kagusuan beach - a hidden haven of white sand

Maria, Siquijor
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Kagusuan Beach is a haven of pure white sand and limestone rocks. Definitely breathtaking!
Siquijor is probably one of the lesser popular islands to go to for travel. In the Central Visayas region, I guess Cebu and Bohol would be more frequented. Siquijor is a very small island. In fact, it was the third smallest after Camiguin and Batanes, and it only has a total of 6 towns. Maria is one of them and one of the few white sand beaches in the area is Kagusuan Beach. It has probably gained a bit more attention since it has been placed on the tourist map but it remained deserted when we were there and just pure white sand bliss! :)

A hidden haven of pure white sand

Most travellers amongst you have probably experienced the moment you reach the summit of a mountain or a top of a lighthouse and the view just blows you away. That's exactly the same feeling I had when we walked down the steep stairs and when we reached the bottom, I was definitely blown away by its beauty. I am probably just exaggerating but I love white sand beaches very much so this is a real pleasant surprise. The sand was very fine and very white against the noontime sun. It was too hot to swim so we just laid down our sarongs underneath the limestone rocks and stayed there for a couple of minutes to relish the view.
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This is my spot!

hidden..,'coz it was rather difficult to find :)

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Enjoying the shore under the noontime sun
Not only does our tricycle driver/tour guide not know the place nor has he ever heard of the place so it was a real challenge looking for it. We had a map but it was easier asking for directions from the locals than relying on our sense of direction. The problem is there were only a few houses in the area so you'll have to go on driving until you see one.

To add to that, there were no road signs leading to the beach. We traversed the entire road and the only signage we saw was a poster with a government announcement containing the words "Kagusuan Beach". Even as we head towards the beach, there was still no signage. Only parked tricycles and habal-habals gave us a clue of its exact location. 

limestone boulders and lots of 'em

Probably the only thing that makes this beach a little unique are the limestone boulders scattered all over the sand. You can tell that it was low tide because the rocks had water marks on them and where we were sitting is submerged in water during high tide. 

just the right kind of virgin

I am in love with virgin beaches, far more than commercialized and crowded shores where there are so much activities going on that you can't even relax. Kagusuan Beach is a pure virgin. There are no resorts, no stores, nothing except for the boulders, the sand and the tourists. It is probably too small to develop anyway, which makes it the go-to beach if you are looking for a place to sit by the beach, relax, unwind and reflect on life. :) 

notes:

  • Compared to other beaches in Siquijor, Kagusuan Beach is a bit farther away from the main road. From the national road, you need to drive about 5-6 kilometers into inner streets to get to the beach.
  • There are no stores or resorts in Kagusuan Beach. If you need to buy refreshments, there are one or two sari-sari stores you'll pass by along the way. Buy anything you'll need beforehand.
  • There are very few shades around the beach so be prepared with your sunscreens, hats and sunglasses. Some of the Pinoy tourists we saw actually brought umbrellas but I wouldn't recommend that though. :)
  • Due to inactivity, the beach is very clean. Be sure to clean up after yourselves, especially if you brought in food and drinks. 
  • Since it is quite difficult to get to, it will be better if you hire a habal-habal or tricycle driver to get you there. You can ask the driver beforehand if he knows the place to be sure.
  • We did not see any multicabs or jeepneys passing by the road near Kagusuan Beach. I assume there are no other transportation going there but by habal-habal or tricycle which you can hire from Lazi or Maria town propers. Although it is part of Maria, the beach is nearer Lazi town proper. 
  • The beach is located in barangay Minalulan so I guess it is one and the same as Minalulan Beach. Although now, it is more popularly known as Kagusuan.
  • Near Kagusuan Beach are other interesting places such as Crocodile Hill and Ilihan Cave. Ask your tour guide about it.
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Big limestone boulders scatter the beach

damage/expenses*

  • Tricycle tour (entire island): P1,000
  • Entrance fee to Kagusuan Beach: Free

Islandia Beach Resort was the one who arranged a tricycle tour for us. The price is the same with all other resorts I've talked to.


where to stay in siquijor:

I have divided my list of resorts and hotels into budget and mid-priced to premier. You can check them out by clicking on the buttons below. Alternatively, you can also use the Agoda search box.

how to get to kagusuan beach:

Maria is located at the south eastern side of Siquijor. There are several multicabs and jeepneys traversing the national highway coming from San Juan. However, since there are no signages to instruct motorists how to go to Kagusuan Beach, I highly suggest to hire a tricycle or habal-habal tour guide. Their rate is around P1,000 for the entire Siquijor island which will take almost the entire day. 

If you would really like to go to the beach by public transport, the best I could suggest is drop off at Lazi town proper and hire a tricycle/habal-habal from there. No multicabs or jeepneys traverse the inner roads near Kagusuan Beach.

other destinations in siquijor:


If you are planning to visit other places near Siquijor, please check out my suggested itinerary of Oslob-Bais-Apo-Siquijor Island in 6 days.
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