THINGS TO DO IN MAGUINDANAO - Finding Peace at Tamontaka Lourdes Grotto

Since I still have an hour of free time before I go to the airport for my flight back to Manila, I decided to visit the Tamontaka Lourdes Grotto in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. If you're coming from Cotabato City, it is along the way to the airport, around 20 minutes away from the city proper. The grotto is run by a religious congregation, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. It is known to have a statue of the Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the original in France and is believed to be miraculous.

The place also features an amusement park called "Small World Children's Park", a mini zoo, retreat house for recollection and seminars, Via Crusis with large wood carvings, forest area and the "Creation Park".

Lourdes Grotto is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entrance fee is 10.00 pesos. Small World Children's Park is open on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 10:45 and 12:20 to 4:45 PM, entrance fee is 40.00 pesos. Creation Park is open everyday with entrance fee of 10.00 pesos.

This is certainly a place where one can find peace, enjoy nature and renew one's faith. It's a living witness that harmony exists among Muslims and Christians in Maguindanao.

HOW TO GET TO TAMONTAKA LOURDES GROTTO

From Manila, take a direct flight to Cotabato City. The airport is located at Brgy. Awang in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

From Awang airport, take a habal-habal to get to the main road. Then take a jeepney bound for Cotabato City and tell the driver to drop you at Lourdes Grotto. It is located on the right side of the road, fare is arouna 8.00 pesos and travel time is about 5-10 minutes.

If you're coming from Cotabato City, take a jeepney bound for Awang (P15) and tell the driver to drop you at Lourdes Grotto.

This trip to Maguindanao happened on July 7-8, 2012 during my "2-day Maguindanao and Cotabato City trip". Maguindanao is the 68th province on my list. You may read other posts below: COTABATO CITY 10 Things To Do in Cotabato City TRAVEL GUIDE: Cotabato City DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO Inaul Weaving at Al Jameelah Weaving Center Finding Peace at Tamontaka Lourdes Grotto

NOTE: It is certainly safe to travel to Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao. We explored these places on our own and without any guide. But it is also highly suggested that you coordinate with DOT-ARMM for assistance. You may contact them through the contact details given on this post.

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.