The spotlight is now trained on Sipalay City as the must-go place in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It’s the heel part of the sock-shaped island of Negros. Fine white sand beaches, tiny islands and breathtaking bays dot the coastline of Sipalay City.
From the stretch of the Punta Ballo beach area, at Robinson@Cruse Resort where we stayed, we boarded a boat towards Sambulawan Bay or what they call as Tinagong Dagat (literally means, hidden sea). We passed through coves and white sand coastal areas while cruising through clear waters that provided us with a view of the seabed full of seagrass, sea urchins, jellyfishes and starfishes.
Then, floating hills came into view. These were mounds of islets that were a common sight in the area of Tinagong Dagat. We docked at a small cove, checked the property that my friend bought (yes, a new resort will be rising there soon), and hiked a little across the property towards Perth Beach Resort.
We climbed the stairs and the breathtaking view of the bay slowly became visible. As we got on top, there were cottages, a bar and a swimming pool. I climbed to the second level to the rooftop and snapped a photo of a postcard-pretty scenery.
We continued with our sojourn and rode by boat to La Isla Bonita, the other side of the cove. We went back and took the opposite direction back towards the Punta Ballo beach and further to Campomanes Bay and docked near the Sipalay Eco Port. We swam a bit there, with the water warm at the surface and cool at the bottom part.
Apart from swimming, Sipalay is also a diving and snorkeling haven, with many marine sanctuaries located in its depths. We haven’t even explored the inlands, the old mining sites, caves, and other attractions. For now, I’m glad that I have finally setinoot at this part of my province.
How to get to Sipalay City:
- From Manila or Cebu, fly to Bacolod-Silay airport.
- Take a shuttle van to the Ceres south terminal in Bacolod City.
- Ride the Ceres bus bound for Sipalay (or Hinoba-an).
- At the Sipalay City proper, take a habal-habal or tricycle to your resort.
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