Sipalay City is the southern gem of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. This used to be a mining town is now a tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and floating islets. It’s about four hours from Bacolod City, the provincial capital. Its airport, used to be the Maricalum Airstrip, now serves commercial flights to and from Cebu, Cuyo, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa.
What I like about Sipalay is that it is a quiet city and not commercialized, unlike the more popular beach attractions in Asia. Here are a few options for beach lovers of where to go when in Sipalay.
Tinagong Dagat
The first time I went on an island hopping expedition in Sipalay City, what looked like floating hills at the Tinagong Dagat took my breath away (READ: Sipalay City Island Hopping). Behind those islets, a paradise is kept. Those who find it are blessed with the privilege to marvel at another of God’s magnificent creation through their own eyes.
Sugar Beach
What used to be called as Langub Beach is now more popularly known as Sugar Beach because of its light brown sand that looks sugary. The only way to get there is through a boat from the Poblacion. There are rows of resorts along Sugar Beach, where visitors can enjoy the sea a stone’s throw away.
Punta Ballo Beach
Another favorite beach destination in Sipalay is Punta Ballo, where many diving resorts are found. It has a stretch of white sand and shoreline with beautiful waters.
On my first visit, I stayed at Robinson @Cruse. When I joined a fam trip with fellow bloggers and journalists organized by the Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Office, Artistic Diving Resort. Our villa bungalow is overlooking Punta Ballo Beach.
What surprised me was the range of food choices at Artistic Diving Resort. They have Filipino cuisine on their menu, as well as international dishes, too. But you should try their pizza cooked in a stone oven.
For inquiries, contact:
Artistic Diving Resort
Punta Ballo White Beach
6113 Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Smart Mobile: +639194095594
Globe Mobile: +639052205594
Skype name: artisticdiving
Whats App: +639194095594
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.artisticdiving.com
Campomanes Bay
Campomanes Bay is also another beautiful destination because of the beautiful snorkeling and diving spots. One particular area is Eva’s Point where there are breathtaking corals and lovely fishes. During my first visit in Sipalay, it was also in Campomanes Bay where we had a swim. On my return to the Sipalay Tourism office, we had some afternoon snacks at the Bugana Beach and Resort.
Bugana Beach and Resort is a surprise. Screened by coconuts and trees, Bugana is a jewel that is hidden well. The rooms are beautiful, with artworks done by the owner himself. The pool overlooks the beach. Plus, the snacks that we’ve had was something that will make you want to taste for the main dish.
For inquiries, contact:
Bugana Beach and Dive Resort
Barangay Maricalum, Campomanes Bay,
Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, 6113, Philippines
Landline: (+63) 34 7130062
Landline: (+63) 34 7028632
Mobile: (+63) 917 7977671 (calls only)
Mobile: (+63) 917 5198265
Email Us: [email protected]
Web: http://www.buganaresorts.com/
Text Us: (+63) 917 5198265
Maasin Island
Off the mouth of Campomanes Bay is a tiny island, Maasin Island, that has a cave that goes through the middle of the island. Though we had a short swim just outside the cave. But careful though, that’s because the current can often be strong in this part of the sea. It’s a good way to explore a cave, especially if you are claustrophobic because light streams through the opposite openings.
Poblacion Beach
Just near the town proper is the Poblacion Beach. Right along its shore is the Sipalay Jamont Hotel where we had a delectable lunch at their restaurant, La Veranda. Their salad, with the local “tino-tino”, was delicious. Although this is in the central part of the city, Jamont Hotel has a quiet and relaxing ambiance to it.
For inquiries, contact:
JAMONT HOTEL AND RESORT
Mercedes Boulevard, Barangay 1,
Sipalay City, Negros Occidental – Philippines
Landline No: +63 34 473-0350
Mobile No.
+63 9196030045 (Smart)
+63 9175937266 (Globe)
Website: http://www.jamonthotelsipalay.com/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JamontHotel/
Instagram and Twitter: @SipalayJamont
Sipalay is still a simple city, with a serene vibe that many travelers are looking for, unlike the urban metropolis that can often drown the silence with all the noise. It’s something that we hope will stay for long, despite the influx of tourists. It’s the tranquility that lure visitors to Sipalay’s shores, in the first place. And let’s work to keep it that way.