When I began my backpacking adventure slash traveling while working a.k.a. Nomad Workation, I was faced with the challenge of choosing a base. Since I work remotely to finance my travel, having a reliable internet connection was essential. However, in a country like the Philippines where the internet connection is often unreliable, I had to be cautious in my decision-making. This is when I thought of General Santos. It is situated in the heart of five different provinces, making it an excellent base for the first leg of my adventure. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to visit JML Beach House.
General Santos boasts of beautiful beaches. But on a bad day when I was feeling drained and looking for a new environment to refresh my imagination, I wished to stay as far away from the city as possible. I am someone who easily gets bored with monotony, which is why I quit my office job. I constantly need to switch things around to keep myself from getting bored. While searching online for a beach resort, I came across several options, but none of them caught my attention the way JML Beach House did.
We didn’t waste any time and headed straight to the beach house, which is about an hour’s drive away from the city. I brought my tent, hammocks, laptop, and portable power station in case of a power outage. However, we almost missed the turn to the resort because it wasn’t very obvious. The road going there was also quite challenging – even an off-roader would have struggled. Lol, I’m exaggerating.
I would say that this beach resort is not for the faint-hearted. Besides the challenging ride to get there, it caters to people who love the outdoors. Although a significant portion of the resort was under construction during our visit, I still have a few things that I love about it, and here they are.
— Kind and Accommodating Staff
Many establishments often overlook the importance of good customer service, but that was not the case at this resort. Even the owner of the resort was quick to accommodate our needs and treated us kindly. He was open to feedback and had a welcoming vibe that made us feel comfortable. The staff were also friendly and approachable, and they willingly fulfilled our requests without any difficulty.
— There was an internet connection
JML Beach House, although located in a remote area, has a fast and reliable internet connection. They also offer a PisoNet option which I used as a backup when my primary internet provider was acting up. With this, I was able to seamlessly perform my tasks without encountering any downtime. This made me extremely happy and pleasantly surprised.
— Beautiful Beach & Amazing Views
The beach, though not as fine in texture as other beaches in Sarangani Province, is still beautiful. The water is a stunning turquoise color and is crystal clear, with rock formations that resemble those in El Nido, Palawan. If you take a short walk to the viewing area, you can see the entire bay, which looks a lot like Lake Holon. The best part is the view of Mt. Matutum from a distance.
— It was clean
Even though a significant portion of the resort was undergoing construction, it did not detract from its beauty. The entire premises were well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the toilets and bathrooms were clean and hygienic, with readily available running fresh water. I was also impressed with how the resort managed its trash properly, which is a huge plus.
— It’s Value For Money
We were able to stay overnight camping at the beach for only ₱100 per person. Given the current trend of increasing prices, I believe it was quite a steal. The location had great amenities and stunning views, making it a deal that couldn’t be beaten elsewhere.
My Overall Thoughts
I just wanted to express my gratitude for finding this place. It’s truly a hidden gem and holds some of my fondest memories. Not only did I meet some wonderful people, but I also gained a renewed perspective on my life. The stunning scenery was a great help. Places like this remind me why I love my life and validate the decision I made to pursue my dreams.
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How To Go To JML Beach House
Location: Tampat Beach, Purok 7 Linao, Brgy. Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province
From Gensan – Ride a bus to Maasim and alight before reaching Pacman Beach or just a few hundred meters from AJM Beach. When you see an arc sign that says “To God Be The Glory And Honor”, that’s the entrance to the beach. You can cover the remaining 700-meter distance to the beach on foot or you can opt to ride a motorcycle.
Useful Tips in Visiting JML Beach House
- Avoid the weekends – This place is fairly popular but it blew up when I shared it on Facebook so you might want to avoid the weekend if you wish to have the beach to yourself.
- Limited camping area – Their camping ground is small. I reckon it can only accommodate 8-10 tents at most so I recommend going here early to reserve your space.
- Book in advance – Although not necessary especially during off-peak seasons, I still recommend that you contact the resort to reserve your accommodation. They only have a few cabins and as mentioned earlier, limited camping space so it’s best to always check availability.
- Room Rates – They have cabins for overnight stays that can accommodate small and big groups. They also have open cottages. Price starts at ₱3500. I recommend contacting the resort to confirm the prices and make your reservations.
- Road Condition – The road going down to the beach is unpaved and a bit treacherous. Depending on the status of their construction, you might want to leave your sedan and small vehicles at home.
- No Corkage Fee – You can bring food and beverages. The resort doesn’t charge corkage fees. There’s also a small store selling liquor and snacks if you don’t bring enough.
There you have it, lovelies. For any questions or concerns, just drop them in the comments. Support my work by sharing this with your friends. You can also follow me on my social media channels to keep tabs on my adventures. Until next time. Ciao!
