Earlier, South Cotabato was segregated, and what was then North Cotabato was renamed Cotabato under Batas Pambansa 660 on December 19, 1983. Cotabato at present strategically lies in the central portion of Mindanao. Kidawapan, the capital town of roughly 70,000 people lies in the eastern slopes of Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak at 10,311 ft. Cotabato has a distinct character resulting from varying cultures, dialects, traits and ways of life as indicated by its unique blend of people. Furthermore, the province is relatively shielded from climate disturbances such as typhoons.
Floods do occur occasionally, especially along the river basin areas.
Major tourist attractions abound in this exotic province which is the Philippines itself in capsule form. Lake Agko, a rare blue boiling lake, offers an added treat. All these are found in Kidapawan, but other tourist attractions abound in such areas as Kabacan, Carmen, Makilala and Magpet. Domestic and foreign tourist have come again and again to the Mt. Apo National Park among them, geologist and other scientists hoping to discover new species of flora and fauna. To boost the industry, agencies have been created and transportation and accommodation facilities have been encouraged, and the people have themselves become accustomed to entertaining tourists, sharing with them their history of unique life and culture.