Get ready, SarBay Seatizens! The biggest, boldest beach festival in Mindanao is back — and it's coming in hot. SarBay Fest 2025 is set to explode onto the shores of Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province from May 23 to 25. If you've been dreaming of white sand, live music, watersports, wild foam parties, and sunsets that look straight out of a postcard — this is your sign to clear your calendar.
Whether you're a first-timer or a SarBay veteran, this guide has everything you need to survive and thrive at the most anticipated event in SOX. From what to pack to how to get there, from the full event lineup to the little details that will make your experience smoother — we’ve got you covered.
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What Exactly Is SarBay Fest?
Short for Sarangani Bay Festival, SarBay Fest is more than just a beach party. Since 2006, it’s been the region’s biggest annual gathering celebrating marine conservation, local culture, and pure, unfiltered fun. It started as a way to raise awareness for the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape — and evolved into a massive celebration where tens of thousands come together to dance, compete, explore, and enjoy the sea.
Gumasa Beach becomes a playground of music, sports, arts, and advocacy. You’ll find environmental exhibits, intense sporting events, concerts, dance parties, and an unmatched beach vibe.
SarBay Fest 2025 Kasadya sa Baybay Schedule of Events
DAY 1: Friday, May 23 – Kickoff Day!
DAY 2: Saturday, May 24 – Peak Festival Day
On the second day of SarBay Fest, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping day of non-stop action and excitement, kicking off bright and early at 8:00 AM! The morning explodes with a diverse array of thrilling activities to get your heart racing. Dive into the wonders of the Wildlife Exhibit, feel the spray and the speed at the Jetski Race, marvel at artistic feats during the Sand Sculpture Contest, and spike your way to victory in Beach Volleyball. For those with an edge, the Tattoo Competition promises incredible artistry, while water enthusiasts can paddle their way through the Kayak Festival and shred waves with Skimboarding. And if you're looking for team spirit and spectacular throws, Ultimate Frisbee has you covered!
As the afternoon heats up, the energy intensifies! At 1:00 PM, prepare for sonic showdowns as the DJ Battle Semi-Finals ignite the stage. Then, at 4:00 PM, get ready to move and groove with Zumba Session #2, ensuring everyone stays energized and active.
But the real spectacle begins as the sun sets! At 7:00 PM, witness the pinnacle of strength and beauty at the highly anticipated Bay Bodies Grand Finals. And to cap off an unforgettable day, prepare for an epic night starting at 11:00 PM with the ultimate Foam Party featuring incredible beats from DJ Numark, DJ Andy Bo, and MC Nash, culminating in the electrifying DJ Battle Finals! You won't want to miss a single moment of this spectacular event!
DAY 3: Sunday, May 25 – Grand Finale
Prepare for an epic day that starts even before the sun rises, pushing limits and igniting your spirit! At 2:00 AM, the true early birds will be lacing up for the grueling 21KM Marathon, followed swiftly at 3:00 AM by the thrilling Adventourism Ride, promising an exhilarating journey. The long-distance runners continue to dominate at 4:00 AM with the 12KM Marathon, showcasing incredible endurance. As dawn breaks, find your zen and stretch into serenity with Beach Yoga at 6:00 AM.
From 8:00 AM onwards, the competition heats up as the Finals for Volleyball, Frisbee, Kayak, and Skimboarding crown their champions, while the captivating Wildlife Exhibit remains open for exploration!
The afternoon brings rhythmic intensity at 3:00 PM with the booming Drumbeating Competition, setting the stage for a mesmerizing display. As dusk descends, prepare to be awestruck at 5:00 PM by the breathtaking Fire Dancing Exhibition, a spectacle of flames and artistry!
The excitement builds to a crescendo at 6:00 PM with the grand Closing Program, featuring the exhilarating Pocari Sweat Splash in the Sky! As night truly falls, get ready to sing your heart out and dance until you drop at 8:00 PM with an incredible concert starring the sensational Maki, the dynamic The Dukes, and the powerful Marching Saints! And the party certainly doesn't stop there! At 11:00 PM, prepare for the ultimate After Party Madness as DJ Drey Wong takes over the decks, ensuring the night ends with an explosive, unforgettable bang!
Getting There: Your Travel Options
Driving
Take the Glan highway and follow the road heading to Isla Jardin del Mar. When you reach a fork in the road, stay on the right toward Reyes Beach. If you have a resort reservation, just proceed to your accommodation.
Parking spaces have been designated for cars and motorcycles. These are open spaces, so make sure to secure your vehicles. There are security marshals around the venue, but it pays to take extra steps to make sure your belongings are safe.
By Public Transport
Head to the KCC Mall Transport Terminal in General Santos City. Buses marked "Glan/Gumasa" cost around ₱150. They typically stop at Glan Poblacion’s public terminal. But they might also be considering direct bus routes to the beach for an extra fee — updates to follow.
From there, take a habal-habal (motorcycle) to Reyes Beach.
Fees
Entry to the Sarangani Bay Festival is absolutely FREE! That's right, immerse yourself in all the incredible events and vibrant atmosphere without an entrance fee. To help us keep this stunning paradise pristine and support local conservation efforts, there's a small environmental fee. You'll contribute just 50 pesos to the Municipality of Glan and another 30 pesos to the Province of Sarangani. Think of it as your direct contribution to preserving the breathtaking beauty of Sarangani Bay for everyone to enjoy now and in the future – a small gesture for a massive impact!
Accommodation Options
Resorts
Book early at places like Isla Jardin del Mar, White Haven, Kamari Resort, Coco Beach Resort, Rosal Beach, or Mt. Sabrina. Slots fill fast — most are likely full by now. Just try giving them call. Here is a list of contact numbers of resorts in Glan, Sarangani Province.
Tent City
Camping is part of the SarBay vibe. Bring your own tent, stake out a spot early, and enjoy the camaraderie. The main venue itself doesn't have a tent city, but there are tent spaces in nearby resorts. Just note, though that it comes with fees and slots may limited, since most resorts must have already been fully booked around this time.
Where to Pee (Yes, It’s Important!)
Most importantly, let's all do our part to keep Sarangani Bay beautiful. Please do not pee in the sea or bushes. We're here to celebrate this incredible natural wonder, and that means keeping it clean for everyone to enjoy! We love Sarangani Bay. Let’s keep it clean.
What NOT to Bring
Sharp or pointed objects
Arms and ammunitions
Any items deemed dangerous or threatening by security
Security will be tight, and for good reason. Let’s keep SarBay safe and fun.
What to Pack: Your SarBay Survival Kit
Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
Swimwear & Rash Guard
Hat, Sunglasses, Beach Towel/Sarong
Waterproof pouch/bag
Breathable clothes, extra outfits
Reusable water bottle
Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
Camping gear (if staying in Tent City)
First-aid kit, insect repellent, personal meds
Cash (some places don’t accept digital payments)
Camera/smartphone, power bank
Let’s Not Forget Why We’re Here
SarBay Fest isn’t just about dancing in the sand or chugging drinks under the stars. At its heart, it’s a celebration of Sarangani Bay’s natural beauty, and a reminder that this treasure needs our protection.
So:
Dispose of your trash properly. Always look for trash bins, do not leave your trash anywhere, especially by the seashore.
Say NO to single-use plastics; bring your own reusable water bottle
Be kind to marine life
Respect the local community
To those of us "Living in the South PH," SarBay Fest is more than an event — it’s a tradition. A mix of cultural celebration, eco-awareness, and next-level partying that shows off the very best of SOCCSKSARGEN.
This is our playground. Our pride. Our story told through music, movement, and memories.
See You at the Bay!
SarBay Fest 2025 is going to be legendary. Whether you're here for the competitions, the concerts, the conservation efforts, or just a really good time on the sand — come ready, come prepared, and come with an open heart.
Tell us — what are you most excited about this year? Got tips from previous years? Drop them in the comments below!
See you where the music meets the waves!
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