The Great Gumasa of Sarangani Province

The Great Gumasa is located in the municipality of Glan, Sarangani. Just 40 minutes travel from General Santos City. From GenSan, take the road going to Isla Parilla Resort in Sarangani and just go straight ahead, way past the Sarangani Provincial Capitol. The road construction was flawless and the view of Sarangani bay and cornfields was just a spectacular sight! The last 15 minutes of the trip was not as smooth as unpaved roads were dry due to summer heat. You’ll know when you’re almost there because they have signature hand painted coconuts that serve as guides to help you find the resort.
There are more than five resorts at Gumasa Beach that you can choose from, but I prefer to choose White Haven or Rosal. Entrance fee was cheap, at P15.00 per head. They have nipa hut cottages there, and public comfort/dressing rooms.
You may think it is just another white-sand beach. However, the almost 10 km. strip of powdery white-sand offers the tranquility and solitude every city denizen is looking for. (see more pictures here)
Not only that, Gumasa, whose backdrop are coconuts planted on hills, will remind tourists of paintings and sketches of the past. Picture perfect from the sea and from the hills, Gumasa is host to small resorts. The crystal clear waters are best for snorkeling and even for a whole day swim. Great sights underwater are starfish of assorted colors and a bed of sea-grass only found in Sarangani. But it does not end there. A short banca (boat) ride will take you to a reef, which is home to schools of fish. The banca will also take you to hidden coves and cliffs, which are just as pleasing. The best thing about Gumasa is your feeling that you have it for yourself.
And don't forget to watch the sun set. Having the beach for you does not end with Gumasa.
Everything in Sarangani is exciting. It is unspoiled and you have the feeling of being the first to discover the place.
Coming to Sarangani is easy. General Santos City, which lies in the middle of Sarangani, is the service center of the province. If you go there you don't have to sign a four-digit check. You don't even need a big sum of money to explore the island. What you need is just some packs of food stuff to munch on. A few bottles of mineral water to quench your thirst. Less than a hundred bucks will do so you can enjoy those fresh octopus and some other fresh sea creatures. Yummy!
Gumasa beaches are one of the most unspoiled tourist destinations in Southern Philippines. Many foreign investors intend to put up a big amount in the area. Most neighboring places are hoping the project would get started to help our sinking economy. However, some natives of the place cannot afford to give up on their strong sentiments for the area. The only treasure left them by their beloved ancestors.