First-time in Carbin Reef and Suyac Island, Sagay City

It has been years since I ventured to the northern part of Negros Island, Philippines. The farthest I got last year was until Cadiz City when I went to Lakawon Island (READ: First-time in Lakawon Island). Before that, I have been to Escalante way back in 2001. And with the buses en route to San Carlos City now pass through the town of Don Salvador Benedicto, going to the coastal north of Negros has become a rarer occasion.

Recently, after our Camotes Island Adventure (READ: First-time in Camotes Islands and 10 Things to Enjoy in Camotes Islands) in Cebu, Jojo Vito, Mr. E and I planned to go to Sagay City in Negros Occidental province. Mr. E immediately contacted his friends in the Sagay Tourism office and he arranged for the trip three days after we get home from Camotes. We also invited our fellow Negros Bloggers, Ed Joven and Glady Reyes.

Getting there

While we drove on private vehicle to Sagay City, those who are commuting can reach it by bus from the Bacolod City North Terminal in Brgy. Bata or from San Carlos City. Bus fares vary, depending if you are in a regular bus or an air-conditioned one and based from where you boarded it. When you arrive in Sagay City, you can take the tricycle to the Old Sagay port.

If you have plans to visit Carbin Reef and Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-park, there is a need to make prior reservations as entry to these islands are being controlled, for environmental purposes.

For booking, please contact:
Sagay City Information & Tourism Office
Phone: +63 34 488-0649
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://sagaycity.gov.ph/tourism/

Where to Stay

If you prefer to stay in Sagay City for a night or more, there’s Balay Kauswagan for you. Kauswagan literally means “progress”, thus, the center, which is owned and managed by the city government, symbolize the growing industries in Sagay. It is also a major convention venue in northern Negros, which has hosted various occasions, seminars, trade fairs, and exhibits.

It was our first stop when we arrived in Sagay and we saw that the main hall is being decorated for a special event. There we met Center Manager Dana Gensoli who toured us around the premises, including the pools within the center’s property. Below are the rates for the rooms:

Private Room (2 persons)	Php 800/room/night
Family Room (5 persons)	Php 1,800/room/night
Dormitory	Php 200/person/night
Extra bed	Php 200/night
Entrance – big pool	Php 70/person
Entrance – small pool	Php 30/person
Nipa hut	Php 150/8 hours
Nipa shed	Php 50/8 hours

For inquiries and reservations, get in touch with:
Ms. Dana D. Gensoli
Center Manager
Phone: +63 34 488-0316
E-mail: [email protected]

Museo Sang Bata sa Negros

I have heard of Museo Sang Bata sa Negros only at the Sagay City pavilion inside the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod. It was an amazing experience to finally set foot in the museum. This hands-on and interactive children’s museum is located right at the port of Sagay City, the gateway to the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve. It is a must to stop by this museum before you embark on an exploration to Carbin Reef and the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-park.

The children themselves , or the Museum Junior Guides, told us the underwater story, which was composed of data and information on the marine life in Sagay City, the kind of species we see under the sea, how we destroy our seas, and the ways by which we can take care of them. The museum also features Filipino games, toys, a library, and other attractions. You can lend support by volunteering in the museum or placing a donation.

To visit or for group bookings, contact:
Museo Sang Bata sa Negros
Barangay Old Sagay, Sagay City
Negros Occidental, Philippines
Telephone Number: +63 34 457-8003; +63 917-3003815
Website: http://www.museosangbata.org/

Museum Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Open Daily: Monday to Sunday
Entrance fee: Php40 for adults and Php20 for students

Carbin Reef

At the Museo Sang Bata, we met up with Iris Faith Sumpio of the Sagay Tourism, who accompanied us to the marine reserve.  As stated above, it is mandatory to coordinate with the Sagay Tourism Office for bookings to Carbin Reef because it has a carrying capacity of 70 persons only, in order to  preserve the sand bar as well as to maintain safety for the visitors.

It was about 15 minutes at sea from the Sagay Port when we spotted the gleaming white sand bar from afar. But if you think this is beautiful enough, be ready for more surprises because it is even more beautiful around the sand bar as we snorkeled and marveled at the corals, clams and fishes beneath the water’s surface.

Before you embark on a trip to Carbin Reef, a 200-hectare marine sanctuary, there are a few things you need to bear in mind to make sure that you help protect the area rather than contribute to the destruction of the place.

Do not leave any garbage in the sand bar or the reef. Take with you whatever you bring to the sand bar. Do not throw them to the sea as they will cause harm to fishes and the marine habitat.

Do not touch anything when you snorkel or dive. Only stay within the designated area and only 15 people are allowed to snorkel at a time. Do not feed the fishes.

Do not bring anything from Carbin Reef, whether they are corals, shells, starfishes, sand, and other marine species whether they are living or already dead.

Cook only on designated areas, such as the grilling place, and not on the sand.

Take note of the rates for visitors who are not residents of Sagay City:

Entrance fees:
General admission fee	Php50.00
SMR Environmental fee	Php40.00
Port fee	Php10.00
Total fee	Php100.00
PWD and Senior Citizens	Php82.00
Children 12 years old and below	Php40.00
Tents:
Shed-single tent	Php300.00
Shed-double tent	Php500.00
Boat rates (inclusive of life vest) – transact only with the Sagay Island Ferryboat Operator’s Association:
1-10 persons (Carbin Reef only)	Php1,200.00
1-10 persons (Carbin Reef + Suyac Island)	Php1,500.00
11-15 persons	Php1,500.00

Should you encounter any difficulty or in case of emergency situations, you may also contact:

Mr. Vip Cueva
Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR) Bantay Dagat Head
+63 999-3182837 or

Atom
Sagay Rescue
+63 919-2593489

Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-park

From Carbin Reef, it was about 10-15 minutes to Suyac Island. The mangrove forest fill the fringes of Suyac, a pleasant sight to anyone visiting it. As we docked by its port, members of the local community — the Suyac Island Eco Tourism Association (SIETAS) that manages the island — welcomed us warmly with a briefing about the place, the species found in the forest, the rules and regulations (no smoking in designated areas and no two-piece bathing suits because they’re not used to it), and other information about the island and their community. Before the orientation ended, they also entertained us with a dance and a local song.

The forest is rich with various mangrove species. The oldest is the 300-year old mangrove tree that is situated right next to the bamboo walkway.

You can rent a cottage in the forest (there are only 5 cottages in the eco-park), order food that the community will prepare for you and swim at the edge of the mangrove eco-park or inside the park when it is high tide. Below are rates that you need to take note of:

Entrance Fee:
Adults	Php30.00
Children below 5 years old	Php15.00
Boat:
Boat (public transport)	Php15.00/person
Boat rental (group of 10 pax, round trip)	Php500.00
Cottage	Php500.00

The Sagay Tourism Office can assist you in coordinating with the SIETAS or you can contact Vangie at +63 907-3962199 or:

Sagay Marine Reserve Office
Sagay City Hall, New Government Center
Sagay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Phone: +63 34 488-0101 local 117
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Kape Albarako and Syano Artlink

After our snorkeling and swimming escapades in the marine reserve, we made one last stop at the Margaha Beach, just a short distance from the port. The first thing that caught our attention were the art installations in the sea as they stood firm in the midst of the waves. Then, a two-storey structure made of bamboo and native materials came into view; a man was painting the façade with colorful designs.

The Kape Albarako signage was then visible by the beach. The coffee shop is also the art gallery of the Syano Artlink. Seventeen-year old Yqfryd toured us inside their property, telling us the story of their family and the arts displayed in the halls.

He led us to their workshop at the neighboring house where we found trash piled in various parts of the house, some of which were transformed into artworks. At the second floor, we came face to face with Nunelucio Melecoton Alvarado, 67 years old, Yqfryd’s grandfather and the main artist behind Kape Albarako. The man painting outside was his son.  For those who do not know this yet, Kape Albarako is a portmanteau of their last name Alvarado and the local kind of coffee, which is kapeng barako.

We chatted with Nunelucio over a mug of iced coffee — the paints and brushes before us and the paintings surrounding us, while the art installations in the sea visible from the window. More than just the art that they create, it is nice to know that their art projects help save our seas by taking the garbage out of our waters.

Kape Albarako
Margaha Beach Resort
Yqfryd Alvarado
Mobile number: +63 915-2031496
E-mail: [email protected]

Sagay City is truly fast becoming an eco-tourism destination in this part of the province. Its tagline of “Where Love for Nature Begins” is apt for the programs it is implementing. It was such a refreshing experience to commune with nature while preserving its natural habitat.