The Grand Mosque of Cotabato: My Escape From Life’s Relentless Chaos

Is the world spinning so fast that you can hardly keep up? Ever wish the world would slow down even just for a day? Some days, I wonder if we’re in a lucid dream or a simulated reality that started when the world ended in 2012. I mean. With life’s relentless pace and constant noise, the world sometimes doesn’t seem real to me. I often feel like a video game character, a zombie, or a cyborg who works endlessly and restlessly. But I’m not a freaking video game character that survives through energy packs and first aid kits. I’m a breathing human who craves knowledge, wisdom, and new experiences. I’m a dreamer, rebel, and adventure seeker who enjoys exploring unique places like The Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

And one of the ways to feel human again in this crazy, chaotic world is to travel.

Even if it’s just for a weekend or a day, I always find a way to travel. 

It’s my therapy. 

My stress-reliever.

My source of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity.

And my fountain of youth. 

It’s my escape from life’s madness, my way of reclaiming my humanity in a world of chaos. 

I make it a point to embark on a new adventure every month, refusing to let the chaos of life hold me back. 

So, on one July weekend, I traveled to Mindanao to explore the country’s most underrated gems: the Grand Mosque of Cotabato and Masjid Dimaukom.

And it was just the anti-stress and anti-depressant pill that I needed.

My Experience at The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City 

I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Grand Mosque of Cotabato and Masjid Dimaukom in person.

I wanted to see their elaborate architecture, gorgeous domes, and unique colors. 

Furthermore, I wanted to dive into the culture of this underrated region in the Philippines. 

Curious, I was eager to immerse myself in the lifestyle of my Filipino Muslim brothers and to understand their beliefs and traditions from a first-hand perspective.

Some conservative Christians would never dare to try what I was about to do because of their beliefs. 

But, really, I don’t give a f*ck. 

I’m neither religious nor conservative anyway.

For this adventure, I was joined by my niece, who helped me test a couple of digital cameras. 

After a short plane ride from Cebu, we arrived safely in Davao City and went straight to the rendezvous. 

Davao City at 01:00 AM

The journey to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City and Maguindanao started early.

Surprisingly, everyone, from the organizers to the joiners, was on time for this day trip to Maguindanao from Davao City. 

From Davao City, we traveled for hours to Cotabato City in a cozy and spacious van. 

Did I get some sleep on our way to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City?

Heck no. 

As I’ve said, travel is often uncomfortable and can be a bit of a hassle. 

It’s never a straight line, and things usually never go as planned.

But I’d rather have sleepless nights on the road and in the mountains than spend hours working endlessly in front of a computer. 

I’d rather talk to strangers and locals and learn from them than discuss business plans on Zoom. 

Don’t get me wrong.

While I do love my job, working non-stop for days can lead to burnout and even cause mental health issues. 

And because I have a strong work ethic, I tend to spend more time at work than enjoying life.

I’m not alone on this, too.

In a 2024 study conducted by the Global Life-Work Balance Index, the Philippines was ranked second worst in work-life balance.

Shit! 

Are we going to keep doing this for the rest of our lives?

Are we going to blindly keep running in the hamster wheel? 

When are we going to start enjoying life and see the beauty of the world?

When we are too old to walk and too stubborn to learn and gain new ideas from other cultures?

There’s no better time to enjoy life than today.

And never feel guilty about spending your time and hard-earned money on things that make you happy. 

I admit. I spend a lot of money and time exploring new places in the Philippines. 

But to me, it’s an investment and, in a way, a routine that keeps me sane. 

Exploring places like the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City can help reduce anxiety and stress and boost happiness.

Furthermore, it helps me prevent burnout by allowing me to recharge and relax. 

That’s why, even on a tight schedule, I traveled to Mindanao and took a long drive to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City.

Cotabato City at 06:04 AM

After a long and bumpy ride, we arrived at the first stop of our Maguindanao day trip – Cotabato City. 

We got lost a couple of times while looking for the “Cotabato City” sign. 

Fortunately, some friendly locals showed us the way to this landmark. 

Originally, this wasn’t included in our Maguindanao day trip.

But that’s the beauty of travel and exploring new places.

It’s like life and a box of chocolates. 

It’s unpredictable, and we can’t always know what will happen next.

Then, we went to a nearby fast-food chain to eat breakfast and prepare for our day trip. 

Although our day trip had an itinerary, it was precisely set in stone.

In fact, our guide was planning and thinking of where to go next as we were having breakfast.

And that’s okay.

I don’t want my trips to be meticulously planned.

I want my trips to be random, unplanned, and unrehearsed. 

Eventually, she and the driver decided to go to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato. 

After our breakfast, we traveled straight to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato to officially kick-start our adventure. 

Along the way, I saw glimpses of the culture and way of life in Cotabato City.

And that’s one thing I love about travel. 

You see. 

You can watch documentaries, videos, Facebook reels and read as many travel articles as you can.

But there’s no better way to learn and experience the diversity of our country than traveling.

You’ll be exposed to different ways of life, traditions, and customs, which can expand your perspective and help you appreciate our world.

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City at 07:35 AM

Soon, we arrived at the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, and I was instantly mesmerized by its beauty and charm.

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato, known officially as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, is the second-largest mosque in the Philippines.

And it’s a breathtaking sight that should be on everyone’s Philippine travel bucket list.

Excited, we quickly jumped out of the van and headed straight to a nearby shack to rent Islamic garments so we could enter the Grand Mosque of Cotabato. 

To enter the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, women must wear Hijabs and should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. 

Same thing for men. They should wear clothes that cover their knees and shoulders.

Since I wore shorts for this trip, I had to rent a thobe to enter the Grand Mosque of Cotabato. 

And the people who owned the shack were so friendly.

The woman who owned the shack showed care for my niece and helped her look like a princess.

That’s another thing I love about traveling.

Travel breaks barriers and misconceptions about other religions, places, and cultures.

In the Philippines, the mainstream media has always painted a negative image of Mindanao.

They always show the negative side of Mindanao, suggesting it’s violent and dangerous.

But guess what?

Everything they say about Mindanao is complete bullshit.

Honestly, I feel safer in Mindanao than most modern cities and provinces in the Philippines.

It’s my home away from home.

And people?

They are way friendlier, kinder, and more accommodating than the rest of the Philippines.

I’ve seen more rude people in NCR and Metro Cebu than in Mindanao. 

No kidding.

Have you seen the impatient drivers in Cebu and Metro Manila?

They’re ticking time bombs, always on the verge of road rage.

How about the drunk-ass rich kids and conyo a-holes who mistreat the people working in the service industry in these cities?

On the other hand, the Muslims and tribes in Mindanao are the sweetest people on earth.

Treat them with respect and kindness, and they will shower you with kindness.

They embody the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I’ve been all over the Philippines, and let me tell you, Mindanao is probably the best part of the country.

It’s safer and friendlier than most people think, and it has the most stunning natural, cultural, and historical wonders in the Philippines.

It has a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has the tallest mountains in the Philippines, including Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mount Apo.

It also has the country’s largest and most gorgeous mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

Entering The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City at 08:01 AM

We headed to the entrance of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to list down our names in their log book.

There is no entrance fee to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City.

You just have to donate any amount to set foot on this gorgeous Islamic complex.

Then, we entered the Grand Mosque, Cotabato City, and I couldn’t take my eyes off its stunning architecture.

With its golden domes, spires, and intricate architecture, the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City is truly an Islamic architecture masterpiece.

It’s majestic, enormous, and a sight to behold.

Some say they feel they’ve been transported to Brunei at the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City.

Plus, it’s surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, including a massive river and a scenic hill.

My niece and I took turns posing in front of our digital cameras.

And why are we using digital cameras instead of modern phones and my Insta 360 cam?

Well, they look more grainy and natural and have a nostalgic touch, which is what I want in my images because they represent memories.

Afterward, we explored the complex and admired the breathtaking Grand Mosque of Cotabato architecture.

There were so many eye-catching sights and views at the Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

Even in a short time, I created many fond memories of the Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

We mostly travel for memories and experiences.

These are the reasons why travel is so addictive and exciting.

Travel gives us opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime.

From meeting new friends to admiring sights like the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, every experience is special and unique.

And guess what?

These memories and experiences will also turn you into an excellent storyteller.

So far, our visit to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato has been an absolute blast.

I just wished there was someone who’d explain to me the history of the Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

This isn’t a typical tourist attraction, so there are no guides or curators who’d share the Grand Mosque of Cotabato history.

Maybe next time, I’ll prepare an audio guide while exploring the grounds of the Grand Mosque of Cotabato.

While we wanted to stay and enjoy the sights of the mosque, we had to move on and continue with our Maguindanao day trip.

From the mosque, we headed to the nearby Bay Walk and enjoyed views of the Tamontaka River and the islands. 

I interacted with the other joiners and organizers of this day trip in Mindanao.

Years ago, talking with strangers filled me with dread.

But, my solo trips have pushed me out of my comfort zone and have enhanced my confidence and communication skills.

And it has greatly helped me in my professional life.

So, if you think travel is a waste of time, think again.

I wouldn’t have survived the corporate and freelance world if travel didn’t help me improve these skills.

Then, we continued our trip and explored other places, including the People’s Palace and the Pink Mosque.

And this trip was just what I needed.

I wouldn’t say I DESERVED this trip.

I’d say I EARNED this trip.

There’s a difference between “deserved” and “earned.”

“Deserved” means you get something because it’s fair or right based on your actions or qualities. 

“Earned” means you’ve worked hard to achieve something through effort and dedication.

So, the next time you take a break or enjoy life, say you’ve “earned” it and not that you “deserved” it.

Trust me, your trips are so satisfying if you think you’ve earned it rather than deserved it. 

How to get to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato?

The easiest and most convenient way to get to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato is to join an organized tour. I recommend Footprints Travel Services for anyone planning to take this route. Organized tours often include stops at other notable places in Mindanao, including the Pink Mosque. Some multi-day tours include stops in South Cotabato.

How much is the entrance fee to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato?

There’s no entrance fee to the Grand Mosque of Cotabato. You can enter the mosque for free, but you’re encouraged to donate (any amount).

What’s the dress code for the Grand Mosque of Cotabato?

When visiting the Grand Mosque of Cotabato (also known as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid), there’s a specific dress code to show respect for Islamic traditions and the sacredness of the place:

• For Women: Women are required to wear a modest, long dress that covers the arms and legs. A headscarf (hijab) is also essential to cover the hair.
• For Men: Long pants and a shirt covering the arms are recommended. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

In both cases, clothing should be loose-fitting, and avoiding anything too tight or revealing is best. 

Islamic garments for rent are available outside the mosque. Prices range from 80 to 120 PHP.