Last Updated on October 27, 2024 by Ellen
“Peace and serenity — that’s what we’re after.”
And with that phrase uttered by my Scottish friend Brian, I remembered to settle down and stay in the moment. The views on a mainland Aklan day-trip he arranged certainly helped: Jawili Beach, a deserted white beach; Jawili Falls, deserted waterfalls, and Baluga Hill, not named on my Google map app.
Of course, these places aren’t really ‘deserted’ because Filipinos live near these beautiful locations. But we hardly saw any people all day. Not a single tourist.
Peace and serenity
Jawili Beach
This long stretch of white sand beach is a fabulous alternative to Boracay Island’s White Sand Beach if you happen to find yourself on mainland Aklan.
The beach can be narrow during swing high tides, but it is long. And the water is shallow. On the flip side, as the tide moves out, the beach becomes wide; the water still shallow.
Many resorts dot the beach, but they are all closed (as of this writing) thanks to the ‘Rona. Before the pandemic, mostly Filipino tourists frequented this beach.
Brian’s favorite spot was closed, so we went to a backup that was open. It’s not a resort – just a property that allows beach access and has some shaded picnic tables on the northern end. You might see a bull; you’ll likely see native chickens (free range).
We had a picnic lunch that reminded me of home. Deli sandwiches and real Ruffles potato chips. Plus other goodies. We enjoyed the shady breezes and the calm, quiet atmosphere.
It was so quiet, we heard a loud ‘thud’ break the silence: a coconut had fallen from a tree and cracked open. Native chickens pecked at the shell until the coconut meat was gone.
Brian moved his car after that, to make sure another coconut didn’t drop onto his car.
It is easiest to get here by car. But you could take a van, or v-hire, or even a Ceres bus, to Tangalan, and then take a trike out to the beach. Depending on how far you go will likely dictate the price.
We paid the owner of the property $5 for use of the shaded table for about 2.5 hours.
Jawili Falls
Jawili Falls is a short car ride from the northern end of Jawili beach. It’s a series of waterfalls against rocks that form several single pools.
The walk up is easy on concrete stairs, so anyone can do it.
The cold rushing water soothing. The shallow pools are slippery with algae.
In flip flops, I didn’t venture off the trail, so I don’t know where the river might lead, but I imagine it would be a nice hike for someone who wants to explore more.
There may have been an admission fee at one point in time, but the entryway hut was closed. The cafe at the base of the falls was also closed. The place deserted.
Here is a link to a map of Jawili Beach and Jawili Falls in mainland Aklan.
Bonus: Baluga Hill
There is no Google map for Baluga Hill, so I made one for you, dear readers. (See below.)
But first, the view:
On a clear day you can see all the way to perhaps Numancia to the south, and over the ridge to the sea to the east.
Locals have planted a few crops along the road, but if you look for the high point on your your left side as you head back to the main road, you can cut through a few trees.
If you are heading there from the main road, there is a sign pointing the turnoff, but it’s faded and somewhat obscure. It’s a high-positioned yellow sign. There is – or was – a Jawili sign, too, but that was lying on its side when we visited.
The map shows there’s really only one turnoff anyway – so go slow enough to spot it in time.
Peace and Serenity
Thanks, Brian, for showing me these spots. The views – and your company – helped calm my mind.
Now, to make it last……….
Thanks for reading, “Jawili beach, waterfalls offer peace and serenity.”
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Cool post! That river next to the PC Barracks Rd. looks like a great one to float all the way to the ocean!