An Extensive Guide to the Beach Resorts of Cauayan, Sipalay, and Hinoba-an
(Clockwise: Manami Resort; Perth Beach Paradise Resort; and Danjugan Island)
That’s why the beaches in the south are gaining traction. Cauayan, Sipalay, and Hinobaan beaches are our go-to places here…
When Bacolodnons or Negrenses yearn for sun, sand, and sea, they don’t head north or just a few kilometers out of Bacolod City. Instead, they embark on a scenic road trip deep into the southern coast of Negros Occidental to visit the renowned beach havens of Cauayan, Sipalay, and Hinoba-an. Despite their distance from Bacolod (roughly 4–6 hours away), these southern beach towns have earned a reputation as Negros Island’s premier coastal escapes. But why do locals overlook beaches nearer to the city, and what steps can we take to enhance the tourism environment surrounding Bacolod? Let’s dive into the rich offerings and broader potential of these treasured destinations.
CAUAYAN: Wild, Romantic, and Untamed
Cauayan is perfect for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded tourists. It offers exclusivity, natural beauty, and an escape from crowds. The marine biodiversity is untouched, making it ideal for divers and snorkelers.
Danjugan Island
A crown jewel of ecotourism, Danjugan is a marine sanctuary and nature reserve. The island offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching, and environmental education. Covering 43 hectares, Danjugan is a biological treasure trove. Surrounded by vast seagrass beds and fringing coral reefs, it features five lagoons, white sand beaches, bat caves, lush limestone formations, and mangrove forests. The Southern Negros Islands in the Philippines are home to this marine and wildlife sanctuary. To fully enjoy and appreciate this natural wonder, it is recommended to book in advance before your visit. They only allow a limited number of guests per stay. Driving instructions to Danjugan Island.
Amila Dive Beach Resort
Having a resort that allows you to escape from the bustle of city life makes it worthwhile. Amila Dive Beach Resort could be the ideal destination for you. This resort is perfect for providing a peaceful retreat. This hideaway is definitely worth exploring. When you’re seeking a high-end experience, this resort is the best choice.
Driving instructions to Amila Beach Dive Resort.
Punta Bulata Resort & Spa
The resort boasts a rustic vibe yet an upscale feel, featuring a private beachfront, a pool, and spa services. It’s on the southern heel of Negros Island, in the town of Cauayan. It’s also situated on 20 hectares of verdant tropical landscape, featuring expansive lawns and a white sand beach that stretches up to one kilometer in front, facing the Sulu Sea. Situated in a picture-perfect setting, Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is within easy driving distance of the coastal city of Sipalay, the world-famous Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuary, and Bacolod City, all within a three-hour drive. Driving instructions to Punta Bulata Resort & Spa.
Turtle Island (Anauan)
Turtle Island (Anauan) is a lesser-known island that is slowly gaining attention for its pristine waters and coral reefs. Driving instructions to Turtle Island.
El Tzino
El Tzino, a lesser-known island, is gradually garnering recognition due to its pristine waters and coral reefs. El Tzino Beach Resort is located at Brgy. Elihan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Driving instructions to El Tzino.
SIPALAY: The Jewel of the Sugarland
Sipalay strikes a balance between accessibility and seclusion. It’s artsy, adventurous, and perfect for couples, backpackers, and divers. It’s considered by many as “Bacolod’s answer to El Nido.”
Manami Resort
In Hiligaynon, ‘manami’ means ‘looks good’ or ‘tastes good,’ so it roughly translates to something very pleasing. Manami Resort is located in Brgy. Cayhagan, Sipalay. Driving instructions to Manami Resort. This resort is on the high-end side.
Diving Sites
Sipalay has become a diver’s paradise, with multiple dive shops offering excursions to shipwrecks, reefs, and underwater cliffs.
Campomanes Bay
Campomanes Bay is an ideal location for diving, yachting, and exploring hidden coves. Located in Brgy. Maricalum, in the southern part of Sipalay, Campomanes Bay, is the largest enclosed body of water in the city. Newly paved roads make land travel easier, and a 10-minute pump boat ride from Punta Ballo Beach makes water travel an option as well. The dive sites of the SS Panay, the MS Jojo, and the Maasin and Campomanes-Ballo Marine Reserves and Sanctuaries are among its most well-known attractions. The formation makes for calmer waves, making it an excellent spot for swimming and kayaking. Driving instructions to Campomanes Bay.
Bugana Beach and Dive Resort
This resort is in Barangay Maricalum, Campomanes Bay, Sipalay, Negros Occidental. If you have plans to visit, they have an office in Bacolod at 89 Mabolo Street, CL Montelibano, for your convenience. Details can be found at their website.
Driving instructions to Bugana Beach and Drive Resort from Sipalay Airport.
Lopez Beach Resort
Located in the picture-perfect Campomanes Bay, Lopez Beach Resort is a stunning beachfront sanctuary and paradise. Named “Best Beachfront Family-Friendly Resort,” the place also offers dive excursions to Sipalay’s famous wrecks, island-hopping adventures, snorkeling, and other activities that will make your stay memorable. Their accommodations are equally top-notch, including a beachfront villa, ocean-view top-floor suites, beach lofts, executive suites, home suites, junior suites, family cabanas, couples’ cabanas, and beach canopies for an “al fresco” night, weekend, or week-long getaway. Discover why Lopez Beach Resorts lives up to the hype. Having been awarded Best Beachfront Family-Friendly Resort is no small feat.
Driving instructions to Lopez Beach Resort from Sipalay Airport.
Driftwood Village Resort
Driftwood Village Resort is a peaceful retreat amidst the busy scene of Sugar Beach in Sipalay, Negros Island, Philippines. Located in a lush garden, this resort features nineteen traditional bamboo huts (full of rustic charm!), a sandy palm-lined beach, and delicious food.
Driving instructions to Driftwood Village Resort from Sipalay Airport.
Green Garden Beach Resort
An isolated, wide, golden-sand beach accessible by boat or trail. Green Garden Beach Resort accommodations range from budget hostels to mid-range eco-lodges. The resort features a private beach and restaurant and is just a short 9-minute walk from Langub Beach Resort. It also offers a parking area. Each room features its own climate control and a private bathroom equipped with a shower, bathtub, and toilet. Driving instructions to Green Garden Beach Resort.
Perth Paradise Resort
The resort is renowned for its infinity pool, which overlooks limestone islets reminiscent of Palawan. Located in Sipalay City, the tranquil Perth Paradise Resort offers breathtaking views of the ocean and verdant islands. From its hilltop location, guests can take in a stunning panorama that embodies every ideal of a paradisiacal dream. Driving instructions to Perth Paradise Resort.
Rohrbach’s Beach Resort
A serene, secluded beach with powdery white sand and pristine blue waves. At the water’s edge stand a lighthouse and watchtower. It’s almost like a scenic shot from a movie. Rohrbach’s Beach Resort is the ideal destination for small groups of families and loved ones. The spot is at Sitio Opao, Brgy 4, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. For a very private beach, the accommodation rates are affordable. ₱1,500 for two persons (whole house); ₱500 per person for groups of four and 12+ pax. Group-friendly rates are available for up to 30 guests. Rooms are provided with pillows, duvet covers, cutlery, and more.
For adventurous nature lovers, you can bring your own tent or rent one for ₱300–₱500—no rental fee. For reservations, you can call 0997-1966647.
Driving instructions to Rohrbach’s Beach Resort.
Tinagong Dagat
Tinagong Dagat is a unique network of islands and walkways that offer activities such as kayaking, trekking, and romantic stilt cabins. This is to differentiate the Tinagong Dagat in Mount Mandalagan. Located at Sitio Latasan, Barangay 4 in Sipalay, this place has long attracted locals and visitors alike. It’s a beach resort set on a green, shallow sea dotted with smaller islands. A 150-meter-long bamboo hanging bridge connects the smaller islands to Latasan, or the Tinagong Dagat extension, and it’s the first thing you’ll see when you enter the resort. Driving instructions to Tinagong Dagat in Sipalay.
HINOBA-AN: The Last Frontier of Negros Occidental
It’s the farthest from Bacolod but also the quietest and most peaceful. Hinoba-an is ideal for those seeking solitude, local interaction, and a true sense of provincial serenity. It’s the place to experience authentic Negros life by the sea.
Nabulao Beach
When exploring Purok Sampaguita, Sitio Totong at Hinoba-an in Negros Occidental, you’ll find Nabulao Beach Resort. While there, you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, island hopping, and snorkelling, or unwind in a beach cabana with a cocktail. You can also savour romantic beach dinners, private feasts, and local cuisine with stunning sea views. AIn terms of activities, you can join a volleyball game, participate in a bubble fight, or enjoy a lechon feast. WWhile you are there, you can also learn to cook regional dishes or catch a movie at the outdoor cinema. TTreat yourself to massages or enjoy drinks at the beach bar. Nabulao Beach never disappoints. Check out their website.
Brazaville Beach Resort
A local favorite, with budget accommodations, clear waters, and serene surroundings. Here are the driving instructions for Brazaville Beach Resort.
Obong Caves and Beaches is a rugged and less commercialized zone that offers dramatic coastal landscapes and excellent snorkeling spots. It’s located at Sitio Obong, Brgy. Bacuyangan in Hinoba-an.
Ubong Beach—An unspoiled stretch of grey-to-white sand perfect for picnics and laid-back beach bumming.
Bacolod still harbors unexplored, undeveloped, and untapped tourism sources. Prospective financiers and developers need to have the right mindset and vision to take a second look and take the risk of investing.