The Top Beach Getaways of Negros Occidental

The province of Negros Occidental is known for its vast tracts of sugarcane, the centuries-old haciendas and mansions of wealthy sugar barons, and its spectacular beaches and other natural wonders. If you got relatives there, you could perhaps ask them to bring you to the best dive spots and beaches there. But if it’s your first time to visit the place, make sure you hire a seasoned travel guide. To give you an idea of where to go, here’s a peek at the top beach getaways in Negros Occidental.

Nabulao Beach Resort

If you’d like to relax in a beach resort which features old-world Spanish-inspired cottages and structures, and is surrounded by immense natural beauty, then head to Nabulao Beach Resort in Barangay Talacagay, in the town of Hinoba-an. According to people who’ve been there a lot of times already, the resort offers a well-balanced mix of sorts – it’s wild yet tamed, strong yet subtle.

Here, you can soak up in the sun, and listen to the ripple of the waves. You could also choose to take a dip in the swimming pool or in the beach, ride a banana boat or jet ski and go island hopping. And to soothe tired muscles, you can head to the Jacuzzi afterwards.

Danjugan Island

One of the province’s best-kept secrets is Danjugan Island.  The island is a nature-lover’s paradise, as it has full, untouched mangrove forests, limestone forest caves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, placid lagoons and stretches of white-sand beaches. The island is managed by a non-government organisation called the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.

According to people who frequent the island, the coral reefs here are in pristine condition, and are noted to rival even the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. This explains why lots of scuba and skin divers love exploring the reefs and natural wonders in this up-and-coming Philippine beach holidays destination. 

Punta Bulata Resort Spa

Located in the town of Cauayan, which is 154 kilometers south of Bacolod City, the capital of the province, Punta Bulata Resort Spa is a resort that reflects the opulence, and laid-back lifestyle of the region’s wealthy sugar barons. Its one-kilometer stretch of white-sand beach offers guests a relaxing and exclusive respite, where they can spend quality time with friends and family. 

The waters off Punta Bulata teem with aquatic life and lots of well-preserved coral reef formations.  What’s so nice is that the Danjugan Island Marine and Wildlife Reserve is just a relaxing 10-minute boat ride away!  Punta Bulata also has a wide array of accommodations to choose from, from relaxing spa rooms to well-appointed native Filipino nipa-hut cottages, all of which are just few steps away from the white-sand beach.  

Lakawon Island

If you’d like to get away from the crowds, and feel a bit like you’re in Boracay, then head to Lakawon Island, which is just 5 minutes away from Cadiz City. The island is famed for its crystalline, blue waters, fine white sand beaches, and relaxing tropical feel.

And although there are no major resorts in the island, guests can still stay overnight by renting a handful of  modest air-conditioned and non-aircon cottages that are good for 4 to 8 persons, which range from P2,500 to P3,000. The island also serves as one of the major jump-off points for the different dive sites in Negros Island and Panay.

Punta Ballo Beach

Located in the town of Sipalay, Punta Ballo Beach is also one of the provinces top Philippines beach holiday destinations. The area features long stretches of fine white-sand beaches, and its waters are great for swimming, snorkelling and diving, as it teems with beautiful coral reef formations and ship wrecks.