A Closer Look at Medellin’s Kilpardz Beach and Why It Deserves More Attention

Going to beaches has always been our remedy to stress every after every semester. It is our releasing place for all tensions, fatigue, and headache we have stored in our body for five or six months, and a charging station to prepare our body for a new semester to arrive in the succeeding weeks. For us, who live in coastal towns like in San Remigio and Daanbantayan City, beaches are the most convenient spot to relax and bring our body into its natural state. Well, from time to time, we still do resorts and island hopping, but near beaches are always our favorite and safe space whenever we need to enjoy for a moment and set aside responsibilities.

Today, I remember our beach experience in Kilpardz Beach located in Medellin City last July of this year. It was the last time we had a beach break, and another one is coming on Christmas week for sure. I spent a day on the beach with my batchmates in our department, and I say it was one of my memorable beach experiences, for the beach and company I had were perfect and comfortable.

Medellin, Cebu, is a coastal municipality located in the northern part of Cebu Island in our country. Since it is a coastal place, the towns are naturally bordered by the sea, and the people's culture and living are also connected to it. Medellin is known for its sandy beaches and destinations, stretching many beaches and resorts to the Daanbantayan town, shaping its character as a popular destination for beach activities, adventures, and relaxation for interested tourists. People of the north know where to find this municipality that contains hidden gems and paradise deserving to be popularized across regions and seas.

Medellin is connected to Daanbantayan, the next municipality, where my Auntie lives, and residing on the coast has always been an advantage for them. Medellin, as a coastal location, opens many opportunities for people who make fishing their main source of income, providing rich sea products and opportunities for the locals and neighbouring towns.

Some of the town's cultural celebrations honor the rich marine life and biodiversity present in the municipality. Its contribution stretches from economic significance to ecological and tourism value. This coastal municipality has rich aqua life, which is abundant, and its diverse natural resources add another layer of attraction for tourists who want to explore these places. Natural beauty and coastal tradition are the very heart of this municipality, containing various beaches with fine white sands unique to some coastal places. In fact, Kilpardz Beach is one of its beautiful beaches that offers top-tier calm and a stunning beach view, white sand, and summer vibes experience.

Kilpardz Beach is a budget-friendly resort located in one of Medellin's towns—the Kawit. The entrance fee is 30 pesos for day use and 50 pesos for overnight. Cottages and tables are also offered ranging from 300–800 in price. The town of Kawit is popular for its rich and natural beaches just as how its municipality is. It has popular landmarks, but the best one is the Kawit Port that is home to all walks of life, tradition, and vendors seen in everyday life. The port is the heart of Kawit; it is the place for fish vendors, local people, and tourists who want to have a breath from the busy city life. Sunset and sunrise are the favorite phenomenon here in this port, alongside the clear, turquoise water that appears from time to time if no disturbance occurs like the arrival of ships and pumpboats.

It was morning when we arrived in the inside paradise of Kilpardz Beach. This view greeted us vibrantly, like it is our home we have left for a very long time and awaits our arrival. The view felt like a peaceful sea moment under a wide, perfect, cloud-streaked blue sky. The shoreline that is covered in fine, pale sand greeted us, and following its path to the water leads us to gentle waves splashing onto it that feels therapeutic to the ears. Looking at this perfect horizon, the view feels sunny, open, and peaceful for me who is exhausted from life.

My batchmates brought tents for our stuff since this break was an all-day-long experience. We set up our tent the time we arrived on the spot we preferred, ensuring that it has the view of the beach to maximize the experience. While installing the tents, I saw people already swimming in the water—families, friends, and lovers—enjoying their moment in the coolness. Jetskie were also present and they are for rent by the neighbouring resorts, but I happened to see them from afar and sometimes they would run near. We also asked the staff for a cottage rent because we needed a space for our foods and feast. It was just near the tents so we would not be too far from our stuff.

The funny thing about this experience is I brought at least three simple outfits for the whole day as well as the others for photo opportunity and the theme, which is a simple floral and beach outfit. I was undecided what to wear so I brought the best possible polos. My buddies and I took a photo while the sun was scorching gentle and good for a camera. My friends were also wearing their beach polos, looking good and perfect for the celebration. Then I took a swim after this.

One of our buddies called us and informed us the foods were ready. We had a budol fight, which means we are required to eat barehanded from the laid banana leaf with delicious foods like one in a feast. Another photo opportunity happened because we want to capture a good memory in our college journey.

From morning to afternoon, we dipped in the water, and I could feel the change of the wind temperature as the day went by. By 3:00 the beach and the water were in their perfect state, with waters changed from cool to a bit warm, and the view of the horizon seen more clear. But no one dared to swim around because the sun was still present almost leaving and it really burns a body. An island behind me can also be seen, but I really don't know its name because it is a remote one and rarely I see it. Just that time. But there is still a population present on that island.

When the sun left, we moved our tents far from the cottage and just near our spot where we were having fun with a bit of liquor. The clouds that were clear earlier turned to dark ones with black pigments indicating a change of weather. Living in this tropical country means weird weather patterns and I get used to it.

The seawater has now become more peaceful and relaxing, the waves have rested, and the water became more warm. There was an absence of wind but the view and the place itself is still perfect.

I noticed the cloud formations were changing and it was just I realized it the moment I scanned the photos. It feels odd that the clouds were moving and replaced in another form but it is nature isn't it. Or a pollution? LOL.

My friends were enjoying their time in the warm water and even shared it was way more better than the morning one because the wind made them shiver to death. They rented some floats that cost 40 each and we rented four. By this time, I realized that the waves do roll in gentle manner, and water is unclear because it is turning dark. I really like the warmth of water when it is approaching dark because all the coolness would just go away, sometimes, like this time, and I could just float without worrying of the coldness when I rise from the water. It just naturally massages me and it is a bittersweet time for a reflection while you are on the water.

Of course the celebration won't end without any liquor. But that time was a good one because we had to control ourselves from drinking too much since we have to commute on our way home. We just had two bottles and talked everything we wanted to talk and randomly inserted a topic that would make everyone laugh. Then the conversation begins and every before it restarts, a joke is inserted on it. I really had a good time on that beach because of the company I had and I learned how this beach became popular not only because of its rich and natural beach features but also because of memories every visitor store on the sand and water.

The night hit the clock and it was almost the end of our beach experience in Kilpardz. There were also lights from the island earlier that is stunning to witness. It is like another world we are facing and the water is the bridge. In that quiet moment, I realized how these simple trips shape our stories without us noticing. And maybe that is why we always return to beaches—because they remind us that even in the noise of life, there will always be places that make us feel whole again.

What feature/s do you like the most in Kilpardz Beach? Share it in the comments