The Great Summer Escape 4:

GUISI BEACH

Sitio Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines

by Pepin

The 8.8 magnitude of Chile’s earthquake shocked the whole world, and the three-meter high tsunami that hit Japan scared many people across the pacific. But these two natural calamities are hardly-felt when you have stood at a huge rock at Guisi beach last February 27, 2010. The unruffled waters of the sea and the spectacular rock formations found in this arresting summer escape hidden at one end of the island of Guimaras cannot displace your thoughts of worrying much about the news in spite of the terrible mishaps that already beat the globe.

Guisi beach is a paradise found for many who have already conquered its sand and waters. Though it remains a mystery for many who are planning to have their trip there, one thing is for sure, the place will be a genuine delight once you get there. Its clear tortoise water is invigorating and its yellow shores are indeed  beyond exceptional. The massive natural rock formations are like a sculpture’s life-size abstract masterpieces.

But what this silent beach sanctuary is really proud of is its century-old lighthouse that ranks second as the oldest in the Philippines. Located at the edge of a cliff, this wrecked tower stands as the island’s most valuable antique. At its base are ruins of arches that were built during the Spanish era.

 

Unlike the beaches of Martinique, Cayman Islands, or Barbados, Guisi beach is hushed. There are no twenty-four hour tequila parties, no ear-splitting DJ mixes, and no souvenir shops. The entire space is filled with the sounds of rushing waves and blowing wind. But this doesn’t mean that the place is a dead-beat. You can still enjoy some of these activities:

                  

• Swim. The water is cool and soothing, but don’t expect to swim on a sandy beach because the seabed is mainly composed of pebbles, sea rocks, and corals. But if you are looking for some fine sand, you can walk farther right where there are huge rock formations. Below these rocks are small spaces of white sand.

• Snorkel. Because the beach has an extensive coral bed, snorkeling is the most pleasurable thing to do. You will find colorful corals and  saltwater creatures, like sea snakes, small octopus, squids, hermit crabs, and different kinds of fishes. But if you want it simple, you can explore some underwater wonders  by just standing on a rock and staring directly at the bottom of the sea in early morning, between 5 am to 7 am, when the tide is low and the water is clear.

• Boat ride. For as low as Php 350.00 per hour (and an additional of Php 150.00 for every succeeding hour), you can go boating with friends and discover other nearby islands.

• Stroll. You can have a leisure walk and explore the shore, the lighthouse, and the imposing rock formations as much as you want. You can also witness a romantic view of the sunset by the beach.

• Dine. For a memorable dining by the beach experience, you  can bring and cook your own food there. But if you want it easy, you can order food and beverage at the resort.

• A simple beer cheer. There is a local store that sells liquors. Enjoy some merrymaking at night and drink ‘till you drop.

How to get there:

Guisi Beach is only 45 minutes from Jordan Wharf. You can take a jeepney bound to Nueva Valencia, or you can hire a multi-cab if you will be travelling with a large group.

If you are from Manila, you can take a plane to Iloilo and a pump boat from Ortiz Wharf (Iloilo City) to Jordan, Guimaras.

Where to stay:

You don’t have to worry much of the accommodation at Guisi. There are at least three resorts there where you can spend the night, and one of these is the Guisi Clearwater Resort. It has spacious rooms and open picnic cottages. It also has a sari-sari store, and sing-along bar.

Guisi Clearwater Resort Room Rates

Air-conditioned Rooms (with toilet and bath)

Good for 4 (Php 1,600.00)

Good for 2 (Php 1,200.00)

Fan Rooms (common toilet and bath)

Good for 4 (Php 1,000.00)

Good for 2 (Php 600.00)

Big Rooms

For group of 10 (Php 1,300.00)

Dorm for 10 (Php 1,500.00 and additional of Php 50.00 for every excess person)

Special Room Package (Php 2,000.00)

- Good for 4 persons

- air-condition

- with toilet and bath

- with colored television

- with free breakfast

Contact Details:

Ms. Josie Gaitan

(+63) 0919-5636-688

(+63) 0932-4905-818

guisi.beach@yahoo.com

Sunset at Guisi

Awesome rock formations

Underwater splendours

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.