Sipalay and Cauayan: Negros Occidental’s jewels on the coast

The coastal city of Sipalay is one of the best-kept secrets of Negros Occidental.

It is also known as the Jewel of Sugar Island, a name given to it by Chinese traders because rice grows abundantly there. The coastline facing Sulu Sea, however, is its real gem.

The five-hour overland journey from Bacolod City to Sipalay 175 kilometers away  is an adventure worth a thousand stories—and then when you get there you are greeted with mountains and tranquil white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters and a perfect view of the sunset.

Punta Ballo Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental. All photos: Negros Occidental Tourism Office

The Negros Occidental Tourism office is promoting Sipalay as the province celebrates the Panaad sa Negros Festival (ongoing through April 30). The word "panaad" means "vow" and highlights the Negrense people’s determination to protect their rich natural resources so that they can continue to reap the limitless harvests of nature.

Resorts in Sipalay

Experienced divers, both local and foreign, list Sipalay as a must-visit destination. In Punta Ballo, resorts offer water activities such as diving, fishing and various sports activities. To get a majestic view of the sea, visitors are encouraged to dip into the infinity pool at Tinagong Dagat Island Resort. At Driftwood Village Beach Resort, travelers enjoy fresh seafood and tropical fruits and stay in nipa hut rooms provided with mosquito nets. There are no powdered juices and sodas, only juice from fresh coconuts picked upon request by the guests. And at Takatuka Lodge and Dive Resort, guests stay in reasonably priced air-conditioned rooms and dine in an outdoor restaurant that serves international dishes, mainly European favorites.

The resorts have various rates, but travelers will notice the authenticity in the menu choices, the generosity in food servings, and the relaxed environment. The policy of recycling and use of environment-friendly materials is strictly enforced in the province.

Sipalay’s Sugar Beach is popular among European tourists, most of them Swiss bankers who want to enjoy the simplicity and quietness of tropical living and who are quiet about the jewel that they found. Most of them simply host friends and families along with local visitors as guests.

Sugar Beach in Sipalay, Negros Occidental

Instead of more commercial activities such as boating and beach parties, resorts in Sugar Beach have libraries with a wide selection of books in German, board games, billiards and table tennis, and small bars.

Guests usually spend cozy afternoons reading in a hammock facing the beach, sunbathing, going for a soak while witnessing the majestic sunset, diving, and exploring nearby islands.

Cauayan

Sipalay's neighbor on the coast is the town of Cauayan, home to two gems: Danjugan Marine Sanctuary on tiny Danjugan island off the Cauayan coast, and Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa.

The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI) manages the marine sanctuary. There, guests learn basic marine preservation and enjoy snorkeling, diving, and swimming—as well as the place's tranquility. A journalist or travel writer might come here and say, "I can write a book here!" The secluded, 43-hectare island is ideal if you want to get away from the bustling city life to recharge and be filled with nature’s positivity.

Danjugan Island Marine Reserve, Cauayan

The PRRCFI also holds annual marine and wildlife camp activities for schoolchildren and young adults to raise awareness about forest and marine conservation.  At Danjugan Marine Camp, visitors can go snorkeling, trekking, and bird-watching. The conservationists also guide campers during beach clean-ups, while scientists teach them about marine and terrestrial ecosystems, Philippine biodiversity, and the impact of climate change.

An ideal afternoon on Danjugan island is enjoying sea breeze on the porch while reading a book and sipping Mt. Kanlaon coffee, a signature product of the Negros region.

Cauayan is also the site of posh Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa, an ideal destination for beach weddings and cozy dining activities. The resort serves sumptuous seafood and native dishes; a must-try is the homemade and certified to-die-for banana cake.

Punta Bulata has the full comfort of a five-star hotel, including an infinity pool facing the Negros Sulu Sea, yet its rates remain reasonable.

Punta Bulata White Sand Beach Resort in Cauayan,Negros Occidental

The Negrenses’ panaad to take care of their rich environment is paying off immensely. Negros prides itself as a hub of organic food as well as an island with pristine, unspoiled white sand beaches. — BM, GMA News