Fort Sarangani Maasim Sarangani Province

Right after our resort experienced at Lemlunay Diving Resort, I informed the team of another possible travel experience that is just a few meters away.  Without hesitation, the group highly agreed, packed up and proceeded to the site.  From Lemlunay entrance, it was only a 100 meters away then turn right on the signboards of the 73rd Infantry Battalion then a 350 meters uphill climb.  For those coming from General Santos City it is roughly 35 kilometers away with KCC Mall of Gensan as the starting point. From the entrance area of Fort Sarangani we were already amazed of the military tanks, trucks and howitzers that lined up.  But before we started our tour one of the military officer ask for our letter of intent but since we have nothing to show to them, they just ask for one representative valid identification card and asked where we are connected then minutes later our military tour guide arrived in the person of Sir Gajo. (They prefer to be called with Sir rather than their position.)

The very first thing that the group noticed was that all the officers were very friendly and energetic to entertain us.  This was because as part of their Goal / Mission in establishing the Fort Sarangani was to bring back the trust of the local civilians and community as a whole to the Philippine Army which had been downfallen due to corrupt Army officials specially the Generals.  To be honest it was my first time to enter a military camp and with it's transformation into a tourist destination; I had never felt any fear but instead total peace and calmness.  To my estimates the camp sits around 75-100 meters above sea level facing the vast Sarangani Bay which is one of the premier diving spots in the Region.  Fort Sarangani is truly a must visit destination when in Maasim, Sarangani Province. According to Sir Gajo the original planned of Col. Rodolfo "Jun" Espuelas Jr, the Battalion Commander was for the relaxation of the armies who were away from their home (lonely) and tired of their courageous responsibilities and obligations.  The commander wanted them to feel home while away from home thus they installed lounge, cafe, park and other recreational activities.  Later on it was open to the families of the armies and with the word of mouth wide spreading local tourist rushed to the place wanting to experience first hand beauty and serenity of the place.  These efforts of the 73rd Infantry Battalion will surely bring back the trust and confidence of the local, community, tourist, investors as they urge to become Sarangani partner in peace and development.


The first part of the tour was the Firing Range, as much as we wanted to try firing they could not allow us as we don't have any letter of approval coming from the authorities.  Next to the firing range is a hill "forget the name" followed by some houses made from kalakat, nipa and bamboos.  Adjacent to these houses was the flirtation park "don't get me wrong it's not what you think of - hehehehe".  Flirtation Park is where the soldiers kill their time, when they miss their love ones by communing with the Mother Nature.  Here soldiers are offered with a spectacular view of the Maasim hills, tranquil Sarangani Bay and shoreline houses of the fisherman’s village.  There are wooden seesaws within the area for a more relaxing way to view the beauty of nature.  Few meters from Flirtation Park is the Serendipity Cafe where soldiers can enjoy live music perform by some armies who know to play instrument (drum and guitar) plus a cup of coffee with awesomely bay view equals joy and happiness for the heart.  Not only that; for those who wanted to stay overnight and have some retreat in this peaceful camp; that is where Serenity Lounge will come in.  With clean and organize bedrooms, water dispenser, well lighted and ventilated with matching karaoke and of course awesome view of the Sarangani Bay there's nothing you could ask for more.  Within the area also is a view deck which was place on top of the septic tank.  Although staying here overnight is FREE still it's up to you if you wanted to drop some money on the donation box as a sort of thanksgiving for their gentle and warm welcome and companionship.

Were now almost finish with our tour but the adventure and posing does not stop there as we were able to touch the 105mm howitzers.  These howitzers are still fully functional and were previously used before to combat the counterterrorism and anti lawlessness campaign in the conflict area in Mindanao.  For the record this howitzers have a maximum range of 12 kilometers air distance.  These howitzers even have name as follows: Marimar, Rosanna, Nadia and Salve.  Lastly the battle tanks and transport trucks which are used o facilitate the mobility of army troops on the groups.  Riding them from the outside, although the engine was turn-off was a very remarkable experience.  If you wanted to experience the Tank Ride (which we haven't tried) make sure you are of a large group when you visit the place and secure a letter of intent with the approval of the Provincial Government or Tourism Office of Maasim or Sarangani or the Battalion Commander itself.  For them to be able to prepare as the tank operator is operated by other division or skilled army.

Other sights within the area are Bonsai Park, Children Park, multi purpose hall, infantry office, cost guard watch station with a high end telescope used to safeguard the Sarangani Bay.  Watch out also in the near future for the installation of zipline, airsoft playground, horse back riding, bike trail, trekking and camping, kite flying and obstacle course on which the armies are renowned for.