population: 0.68 million

extension: 492.86 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in General Santos and interested in visiting museums, you can check out the Mindanao State University Museum. This museum showcases various artifacts and cultural items from the region. Another option is the T'boli Weaving Center and Tribal Village, which showcases the traditional weaving practices of the T'boli people. If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you can also try visiting the South Cotabato Museum or the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Museum.

Food

General Santos City is known for its delicious seafood dishes, particularly tuna. Here are some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try according to locals:

1. Tuna Kinilaw - a dish of raw tuna marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chili peppers
2. Tuna Sashimi - thinly sliced raw tuna served with soy sauce and wasabi
3. Grilled Tuna Belly - grilled tuna belly seasoned with spices and served with rice
4. Tuna Jaw - grilled or fried tuna jaw that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
5. Sinuglaw - a combination of grilled pork belly (sinugba) and kinilaw, usually made with tuna, mixed together in one dish
6. Ginataang Tambakol - a coconut milk-based stew made with tuna, chili peppers, and vegetables like eggplant and string beans.

There are many other local dishes to try in General Santos City as well, but these are some of the top choices for seafood lovers.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals in General Santos enjoy:

1. Visit the Gensan Fish Port - this is one of the largest fish ports in the Philippines and a hub for the local fishing industry. You can see fishermen unloading their catch, watch the hustle and bustle of the market, and even purchase fresh seafood to take home.

2. Go Island Hopping - General Santos is located near several beautiful islands such as Sarangani Island and Gumasa Beach, and going on an island hopping tour is a popular activity among locals. You can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and feast on delicious seafood.

3. Join a Tuna Festival - General Santos is known as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," and celebrating the annual Tuna Festival is a must-do for locals. The festival usually takes place in September and features parades, street parties, and, of course, plenty of tuna dishes.

4. Try Local Delicacies - General Santos has a variety of unique and delicious local dishes such as tuna sisig, grilled tuna jaw, and sinuglaw (a combination of grilled pork belly and ceviche). You can try these dishes at local restaurants or even at street food stalls.

5. Explore Nature Parks - General Santos has several nature parks such as the Lemlunay Resort and Sarangani Highlands Garden that offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities like ziplining and horseback riding.