A peaceful paradise in the south

Three hours by road south of Bacolod (through some serious sugar country), lies the secluded paradise of Sipalay.

The last hour of the journey is particularly spectacular as you follow the hilly coastline which is typical of the area. Don’t expect great cell phone signal (except in certain spots) and there is no nightlife to speak of — but it does offer peace and seclusion, gorgeous sunsets, excellent (easy access) diving, snorkeling and white sand beaches between the cliffs and coastal hills.

For our visit in Sipalay, we chose Easy Diving Resort which lies right in the middle of the main white sand beach. This German/Filipino-run resort is truly a divers’ haven — with just a short banca ride to many superb diving spots.

Then there is also a house reef which is perfect for easy snorkeling. The resort offers some quite impressive cuisine and a range of very comfortable bungalows nestled in the hillside amongst the coconut palms — overlooking the beach. There is even an Internet service available.

Sipalay sunsets are sublime and as romantic as one could bear — with sufficient (but not too many!) boats to enhance the vista. There are several resorts on the beach so some choice of restaurants is only a stroll away. The coastline north and south is well worth exploring by boat — some great snorkeling spots and little white-sand beaches — and check out the few luxury mansions on remote cliffs, which, we were told, are the sugar barons’ weekend hideaways.

So if you are looking for somewhere most tourists don’t bother venturing to, Sipalay is a perfect destination.