The tall, wooden gate of Sitio Maupot was the only clue what lies behind it.  The surrounding fence, equally tall and partially covered with vegetation, was just as imposing and mysterious.  It took three hours of slow driving before we gawked at the gate from our cramped vehicle.

Past the tall wooden gate, the facade was unassuming and simple with the name of the oasis announced in big, red letters.

A place called Sitio Maupot, an oasis deep inside North Cotabato, near the foothills of Mount Apo, hidden behind a tall wooden gate, lie the gem of relaxation.

The road was vaguely familiar, knowing that I had been there before, in a place that seem to have not changed much.  The roadside vista was just as rural and drawn back as I remember it.  There were a lot of new structures but, it too, felt old and oddly out of place.  I felt that buildings and structures were haphazardly positioned too close to the road and did not give continuity to the flow.

It was best to avoid the outer lane of the highway. Road repairs and warning signs appeared abandoned and difficult to spot. People and animals lumbered treacherously close to the roadside.

The gate yawned open as we stood in front of it. A tiled courtyard and a row of cottages revealed a glimpse of order and symmetry. We have arrived.

One cannot the ignore the infinity pool behind the reception desk. The mere sight of the water flashed the feeling of traveling parched through desert and encountering a blue lagoon over the ridge. An overload of anticipation ensued upon discovery of a spa/massage area below deck offering a spice-filled, aromatic spa experience.

Balconies overlook the pool and the valley below.  The vast vista of the valley and the sight of the distant hills was, by itself, a soothing sight and certainly a relaxing experience while absorbing the beauty of the panoramic view.

A spacious pavilion for buffet meals, a coffee shop/cafeteria, an air-conditioned toddler play room, and several isolated nooks all provided comfort and relaxation.  There were still a few structures that were under construction and we wished we could have seen it completed.

We lingered from one area to the next. Each experience was savored to its full extent. The staff were very helpful and accommodating.  I was thankful that I had them to help me make my experience more memorable while I was there.

We left the next morning and made the same long road trip back home.  It didn’t sound so exciting that we will be going through the same route again. The destination was certainly worth it.

Original article dated April 22, 2018. Revised article dated August 27, 2019