Isla Jardin del Mar, Gumasa Island, Sarangani Provice

 The Beach

 Isla Jardin del Mar (Front)

After a week of preparation we are finally here in Gumasa Island, Glan, Sarangani Province, place lead by the people's champion Congressman Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.




Isla Jardin del Mar Resort is the last resort you will pass by along the highway. Going to the resort, you will need to ride a SUV since the track was rough and under construction. Motorcycle for commuters is also available outside of town. But I don't know how much the fare be, for we travelled by a rented van (Toyota Grandia). The van cost us P 600 per day and a P 1800 worth of gasoline.

 I picked this resort because it is more cheaper compared to other resorts considering we are in a very tight budget.

My evaluation:
The Staff:
> Very friendly and accommodating.

Reception Area and Restaurant 

Accommodation:
> We rented a closed cottage with two rooms, an electric fan and a private comfort room. The room was acceptable in my category. Each room has a 2 pillows, blankets, and a bath towels. And some of my companion brought their own tents.

Our Close Cottage (P 1,300)

Tents almost set (P 100/space)

The Beach:

> When people here in Mindanao mentions Glan, everyone believes that it is the Boracay of the South. Well, here in the resort, the beach is DEFINITELY not Boracay at all. The beach has plenty of dead corals turned into rocks. The resort's management should remove all stones in the beach and its shoreline so visitors can enjoy the sea.

The beach sands:

> The sand is not as white as Boracay's. The color of the sand was more like caramel. And it was not as fine as it should be, to much pebbles on the shore. As much as possible, you need to wear aqua shoes.

They also have a Sunset Boulevard at the far end of the resort. There you can see big dead corals.

Off to Sunset Boulevard

Since it was a cloudy day, I wasn't able to witness the sunset of Glan. :(

No sunset for me. (sad face)

After 15 minutes here at sunset boulevard we went back to our cottage to prepare and cook our dinner. Our supper was brought in General Santos, an hour travel to Saranggani. We purchased our food after lunch in General Santos' wet market near fishing port for it is more cheaper there. General Santos or GenSan is famous for their abundance fishing of tuna. 

Our dinner: Humba, Fresh Kinilaw, Fresh Bangus (Milk Fish), Grilled Pork and Rice

After dinner, we drink some alcoholic beverages.

And we also played poker.

Then we called it a night for we have to wake up early tomorrow.

All of us woke up at 8 in the morning the following day, so we can enjoy the beach before leaving for Davao. We ate our breakfast and changed in your swimming attire.

We enjoyed the beach because of the wave. The sea brought huge waves, and it was fun playing and taking picture with it.

Our bay watch photo.

Then Gilbert my friend and I went to the other side of the beach, opposite side of sunset boulevard, where we saw huge wave hitting the stone. We took some pictures and love it.

After having fun in the beach we have to cook our lunch then prepare for departure to Davao City.

It was a fun experience in Isla de Jardin Gumasa, Glan. If you ask me if I would go back here, the answer is YES. If I will attend the Sarbay Festival, I would stay here because of their cheap accommodation and the space between cottages is good enough. And not to mention the friendly staff of the resort. But the beach really need rehabilitation. So I hope the resort owner(s) and management will do something about it.





The  resort also offers Banana boat to customers. However it is done at around 6-8 in the morning because it is the time where the tide is high. And there is also a beach volleyball court for sports-minded or for guests who just want to have an extra fun.








Love Lots,





BONCHON <3