Summer getaway at Kuliatan Marine Reserve in San Joaquin, Iloilo

Summer is almost here - the searing heat of the sun, school's over, Holy Week, etc signals the start of the vacation season most of us are attuned with. And for most Ilonggos, summer means - the beach!

Whether up north in the famed Isla Gigantes in Carles, the beaches of Concepcion and Ajuy; crossing to the island of Guimaras for some island hopping; or beaches along the southern coastals towns of Oton, Tigbauan and Guimbal. Yet, others prefer the cool mountainscape of Iloilo's "Little Baguio" in Bucari, Leon.

But one can experience both mountain and seascape in just one setting -at the Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary . "Wedged on a ledge between the mountain and the sea" (thanks Rick Steves) perfectly describes this marine reserve Brgy. Sinogbuhan in San Joaquin, which is around two hours from Iloilo City. But no worries since the roads are well-paved and you get to pass lots of historic churches and landmarks including the the UNESCO World Heritage Site Miag-ao Church and San Joaquin's very own Campo Santo and church.

Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary is part of a network of marine reserves protected by the San Joaquin municipal government to preserve its coasts' rich variety of marine life. Located around 22 kilometers from the poblacion, Brgy. Sinogbuhan is among the town's 15 coastal baranggays that hosts a protected area.

A fee of Php50 person is collected  upon entry to maintain the marine reserve's facilities as well as to provide a community based livelihood to the baranggay's almost 2000 residents. Aside from the entrance fee, minimal additionals fee are collected for the use of cottages and huts (ranging from PhP250/day-use to 750/overnight, subject for verification). Fees for snorkeling and life vest rentals are just PhP 20-30 for hours of use.

The facilities are just very basic with native huts for cottages, reception area, function rooms, restrooms and others. At first it may seem rustic and very laid-back, but it really fits the scene as it blends with the surroundings and at the same time environment friendly.

The main pathways of the area are the only ones that are cemented giving guests a safer trek down as it is a steep descent. The pathway leads to the different parts of the marine reserve - Babaw Bato, Swimming Area, Snorkeling area, Cottages, Grill area and the View Deck.

A perfect place to have a picnic with whatever food and drinks you brought - no corkage fee. You can bring home-cooked baon, buy along the way or set-up some barbecue at the grilling area. Or just buy from some carinderias outside or at the reserve's mini canteen.

SWIMMING/SNORKELING AREA
There are no sandy beaches around - just rocky stretch having some natural pools especially during high tide.

One can look for his own nook on top of the rocks with his feet splashing on water or swim behind and around the rocks. Be sure to bring/use proper footwear as these rocks are almost razor sharp and some are slippery.

But there waters crystal clear, way better than the the beach resorts along the way. As a marine sanctuary, there are designated areas where the guests are permitted to swim and loiter. And it is our duty to help preserve the area by leaving it the way we found it or even cleaner than before.

And you can also swim with the fishes in the rocky areas under the shade of trees. Catching and feeding these fishes are prohibited so let's just content ourselves watching them or just shooting them with our cameras.

VIEWDECK
With its breathtaking panoramic views, the sanctuary is a photographers and selfie addicts delight.

And to satisfy them a mini view deck is located on top of a rock accessible through a bamboo bridge.

It offers a picturesque view of the whole sanctuary where the forest meets the sea. Looking on how clean it is from almost any angle should motivate us to help maintain it in its current state or even make efforts in preserving it more.

The sights and sound are very relaxing - the splash of the sea, the rocky seaside and the lush vegetation.

BABAW BATO
As name implies this much higher viewdeck is on top of a rock and offers a more soaring view.

A bamboo ladder brings one atop the deck for another 360 degree view of the sea and the forest.

 Trees and other vegetation provide a natural frame/foreground when capturing the scenery.

From high above the waters look very very inviting in its crystal clear shade of blue as if to wave for you to have a splash.

Though, I can't get over the view from Babaw Bato but its a sort of rooftop deck that even the trees around cannot provide the shade. Maybe, next time we'll choose the "cottage" beneath this deck for a longer appreciation of the view.

Accommodation facilities range from huts which serve for both day and overnight visitors. Common toilet and bath facilities are found in strategic places.

Smaller huts that are good for day trips also dot the area. When peak season arrives, temporary tables, chairs and benches are set up in the shaded areas fronting the swimming areas. I just love these temporary shelters since their impact to the environment is less than permanent huts with cement floors and walls.

 And finally here's a background information about the Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary how it started and the town's vision for this project.

How to get to Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary

• Jeepneys from Iloilo City Terminal Market ply the direct Iloilo-San Joaquin Route from 6am to around 8pm (subject for verification).
• One can also take jeepneys bound for Miag-ao as they are more in numbers then take jeepney toward San Joaquin.
• Travel time from the city to Iloilo's last town in the south is a little more than hour  or lesser if the jeep tends to "fly".
• From the San Joaquin town proper it is still another 30 minutes or so until you reach Kuliatan. Just ask along the way but you wont miss it.
• Antique bound buses and vans also pass by San Joaquin poblacion and at times those bound for Anin-y from the terminal in Molo, Iloilo will drop you directly outside the sanctuary. Just ask around.