Kuliatan (pronounced as ‘koo-lee-ah-tan’) Marine Sanctuary is located in Brgy. Sinogbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo. It’s an off-the-beaten path right next the town of Anini-y. 

Kuliatan is very accessible and is not your typical beach with white powdery sand. Its sand is dark and mostly of rocks from corals.

Students from the nearby school especially those who take up fisheries are regulars of Kuliatan because of its marine sanctuary.

A minimal fee is collected to help maintain the area (rates may subject to change without prior notice):

• Entrance Fee: Php50/persion
• Cottages
  • Daytime: Php50 to Php250
  • Overnight: Php500
  • 24 hours: Php750
• Snorkeling: Php30
• Life vest rental: Php20

You can get to appreciate the beach under the shade of blossoming trees near the shore. You also get to see a wide view of the ocean where you can reflect and relax when you’re at the view deck.The protected area is about 2 hectares. You’ll know when you’re inside the sanctuary because of the buoys placed that served as indicator.

Swim and snorkel to see the different sea creatures and beautiful corals underneath. If you don’t want to go far away from the beach, there’s a portion in Kuliatan that fills an area which they call a “pool in the sea." 

To enjoy your Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary experience, here are some tips:

• Wear proper footwear. You may walk on sharp object like sharp coral stones.
• Bring your own food and drinks if you plan to stay for the whole day or even overnight. There’s no restaurant where you can buy your food.
• Bring your own snorkel, lifesavers and goggles. There might be one available in Kuliatan for rent but it may not be enough for the number of guests and for sanitary purposes as well.
• Keep your area clean. Dispose your garbage properly.
• Give tips to the Kuliatan staff. It may not be big but it will help them also with their everyday needs.

The Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary project is of great help to the community of Brgy. Sinugbohan. With proper communication, regular dissemination of information and seminars hosted by the Bantay Dagat, the community slowly respected and followed the rules of the marine sanctuary. There were no longer any violations from fishermen. Going to Kuliatan will remind us that we should take good care of our oceans.

(Watch MagTV na Amiga every Sunday or at www.iwantv.ph)

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How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Iloilo (estimated cost of Php3,000++, round trip, one hour). The Iloilo Airport is 30 minutes (approximately 19 km) away from Iloilo City.

From Iloilo City, you can take a jeepney bound for San Joaquin or a bus going to Antique. Fare is around Php50-60. If you opt to ride a jeepney, go to the Terminal Market near Robinsons Place Mall or ride a San Joaquin jeepney from Molo.From the San Joaquin town proper, hire a tricycle (Php200++, round trip) and ask the driver to take you Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary at Brgy. Sinogbuhan. Don’t forget to remind him to pick you up on your desired time.

http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/islands-and-beaches/3785/kuliatan-marine-sanctuary-iloilo/