A Serene Scene at Guisi Clearwater Beach

After disembarking from the plane that arrived in Iloilo at 5:35am, I quickly went ahead and squeezed myself in a van that's bound to SM Iloilo for P50.00. From there I took a cab that will take me to the Parola wharf with pumpboats heading to Guimaras, P40.00 metered taxi flagdown. The entry point was at the Buenavista port which took less than 15 minutes. The public boat ride costs P15.00 one way. There is another point of entry which is located at the Ortiz wharf heading to Jordan wharf.[...]

This trip to Guisi wasn't actually part of my week-long itinerary. My initial plan was to stay within the city proper for Dinagyang, do a city tour then a few days at Isla de Gigantes after, but with sad news of Isla Gigantes being devastated and under restoration, I opted for Guimaras. Asked some locals of nice places in Guimaras and did some googling, tadaah! Guisi Clearwater Beach got me.

After the short trip, I immediately looked for the tourism office to grab myself a map and ask directions via public transport. But then again, me looking like lousy tourist (just dyed my hair :) ), a rush of tricycle operators and drivers barred me from even taking that step towards the office. Even if you try dodging their glance and try looking away from them, they will still block you with their faces and will keep asking where you'll be staying.

Lucky for them, the tourism office wasn't open during that time so there was no choice for me but to stop ignoring them, negotiate and take one of the tricycles that will take me to my destination. The tour was first offered to me at P900 with a side trip to the Guisi Lighthouse and Trappist Abbey.

Yes, I was expecting it to be that expensive especially if you're going there alone. That price would be good if you'll come in as a group. But then of course, I had to use my "acting skills" for a cheaper option... I started by telling them that it's too expensive so I'll just go somewhere else where a jeepney could take me and that I might avail of the service if it was P700 or less (because based on some posts I read, they were only charged P700). But then again, they continue by saying that Guisi is a really nice place and all, and that's the best price they offer and that they normally charge P1000. Gave them a blank stare, sat on a bench til one of them came up to me when I was about to walk away and offered it at P700 (whispered, "P700 nalang po sa'yo sir...") sounded a little creepy, but hey, he's my hero that day. It would've also been embarassing if I walked away not knowing where to go.

Smiled, eyes gleaming and shook his hand. Deal is sealed! A very dramatic moment! LOL

*** as much as I would like to take the jeepney going to Nueva Valencia to reach Guisi, aside from carrying 3 full blown bags (plus 2 camera bags) I don't want to inconvenience the passengers with all them bulk.

 Moving on! The trip from Buenavista to Guisi was more than an hour (almost 2 hours), reason behind the high rates for the tricycle/multicab rental. 1st stop of the tour is a visit to the Trappist Abbey.

The Trappist Monastery is located on solemn grounds run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. Be prepared to stack up on the food products that are uniquely Trappist made. The monks earn a living by selling delicacies and handcrafts in a small shop within the monastery grounds.

After minutes of prayer and reflection, we now head to Nueva Valencia. You'll pass by hills, nice view of Guimaras countryside, a bridge and of course lots and lots of mango trees. The first half of your jouney will be quite smooth but expect a bumpy ride for the rest of the trip due to bad road conditions and some road construction. Once you reach your destination (which is again after almost 2 hours), your guide or driver will ask if you'd like to see the lighthouse.

Upon entry you'll still see evidence of Spanish settlement and of course the view of the old lighthouse from afar. Up-close, the lighthouse looked all rickety and battered for the years that it's been there.  Noticing the signage - though I don't understand what's exactly written, it only says "it's unsafe to climb".

Well, it's a rusty tower and the stairs seem to be intact, open to public and my driver or a guide ain't there to stop me. Sneaked my way up the tower. I knew beforehand that a few tourists have climbed and took pictures on top, so it already gave me the impression that it's safe to climb. Just watch your every step because it's an old spiral staircase and each step narrows.

And finally, we reached the resort. Though you actually have the option to trek down from the Guisi lighthouse's location to get to the beach, the driver just took me to the Kenyama Resort (located uphill) so as to make sure that my things are secure (not really sure if the shirtless boys by the entrance where the guards on duty). Anyway, there is an entrance fee as shown below

The view was really nice. Guisi Clearwater Beach lived up to it's name. Water is crystal clear, spot free but not rock free. The sand's surface is rocky or if I must say, "pebbly". So make sure to have your aquashoes or flipflops ready before trudging downhill.

Based on the things I saw, it's great for nature trippers and backpackers. Also good for families wanting to have a day trip but not ideal for an overnight stay. I mean its location is quite secluded, food is expensive and no where to really go and not much to do at night.

But then again, it really is a rewarding sight with beautiful seascapes and amazing rock formations. Especially when it's all dry and sunny, nice lighting and contrast for those photos. The sand is not that fine and a little yellowish to pinkish -- not all white but the alluring waters and craggy coastline makes it all picture perfect.

Guisi Beach Accomodations:

Kenyama Beach Resort
website: http://kenyamaresort.jimdo.com/
contact #: (63) (939) 427 6433 / (63) (939) 917 5495 / (63) (917) 341 1606

Guisi Clearwater Resort
contact #: (63) (919) 563 6688
*** I've heard and read some bad reviews about the accomodations especially about the latter - customer service, reservation issues, arrogant staff, over-priced food and the like - well for me, seeing shirtless boys as security guards. One of the reasons not going for an overnight stay and it felt like I was the only guest that time - not wanting to have a bad experience in a secluded place- hence I spent the night at Alubihod Beach - Raymen Resort.

More Photos here: Guisi Beach Photos