South Cotabato’s Popular Lake Holon Reopens to Visitors After Two-Month Closure
Koronadal City, South Cotabato — One of South Cotabato’s most celebrated natural attractions, Lake Holon, has officially reopened to visitors after a two-month temporary closure for its annual rehabilitation and restoration period.
Lake Holon, nestled within the slopes of Mount Parker (also known as Mount Melibengoy) in the municipality of T’boli, South Cotabato, is widely regarded as one of the most pristine and picturesque crater lakes in the Philippines. The lake had been closed to tourists since early 2026 to allow the surrounding ecosystem to recover and to carry out necessary trail and facility maintenance.
The reopening is welcome news for local tourism stakeholders and outdoor adventure enthusiasts who consider Lake Holon a premier trekking and camping destination in Mindanao. The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, and the journey to reach it involves a rewarding hike through lush mountain forests, grasslands, and native T’boli tribal communities.
A Natural Treasure of the T’boli People
Lake Holon holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous T’boli people, who regard the crater lake as a sacred place. The name “Holon” is derived from the T’boli word meaning “deep blue water,” a fitting description for the lake’s strikingly clear and vividly colored waters that shift between shades of blue, green, and teal depending on the light and weather conditions.
The lake is also known for its unique geological characteristics. Mount Parker is an active volcano, and the caldera that formed Lake Holon creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Over the years, the lake has attracted thousands of local and international visitors drawn by its serenity, biodiversity, and the challenging yet fulfilling trek required to reach it.
Annual Closure for Environmental Sustainability
The two-month closure is part of a long-standing practice by the local government of T’boli in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure the sustainable management of the tourism site. During the closure period, local authorities conduct trail repairs, waste cleanup operations, water quality assessments, and consultations with T’boli tribal leaders regarding visitor management protocols.
This annual “rest period” reflects a growing recognition across the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region of the importance of carrying capacity limits and rotational closures for ecologically sensitive tourism destinations. Overtourism has threatened many popular natural sites across the archipelago, and proactive measures like this help preserve these environments for future generations.
What Visitors Can Expect
With the reopening, visitors can once again enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Lake Holon and its surrounding landscapes. The trek typically begins from the jump-off point in Barangay Fluva, T’boli, and involves a moderate to challenging hike of several hours through mossy forests and open ridges that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Camping is permitted near the lakeside, and overnight stays are highly recommended to experience the lake at its most magical — at sunrise and sunset, when the interplay of light and mist creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors are reminded to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and respect the sacred nature of the site as understood by the T’boli community.
Local guides are available and strongly recommended for first-time visitors, both for safety and to enrich the experience with cultural knowledge about the area’s history, flora, and fauna. The local tourism office has also reinforced its registration and fee system, which directly supports conservation efforts and community livelihood programs.
Boost for South Cotabato Tourism
The reopening of Lake Holon comes at an important time for South Cotabato’s tourism industry, which has been working to recover and rebuild momentum following the challenges posed by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao in early June 2026. The province, of which Koronadal City serves as the capital, is home to a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions that position it as a rising destination in the Philippine tourism landscape.
Tourism officials in Koronadal City and the surrounding municipalities have expressed optimism that the reopening will draw both domestic and international visitors back to the region, providing a much-needed economic boost to local communities that depend on tourism-related income.
Travelers planning a visit to Lake Holon are advised to coordinate with the T’boli Municipal Tourism Office or the South Cotabato Provincial Tourism Office for the latest information on trail conditions, registration requirements, and safety guidelines before embarking on their journey.