Sipalay City Island Hopping

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.

Sipalay City
The footbridge to La Isla Bonita.
Sipalay City
Cottage on stilts.
Sipalay City
More hidden coves.

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.

Sipalay City
View from Perth Resort.
Sipalay City
More resorts on hills.
Sipalay City
La Isla Bonita.

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.

Sipalay City
Towards Campomanes Bay.
Sipalay City
We swam in this area.
Sipalay City
The beach front at our resort.
Sipalay City
Morning relaxation.
Sipalay City
Red sunset at the beach.

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.

15 Comments

  1. Beauty photos of the sea, especially the last one~ I;m not a fan of snorkeling, but definitely cave exploring~ Might want to try that some day~

  2. Elizabeth O.

    This is definitely amazing! I miss island hopping, it was something that I always looked forward to when we go to the beach. The pictures here are breathtaking!

  3. How far is this from Bacolod? It really looks very nice and still very quiet-looking. I am not much for the party scene on beaches.

  4. Sipalay is beautiful in its simplicity. The clear waters and lush vegetation are strong come-ons to those who want to experience nature at its best. I won’t mind going to this place for a relaxing vacation.

  5. The islands look really beautiful. I like how they’re described as floating mountains or hills, because they’re cute! haha

  6. Wow, the place is so stunning! Negros Occidental is the same island as where I live. I will definitely list this place hoping to visit it soon.

  7. Whoa!! Impeccably breath taking. I really have to visit Philippines.

  8. Your sunset pic is a National Geographic worth photo. The place looks really beautiful with the beach and the natural attractions.

  9. What a stunning place! The color of the water simply makes me longing for holidays. Loved the photos.

  10. Leke Awonuga

    I love the serenity of the whole place. Can easily make someone forgers his or her worries.

  11. Oh I’m so in love with your photos. They just look so relaxing and what I wouldn’t do to be here right now. Amazing photos!

  12. absolutely stunning. that red sunset has certainly wowed me a lot

  13. Your very first photo looks like a postcard and couldnt make out it is a photo, Very beautifully captured and this place looks awesome.

  14. hannah gee

    Wow I haven’t heard of this particular area before but the photos you have shared are amazing. I would love to have seen that red sunset sky there is nothing I enjoy more.

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