FIRST. Yes, this is my first article for Sun.Star Bacolod and my excitement cannot be contained! I am ecstatic to have this opportunity to share my travels and adventures through this lifestyle column, Write On The Spot. I’ve titled it as such because I’ll be writing about the various spots I have visited here and abroad.
What better way to start my column than training the spotlight near to home – Sipalay City. This city at the heel part of our sock-shaped island of Negros is now one of the favorite destinations in the province because of its lovely beaches.
I wondered how I, a travel enthusiast, would miss this beautiful paradise in our own backyard. I’ve only given it much attention when a British friend told me she’d be spending her vacation, after a week-long conference, in Sipalay. Not Boracay. Not Palawan. Not Bohol. But Sipalay.
Of course, I was familiar with Sipalay, although I had never set foot there. My childhood summers were mostly spent in Cauayan, where some relatives reside. But I’ve never went beyond Cauayan. So, when I moved back to the province after two decades of toiling in the country’s capital, Sipalay was in my mind eversince.
This year, the perfect time has come for me to head to that part of Negros. Sipalay is indeed a breath of fresh air from the many beach destinations I have visited. From the stretch of the Punta Ballo coastline, to Sugar Beach, to Tinagong Dagat, Sipalay has a lot of treasures kept under its wings.
We stayed in one of the resorts along Punta Ballo beach, where fine off-white sand fill the coast. The tide was always low; hence, we had a fun time hanging out in the calm sea. Not having those huge waves can be relaxing as we sat in the water, sharing stories, and watching the sun setting at the horizon.
But the best part was when we took a boat towards Sambulawan Bay, or more popularly known to the locals as Tinagong Dagat, literally means “hidden sea,” photos of which I’ve only seen posted online before. The ride was smooth as we passed by coves where white sand beaches were tucked in secluded areas. The water was clear, providing us with a view of the seabed full of sea grass with bits of sea urchins, jelly fishes, tiny fishes, and big colorful star fishes.
We cruised through the bay until the floating hills came into view. They are mounds of islets really, but because of their form, they seemed like the Chocolate Hills perched on water.The landscape is even more breathtaking from the top of the islets. Yet, greater beauty lies under the sea, being a snorkeling and diving haven where marine sanctuaries and corals abound.
Sipalay is a place where you can rejuvenate and commune with nature. It is Negros’ southern belle that offers a rustic ambiance and refreshing scenery, a perfect venue for a weekend getaway.*
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Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram. You may e-mail her at firsttimetravel@hotmail.com.