Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary — Attraction in San Joaquin

Kuliatan marine sanctuary is absolutely lovely! It’s a perfect place to set out your heart for adventure or, simply, for a quiet repose.

It’s a sanctuary handled by the local government of Brgy. Sinugbohan. When we visited last April 15, we were accommodated so kindly by the management, including the barangay captain. They still let us in even though we came without reservation or booking. It was very kind of them to let us settle at their admin hut located at the entrance since there were just three (3) people in our group.

Financially, the place is quite affordable. Entrance: P50 Snorkel Gear: P30 Life Vest: P20 Cottage: P500 (P700-overnight) Table: P50 Corkage: No fee

To get there from Iloilo City, you have to ride “Dau, Antique” Bus at the the Molo Terminal. But, if you want to visit first the main town of San Joaquin, you can ride any bus going to Antique. Then, from the town, you can ride the “Lawigan” jeepney. The total trip can take 2 to 3 hours depending on the day to day incidences. Bus fare was around P50 and the jeep, only P12.

No matter how your road-trip had gone, the sanctuary will drive all your worries away by the time you get there.

The sanctuary is located right along the road. You will not miss it because there hangs a large signage and a tarpaulin of pictures showing the different flora and creatures that you will find in the area. The entry shed even has its name painted on the roof board.

From the entry shed, you will go down a short flight of stairs in order to get to the reception where you register and pay for your fees. To get to the public tables and cottages, you have to go down at least 2 flights of stairs (Note: the sanctuary is located on the edge of a mountainside that meets the sea.)

Let’s say there are three levels in the place: Admin level (highest), Accessory level (middle), and the Water level (the lowest point of the area).

Currently, there are only 5 or 6 cottages available at the water level since the place is really isolated and intimate. At the Accessory level, public comfort rooms, shower stalls, lavatories and the public grilling hut are located.

The staff will also provide you with beddings (that may or may not come with a cost because I have forgotten) when you plan to stay over the night. To really enjoy your swimming experience, make sure you bring your swimming shoes because its rocky. My friend got some scrapes and wounds on his first time there. It’s not a beach. It’s just literally rocks all over the place.

It’s really beautiful how the rocks there have formed and positioned. There are shallow waters immediately on the side where you walk on the Water level area. Then, five meters further, just after the giant rocks, the waves are stronger and the water is instantly deep. This is where your life vest and snorkels get handy. Below the surface is a sea garden, the habitat of many kinds of fishes and other life forms.

Further out in the water somewhere on the left side is a big rock formation connected to by a bamboo bridge. This is where you will mostly take your phones or cameras out and snap those IG worthy pictures.

Admittedly, because of the aspects of economy, the LGU has somehow neglected the aspect of environment. I would like to point out some issues that actually contrast the essence of the sanctuary: Improper garbage disposal Lack of official online information The place is not registered in Google Maps. (I already submitted and waiting for approval.) Lack of population control Lack of...

We headed to the sanctuary because its highly recommended by friends who went there. It is indeed a peaceful place to relax if you want to temporary escape the crowded city life. You'll feel the simple life in the area. In the reception the details of the visitors were properly gathered.

The only thing I want to comment was they were 1.Asking about the reason of why are we asking the receipt of what we paid for. 2.The life vest given was not the exact size of the person, its either to small or too loose. I noticed kids who rented the vest was way too big and even looses while they were swimming. 3.The goggles they asking us to rent was not intended for snorkling. We rented a snorkling goggles but its already broken. Hence we didn't bother to rent.

There's a lot of beautiful fishes, and it might have more fishes who will stay in the area only if the staff and visitors were properly educated about not stepping on the coral reefs. The reefs was not properly maintaned. We need a team effort for this.

Hoping for more changes...

Gorgeous place. It's not your typical sandy beach, it's rocky. But that makes it exciting and unique. Bring beach shoes or sandals and some first aid kit in case you get scratches from sharp edges. Kids can enjoy it but with strict adult supervision. Toddlers though not recommended. Take note if you have knee or mobility issues since the only access to the beach huts and the beach front is via steep steps. The cottage and entrance are affordable. Bring your own food as the place is quite far from markets and stores. They have "tyangi" for some snacks. There is a grilling station so you can enjoy your grills and bbqs. It's a great place to enjoy the sun, the sea, fresh air and wildlife. Recommended to try...