
Tucked within the ancient crater of Mt. Melibingoy, also known as Mt. Parker, Lake Holon rests quietly at more than 1,300 meters above sea level. Its waters, clear and cold, have earned recognition as the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines. Yet beyond its ecological purity, Lake Holon has become an emerging example of how domestic tourism can be managed with local culture, community livelihood, and environmental sustainability in mind.
Visitors arriving in the highlands of T’boli, South Cotabato, often begin their trek via the Salacafe Trail, a relatively accessible path used by most travelers. The trail winds through upland farms and forests before descending into the caldera lake, which formed after a volcanic eruption in 1641. For those seeking a more physically demanding journey, the Koli Trail offers a steeper, forested route.
Either way, reaching Lake Holon involves effort and intention — a kind of travel that favors patience over convenience.
Beyond the Trail
For the indigenous T’boli people, Lake Holon is more than a destination. It is a sacred site, a source of livelihood, and a home to generations of myth and tradition. Oral histories speak of 15 guardian spirits represented by the mountains encircling the lake. These stories are shared with visitors not as performance, but as cultural truth.
Local guides, all of whom are members of the T’boli community, lead treks and share these narratives as part of the travel experience. Tourists are reminded to respect the lake and its cultural significance, including designated quiet zones and prohibited activities.
For visitors like Reina Santos, a nurse from General Santos City, the opportunity to disconnect from daily life is part of Lake Holon’s draw. “There’s no signal up there, so you’re forced to be present,” she said. “That kind of silence — it’s hard to find, and it helps reset your mind.”
Research consistently links nature-based tourism to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced anxiety, better sleep, and increased emotional well-being. Experiences like camping by Lake Holon, kayaking at dawn, or simply watching fog roll over the caldera offer relief from overstimulation and digital fatigue.
Supporting Local Livelihood
Tourism in Lake Holon is designed to directly benefit the T’boli community. From porter services and homestays in Sitio Kule to meal preparation and souvenir-making, income opportunities are spread across residents, most of whom previously relied solely on subsistence farming or fishing.
According to the T’boli tourism office, an average of 5,000 to 7,000 visitors arrive annually, especially during the dry season between December and May. While modest compared to mainstream tourist spots, these numbers have had significant impact. Young adults who once considered migrating to urban areas now work as guides, trail maintenance staff, or cultural educators.
The site’s inclusion in the “Top 100 Sustainable Destinations” list by Green Destinations, an international nonprofit, further affirms its commitment to balancing tourism with environmental protection and cultural preservation.
Getting There
Lake Holon is reachable from General Santos City or Davao City via land travel. The closest major airport is in General Santos, which connects to Manila and Cebu through daily flights. From there, T’boli town is a three-hour drive, and Sitio Kule — the jump-off point to the lake — is about 45 minutes from the town proper.
Local government units have made the booking and permit process more efficient in recent years. Visitor registration, guide coordination, and environmental briefings are conducted at the tourism office, often in both Cebuano and Filipino for accessibility.
As tourism grows, stakeholders are cautious. The number of campers per night is capped, plastic use is discouraged, and a leave-no-trace policy is enforced. Infrastructure development remains minimal by design, with no permanent lodging at the lake itself.
In an era of mass tourism and fast-paced travel, Lake Holon stands as a rare reminder that slower, community-centered tourism can still find space to thrive — with crystal waters, mountain air, and the wisdom of those who have long called it home.
