Tuesday, November 17, 2015

SISIMAN BAY: Pebble Beach, Lighthouse, Summit and Sunset

Sisiman Bay is not that well known spot located in Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan. It beautifies the southernmost tip of Bataan Peninsula. Rock formations and pebbles are spread out along its clear blue beach. Sisiman lighthouse, a truly functional one, is a beautiful photo subject by the bay. San Miguel Peak, towering 700 feet ASL, awes every visitor's eyes. Colorful sunset gives the skies wonderful hues. All these make Sisiman Bay a picturesque.


When I saw some photos of Sisiman Bay over the net, I fell in love with it instantly. I found it another great stop when visiting Luzon.

From Genesis terminal in Pasay (near MRT), it took me 4 hours to finally arrive in Mariveles. From downtown Mariveles, San Miguel Peak is clearly visible. I took a pink tricycle bound for Brgy. Sisiman. The driver pulled over at crossing Sisiman Bay so I started to walk by then. It was a very short walk anyway. 


San Miguel summit captivated my heart as I got closer. The beach in an afternoon sun was truly a fantastic scenery.

I went to cottages and inquired for a stay. Luckily, I was referred to Nanay Del who offered me a very simple quarter to rest myself in private.

I roamed around the bay waiting for sunset. I kept in touch with lighthouse. I drooled for the summit.
 






When the sun gradually descended, I took liberty to press my shutter to capture amazing hues and silhouettes.





When darkness finally reigned, I got back to my abode, dined with my hosts, took a night dip and snored the night away.

When morning came, I couldn't wait to summit San Miguel Peak so it's the first thing I did. See story here: SAN MIGUEL PEAK: A Magnificent Tower of Sisiman Bay.       




After a brief bonding with the summit, I took a sumptuous recharge. I explored back the area in broad daylight. I bonded with the rocks and got eaten by gentle water. 









After packing up, I explored the other side of the bay. 


I passed by the ruins of Guesthouse, hiked towards the grotto and summitted another hill with a breathtaking view of the bay.
 





A SAD TRUTH...

While watching the bay, I pondered upon a sad truth, really sad truth(s). 

-The wastes of energy generating plant nearby has significantly killed various marine lives.
-Below the summit just near the lighthouse, a backhoe breaks the beautiful rocks. 
-One side of the mountain is closed and claimed as private property. 
-Rock mining is operated by no less than Bataan's governor.
-Story also says that the mountain is already sold out to Japanese buyer.



So sad that the clear scenic beach might turn gray and toxic. 
So sad that one of God's wonderful architecture will soon get demolished.


THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. No entrance fee.
2. Cottages are available at P300 per day.
3. Sleeping quarter costs 350 per night (no beddings included).
4. Tent pitching is allowed near the base of San Miguel Peak.
5. Presence of small sari-sari stores.
6. Videoke machines noise up the night.
7. Bay is just walking distance from barangay proper.
8. Water for bathroom costs P20/pail.
9. Insect repellent is a must especially during night.


10. Tricycle ride from downtown Mariveles costs P50 for solo pax or P15 each for multiple pax.


CONTACT: 
Nanay Delia (president of cottage owners association) - 09375865211.



HOW TO GET THERE (while it is still there):

From Pasay, go to MRT station. Take a short walk to Genesis Bus Terminal. Take a direct ride to Mariveles (you may also take Balanga and take another bus to Mariveles). Entering Mariveles, alight at BASECO building. In front, take a tricycle to Sisiman (P15 each for multiple pax and P50 for solo pax). Drop off at Crossing Sisiman Bay. Take a short walk to the bay. 

52 comments:

  1. Hi kelan po kayo pumunta sa Sisiman? Hows the beach po? Is it safe? Im looking fo a side trip after our Tarak Ridge,,

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    1. hi, unknown. my trip happened last nov. 2015. the beach is real good. the area has no security issue. enjoy...

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  2. I want to go. Hindi naman po siguro nagbago ng contacts si Nanay Delia no? I'm planning an overnight solo trip kasi and I'm a girl.

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    1. Hi, Rich. Hopefully hindi pa nagchange ng number si Nanay Delia. Besides, napakadali lang nyang hanapin dun. Magkakakilala lang sila lahat dun sa bay. Mga cottage owners lang nandun. But better contact her prior to your trip.

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  3. Very informative and nice blog by the way :) ... Im planning also to go there hope maganda pa rin ang scenery ...

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    1. thank you, sarah. i hope maabutan mo pa ang ganda ng sisiman bay.

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  4. I will go there this weekend :) .. I will update you kung ganun pa rin kaganda and view ...

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    1. hope you will enjoy there. and yes, give me updates please. thanks...

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. so sad to hear that. and why?

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. so sorry for your disappointment. it's one of the sad truth but an an important fact everyone should know about.

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    4. thanks sarah, buti nabasa ko comment mo. wag nyo po idelete.

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    5. I visited the place again last October 29, 2016 and somehow mejo nawala disappointment ... check my photos nalang on my google+

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    6. good to know that, sarah. by the way, thanks for the update...

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  6. Sir can a vehicle go directly to the beach? Planning to visit the place this coming weekend. Thanks

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  7. Hi. OK pa po ba magswimming dun?

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    1. hi, einzee. my last visit was november 2015 pa. yes, ok lang naman magswimming doon. for inquiry, please contact nanay del at 09375865211.

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  8. Hi were planning to go there on feb 25 together with my family..can we stay overnight?

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    1. Hello, yes you can if you wish. Just expect a very rustic stay though...

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  9. Can't wait for March! Buti nalang hindi siya ganun kahirap puntahan kasi malapit lang sa beach. Ready for my first solo flight. Thanks po for the post!

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  10. Ay wait. I just read the 'sad truth' part. Does it mean hindi na pwede pumunta nyan dun?

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    1. hi, pwede pa rin naman pumunta. ma-eenjoy pa rin yung lugar habang nandyan pa sya. sad truth is --- we might be losing this wonderful spot in years...

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  11. Hi where did you stay in Sisiman? Do you happen to have the contact number of Blue House Lodge? Thank you.

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    1. hi, jo! i don't have contact of Blue House Lodge. i just stayed in a very rustic room owned by a member of cottage owners' association--- nanay delia (09375865211).

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  12. Hi sir!

    Thanks for the tips. :) I'm about to visit this place.:)
    I just want to ask po sana yung way pauwi? If we'll just have a day tour,do you happen to know if there are still trips going to Manila kahit late na po? Around 9pm maybe?

    Thank you! :)

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    1. Hi, Aly!As far as i know, 6:00pm po ang last trip ng bus from mariveles to cubao or pasay. please check the links below: http://www.bataantransit.com/schedule/ http://www.genesistransport.com.ph/gtsi/schedules.html

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  13. Sir tanong lang po. Pupunta kami dyan on March 5 gamit lang sariling sasakyan. May parkingan po ba malapit sa beach? Thank you po in advance

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    1. Sir/Maam, may parking space po sila. although, di masyado malapit sa beach, safe naman po.

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  14. Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience.
    We're considering this place for our engagement shoot. Is the trail to the summit, grotto and ruins difficult? Magkakalapit lang ba silang lahat? Would you recommend this location for a prenup? ��

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    1. hi, sheh! yes magkakalapit lang sila. at maganda talaga magprenup dun. in fact, i witnessed a prenup shoot back when i visited there. ganda pa ng sunset dun.
      God bless your married life...

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  15. hi everybody im glenda from Sisiman bay guest resort.. you could also contact as well.. thank you for making this blogs good and nice information we got here... please if you love dacing we have organize every saturday disco fever on this summer... just come and enjoy the breeze... gzzz:) Glenda

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    1. thanks, glenda! nice to hear about your guest resort. hope i can get more info and your rates. i'm glad about the existence of your resort. i'm hopeful that the beautiful bay will be sustained.

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    2. Hi, Glenda. We will appreciate if you can give us contact number. Many readers are inquiring about lodges and inns in your area. Thanks

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  16. pwede po ba makuha contact nyo? may campsite po ba dun? where planing po pumunta next week.

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    1. hi, justin. hope my reply is not yet too late. sorry, been out with my family last week. many travelers pitch tent near the base of san miguel peak. cr and water usage is for fee at cottages owned by an association. you may contact Nanay Delia at 09375865211 (hope her number is still working).
      my contact number by the way is 09262478796.

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  17. hi sir.. pano po papunta ng sisiman if nka private vehicle kmi? we plan to go there on saturday

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    1. hi, anonymous! upon entering Mariveles, take the crossing infront of BASECO building. From there, Sisiman Bay is very accessible. Just ask the locals of the direction to the bay. It's about 700 meters away from the highway. There's a parking area near the beach.

      Enjoy!

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  18. Hi. Would like to ask if pwede magpunta dun kahit walk in guest lang or need reservation. Planning to this june. Would appreciate your respinse. Thanks!

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    1. Hi, Katrina! Ok lang naman magwalk-in. Marami pong cottages para sa guests. Aside sa cottage owners association, meron din naman ibang lodges sa area. At hindi rin po masyadong malayo ang Sisiman sa sentro ng Mariveles.

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  19. hi po sir may friends and i planning to go there at sisiman peo we want to explore the five fingers at the same day. do you think ba sir na malapit lg yung five fingers ? :) thanks much. im zarm

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    1. Hi. I haven't gone to Five Fingers Coves yet. But based on my readings, di naman sya masyadong kalayuan. Part of Mariveles pa naman.

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  20. too sad. the coastline is full of trash. i was there 4 days ago.

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    1. sa nakikita ko nga, mga tao dun medyo walang pagmamahal sa kalikasan, plus mga bisita na mga iresponsable din. sinayang nila yung lugar. nakakadisappoint nga...

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  21. Merun po ba kuryente or outlet bawat cottage? Planning to have our prenup here.

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  22. Hi just want to ask,
    are the cottages closed (doors and walls)? Tipong may mga rooms or is it an open cottage. Hirap kasi if matutulog ka without privacy hahaha.

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    1. Hi! Cottages along the beach are not so private. But there are lodges in the barangay which are safer for valuables and where you can enjoy privacy. malapit lang naman sa barangay ang bay...

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    2. Thank you!
      So the cottages are open that people from the outside can see you inside?
      Do you know how much are the lodges?

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    3. if they peep through holes, they can see you inside. haha. that was my experience way back 2015. maybe there are updates and improvements to date. you may please contact Nanay Delia at 09375865211 for more info. regarding rates of lodges, sorry i have no idea yet.

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  23. hi can i ask kung may pag lulutuan po kame sa sisiman bay we are planning to bring food.thanks

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    1. during my visit way back 2015, wala pang amenities maliban sa cottages. this time, di ko na naupdate kung meron nang improvement. you may check the number of nanay del if it is still active and inquire about it. enjoy...

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