This coastal city in Mindanao is the Philippines' tuna capital, with one of Asia's largest fish ports. Its warm climate and active fish markets draw both traders and visitors.
General Santos, a coastal city in southern Mindanao, Philippines, has grown from a fishing village into an important urban center. You'll find Southeast Asia's second-largest fish port here, where tuna auctions start at 5 AM daily. The city sits near Mount Matutum, where you can hike through coffee plantations and forest trails to reach its 2,286-meter summit. Every February, the streets come alive during the Kalilangan Festival with traditional music, dance performances, and food markets.
Climate and Location in Mindanao
General Santos lies at the southern edge of Mindanao, next to Sarangani Bay. The city has a tropical wet and dry climate with temperatures averaging 28°C. The location keeps it protected from typhoons, and with less than 1,000mm of annual rainfall, it's one of the driest areas in the Philippines.
Getting Around General Santos
You can reach the city through General Santos International Airport, which has daily flights to Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. To move around the city, take jeepneys (local public transport), multi-cabs, or white metered taxis. Makar Wharf handles passenger ferries and cargo ships connecting to other coastal cities.
The Tuna Industry
Visit the Fishport Complex in Tambler to see the morning tuna auctions starting at 5 AM. The 750-meter quay buzzes with activity as fishing boats unload their catch and buyers bid on fresh tuna. Seven processing plants in the city prepare tuna for local markets and international export, processing over 750 tons of fish daily.
Local Food Scene
The city's seafood comes straight from the morning catch. At local restaurants, you can eat grilled tuna belly with a dip of soy sauce, onions, and chili. Try Sinuglaw, which mixes grilled pork with raw fish cured in vinegar. Morning markets sell mangoes, durian, and local snacks like fried banana and turón (banana wrapped in spring roll wrapper).
Cultural Events
During the Kalilangan Festival in February, you can watch traditional dance performances and taste regional dishes at food stalls. The Tuna Festival in September includes fishing contests, cooking shows, and street parties. In December, Paskuhan sa GenSan fills the streets with Christmas lights and night markets.
Mount Matutum Area
Mount Matutum rises 2,286 meters above sea level with a 320-meter-wide crater at its peak. The hiking trail to the summit takes 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and forest paths. Three smaller peaks surround the main volcano: Landayao, Tampad, and Albulhek, each with their own hiking routes.
Markets and Shopping Areas
Start your day at the General Santos Public Market, open from 3 AM to 7 PM, where fishmongers sell the morning's catch alongside fresh produce vendors. For air-conditioned shopping, head to SM City General Santos or FitMart. The city's central location makes it a shopping destination for residents from neighboring provinces in the Soccsksargen region.
