"TRAVEL IS LIFE"

 

By: Canseko, Mae C.

  This is one of the most beautiful places i have been visited before the pandemic . This place is located in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. It is really good for fun and relaxation. I've been there for a second time in sipaway but it was first time to be there in whispering Palms Island Resort when im with my uncle's family that time . The moment that I'm at the resort it gives me peace and happiness and also it made me realized that one of the most beautiful thing is to collect moments not things. Things may disappear but the memories that you have created with your family and friends is priceless. This place is really good for having a break from everything. What makes sipaways island more beautiful is not only in places but also in sipaway people for they are so lovely and approachable.

  They also have their " Banana Boat and Bicycle" where you can ride it freely with your loveones that will surely give you the best memories with your friends and families that you will never ever forget in your entire life.

This is how to get to Sipaway Island, San Carlos City.

For example when you are from Cebu City to San Carlos City

Take a Ceres Bus bound for Bacolod via San Carlos City/ Don Salvador Benedicto. Remind the bus driver to drop you off at San Carlos City . When you arrived there look for a tricycle driver and tell the driver to drop you off at marikina park where you can find the pantalan of the "pamboats" which is your last ride to reach the island resort. 

This is what pamboat look like:

 Boats traveling to Sipaway Island starts from 8 am to 5 pm and travel time may take approximately 15 minutes.

The moment you reach Sipaway Island, you will see various tricycle waiting for passengers. Take the tricycle to get to your target destination. The fare usually starts at PHP 25/pax, but you can also take the entire tricycle from PHP 100 or more depending on your destination. The tricycle can take for up to 4 passengers.

About the Sipaway Island

Sipaway, or Refugio Island, as its geographic name goes, is an island which is located 15 minutes (more or less) away from the center of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental. You’ll probably be thrilled to discover that some breathtaking, white sand beaches mark its amazing coastline.

Moreover, this gem of an island is quite small – it’s only about 7 kilometers in length. So this actually means good news – you can explore the entire island in one day or less!

Happy Trip’s Tips

Bring enough cash; there is no ATM available on the island.

Keep a power bank to charge your phone.

Don’t forget to food; I haven’t seen any restaurant on the Island though some resorts offer food and drinks.

Make sure to have your sunscreen with you; the island could be sweltering especially during summer.

The best method to explore the island is to rent a tricycle. Just negotiate with the driver.

The rates may start from PHP 300 to 700 depending on the number of hours of your tour.

Since we are now in the middle of this pandemic so we are expected also to face some changes with how we interact and do the things before. We can still travel and explore but this time, we have the Government protocols to be followed in order for us to keep safe and healthy. This pandemic is happening right now for a purpose we should not blame anybody by this for it is given by God not to harm us but for us to realize that we have to strengthen our faith in him for him nothing shall be impossible.