Many of us dream of traveling the most beautiful creations of the Almighty but only a few bears the will to really find a way to do it. ‘Busy schedule’ is the usual excuse that most of us have. You know what, works will always be there and once in a while it is good to escape from our busy lives and explore the beauty around us. Take a tour in the best places like Sipalay City – one of those that will surely prove the worth of leaving your desk and enjoying silence in front of the waters.
‘Enjoy the white sand, the water, the sun in the marvelous beaches of Sipalay City.’
Tagged as the ‘Jewel of the Sugar Island’, Sipalay City can be found in the southern part of Negros Occidental Province in Visayas. It is a home of fine beaches that are perfect havens for relaxation and bonding.
Sipalay City, whose name was derived from the words “si palay” meaning there is rice, has a lot to offer: Campomanes Bay, Tinagong Dagat, Nataasan Beach Resort and Dive Center, Punta Ballo, and The Sugar Beach being some of those. This abode of best scenery is also a home of several wonderful yet affordable beach resorts.
Tinagong Dagat
As the name suggests, this paradise on Earth is a hidden one and if you don’t bring with you your own four-wheeled vehicle, the way to get there is to ride a motorcycle. It is one of the most visited places in the city as it offers a grand view that will surely captivate your heart with its beauty.
Tinagong Dagat is around five minutes away from the city proper. One magical view that it give tourists is the picture of islets covered with green trees. A perfect haven for relaxation and family bonding, this wonderful place is surrounded by clear water.
Many vacationers love this part of Tinagong Dagat – the long wooden bridge that connects two islets. Upon reaching the other end of the bridge, you get the chance to go up a staircase and witness one of the most beautiful views you’ll surely never forget.
Perth Paradise Resort
Is overlooking on beautiful islets covered with green trees while your body is dipped on the pool and you enjoy a cold drink one of your dreams? That can be possible with Sipalay’s Perth Paradise Resort.
The Perth Paradise Resort is perfect for those who love to swim on pools surrounded by jaw-dropping natural scenery.
Nataasan Beach Resort and Dive Center
This white sand beach resort is another good place to stay at when you’re in Sipalay. Located in an elevated area, the Nataasan is a developed resort with lots to offer such as a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
This well-developed resort is perfect for those who want to go night swimming in the pool or those who are not into swimming in the sea water. It also offers big air conditioned rooms that are perfect for family outings.
Punta Ballo
Punta Ballo is an area filled with marvelous white-sand beach resorts. Foreigners who get to the city usually never fail to visit this place. It is near Tinagong Dagat and it is an ideal place for snorkeling enthusiasts.
The beaches in Punta Ballo never fail to amaze tourists with its rich marine life that makes snorkeling even more enjoyable.
Punta Ballo is the place you are looking for if you love to gaze at the stars at night while listening to the waves at the sea. Enjoy a good drink as you lay comfortably in these relaxing chairs in one of the resorts in the white sand stretch.
Campomanes Bay
Sipalay’s Campomanes Bay is under the management of the city’s tourism office. It is one of the best beaches which are perfect for spending the days and nights away from the city. Tourists love to enjoy the clean water with coral sand in this bay.
The Campomanes Bay is also a perfect spot for kayaking, diving, and even jet skiing. It is the area where water remains calm regardless of weather condition due to the presence of the islets in the opening of the bay.
The Sugar Beach
A fine brown sand also awaits you in The Sugar Beach in Sipalay. From the city proper, this wonderful brown sand sand paradise on Earth is just a 15-minute boat ride away. There are lots of activities that could be done in this place which is really perfect for events that require a wide space.
You can also visit the Fiesta Cove in Brgy. Nauhang and enjoy the view together with the clear water.
How to get to Sipalay City?
From Bacolod City
From Bacolod City proper, you can ride a jeepney or a taxi going to Ceres Bus South Terminal. It can be located along the Luzuriaga Street. Board a bus bound for Sipalay or Hinoba-an.
For Manileños, you can take an airline ticket from Manila going to Bacolod City. Upon your arrival in Bacolod Airport, there are taxi drivers whom you can transact with. They can take you to Ceres Bus South Terminal for a price.
From Dumaguete City
From the proper of Dumaguete City, take a tricycle ride going to Ceres Bus Terminal. Board a bus bound for Sipalay. In case you missed it as there is only one bus that is specifically takes the Dumaguete to Sipalay route, you can also board the one that is bound for Hinoba-an.
Travel Time and Estimated Bus Fare
Bacolod City to Sipalay City – If you’ll ride an ordinary bus, the fare may be between P180 to P240 and you can reach Sipalay City in four to five hours.
Dumaguete City to Sipalay City – The bus fare from Dumaguete to Sipalay may cost between P185 – P200. In two to three hours, the bus can take you to the city proper.