Guiwanon Park boat and Nipa Huts among mangroves
What I really liked about this small island of Siquijor, is it’s just so easy to get from one place to another. Just hop in a habal-habal or an AUV, you’ll be in there in minutes. So after wandering around the tree house in Tulapos, we head forward north of the island to visit another marine and mangrove sanctuary, the Guiwanon Spring Park.
Wooden foot bridges of the resorts
Guiwanon is so accessible from the road in between Larena and Siquijor Port. In fact it’s entrance is by the road, so it’s a really convenient stop. Entrance to this resort park is only 10 Pesos and you could wander around the area. The area where there are foot bridges that is. These bridges are suspended high up, probably around 15-20 feet high along the mangroves. Place has very cool sea air and the bamboo structures has that relaxing feel.
Newly built dining area on stilts
Place isn’t that big. There are a number of Nipa Huts there that I think you can rent if you want to stay for the night. When we got there, it seems that they are still developing the place or maintaining the foundations of the bridges. There’s a newly built large dining area there, which looks very nice with the vast backdrop of the sea. I’m sure when this place is operational, a lot of people would stop by this road just to dine here. Common who wouldn’t want to dine with a view like this. And judging from the direction of the sun, this is also a nice place to watch the sunset.
The marine and mangrove sanctuary of Guiwanon
The Guiwanon Spring Park is a delightful brief stop that any travelers in Siquijor should visit. Since it’s on the roadside, there’s no excuse in bypassing it in your itinerary. With impressive growth of mangrove and scenic view of the sea or just hang out in one of their bamboo huts while gobbling in some snack, this sanctuary is more than for the marines and mangroves.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
