THE WORLD, OUR DESTINATION

Road Trip To Sipalay, The Unspoiled Jewel Of Negros by Jan Michael de Guzman

Speeding up at 80 kilometers per hour with my right foot set on the gas pedal, I can already envisage the white powdery sand and dazzling emerald green water of the renowned paradise of Sipalay in the province of Negros Occidental.

Sipalay City is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists of the Sugar Island because of its natural beauty and quaint charm. It also boasts beautiful resorts and beaches making it a perfect place to be in for a relaxing retreat.

How To Get There

This jewel in the coast of Negros is about 177 kilometers away from Bacolod City and 161 kilometers from Dumaguete City which can be driven for almost 4 hours from any of these starting points.

Since we are traveling with kids and infant, we prefer a journey with comfort so we rented a 7-seater MPV for PHP 1,500 (USD 50) per day with no mileage restriction but exclusive of the driver and gasoline. I don’t mind not having a driver since I prefer to drive the unfamiliar roads of Negros by myself and I only spent another PHP 1,500 (USD 50) for the fuel to cover our entire trip from Bacolod.

If you are coming from Manila, you can either fly to Bacolod or Dumaguete. From Bacolod, you can take a Ceres Bus from their southbound terminal with options of boarding on an ordinary, air-conditioned or tourist bus. Bus fares range from PHP 180 to PHP 253 (USD 6.50 to USD 10) with travel time of 5 to 6 hours.

From Dumaguete, there is only 1 direct trip daily to Sipalay from Ceres Terminal which departs between 12pm to 1pm for PHP 280 (USD 15.50) with travel time of 4 to 5 hours. If ever you missed this bus, you can also hop on the bus to Hinobaan then transfer to a bus to Sipalay for PHP 222 (USD 14.50) all in all. Once you’ve arrived in Sipalay bus terminal, you can take a tricycle to your hotel for PHP 100 (USD 10) per passenger.

For travelers who are not tight in their budget, there is now a new and faster option to reach Sipalay City. Air Juan offers four flights weekly to Sipalay from Cebu every Wednesday and Sunday and from Iloilo every Monday and Thursday. Coming from Puerto Princesa, Air Juan flies to Sipalay as well with 2 stopovers via Cuyo Island and Iloilo every Monday and Thursday.

Where Did We Stay

Sipalay has a lot of fascinating resorts but what attracted me the most is Perth Paradise Island Resort which became popular because of its infinity pool with an awe-inspiring and picturesque view at the background perfect for Instagram photos.

From the main road to the resort, you have to traverse almost a kilometer long of gravelly road which nearly made me think twice if this place is worth to stay. When we reached the entrance, I never expected that behind the resort’s gate is an astounding work of art of Mother Nature.

We opted to take the Family Room for a night and we were not disappointed with our chosen accommodation. It’s clean, fresh and comfortable to stay. It also has a dirty kitchen equipped with refrigerator and gas stove where you can cook and prepare your own food. The room has a cool air-conditioning unit and LED TV with a satellite dish to access local and cable channels.

The location of the rooms and the infinity pool is quite challenging to reach as you have to climb over 100 stairsteps. However, there are benches in between the steps to rest and catch your breath.

Perth Paradise itself is not a huge resort but it offers one of the best views in Sipalay. The infinity pool is not as big as I expected but it is good enough to spend several hours of relaxation and take instagrammable photos to share. Though this resort has no beachfront, it has a lagoon with emerald green water where you can swim and definitely enjoy nature at its best.

Perth Paradise Room and Services Rates

Family Room (for 6-8 pax) – PHP 4,000 (USD 110)

• 2 Matrimonial beds, 2 extra beds
• Air-conditioned
• PHP 200 (USD 14) for additional bed per pax

Standard Room (for 4-6 pax) – PHP 2,500 (USD 100)

• 2 single beds or 1 Matrimonial bed
• Air-conditioned
• PHP 200 (USD 14) for additional bed per pax

Cabana Room (for 1-2 pax) – PHP 1,300 (USD 38)

• With fan only

Entrance Fee for Walk-in – PHP 80 (USD 2.80)

Cottages for Walk-in – PHP 500 (USD 20)

• With Electricity

Infinity Pool – PHP 100 (USD 10)

Kayak – PHP 250/pax (USD 15) (walk-in – 1 hour, check-in – unlimited)

Island Hopping – PHP 1,500 (USD 40) for 3 hours (max of 6 pax, additional PHP 200 per head)

Jetski – PHP 4,500/hr (USD 110) max of 2 pax

Snorkeling – PHP 250 (USD 15) for 1 hour

Floating Cottage – PHP 700 (USD 25)

After settling down in our room and resting for a while, we headed back on the road for a 10-minute drive to Punta Ballo Beach. Unfortunately, the beach was not swimmable on that afternoon due to low tide so we decided to go for island hopping instead. We were able to rent a boat for over 10 people at PHP 1,000 (USD 35) only. However, it is still best to do the island hopping in the morning as the sea is not so friendly in the afternoon.

For only PHP50 (USD 4), we got our snorkeling gear from our helmsman and experienced some underwater fun in Turtle island and Campomanes. For experienced divers who are looking for a deeper adventure, there are plenty of diving resorts as well in Sipalay along Punta Ballo Beach that you can also check out.

After that exhausting yet fun afternoon, we returned to Perth Paradise Resort to enjoy the rest of the night. We cooked and grilled our own food for dinner and spent the evening in the pool. The resort has a restaurant and a bar that serve food and drinks. The bar is located just beside the pool so you can actually sip your favorite drink and splash into the water.

The following day, we woke up really early to capture the beautiful sunrise as the sun touches the sea. We maximized our morning soaking in the infinity pool and swimming with the fishes in the green lagoon before we check out.

The bridge to the floating cottage and to the lagoon

The Floating Cottage

Swimming the calm water of the lagoon

The entire gang enjoying the pool and the breathtaking view

Our priceless family photo

We planned to visit the nearby resort ‘Tinagong Dagat’ but decided not to proceed since it almost has a similar view to Perth Paradise Resort aside from their wooden and hanging bridge connecting to their island resort which is one of their highlights. So we ended up doing a side trip to Canlaon City in Negros Oriental to see the Century Tree before heading back to Bacolod.

Sipalay has various natural attractions that one can see and experience. It is blessed with natural terrains and underwater dive sites to explore. This trip to Sipalay will definitely not be the last one and we want to come back here again during summer time when the beach as beautiful as Eden and the water is vaporously exhaling its mist and gently drenching the fine white sand to satisfy our need for a perfect summer holiday experience.

An Inspiring Place to be - Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the leading cities in Africa, the second-most populated city in South Africa and the legislative capital of the country. It is an economic powerhouse with a good climate, spectacular natural beauty, a fine academic legacy and an impressive portfolio of history-makers, and the number one convention city in Africa, according to the ICCA 2015 report.

 Here at the crossroads of most important trade routes, situated at the gateway to Africa, an innovative local government initiative to slash red tape and fast-track logistics is positioning Cape Town as a business hub that consistently outperforms the rest of the country in terms of economic growth. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure and technology, economic incentives and improved air access, this region is positioned as a hub for doing business in Africa and no better place to select as choice for hosting a business event.

The destination looks forward to several new developments set to raise the global competitiveness of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a premier world class meetings and events destination.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre’s (CTICC) will double the centre’s exhibition capacity by adding 10,000m² of flexible space, earmarked for completion in 2017. Century City Conference Centre Hotel opened its doors early 2015 in the Bridgeways precinct, adding meeting facilities that not only complement existing facilities in the city, but caters for meetings in the 500 to 1,200 pax category.

 Cape Town’s central business district’s inventory of accommodation will increase from early 2017 by an estimated 735 rooms. The new
Radisson Red Hotel will be a first of its kind in Africa, Europe and the Middle East and will offer 235 rooms built in the Silo district at the V&A Waterfront.
Tsogo Sun will be adding an additional 500-room complex to the city that will cater to the two and three star category.

 Further developments in the destination is the official launch of Cape Town Air Access in 2016. The launch establishes Cape Town Air Access as the focal point for international air route development in the Western Cape and
signifies an impressive collaboration between the Western Cape provincial government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Wesgro and the private sector.
The primary mandate of the team is to promote, develop and maintain air routes in and out of Cape Town International Airport, fulfilling the needs of route retention, expansion and new route establishments.

Confirmed for 2016 are two additional direct flights by Ethiopian Airlines, the new Airlink flight to Maun (Botswana), a Cape-to-Kenya-via-Livingstone connection and additional capacity on the London connection as Thomas Cook will operate three direct flights from Gatwick to Cape Town in the next summer season.
 For conferences, there are many outstanding venues ideal for meetings, conventions, incentives and exhibition. These include city centre locations, as well as hotels, conference centres, lodges, wine farms and guest houses set in beautiful countryside – often with a scenic backdrop.

With all the charm and ingenuity of a developing nation, yet underscored by sophistication and technological ability to rival any modern city in the world, Cape Town just may be the best-kept secret of experienced travellers.

 

Why You Should Travel To Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beach-side city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Area: 2,232 mi²

Founded: 1343

Capital: Denpasar

Population: 4.225 million (2014)

1. Rich Culture and Heritage

Bali has an  authentic and exotic culture. The temples, rituals, celebrations, artwork and music are highly evolved.  There are over 20,000 temples here and  they are integral part of the very essence of Bali and are evident in the framework of this island. A visit to a temple is a must as it is a representation of the Balinese culture and indeed a beautiful experience. Top temples to visit in the island are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and Ulun Danu Beratan just to name a few.

Tanah Lot

2. Picturesque Natural Beauty

Bali is bountiful in colors of natural beauty. They have 180-degree highland panoramas, scenic waterfalls, flowing expanses of emerald paddies like you are looking in an enormous hand-crafted garden, and golden sunsets and sunrises down at the coastline. Places like Ubud and Lovina are famous in this criterion because of their breathtaking natural offers.

3. Great Beaches 

You can take your pick.  There are five major beach districts in Bali; Kuta-Seminyak (golden sand beach with great waves ideal for surfing), Sanur (a relaxed coastal ambiance great for a ‘do nothing’ day), Nusa Dua-Benoa (pristine white sandy beach, home to many luxurious resorts and hotels while Benoa also has all the exciting water sports), Jimbaran ( where tranquility and peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world)  and Uluwatu (spectacular beach by the cliff and famous with its surfing tides as well).

Wherever you choose to go, don’t forget your bottle of beer

4. Thrilling Adventure

Bali offers fun and exhilarating adventures for all the ages . One of those is ‘Waterbom Bali’, a huge waterpark  and the 3rd best in the world known for its breathtaking waterslide the ‘Climax’ that brings its riders to a dashing 2.5 G force of speed. But if you don’t want to spend the day whirling through water rides then try the white water rafting in Telaga Waja river (though you will still get wet). This river has a difficulty level 3 – 4 but still safe for the beginners. The rapids are very challenging and of course will boost your adrenaline racing. If you don’t wank to soak yourself then try the high ropes courses in Tree Top Adventure Park or take a Paragliding in Denpasar.

5. Lively Nightlife

Bali is building its reputation as the ‘Ibiza of Asia’. The highlight of the year is KuDeTa White Party that happens on the month of August. In Bali, nothing is impossible. You can be you, the way that you want yourself to be. You can party in a nightclub, on the road or in the beach. You can dance with your flip-flops, snicker, high heels and bare feet. Bali knows how to rock and you will definitely have the night of your life.

6. Yummy Local Food

The local food in Bali is amazing. Almost in every restaurants and warung (local eatery) offer the best local dishes from satay ayam, to soto ayam to nasi goreng. You can eat and enjoy sumptuous meals in very affordable prices. You can also indulge in one of the many fine dining restaurants where they serve all kinds of food, from sushi to pasta to curry and more. Bali offers a great variety  of food and restaurants with influences from all over the world.

7. Value for Money

In Bali, you can literally be a Millionaire as  1 US Dollar is equivalent to 13,500 Rupiah. Everything in Bali is cheap. The flights and accommodations are available in abundance, low cost of living, great shopping deals, cheap food and restaurants.You can also afford to have your own private villa staffed by a personal cook, butler and a driver. Going around  the island is also affordable as the land tour packages are fairly inexpensive. How about USD 30 for a whole day all inclusive tour package? An hour of Balinese Massage for USD 5? That is really cheap! You can have your road-trips and enjoy a massage afterwards even everyday.

8. Balinese Hospitality

This is one of the top reasons why I love Bali. Bali is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world, where no tourist demand is too demanding and service with a smile is always a standard. In and outside your hotel, getting acquainted and making new friends is easier than you’ve probably expected. The people there are very polite and never take advantage of the other people especially to the tourists.

9. Rooms Are Always Available

They say that Bali has an oversupply of hotel rooms. Well it is a good news for all the tourists and travelers as you do not need to worry about your accommodation regardless of the season, peak or non-peak. Booking a hotel is very easy. I suggest that you do your booking online as you can save more money than booking in the hotel itself. You can get the best rates online from the budget hotel to the most luxurious five-star resorts.

10.  Get To Try Something Exotic

You can’t go to Bali and not to try the ‘Luwak’ coffee, the most expensive and rarest coffee in the world. Head on down to Sanur for a cup of “Kopi Luwak” before you decide to find out how this delicacy is created. The coffee beans used in this coffee all pass through the digestive system of the Asian Palm Civet, a tree climbing cat. They eat the coffee beans, keep in their digestive tract for over a day and then defecate in clumps. These beans are washed and then roasted to kill the remaining bacteria.

For many reasons, you can feel the deep seated sense of relaxation and sense of belonging that Bali has to offer.  It could be the tranquility by the beach, awestruck from the beauty of nature, standing on a surf board for the first time or maybe the genuine smiles from the locals. Well for what ever reason it is, Bali is a must-go and visit destination all-year round. Because in Bali, you can get a little bit of everything at its best.