The Western Visayan City of Sipalay is one of the lesser-known and underexplored tourist destinations in the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines, Negros Occidental. Possessing several pristine beaches and coves with vibrant coral reefs perfect for relaxation or underwater exploration, Sipalay attracts both local and international tourists.
Though not as popular as the nearby island of Boracay and other beautiful beaches in Western Visayas, the beauty of Sipalay beaches can provide the peace and serenity many city tourists hope to attain as they venture out of the normalcy and stress of their day job.
While it initially fascinated divers and had been a well-kept treasure within its community for its coral reefs and the wreck site of M/V Guimaras, the beaches of Sipalay now also reel in beach lovers, not just from the island of Negros, but also from nearby provinces and Luzon.
You may reach Sipalay after a four-hour road trip from either Negros Occidental’s capital City of Bacolod or Negros Oriental’s capital city of Dumaguete, as these cities are the main thoroughfare in the island of Negros. You may also reach the city via ferry from Panay Island, Cebu Province, or Siquijor.
If you’re looking for your next travel destination in the Visayas, you must consider one of these ten best resorts in Sipalay City. Don’t forget to put your sunscreen on, and leave your worries behind. Let’s go!
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1. Artistic Diving Resort
Operating for almost two and a half decades, the Artistic Diving Resort in Punta Ballo is a mere seven kilometers away from the Sipalay bus terminal, or approximately a 20-minute tricycle ride.
Once you reach the resort, you may choose from its wide array of hotels and accommodations, from budget rooms and cottages to superior rooms. After settling in, you must try out their dining experience, featuring their bestseller, Artistic Pizza, which will surely not disappoint.
As you explore the resort, you will notice the beachfront facilities, like the pool bar, or just sit by the beach for those who want to spend a relaxing afternoon with a seaside view. On the other hand, those who like a more exciting experience can try diving explorations, snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping escapades.
Other amenities include the free swimming pool for those looking for a quick dip without the saltiness of the sea. Then at the end of the day, you may enjoy the orange tint view of the Sulu Sea sunset, followed by a massage session or a few drinks at the resort bar. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
2. Easy Diving and Beach Resort
Another diving resort in Punta Ballo, the Swiss-owned diving operation of Easy Diving Beach Resort, is one of the top-rated beach and diving resorts in Sipalay City, according to Tripadvisor, winning the 2020 Traveller’s Choice Award.
They offer relaxing accommodations, with 20 bungalows being air-conditioned while another two are fan-cooled. They also feature a seaside view restaurant selling both Filipino and European dishes, which will surely help you unwind and enjoy the view.
After a tiring day of swimming and diving, nothing beats the relaxing feeling of a massage provided by one of their expert masseuses. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
3. Takatuka Beach Resort
Another good option in Sipalay is the Takatuka Beach Resort. If you’re looking for a quiet space for relaxation and recreation, then Takatuka must be on your list. This place offers a more serene environment compared to the other beach resorts and a long walk along the finer sand of Sugar Beach.
Photo: Takatuka Beach Resort
With their colorful themed rooms and apartments, your stay will surely be extraordinary. The polarizing part of the stay that some will love and some may not like is the food or lack thereof since they don’t cater and serve food but grant you access to an open kitchen where you can cook your meals. However, bringing food from outside is also allowed. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
4. Buenaventura Beach Resort
Buenaventura Beach Resort is another recreational business operating along the long sand of Sugar Beach. A pleasant addition to its fine sand beach is the combination of fruit trees, coconuts, and bushes that will surely freshen your eyes once you wake up in the morning sun.
Photo: Buenaventura Beach Resort
They also offer diving facilities to dozens of diving sites, including shipwrecks, snorkeling with sea turtles, trekking along the island, and even spelunking in the caves around the vicinity.
For a more relaxing sea adventure, you can try one of the boat trips and beach hopping activities, as well as catching big fish by the hook during the summer. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
5. Big Bamboo Beach Resort Sipalay
As obvious as its name, Big Bamboo Beach Resort will welcome you to stay in cozy bamboo and native cottages, improved with air conditioning units, for a relaxing night’s rest. The location will allow you to live a simplistic lifestyle while providing access to the seaside of Sugar Beach.
Photo: Big Bamboo Beach Resort FB
Similar to the previous beaches located in the area, they also offer the same recreational activities, like diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.
For the food, they serve a wide variety of international and local food that is sure to satisfy your taste. All meals are prepared with the best and most fresh ingredients available. They also work with the local fisherfolks to provide the day’s fresh seafood to use in their best-cooked meals. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
6. Sugar Beach House
Sugar Beach House is another beach resort located along the sandy shore and sea where its name came from. Though not as highly regarded as the other resorts along Sugar Beach, it is still a great location that offers a similarly wide array of amenities.
It is also a good place to spend a relaxing vacation away from the noise of other common beach destinations in Sipalay. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
7. Sugar Lounge
Sugar Lounge is one of the eleven resorts featured in the 800-meter stretch of Sugar Beach. Situated among lush greens, trees, and shrubs, within walking distance from the beach, Sugar Lounge is sure to provide a great and relaxing experience.
Photo: Sugar Lounge
They offer fan-cooled native cottages that can bring a change to your usual sleeping environment. The Sugar Lounge is among the more affordable accommodation options in Sipalay, but the rate changes depending on the high and low seasons. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
8. Bermuda Beach Resort
Another resort along the stretch of the fine sand of Sugar Beach, Bermuda Beach Resort, is another great option for a long relaxing weekend and experiencing the romantic sunset of the Sulu Sea.
Photo: Bermuda Beach Resort
They offer cozy rooms and bungalows, perfect for couples, families, or friends. Their beachfront amenities greatly add to the relaxing view of the sea while sitting under the shade. Since it is also alongside diving facilities and water adventures, you can also explore the nearby establishments. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
9. Bugana Beach and Dive Resort
If you are looking for a more luxurious stay in Sipalay, then the Bugana Beach and Dive Resort is right for you. Located along Campomanes Bay, Bugana Beach Resort offers abundant experiences that are right for your taste for class and adventure.
They offer a wide variety of rooms depending on your budget and the number of participants, from the humble Terrace Rooms, Suites, Villas, and the best room in the resort, the Presidential Villa, complete with a 6-meter infinity pool and Jacuzzi.
You may also take a relaxing day sitting on the side of their dipping pool. You may also try the fresh food they serve in their restaurant, or you can have a few drinks in their bar.
Then if you feel more adventurous, you can avail of their water activities, like diving, snorkeling, island hopping, paddle boarding, or their clear kayaks that are perfect for your Instagram reels. However, if you’re more of a land person, you can explore the nearby trekking location. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
10. Sulu Sunset Beach Resort
The city of Sipalay, along with its dozen resorts of Sugar Beach, faces the west, including Sulu Sunset Beach Resort which is sure to offer a great seaside view of the Sulu Sea. However, their affordable cottage rates set Sulu Sunset Beach Resort apart while also enjoying the same romantic orange-tint sunset as other locations.
Photo: TripAdvisor
Their bungalows and cottages are made from native materials resembling a modernized Bahay Kubo that will surely bring a cool breeze to your stay. They also serve dishes made only from the fresh ingredients available. A great place for peace and recreation and to spend a lazy day sitting by the beach or taking a quick plunge into the sea. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Resorts in Dauin, Negros Oriental
Final Thoughts
Sipalay City and its beaches are a paradox. Mainly because they offer a hidden gem that more people should discover and enjoy while also wanting to keep the peace and quiet that sets them apart from the other busy beaches of Western Visayas.
So, if you’re looking for your next relaxing getaway with friends or families, Sipalay City is a great destination to consider, discover, and enjoy.
More Blog Posts from Negros & nearby islands
- 15 Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
- 15 Best Bacolod Tourist Spots
- 15 Best Siquijor Tourist Spots
- Nature’s Eye Resort in Guimaras
