Photo: Kara Santos, ABS CBN News
Wedged in the southernmost part of the Philippines between the mountains of Glan and the Celebes Sea, Gumasa Beach showcases a six-kilometer stretch of powdery, white-sand shoreline that bewitches those who search for serenity and enjoyment. While famously known as the “Boracay of the South,” this premier beach has its unique features that differs from the internationally acclaimed Boracay Island.
Dubbed as the summer capital of Sarangani Province, this picturesque beach is reminiscent of the famous party island 22 years ago. This gives a new light of a once crowded place into a tranquil shoreline perfect for beach bums constantly searching for places to quick access to sand and shore.
Gumasa Beach lies in the laid-back town of Glan, located on the eastern shore of Sarangani Province. While it remains blissfully quiet throughout the year, Sarangani Bay or Sarbay Festival gives it an annual zest with partygoers flocking to this serene crescent-shaped cove.
Aside from summer frolic in Glan’s naturally beautiful beaches, the local tourism eyes on adding more sustainable community-based cultural activities in hopes of attracting more visitors.
Photo: Lynneth Omandac
How to get to Gumasa Beach
Gumasa is 5 hours away from Davao City. From there, head first to Davao City Overland Transport Terminal. At the moment, there are no bus routes that will take you directly to Glan, Sarangani so you need to make a quick stop at General Santos City (GenSan) and transfer to another vehicle.
Bus fare to GenSan from Davao is P300 for 4 hours estimated travel time. Upon arrival in GenSan, get off at Gaisano Mall and walk a few meters to a van terminal beside KCC Mall. Proceed to the ticketing booth and take a van bound for Gumasa, Glan. This will take you to the Alegado terminal in Glan for another hour of land travel.
Once you’re there, look for a tricycle to take you to any of the resorts in Gumasa beach. This will cost you P40 for 20 minutes of estimated travel time. Make sure to make arrangements with the tricycle driver for your return trip to Glan because public transportation going back is scarce here.
Taking public transportation is not the most convenient thing in the world, I know. Luckily, there’s another option for you: Renting a car from Car Rental Davao.
Why you should rent a car
By choosing this option, you can expect your trip to be:
More convenient. Unlike the other choice, there is no need for you to transfer from one mode of transformation to another as renting a car will allow you to travel straight to your destination.
Safer. Given that we are still under a pandemic, travelling on your own or with just a small number of people is much more preferred. Car Rental Davao’s fleets are all regularly sanitized and they are also well maintained for any given trip.
Plan your next trip with Davao’s best car rental agency. Choose your desired vehicle at our Booking Page. You may also call us at +63906-059-1323 or send an email at sales@carrentaldavao.com.
Things to do in Gumasa beach
Swim on its crystal-clear water
Without a doubt, swimming on its crystal-clear water is the topmost draw of Gumasa. Aside from swimming, beachgoers can also do snorkeling, diving and sunbathing.
Experience water sports activities
If just swimming is a snooze for you, and you have all the energy to drain from adrenaline-pumping activities, Isla Jardin del Mar and other resorts can arrange water sport activities for you. These activities are Flying Fish at P1,800 for 15 minutes, Banana Boat at P2,000 for 15 minutes, and Island Hopper at P2,500 for 15 minutes.
If you just want to paddle along the water of Gumasa, kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent.
Photo: His & Her Voyage
Taste the flavors of Glan, Sarangani
Your ultimate beach experience won’t be complete without food, and just like any other place, Glan has a lot to offer. Resorts along the cove have in-house cafeterias dedicated to serving complimentary breakfast and short orders, typically Filipino cuisine.
But out of all resorts in Gumasa, Isla Jardin del Mar stands out for its spacious restaurant serving seafood dishes and beach favorites.
For the best food experience in Gumasa, head to the población or restaurants along the highway to taste the flavors of this simple and humble town. No one leaves the town without trying the notorious Buko Halo-Halo partnered with buko salvaro – a wafer made from coconut meat – of Belmar Ecopark and Restaurant.
For those craving Sikwate and Puto Maya, a personal favorite merienda, one of the must-tries in Gumasa is from the home-like Chef Nico’s Choco Puro resto-café.
Where to stay
Need a resort to stay in? For proximity, the list below only includes resorts along the Gumasa Beach. Secure a reservation by booking ahead of time because resorts here get fully booked quickly, especially during weekends and summer.
Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort
Address: Manando, Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines
Rates: Room rates range from P1,500 to 5,500 depending on the type of room and number of guests.
Contact No.: 0917 677 8177
Email: islajardindelmar@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.islajardindelmar.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslaJardinOfficial/
Coco Beach Resort
Address: Manando, Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines
Rate: Room rates start from P1,500 to P4,500, depending on the number of guests and room type.
Contact No.: 0920 652 7056
White Haven Beach Resort
Address: Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines
Rate: There is a P50 entrance fee for 6 years old and above. Rome rates start from P950 good for 2 persons. An open cottage is also available for P300 only.
Contact No.: 0963-230-6948 / 0912-443-8625
Website: http://www.wayph.com/white-haven-beach-resort-sara
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Haven-Resort-Gumasa/394201557265779
Rosal Beach Resort
Address: Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines
Rate: Air conditioned room rates start at P2,000 fronting the garden area and P3000 fronting the beachfront. Beach camping is not allowed for the privacy of guests.
Contact Nos.: (083) 826-9247, (083) 552-2888, +63-920-2049038
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