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Enjoy a good cocktail by the sunset in these beaches near Bacolod City.
A good way to de-stress and unwind is to go on a beach trip. Whether it is to escape heavy traffic, noise, or air pollution, the search for the nearest beach paradise doesn’t stop. Escaping from the busy urban life in Bacolod City is actually attainable even if you just have the holiday season or the weekend to make the most from.
From Lakawon Island in the north to the Manjuyod Sandbar in the south, there is always one for everyone. If you’re always on the lookout for beautiful Bacolod beaches, here are five must-visit Bacolod beach resorts suggestions.
1. Lakawon Island Resort
Where: Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz, Negros Occidental
Bird's eye view of the Lakawon Island cabana village.
Image: Lakawon Island Resort
Lakawon Island Resort is a 13-hectare banana-shaped island with a lovely stretch of white, sandy beach. This island became more famous for its TawHai Floating Bar – the largest floating bar in Asia. It is a world class beach resort complete with all the modern amenities that you will ever need. It is a place where you do not have to travel far because it is just an hour and 30 minutes away from Bacolod City. If you are the kind of person who wants to experience some “vitamin sea” without sacrificing comfort, consider traveling to Lakawon Island Resort.
2. Manjuyod Sandbar
Where: Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
Breathtaking scenery at Manjuyod Sandbar.
Image: Eiron Nikka Eusebio
Manjuyod Sandbar is located on the other side of the island, but getting there will be definitely worth it. The sandbar is dubbed as the Maldives of the Philippines, and is known for its pristine white sand and clear crystal blue waters. Activities you must not miss when visiting the island are the banana boat ride and dolphin watching. It may not be as near as the other beaches in the list, but escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and communing with a peaceful, reserved, and unpopulated paradise will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
3. Bugana Beach and Dive Resort
Where: Barangay Maricalum, Campomanes Bay, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
The beauty of Bugana Beach and Dive Resort at night.
Image: Bugana Beach and Diving Resort
Bugana in Hiligaynon means abundance, a fitting name because of its rich marine life and lush greenery. Bugana Beach and Dive Resort is a beautiful, clean, and tranquil beachfront resort in Sipalay City. It is situated on a public beach, but you can also explore the islands nearby. Activities you can try in the place are kayaking, snorkeling, diving, island hopping, or just having a great staycation in the resort. It is a four-hour drive from Bacolod City. Staying at Bugana can be the dose of relaxation that your body has been asking for.
4. Carbin Reef
Where: Sagay City, Negros Occidental
The azure blue waters and white sand beach of Carbin Reef.
Image: Imelda Precion
Carbin Reef is a marine sanctuary in the center of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve. It is a vast, tongue-shaped, white sandbar where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply frolicking in the sand. The waters in Carbin Reef are just amazing with those aqua blues. The reef looks like your typical virgin island, but underneath the waters, you can witness the breathtaking coral formations and colorful fish. It is recommended to have reservations before going to the island, because it has a limited carrying capacity.
As of March 2021, authorities still have not formally announced the reopening of Carbin Reef. For the latest updates, please visit the tourism page of Sagay.
5. Punta Bulata Resort
Where: Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Philippines
The breathtaking resort lights at night
Image: Punta Bulata
Punta Bulata Resort is a tropical paradise where you can unwind in a one-kilometer stretch of white sand beach. It is a great place for those long, intimate walks with your loved one. One commendable thing about the resort is how they give importance to biodiversity conservation. You get to see the richness of biodiversity in the area when you explore other islands nearby like Danjugan Island. For only three hours’ drive, you can already find yourself sunbathing in a beautiful paradise.
Which of the beautiful beaches in the list is your favorite? Let us know in the comment box below!
Note: This article was originally published in Yoorekka on August 22, 2018.
