Have you ever heard of Sipaway Island? This hidden paradise is tucked away in the Visayas region of the Philippines, and it's a true gem that's waiting to be discovered. As someone who has been lucky enough to experience the island's beauty and charm, I want to share my personal journey of discovering this hidden paradise with you.
Getting There
Sipaway Island is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored. The island's jump-off point is San Carlos City, and there are different ways to get there depending on your location.
If you're coming from Cebu City, take a Ceres Bus bound for Bacolod via San Carlos City/Don Salvador Benedicto. Make sure to remind the bus driver to drop you off at San Carlos City. Meanwhile, if you're in Dumaguete City, there are also daily Ceres Buses that travel to San Carlos City.
From Iloilo City, take the fast craft going to Bacolod City and then ride the Ceres bus going to San Carlos City. You can check out the schedules of fast crafts to Bacolod City online for your reference. If you're already in Bacolod City, take a Ceres Bus bound for San Carlos City at the Bacolod South Ceres Bus Terminal. Alternatively, you can take a Vhire, which is faster and conveniently parked beside the bus terminal in Bacolod.
Once you arrive in San Carlos City, you can take around 20-minute boat ride to Sipaway Island. The boat ride costs around Php25, plus Php10 environmental fee, and it operates from 8 am to 5 pm. Upon arriving on the island, you'll find various tricycles waiting for passengers. You can take a tricycle to your destination for around PHP 25 per person or rent the entire tricycle for PHP 100 or more, depending on your destination. A tricycle can accommodate up to four passengers.
Exploring Sipaway Island
Sipaway Island is a small island with a big personality. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and has pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, and snorkeling. Some of the island's hidden gems include the natural rock formations, the marine sanctuary, and the mangrove forest. You can also rent a habal-habal (motorcycle) and explore the island.
Island Life and Culture
The island is home to a small community of friendly and welcoming locals. They have a rich culture and a unique way of life that's deeply rooted in the sea. If you want to immerse yourself in the island's culture, you can join a fishing trip with the locals.
Food and Drink
Sipaway Island is known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes. You can try out the island's local delicacies such as the "linarang," a fish stew that's cooked with coconut milk and spices. For drinks, you can try out the local "tuba," a fermented coconut wine that's a favorite among locals, or their buko juice (freshly picked buko).
Accommodations
There are several types of accommodations available on the island, from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. If you're looking for a luxurious stay, you can check out the Whispering Palms Sipaway. If you're on a budget, you can stay at the Sipaway Island Edna Homestay.
Below are Whispering Palm Island Resort's Rates as of this writing:
Standard Room (Php1,800.00)
2 Pax (electric fan, terrace, free amenities)
Deluxe Room (Php2,800.00)
2 Pax (AC, terrace, warm water, free amenities)
Family Deluxe Room (Php3,200.00)
4 Pax (AC, 2 Double Beds, AC, terrace, warm water, free amenities)
Bungalow (Php4,800.00)
4 Pax (2 bedrooms, AC, 1 double bed, 2 single beds, terrace, living room, warm water, free amenities)
Treehouse (Php1,200.00)
2 Pax (electric fan)
Bahay Kubo (Php1,200.00) + Php350.00 for extra person
2 Pax (Native house with electric fan)
Practical Tips
When visiting Sipaway Island, make sure to respect the locals and their way of life. Don't litter and keep the beaches clean. Lastly, make sure to bring enough cash as there are no ATMs on the island.
Conclusion
Sipaway Island is a hidden paradise that's waiting to be discovered. From its pristine beaches to its rich culture and unique way of life, the island has so much to offer. I hope my personal experience has inspired you to visit Sipaway Island and uncover its secrets for yourself.
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