For those who long for a tropical vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Southern Negros Occidental is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. The scenic coastline with mountains as backdrop provide a relaxing atmosphere for the weary traveler.
Southern Negros Occidental boasts of unspoiled natural beauty in it beaches and diving destinations. The coastlines of Cauayan, Sipalay and Hinobaan are dotted with white sand beaches and diving sites with world class resort facilities.
Cauayan
Located 133 km from Bacolod City, the Municipality of Cauayan is home to Punta Bulata White Beach Resort which is a AA resort accredited by the Department of Tourism. The resort also serves as jump off point to Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sactuary. Danjugan Island is one of the few small islands in the Philippines which still retains almost all of its original forest cover. Danjugan is an excellent site for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and bird watching.
The coastline of Cauayan is very scenic such as the Lina-on Bay which is overlooking Sulu Sea in the southwest portion and Panay Gulf in the north.
Travelers can stop over Punta Sojoton lighthouse for a quick drink. There’s Sari-Sari Store selling coffee and softdrinks and a viewing deck which provides a good spot to view the coastline of Cauayan.
Sipalay City
Touted as the the “Jewel of the Sugar Island”, Sipalay City is a tourist haven. In fact, tourism is Sipalay city’s One Town, One Product (OTOP).
Located 175 km South of Bacolod City, Sipalay has various natural attractions to see and different activities to experience. One can swim and snorkel in its pristine blue water, frolic in the white sand beaches, explore its numerous dive sites, and take an adventure hike up to its mountains or go spelunking.
Local and foreign-owned resorts can be found along the stretch of Sipalay City’s beaches offering world class amenities. Famous beaches are Sugar Beach with its powdery brown sand akin to brown sugar and Punta Ballo Beach which has more than a kilometer stretch of fine white sand.
Sipalay City is a diving paradise with its 42 identified diving sites including four wrecks waiting to be explored. These wrecks are mostly found in Campomanes Bay. There are also resorts which are equipped with diving gears for hire and also offer diving lessons.
Hinoba-an
Located at the Southernmost of Negros Occidental at 199.4 km from Bacolod City, Hinoba-an is where you can find the biggest catch of tuna and blue marlin in the province making it the tuna capital of Negros Occidental.
The Sulu Sea provided Hinoba-an with a rich marine life, it’s coral reefs teeming with fishes that serves as the main source of livelihood for the people and as a main tourist attraction. The occasional appearance of dolphins and whales are also proof of the rich marine resources of the Hinoba-an.
The calm blue water of Hinoba-an along a lengthy expanse of golden-sand beaches amid coconut trees provide a perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding.
Hinoba-an is also known for its dry and wet Ubong caves. The dry Ubong cave is accessible by land while the wet Ubong cave can only be accessed by sea. The wet Ubong cave is a half submerged limestone cave with a cathedral-sized mouth facing the sea. A small banca can go inside the cave where one can take a swim in its natural pool.
How to get there
Southern Negros Occidental is accessible by land from Bacolod City and Dumaguete City. The road condition is excellent and scenery breathtaking. Ceres buses and v-hires ply this route daily. Traveling by private vehicle saves you time and allosw you to stopover interesting locations for picture taking.
The next time you look for a vacation hideaway, consider Southern Negros Occidental Municipalities of Cauayan and Hinoba-an and the City of Sipalay as your next destination.