KIAMBA
Kiamba is a small quaint town in Sarangani, facing the Celebes sea. Here's a piece of trivia: in the recent Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, Manny Pacquiao (you know who he is, right?) was introduced to have come from Kiamba, Sarangani.
The beaches along this part of the Sarangani coastline are nondescript with ordinary black/gray sand. But just a few minutes away from the town center of Kiamba are four small coves with cream colored sand. No access roads were built, and each cove is cozily separated from each other by rock outcrops, and you can only cross over when the tide is very low.
TUKA MARINE PARK
DOON PO SA AMIN in Kiamba, Sarangani pristine waters and shores will greet you on your visit.
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The Tuka Marine Park is one of the many “untouched” wonders of nature in the Philippines. Since commercialism has not reached the area, travelers wille enjoy a quiet getaway—one that is really far from the hustle and bustle of a city life.
The town of Kiamba is gifted with several waterfalls, mountain ranges, rainforests, and water falls. It is certainly an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers out there.
In case Tuka Marine Park doesn’t ring a bell, the following bits of information might help you imagine what is waiting for you down there:
1. The marine park is an ideal destination for those who want to escape from a stressful city life.
While there are 4 protected coves within the Tuka Marine Park, travelers can only visit the Tuka Cove 2.
2. From the Tuka Marine Park, you can easily see the Celebes Sea.
Given its proximity to the Celebes Sea, the marine park boasts of its fine white sand beach with an amazing coral garden perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can rent gears at minimal fees. But if you are concerned on hygiene, it’s always best to bring your own if possible.
3. The Municipality of Kiamba declared Zone 2 of Tuka Marike Park as a protected area based on the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
As a result, fishing has been banned in the area.
4. Just beside the marine park, and in front of the beach, you can see Manny Pacquiao’s 14-bedroom mansion.
The boxing champ reportedly had an agreement with the local government to lease the area for 25 years.
A visit to Tuka Marine Park will make you feel closer to nature. Aside from the colorful marine life under the sea, you may be surprised to see some monkeys loitering in the area. If you have been looking for a serene getaway place, Tuna Marine Park could be best for you!
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Travel tips
There is no road to Tuka so you'll have to take a 15 minute boat ride. Access to the marine park is regulated by the local tourism (including boat transfer and accommodations). Contact the tourism office at +63-910-280-56-00
Getting to Kiamba
There are numerous vans from General Santos to Kiamba. Travel time is 1.5 hours and fare is Php 150. Head to Ablog van terminal near the Bulaong bus terminal, their Kiamba bound vans depart every 30 minutes or so.
Tuka Marine Park fees
- Entrance: Php 50 (day trip), Php 75 (overnight), Php 15 (children 5-10 years old)
- Boat rental: Php 100/head, Php 500 for special trips
Accommodations
There are several options for accommodation, including roughing it out in a beach tent.
Open cottages: Php 300 (daytime), Php 500 (overnight)
They also have fan rooms (Php 1,500 pesos) that can accommodate 6-8 persons. If you are looking for a bit more comfort, some of the rooms in Pacman's beach house are for rent (Php 2,500 aircon room, good for 4-6 persons)
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Other essentials
Some of the stuff we cannot live without :)
- Electricity: 24 hours
- Cellular coverage: SUN/SMART - almost non existent, GLOBE - very spotty, 3G signal at one end of the beach near Pacman's beach house
- Water - best to bring drinking water. You buy can filtered mineral water in the tourism center.
- Food - best to bring your own. There are available grilling stations (free use) but be sure to bring your own charcoal. Bring portable stoves or rice cookers. However you can also arrange with the tourism office if you want packed meals (average of Php 150 per meal).
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