Kidapawan City is a favorite tourist destination in the late October to December and in the summer, where thousands of tourist climb the majestic Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

Kidapawan, the city hailed as “A Spring in the Highland”, comes from the words “tida” which means spring and “pawan” meaning highland. The city is found at the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest mountain making it a great spot and first-rate tourist attraction. Kidapawan is situated at the southeastern section of Cotabato province, placed in the middle of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, and General Santos.

Kidapawan City plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the province and its adjacent areas. It is the commercial and trading center of six adjoining municipalities. It also boasts of agricultural productivity that can provide a strong base for much-required industries.

Climate
Located outside the typhoon belt, the city is blessed with a favorable climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The coldest time of the year is between December and January, and the hottest months are during the months of April and May.

Tourism
Kidapawan City is synonymous to Mt. Apo which towers at 10,311 feet above sea level with a total area of 14.6 square meters. The country’s tallest peak is an abode to the almost extinct Philippine Eagle. The majestic mountain is surrounded by moss-covered century-old-trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur craters, and massive boulders. Within the Mt. Apo Natural Park is the Mandarangan Geological Site which is being promoted as a major educational tourism site. Lake Venado which is hidden among the mountain ranges stood at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Its crystal waters mirror the twin peaks of Mt. Apo. Lake Agko, on the other hand, is a steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge. It stood at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level. It is five kilometers from the jump-off point for the mountain trekking at Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

The Marbel Falls, which is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height, is surrounded by hot springs. The Mawig Falls on the other hand, which is located in Barangay Balabag, is the source of the crystal-clear waters of Matingao River.

To celebrate the abundance of the exotic fruits grown in Kidapawan City, the city government spearheads the annual celebration of a Festival which falls annually in the month of August called Timpupo or the fruit festival. This festival first held in 2002 (the 2007 festival was the 6th occurrence of the festival[1]) celebrates the fruit harvest, the city purchases large quantities of local fruit which is laid out on tables along the streets for visitors and residents.[2] In 2006, the festival was held in October due to problems with the harvest.[3] The 2007 festival was held in the traditional month of August.[1] Dubbed “Timpupo” from the Manobo word “harvest”, the celebration signifies the people's thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and richness of the exotic fruits that thrive in the area. The Timpupo Festival is the best venue to savor the sweet, rich, and healthful banquet of tropical fruits which usually falls during the harvest season -August to October - depending on the ripening of fruits. Activities featured during the annual event include the Fruit Galore, Fruit Float Parade, Fruit Arrangement and Street Dancing Competition.

The Foundation Anniversary of the City of Kidapawan (February 12) is celebrated with parades, beauty contests, and traditional non-lethal horse fights.

Cable Television Service Providers

Telecommunication / Internet

Transportation
Local means of transportation is served by almost 2,000 motor tricycles known locally as just "motor". Transportations to its barangays and adjacent municipalities are served by Multicabs, Jeepneys, and L300 Vans. Weena Bus Company serves the Davao City--Cotabato City Route which passes the cities of Digos and Kidapawan. Public Utility Vans also served routes to and from the cities of Davao, COtabato, Tacurong-Isulan, Koronadal and General Santos.

Source:

Wikipedia