Glan, Sarangani | Paradise Found at Gumasa Beach
Glan, Sarangani: Gumasa Beach is oftentimes ironically dubbed as the “Small Boracay of Mindanao”. As wild as it may sound, this little piece of paradise is unique on its own. Boracay may not be for everybody, but Gumasa is for those who find comfort in less crowded and secluded locations.
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Quick Escape from GenSan
Gumasa Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the municipality of Glan, in the province of Sarangani, Philippines. It’s known for its powdery white sand, clear blue waters, and peaceful ambiance, making it a popular destination for tourists and visitors looking for a quick escape from the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.
Just around two hours from General Santos City, Gumasa Beach is the perfect place to relax as life here is slow-paced and quiet for the most part. Moreover, you may feel like you rented the whole place for yourself as tourists here during off-peak seasons are just mostly locals.
The long, wide beach is lined with coconut trees, providing natural shade, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming.
SarBay Festival
Gumasa Beach comes alive during the summer, as it is the main venue of the annual Sarangani Bay or SarBay Festival, considered to be the biggest and cleanest beach party in Mindanao.
This is also known as the “Glan Centennial Beach Festival.” It’s a week-long celebration featuring sports events, music festivals, and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
How to Get There
- Gumasa Beach is located in the municipality of Glan in the province of Sarangani.
- From General Santos City, ride a taxi going to Bulaong Terminal. There are Marbel bound buses but they will not be passing through the city.
- Going to and from the airport, the most convenient option is to hire a taxi. (500php/trip Airport to General Santos City and vice-versa)
- Contact Number: 0910 130 4774, 0935 775 2612
- Upon arrival at Bulaong Terminal in General Santos City, hop on a tricycle and ask to be dropped off at the KCC Mall Public Terminal. This is just at the back of KCC and Veranza Mall. (10-15mins travel time, 50php/trip)
- At the terminal, take the vans bound for Glan in Sarangani and alight at the E. Alegado Transport Station in Poblacion, Glan, Sarangani. (1.5hrs travel time, 150php/head)
- From the terminal, hire a tricycle to bring you to the resort of your choice in Gumasa (10-15mins travel time, 100-120php/trip). It is also advised to get the number of the tricycle driver and arrange your pick-up the following day, as the public transportation in this part of Sarangani is a little bit scarce.)
Where to Stay
- I stayed at Crystal AC Beach Resort and got a discounted room since it is the off-season. Got an AC beachfront room for only 1500php. Room prices in this part of Sarangani are exorbitant so this is the best price I got for an overnight stay.
- This resort is also a few hundred meters from the main Gumasa Beach, so it will take you around 10 minutes to reach the famous beach on foot.
- Also, even if it is a public beach, the resorts here will charge you hefty entrance and cottage fees in order for you to access and swim at the beach. (Tip: Just sneak in with a group of people, but please please avoid littering people!)
Other Beach Resorts
- Coco Beach Resort – Contact No: 0919 533 0408 | 0921 770 8474 | 0927 823 7780
- Isla Jardin del Mar Beach Resort – Contact No: 0917 253 6105 | 0917 677 8177, website: http://www.islajardindelmar.net
- Rosal Beach Resort – Contact No: 0920 204 9038 | 0928 937 3488
- White Haven Beach Resort – Contact No: 0920 947 9148
- Crystal Island Family Resort – Contact No: 0995 376 1349
- The best time to visit Gumasa Beach is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. The weather is sunny and conducive to beach activities during this period.
Sarangani is my 78th Philippine Province that I visited last July 2023 as part of my three-day #SOXisNext Adventure Series.
Glan, Sarangani | Paradise Found at Gumasa Beach
Updated August 28, 2023
