How to Avoid Tourist Traps in General Santos, General Santos, Philippines

1. Market of General Santos

Authentic local market offering fresh seafood. Avoid overpriced restaurants nearby.

Fresh Seafood: Purchase directly from the fishermen for lower prices.
Avoid Overpriced Restaurants: Eat at nearby eateries offering local dishes without inflated tourist prices.
Local Dishes: Taste the authentic Blue Marlin and Tuna dishes that the market is known for.

Seafood restaurant popular with tourists. Opt for nearby eateries for more reasonable prices.

Reasonable Prices: Find less expensive seafood options in the local neighborhood.
Avoid Popular Tourist Spots: Experience the local dining scene outside of tourist hotspots.
Local Neighborhood: Explore areas like Barangay Dadiangas East for authentic dining experiences.

Natural wonder with an entrance fee and vendors selling overpriced souvenirs.

Entrance Fee: Visit during the weekdays when the crowd is less, or bargain for a discount.
Overpriced Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs from local shops outside of the park before visiting.
Crowd Management: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours.

Expensive restaurant with a stunning view. Try local eateries for more affordable options.

Affordable Options: Find cheaper alternatives offering the same great views.
Local Eateries: Discover hidden gems in areas like Barangay Lagao and Dadiangas East.
Stunning View: Enjoy the view from a less crowded spot for a more authentic experience.

Commercial mall with overpriced items and touristy shops.

Overpriced Items: Shop for goods in local markets or smaller malls for better deals.
Touristy Shops: Discover local artisans and products outside of the mall.
Local Markets: Explore Bartertown or the Public Market for a more authentic shopping experience.

Restaurant with inflated prices due to its popularity. Explore other seafood options nearby.

Other Seafood Options: Find less crowded and more affordable alternatives.
Inflated Prices: Budget-friendly seafood can be found in lesser-known restaurants.
Less Crowded Spots: Experience the local dining scene without long waits and high prices.

Amusement park with high entrance fees and overpriced food.

Entrance Fees: Visit during off-peak hours or negotiate for a discounted group rate.
Overpriced Food: Pack your own snacks and meals to save money.
Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during the week or early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Supermarket with overpriced goods catering to tourists.

Overpriced Goods: Shop at local sari-sari stores or wet markets for lower prices.
Tourist Catering: Discover the local grocery scene outside of big supermarkets.
Local Sari-Sari Stores: Support the community by shopping at small, family-owned stores.

Popular tourist destination with overpriced accommodations and souvenirs.

Overpriced Accommodations: Stay in guesthouses or homestays for more affordable prices.
Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs from local weavers outside of the touristy shops.
Guides: Hire a local guide for fair prices and authentic insights.

Restaurant with touristy ambiance and high prices.

Touristy Ambiance: Find more authentic seafood restaurants off the beaten path.
High Prices: Discover local eateries offering the same great dishes at lower prices.
Authentic Seafood Restaurants: Experience the unique flavors of General Santos' seafood scene.

Tourist attraction with inflated entrance fees and overpriced food.

Inflated Entrance Fees: Visit during off-peak hours or negotiate for a discounted rate.
Overpriced Food: Pack your own snacks and meals to save money.
Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during the week or early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Tourist hotspot with high entrance fees and overpriced food.

High Entrance Fees: Visit during off-peak hours or negotiate for a discounted rate.
Overpriced Food: Pack your own snacks and meals to save money.
Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during the week or early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Overpriced museum with touristy souvenirs.

Overpriced Admission: Visit during off-peak hours or negotiate for a discounted rate.
Touristy Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs from local craftsmen outside of the museum.
Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during the week or early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Resort with overpriced accommodations and food.

Overpriced Accommodations: Find more affordable options in guesthouses or homestays.
Overpriced Food: Discover local eateries offering the same great dishes at lower prices.
Affordable Accommodations: Experience the unique charm of General Santos' accommodations scene.

Waterpark with high entrance fees and overpriced food.

High Entrance Fees: Visit during off-peak hours or negotiate for a discounted rate.
Overpriced Food: Pack your own snacks and meals to save money.
Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during the week or early in the morning for a quieter experience.