Hidden beneath a hill in the heart of this bustling city lies a world of winding passageways, underground streams, limestone formations, fruit bat colonies, and centuries of history.
The legendary Kutawato Cave-believed to be the Philippines’ only natural cave system located within a city proper-has reopened to visitors after months of rehabilitation, offering a renewed glimpse into one of Mindanao’s most unique cultural and natural landmarks.
Nestled beneath Pedro Colina Hill, the cave invites visitors to explore its interconnected chambers, brackish water pools, and rock formations sculpted over thousands of years while discovering stories that have shaped Cotabato City’s history-from indigenous resistance during the Spanish colonial era to its use as a guerrilla stronghold during World War II.
Just a short walk or jeepney ride from the cave are some of the city’s best-known attractions, including Pedro Colina Hill or Tantawan Park overlooking the city skyline, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Grand Mosque, the historic Tamontaka Church, the People’s Palace, bustling public markets and the Barter Trade Center, reflecting Cotabato’s long-standing role as a crossroads of commerce and culture.
Kutawato Cave reopened to the public on June 20 as part of the city’s 67th Araw ng Cotabato celebration.
Mayor Mohammad ‘Bruce’ Matabalao said the cave underwent rehabilitation beginning in January, with improvements made to visitor access areas, walkways, safety features and other facilities while preserving its historical and natural character.
Matabalao said the reopening marks an important step in the city’s efforts to strengthen tourism and promote the cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro region, whose seat of government is in Cotabato City.
The reopening celebration also highlighted Bangsamoro culture through performances featuring the centuries-old Maguindanao Sultanate tradition, kulintang and agung music, ‘okir’ woodcarving, ‘inaul’ weaving, traditional ‘guinakit’ boats and other cultural treasures.
‘We invite everyone to visit and first discover the stories, history and unique features that make this cave one of the treasures of our city before exploring other destinations,’ Matabalao said.
Free admission
The cave is open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., although donations are encouraged to support its preservation and continued development. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed shoes because portions of the cave have uneven and occasionally slippery surfaces.
Beyond the cave, Cotabato City is also known for its halal cuisine and thriving arts scene.
Visitors can sample traditional Moro dishes such as ‘tiyula itum,’ ‘piyanggang manok,’ beef ‘rendang,’ ‘palapa,’ ‘pastil’ and ‘lokot-lokot,’ reflecting the culinary influences of the Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug and neighboring Southeast Asian cultures.
The newly reopened cave also features artworks by Cotabateño artist Ricanor ‘Dong’ Uday. His collection draws inspiration from Mindanao’s history, culture and traditions, complementing the cave’s blend of nature and heritage.
The name ‘Kutawato’ comes from the Maguindanaon words ‘kuta’ (fort) and ‘wato’ (stone), from which Cotabato City itself derived its name.
Located in Barangay Rosary Heights 1, the cave is widely regarded as a symbol of the city’s identity. It is believed to be the country’s only cave system situated within an urban center, making it a rare natural attraction.
Above the cave, the brightly painted homes on Pedro Colina Hill provide a colorful contrast to the ancient limestone formations hidden beneath the landscape.
The cave’s maze of chambers and narrow corridors has long inspired local legends, including stories of a secret tunnel linking it to the historic Tamontaka Church, the oldest Catholic church in Cotabato City. Although largely considered folklore, the tale continues to intrigue visitors and historians.
During the Spanish colonial period, indigenous communities and Moro inhabitants used the cave as a refuge against colonial forces and forced religious conversion. During World War II, Filipino guerrillas transformed it into a stronghold, armory, and shelter while resisting Japanese occupation.
Wartime treasures
Local folklore has also linked the cave to hidden wartime treasures, although no historical evidence has substantiated those claims.
Recognizing its historical and tourism value, Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Don Mustapha Loong filed Parliament Bill No. 217 in 2023 seeking to declare Kutawato Cave a historical heritage site and ecotourism destination while providing funding for its protection and development.