Tuka Marine Park

Looking for clear blue waters? Rich coral reefs? White sand beach? Quiet and peaceful getaway? I'm sure you have your own favorite places. I, on the other hand, find it hard to pick one most admired nature getaway because a lot of places in the Philippines, have really beautiful beaches to boast. And no matter how the same beaches seem to be, each has really something special to offer, right?

Tuka Marine Park in Kiamba is one of the must see places in Sarangani Province. It is one of my most admired beauty, with its pristine waters and shores. Well, not the whole of it but it was good seeing that majority of it remains to be "untouched". With the absence of commercialism on most parts of Tuka, that makes it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

We were invited to a small gathering... or did we just persistently show interest, Rendon and Laiza? Haha! Thanks to Ma'am Berl for the invitation, to Mary Ann for the free boat ride, to the rest of the group for the bountiful lunch.

Manny Pacquiao's new beach house

Pacquiao's old beach house which is now for rent.

This old beach house has five rooms - one air conditioned and four non-air. The right photo of the collage above shows a non-air room which can accommodate 6-8 people (according to their brochure). The four rooms will share a portable comfort room - not really comfortable in my opinion.

The aircon room, however, is quite spacious. It will be good for a group of ten (for sleeping purposes only). It has a very decent bathroom and a lovely deck fronting the beautiful sea! It is lovely because the curtains are in sunny yellow which compliments well with the blue colors of the sea. Love!

Room rates: Php1000 (non-air), Php1600 (aircon).

Kiamba has a very pretty park, too! Since I love everything pretty, I melt for this. Luuurrve! I've been here a few times before and I must say, it still is a pretty thing, even prettier during Christmas season. 

How to get to Tuka Marine Park in Kiamba?

(1) From Gensan, ride a van. Terminals are located at Osmena St. I recommend the Ablog vans.
     Approximate travel time: 1.5 hours
     Fare: Php 90

(2) Ride a tricycle to Lourdes park, the touchpoint for Tuka. Look for the Tourism Office and pay the
   necessary fees.
      Fare: Php 10

  Entrance fees:
      Adult: Php25 (Daytime); Php50 (Overnight)
      Child: Php10

  Boat:
     Php1200 - maximum of 15 heads

  Snorkel:
     Php100/set

  Cottage:
     Php300 (Daytime) ; Php500 (Overnight)

  Jet ski:
     Php3500/hour

(3) Ride a boat to Tuka 4.
     Approximate travel time: 15 mins


Prepare to get wet. If you don't plan to swim, just at least bring extra clothes. Bring everything you need. I doubt there are stores in the beach area.