Tatlong Pulo, Guimaras : Perfectly made for serenity and peace

the karst formations fronting the coves

One of my favorite travel writers Dana Snyman taught me in his book, On The Back Roads that ''the journey is as important as the destination''. Making my way to a certain place is one of the exciting parts of my travels. From riding a jeepney to hopping off the pump boat always leave beautiful memories that complete my journey.


We have reached Ortiz Port, Iloilo at 10am and spent another 15 minutes on a pump boat going to Jordan Wharf. After almost an hour we finally arrived. The only thing that crossed  my mind when we arrived in this paradise was the movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio; The Beach. Seems like one of my favorite and every traveler's favorite movie came to life when I was there.

cottage with attic

The day before our arrival, I called ate JieJie (the caretaker of the resort) and reserved a cottage. She informed me a few things before heading to the resort. Ate Jiejie also recommended  Kuya Roy, a motorcycle driver and also a local of Sinapsapan. Kuya Roy waited for us at Alibhon Wet Market and brought us to Tatlong Pulo.

Don't expect first-class accommodation and service because Tatlong Pulo is perfectly maintained it's privacy and simplicity specially for budget travelers and for everyone who wants nothing but peace and serenity. There are some sari-sari store few steps away from the resort but there's no restaurant where you can buy food so better bring your own baon. We brought some marinated chicken and Ate Janet lent us a barbecue grill so we could grill just in front of the cottage and by the seashore. Don't worry if it's too much hassle for you to bring foods, just inform ate JieJie your requests so she can prepare before your arrival.

Zyril and two other kids from the Island

There's no electricity in Tatlong Pulo, and if you really can't handle a day without your gadgets, I suggest that you should bring your extra battery or a power bank. But there are also locals just few meters away from the beach that offer cellphone charging for just 10 - 20 php. No doubt there are few fireflies around at night that make the whole place more magical.

Their cottages also serve as rooms for those who want to spend the night there. Made from different kinds of wood and indigenous materials, Tatlong Pulo will surely bring you back to the old and shabby lifestyle.

sawsaw tinapay in a hot cup of coffee

My morning there started very early unlike the usual thing that I do in the city. Why not? When the sun was just starting to rise, the birds seemed like waking me up while the sea and the wind were making sounds in chorus, who am I to let it all pass?

The karst formations fronting the coves are, well I think, the most beautiful that you can see there. The sands finer and the waters clearer. Just at the back side, there's a mini cliff where you can dive. Unfortunately the waves were too big and we were afraid for our safety so we've decided not to dive but we stayed there for almost 2 hours and took tons of photos since we felt like we're not in Guimaras that is just an hour away from The City of Love. Amazing, isn't it?.

DIRECTIONS :

• From Iloilo International Airport to Ortis Port is approximately 35mins via Taxi.  
• Ortis to Jordan Wharf is 10-15mins (14 php/head)
• Upon arrival at Jordan Wharf please proceed to their Tourism Office. 
• You can either ride a mini van or a jeepney going Alibhon Terminal/Public Market for 20 php. Travel time is 20mins.
•  You can contact Kuya Roy for tricycle service ( 0927 689 2962 ) 
• Contact Manang Jiejie (caretaker) 2-3 days before your arrival. ( 0915 878 7377 )
 

TIPS :

• Bring your snorkeling gears or cry after. 
• If you are going to stay alone or just with someone, haggling isn't that bad. 
• Rubber shoes will be your best friend because of the steep roads.
• Wake up early so you can buy fresh seafood. 
• You can visit Trappist Monastery to buy souvenirs.