On June 18 and 19, 2022, my wife, our daughter, and my wife's family went to Guimaras for an overnight stay at Kenyama Beach Resort. We booked three rooms, cooked our own food, swam in clear water, and hiked up to the Guisi Lighthouse. The place is simple and cheap, but the rooms sit on top of a cliff. I'll explain what that means below.
Quick facts
- When we went: June 18 to 19, 2022
- Who came: me, my wife, our daughter, and my wife's extended family
- Where we stayed: Kenyama Beach Resort, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
- Rooms: 3 rooms at around ₱2,000 to ₱2,500 per room per night
Getting there
The boat from Iloilo to Jordan Wharf was around ₱20 per person. From the wharf we rented a multicab jeep for ₱1,200 to take us to Kenyama Beach Resort. The ride took around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how fast the driver goes. And of course, traffic. Yes, there is traffic even on that island.
The same driver picked us up from the resort the next day and brought us back to Jordan Wharf for the same ₱1,200.
The rooms
We booked three rooms at around ₱2,000 to ₱2,500 each for the night. Each room is air-conditioned and has two double-deck beds. Depending on body size, it can fit around 6 to 8 people. The rooms were clean and well maintained, which surprised me a little, because another resort in the area wasn't kept as well when we stayed there a few years ago.
The rooms sit on top of a cliff. I'll come back to that below.
Our night
We brought our own food and cooked it: grilled pork, chicken, and fish. We also brought some wine so the family could sit together and talk through the night.
We cooked and grilled in the open area, where the resort provides tables and chairs for guests. They also have a small store selling basics like soap, tissues, shampoo, cooking oil, charcoal for grilling, and drinks, including alcohol. While we prepared the food, the kids ran around and played, and the adults chatted under the moon and stars. It was a quiet, peaceful night.
The beach and the snorkeling
The water was clear and blue, and we spent a lot of time swimming. The place is perfect for snorkeling. We saw different kinds of fish, including Nemo and Dory (clownfish and blue tang), along with some grey ones I couldn't name, to be honest. We also saw starfish and beautifully shaped corals. Look, but try not to touch or take them.
We also walked over to the neighboring Tahi Beach Resort, where we spent some time on the white sand. When we went, there was no fee if you strolled and swam along their shore, which was nice. Their shore is wide and sandy, while Kenyama's is mostly rocks. They have their own restaurant and store, and they'll deliver food and drinks to you while you sunbathe or swim.
The hike to Guisi Lighthouse
The hike only takes about 15 minutes, but we were a big family with small kids and older folks, so it took us at least 30 to 40 minutes. There was no fee to go up, and no need to hire a guide, since there's already a built pathway.
The view from the top was amazing. You can see the shore and skyline of Iloilo City and the coast stretching south. We had fun taking pictures and watching the sunset.
The honest part: the cliff
The resort and rooms are on top of the cliff, and the beach is below. Getting down is easy. Climbing back up takes real effort, and it isn't easy for small kids or seniors.
Since we had older folks and small kids with us, we made sure all our important things, like towels, food, floaters, and gadgets, came down with us before we swam. If you forget something, the young ones with the stronger knees have to climb back up to get it. Pity them.
Tip: bring everything you need before you go down to the beach, or you'll be climbing the cliff again for a towel.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Clear, clean water
- Simple and quiet
- Great for snorkeling
- Close to the Guisi Lighthouse and Tahi Beach
Cons
- Rooms are on top of the cliff, so there's a long climb from the beach
- Not easy for kids or seniors (we managed, but it takes planning)
- The phone signal is really bad (but hey, you came to unwind and enjoy nature, right?)
What it cost us
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boat, Iloilo to Jordan Wharf | around ₱20 per person |
| Multicab, Jordan Wharf to Kenyama Beach Resort | ₱1,200 |
| Multicab back to Jordan Wharf the next day | ₱1,200 |
| 3 rooms, 1 night | around ₱6,000 to ₱7,500 total |
| Food and drinks | brought and cooked our own |
| Total for our group (rough estimate) | around ₱12,000 |
These were 2022 prices, so check before you go. Splitting the cost among our group made it very affordable.
Would we go back?
Absolutely. It's a perfect place for a big family, considering the price of the rooms. The water is really clear, and you can see all kinds of fish, corals, and starfish. If you're lucky, you might even spot turtles, which locals call pawikan.
We managed with small kids and older folks, as long as we carried everything down first so nobody had to climb back up for something we forgot.
Read also: Another Guimaras trip: our Manggahan Festival day trip.
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