Sarangani Bay Festival
The Sarangani Bay Festival, fondly known as “SarBay Fest,” is the Philippines’ biggest and most anticipated beach festival. Held annually in the stunning Sarangani Province, the event attracts thousands of local and international tourists who gather to celebrate the region’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to experience and enjoy the Sarangani Bay Festival to the fullest.
Table of Contents
SARBAY FEST 2023
History and Background of the Sarangani Bay Festival
- Origins of the festival: The Sarangani Bay Festival began as a small, local event in 2006 to promote environmental awareness and showcase the province’s rich cultural heritage.
- Evolution of the event over the years: Over time, the festival has grown into a massive celebration featuring various water sports, music performances, art exhibits, and beach parties.
- Notable milestones and achievements: SarBay Fest has become a significant tourist attraction, earning numerous awards and recognition for its contribution to the local economy and sustainable tourism practices.
Preparing for the Sarangani Bay Festival
- The ideal time to visit: The festival usually takes place in May, with specific dates announced each year.
- How to get to Sarangani Province: The easiest way to reach Sarangani is by flying to General Santos City, followed by a bus or van ride to the festival location.
- Accommodation options and recommendations: Choose from a variety of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and homestays, but be sure to book early as they fill up quickly during the festival.
- Tips for packing and preparing for the festival: Pack light, comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Sarangani Bay Festival Schedule of Activities
| Date | SARBAY FEST SCHEDULE | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23-24 | Crown of Thorns Collection | Kapatan, Tango, Taluya, Gumasa, Cablalan, Baliton, Burias, San Jose, Batulaki, Pangyan | |
| May-28 | Scubasurero/Clean Up Party | Main Venue | |
| May-25 | SarBay Color Run | 5:00:00 AM | Main Venue |
| SarBay Zumba | 5:00:00 AM | Main Venue | |
| Bancarera | 8:00:00 AM | Main Venue | |
| Beach Volleyball | Coco Beach Resort | ||
| Skim Boarding Competition | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| I Love Clean SarBay Segment | 5:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| Opening Program | 6:30:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| Reggae Night | 7:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| May-26 | SarBay Invitational Jetski Race | 8:00:00 AM | Horizon Beach Resort |
| SarBay Strongman | Main Venue | ||
| Sand Sculpture | Rosal Beach Resort | ||
| Beach Volleyball | Rosal Beach Resort | ||
| Beach Football | Victor Adarna Beach Resort | ||
| Skim Boarding Competition | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| DJ Battle (Semi-finals) | 2:30:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| I Love Clean SarBay Segment | 5:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| SarBay Zumba | Main Venue | ||
| Fire Dancing Exhibition | 7:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| Bay Bodies | Main Venue | ||
| DJ Battle (finals) | Main Venue | ||
| Foam Party | Main Venue | ||
| May-27 | SarBay Ultra Marathon | 10PM – 8AM | Capito (Alabel)-Main Venue |
| Swim Across The Bay | 5:00:00 AM | Kamanga (Maasim)-Tango (Glan) | |
| SarBay MTB Challenge | 8:00:00 AM | Main Venue | |
| Ink Splash in Paradise (Tattoo Com) | Main Venue | ||
| SarBay Invitational Jetski Race | Horizon Beach Resort | ||
| Beach Volleyball | Coco Beach Resort | ||
| Beach Football | Victor Adarna Beach Resort | ||
| Skim Boarding Competition | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | White Haven Beach Resort | ||
| I Love Clean SarBay Segment | 5:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| SarBay Zumba | 5:30:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| Fire Dancing Exhibition | 7:00:00 PM | Main Venue | |
| SarBay Party | Main Venue | ||
| Splash in the Sky | Main Venue |
𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗠
Get ready for an electrifying experience!
Sarbay Fest 2023 Teaser is here to ignite your senses and leave you craving for more. Mark your calendars for the ultimate celebration of music, art, and culture: May 25-27, 2023!
#SaranganiBayFestival #SarBayFest2023 #ReturntoParadise #ILoveCleanSarBay #SaranganiProvince
Must-Experience Activities at the Sarangani Bay Festival
- Water sports and competitions: Participate in or watch events such as dragon boat racing, beach volleyball, and skimboarding.
- Music and cultural performances: Enjoy live concerts by local and international artists, traditional dances, and cultural presentations.
- Food fair and local delicacies: Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes and street food, highlighting the region’s unique flavors.
- Art exhibits and workshops: Discover local talents through various art exhibits and join workshops to learn traditional crafts.
- Environmental and sustainability initiatives: Engage in activities like coastal cleanups and mangrove planting to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.
- Beach parties and nightlife: Dance the night away at beach parties featuring renowned DJs and performers.
Exploring the Local Culture and Heritage
- Traditional customs and practices showcased at the festival: Observe and learn about the fascinating customs and traditions of the region, such as indigenous dances and rituals.
- Indigenous communities and their role in the event: Interact with members of the local indigenous communities who participate in and enrich the festival experience.
- Learning about the history and significance of Sarangani Bay: Visit the nearby historical sites and museums to deepen your understanding of the area’s past and cultural importance.
Navigating the Festival Grounds
- Festival map and layout: Familiarize yourself with the festival map to easily locate various activities, food stalls, and amenities.
- Transportation options within the area: Use local transportation like tricycles or rent a bike to explore the festival grounds and nearby attractions.
- Safety tips and guidelines: Stay vigilant with your belongings, stay hydrated, and follow the festival’s safety protocols.
Beyond the Sarangani Bay Festival
- Nearby attractions and activities: Extend your trip to explore the beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and natural wonders surrounding Sarangani Province.
- Responsible and sustainable tourism practices: Support the local community by patronizing local businesses, minimizing waste, and respecting the environment and cultural practices.
- Supporting the local community and businesses: Purchase handmade souvenirs from local artisans and try out the services offered by small businesses in the area.
Capturing the Experience
- Tips for photography and videography at the festival: Capture the vibrant colors and energy of the festival using various angles and settings, but always be mindful of other attendees’ privacy and enjoyment.
- Sharing your experiences on social media: Share your memories and highlights of the Sarangani Bay Festival using the event’s official hashtag, but also take the time to immerse yourself in the experience without digital distractions.
- Connecting with fellow travelers and attendees: Make new friends, exchange stories, and learn from the diverse perspectives of the people you meet at the festival.
List of Activities during the Sarangani Bay Festival
- Dragon boat racing: Join or watch teams compete in thrilling boat races along the picturesque Sarangani Bay.
- Beach volleyball tournament: Participate in or cheer for your favorite teams during this exciting beach sport.
- Skimboarding competition: Witness skilled skimboarders showcase their talent and perform breathtaking stunts.
- Traditional dance performances: Immerse yourself in the local culture by watching captivating indigenous dance presentations.
- Live concerts: Enjoy electrifying performances by local and international artists spanning various music genres.
- Art exhibits: Admire the works of local artists and photographers displayed throughout the festival grounds.
- Craft workshops: Participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and wood carving.
- Food fair: Savor the taste of regional delicacies and street food at various food stalls and pop-up restaurants.
- Beach parties: Dance the night away with energetic beach parties featuring top DJs and performers.
- Coastal cleanups: Join fellow festival-goers in efforts to preserve the environment by participating in coastal cleanups.
- Mangrove planting: Contribute to the region’s environmental conservation by planting mangroves in designated areas.
- Yoga sessions: Find balance and relaxation with beach yoga sessions led by experienced instructors.
- Eco-tour: Discover the province’s natural wonders through guided eco-tours and nature walks.
Travel Guide for the Sarangani Bay Festival
- Getting there: Fly to General Santos City from Manila, Cebu, or other major cities in the Philippines. From General Santos City, take a bus or van ride to Sarangani Province.
- Accommodations: Book your accommodations well in advance, as hotels, resorts, and homestays tend to fill up quickly during the festival. Choose from a range of options to suit your budget and preferences.
- Transportation: Once you arrive in Sarangani, you can use local transportation like tricycles or rent a bike to explore the festival grounds and nearby attractions.
- Currency and payments: The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It’s best to carry cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards or digital payments.
- Language: While English is widely spoken and understood in the Philippines, learning a few basic phrases in Filipino or the local dialect, Cebuano, can be helpful and endearing to the locals.
- Safety tips: Keep your belongings secure, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and follow the festival’s safety guidelines. In case of emergencies, know the location of the nearest medical facilities and contact numbers for local authorities.
- Etiquette and cultural considerations: Respect the local customs, practices, and dress code. Seek permission before taking photographs of people or cultural performances. Be mindful of your noise levels and personal space, especially during crowded events.
- Environmental responsibility: Minimize your environmental footprint by reducing waste, using reusable items, and participating in environmental initiatives like coastal cleanups and mangrove planting.
By taking note of these travel tips and engaging in the wide variety of activities offered during the Sarangani Bay Festival, you’ll have an unforgettable experience while also contributing to the preservation of the region’s cultural and natural treasures.
The Sarangani Bay Festival is not just a celebration of the Philippines’ natural beauty and vibrant culture; it is also a testament to the power of unity, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. By attending and supporting the event, you not only contribute to the growth of the local economy and tourism industry but also help promote sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of the region’s unique heritage. So pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the Sarangani Bay Festival.
