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Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Island

Sugar Beach is near to the town of Sipalay on Negros Island, Western Visayas, Philippines. According to Google there are just six resorts on the beach.

map sugar beach sipalay

Sugar Beach is not on the list of most famous beaches in the Philippines but it should be!

Zabrina and myself drove there back in early June 2015. It is about 3 ½ hours actual driving time from Bacolod City. It took us about 5 hours in total as we stopped at Hinigaran on the way to stretch the legs and pop in to Mila’s resto. It is famous for its buko pie, a coconut filling in a light pastry. We had to have one each, plus one of their delicious chicken pies. All washed down with a native coffee – it was an ideal merienda for the rest of the drive to Sugar Beach.

Takatuka Lodge Resort
Takatuka Lodge Resort

We had already booked ahead for 3 nights at the Takatuka Lodge Resort. I had directions from Karl, the co-owner of the resort, but I foolishly followed the GPS voice directions. The GPS told me to make a right turn about 500 metres from where I should have turned. I soon realised the mistake when a rutted cart track became narrower and rougher! I am not saying the GPS was wrong as it will direct you via the shortest route. But in this instance it was navigable only by ATV or a trials motorcycle!

Finally we arrived at the right spot alongside a bridge in Barangay Nauhang. It is not possible to drive any further. From there we had to call the resort to arrange for a boat to ferry us to Takatuka. Cathy, another co-owner and wife of Karl, answered and said we would be picked up in about 10 minutes.

Sugar Beach is not reachable by road, only by boat. Two local young men turned up in their outrigger to ferry us to our destination. It was a delightful 20 minute ride first through mangrove swamps; then past a sand bar navigating around a karst cliff into the ocean.

Carabou bathing in the mangroves
Carabou bathing in the mangroves
First view of Sugar Beach
First view of Sugar Beach

You are taken right up to the beach outside Takatuka Lodge Resort, stepping into the crystal clear water for a few strides before stepping on to the fine sand which is like  muscovado sugar. The sand is a beautiful light brown colour. It is not the white sand of Boracay but beautiful nevertheless. It is about a 40 metre stroll to the tree line on the beach.The palms were swaying and nodding with the refreshing ocean breeze.

The resort itself is just beyond the treeline. We were warmly greeted by Cathy and after we had a cold beer we were then shown to our room – the Bongo Bongo room!

Inside the Bongo Bongo room
Inside the Bongo Bongo room

Takatuka is wonderfully quirky. Each room is themed. Our Bongo Bongo is a jungle theme. During our stay there we were also shown the Nautilus room themed on the books of Jules Verne. There is a Rockedelic room for any music freaks and the full list can be found on the Resort’s website at: Takatuku Lodge Resort

 

The room itself is spacious. It has a very comfortable king size bed, TV showing in house movies and a spacious shower room and CR. It also has a verandah with a bench and hammock. The beach is a few strides from your room. The restaurant and bar is also a few strides to the left as you exit your room.

Quirky Condiment Holder
Quirky Condiment Holder

The menu is an eclectic mix of European and Filipino food with some Thai thrown in. Cathy is the cook and an excellent one too! The portions are generous and it is so easy to overindulge. There are a selection of beers and some decent red wines too. The quirkiness of Takatuka is to be seen everywhere. Just look at the condiment holder!

Totally Relaxed!
Totally Relaxed!

This is not Boracay. We spent 3 nights here and were totally relaxed. There are no crowds, no hassle, no stresses, no worries. There is a beautiful beach to lounge on, clear waters to swim in, good hosts and good food and drink. Not to mention  the most beautiful sunsets. What more do you need? Zabrina of course, in my case. You can take anyone else you choose! 🙂

In case you are wondering – no I am not being paid for this article. It is totally unsolicited.

We enjoyed our stay there so much that not only will we return, but I think you should consider going yourself. You will not regret it.

Happy travelling!

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2 Comments

  1. Dear Stephen,
    Thank you sooooo much for this wonderful post. We enjoyed reading it and are very grateful that you liked our creation so much. Can’t wait to have you with us again in November. Take care and warm regards to Zabirna, Cathy

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