Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
SIPALAY CITY TOURIST SPOTS | REACHING BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS WITH FORD RANGER RAPTOR
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After several months of lockdown, I had the opportunity to do a long drive with no less than Ford Ranger raptor and visit one of the most popular, Sipalay City.
Sipalay is known for its beautiful beaches, dive spots, and spectacular sea life. Before the lockdown, the place is even a favorite destination not only of the locals but also of foreigners.
The Happy Trippers at the open-pit of the former Sipalay Mines ( L-R, the author, CG Hisona, Engiemar Tupas and Clyde with Ford Raptor and Ford Ranger) | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Understanding Sipalay City
Sipalay City is located south of Negros Occidental. It can be reached by bus for approximately 4-5 hours and private vehicles for about 3-4 hours. The name Sipalay was coined from the words “sipalay,” which means there is rice. During the Spanish era, Chinese merchants came to barter their wares with staple food, particularly rice, which was commonly called by the settlers as “paray.” Due to the difficulty of pronouncing the letter “R,” it was the changed ti “palay” and later on called as SIPALAY.
The original inhabitants of the place were the “tumandoks,” perhaps with Malay or Bornean roots. Immigrants from Panay Island joined them later. These were families who ventured out to the sea to escape the oppressive Spanish feudal system and found a new home in the paradise that is today Sipalay.
Sipalay is also known for its rich in Minerals, specifically Copper and Gold. Agriculture and Fishing industries only come second. Now, the City is in full thrust in promoting the City’s Tourism, which can make a ripple effect on its community by increasing employment for every Sipalaynons.
The festival name was coined from the word “SAWAY,” which means copper is celebrated every 20th December, marking the highlight of the Handuraw Festival. It features street dancing with costumes accentuated by copper and gold. Dancers dance along the street with upbeat music and perform in the arena for the final judging. This event shows how creative and talented Sipalaynons are.
Sipalay City Attractions
Tinagong Dagat
This place is hidden, that’s why it is called as “Tinagong Dagat.” It is 5 minutes away from the City proper, and the motorcycle is the only means of transportation going there. This resort is indeed a sight to behold. You’ll be awed by the islets covered with lush trees and its crystal clear water.
Campomanes Bay, Sipalay City
The Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the City. Though not developed by the private sector, it still boasts clean and clear water with coral sand and also serves as an asylum to medium-sized vessels during a typhoon or lousy weather. This place is under the management of the Sipalay Tourism Office. One can visit the site upon permission from the Provincial or City Tourism.
The viewing deck at Nataasan Resort | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Punta Ballo, Sipalay City
More than a kilometer of white sand beach, Punta Ballo is the home of some famous beaches often visited by foreigners. It has a shallow, sandy, and coralline bottom that stretches for 100 meters ideal for snorkeling.
Nataasan, Sipalay City
Nataasan is located on an elevated part of the place which offers a great view of the Punta Ballo Beach. It has a swimming pool and other amenities.
The Sugar Beach, Sipalay City
Not so popular among the tourists visiting the place is Sugar Beach. This spot in Sipalay is one of my favorites as it is entirely not so populated and while the sand is not so white, it is beautiful.
Must read: Sugar Beach
Other Beaches and Resorts in Sipalay City
Things to do in Sipalay, City
Beach Hopping
You can ask your resort for a boat to get you around the area and see the beautiful beaches of the place.
Snorkeling
Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera when visiting the place. Ask your resort the best place to go to see beautiful marine life.
Scuba Diving
Sipalay has 42 Diving Spots, which attracts divers from various places around the globe.
Relaxation at the Beach
Sipalay Beaches are not crowded. Hence you can enjoy the beach thoroughly along with your loved ones.
Experience the Culture of Sipalay City
Sipalay has this beautiful public beach in the Poblacion area. Fronting this beach is a food park that opens during night time. Locals and tourists visit this place to dine and to have some fun.
going to Sipalay from Bacolod will allow you to see beautiful and historical structures like this old church in Valladolid that is located right beside the highway | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Nearby Places to Visiting Sipalay City
If you are coming from Bacolod City
Listed below are some possible places, you can also visit if you plan to visit Sipalay City. These places are located on your way to your main destination. You can pick among our suggested places below.
Bacolod City
Bacolod City is the gateway to the province of Negros Occidental. It has a seaport servicing passengers from Manila and Iloilo City. You can stay in the city for a while and explore before heading to Sipalay City.
Click below our Bacolod City Travel Guides
- Bacolod City Travel Guide
- 3-day Bacolod Travel Guide
- List of Hotels in Bacolod City
- 12 Things to do in Bacolod City
Bago City
Bago City is another place to see on your way to Sipalay City. It offers various destinations that will surely make your Negros Occidental visit worthwhile.
Click here for Bago City Travel Guide
Hinigaran
For a quick stop, you might want to consider Hinigaran. You can try their Talaba or the Milas potato cake. Just along the highway, you can also have a quick visit in a century-old Church the Maria Magdalena Parish Church.
Click below for our guides:
Kabankalan City
Another place to see if you are coming from Bacolod City to Sipalay City is Kabankalan. One of the most progressive cities in Negros Occidental, Kabankalan offers quite a number of places to visit.
Click here for our guides:
If you are coming from Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City
If you are coming to Negros Occidental via Dumaguete City, you might as well explore the place in a day or 2 before heading for Sipalay City.
Here are the links that you can use if you wish to explore Dumaguete City:
Mabinay City
On your way to Sipalay City from Dumaguete, you will surely pass by Mabinay City. Ceres Buses always stopped in Mabinay. You can have a day to explore this place to see its famous attractions.
Please click below for our Mabinay guides:
our favorite and highly recommended resort, Nataasan Beach Resort | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
List of Sipalay City Resorts and Pension Houses
Here’s a list of resorts and accommodations found in Sipalay City. You can book your room in Sipalay by clicking any of the links provided below.
BOOK YOUR DISCOUNTED HOTEL/RESORT ROOM IN SIPALAY HERE
Artistic Diving
Address: Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Driftwood Village Resort
Address: Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang
Easy Diving Beach Resort
Address: Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Fiesta Cove
Address: Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang
Langub Beach Resort
Address: Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Nataasan Beach Resort
Address: Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV
BOOK YOUR DISCOUNTED HOTEL/RESORT ROOM IN SIPALAY HERE
Robinson Cruse Beach Resort
Address: Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV
Sulu Sunset
Address: Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Takatuka Lodge and Dive Resort
Address: Beach Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Perth Beach Resort
Address: Brgy. 4, Sitio Sambulawan
BOOK YOUR DISCOUNTED HOTEL/RESORT ROOM IN SIPALAY HERE
PENSION HOUSES
Langub Pension
Address: Brgy. 1, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Manna Pension
Address: Brgy. 1
Matlag Farm House
Address: Brgy. IV, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Sipalay Suites
Address: Mercedez Blvd. , Brgy. 1
Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
How to get to Sipalay City
Sipalay City can be reached through Bacolod-Silay Airport or Dumaguete Airport.
From Dumaguete, you can take a Ceres Bus going to Sipalay via Mabinay.
From Bacolod City, take the Ceres Bus going to Hinobaan. The bus will pass through Sipalay City.
The moment you arrive in Sipalay proper, take a tricycle to bring you to your destination.
Please check the Schedule of Ceres Bus here.
with Ford Ranger Raptor and my signature mask, Jojoy (TheTraveling Mask) | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Sipalay City Trip Budget
Bacolod to Sipalay Bus: PhP180 / 360 (2 way)
Tricycle to Resort – PhPO 100 /200 (2 way)
Accommodation – You can between PHP 1,000 to 2500 (you can save if you are traveling with a friend or as a group)
Island Hopping: PHP 1500 for six pax
the new City Hall | Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Taking the Ford Ranger Raptor Out for a Spin
Admittedly, I am not a technical person. I am not even an excellent driver. But what I look for in a car, being a travel blogger and one who wanted to spend the weekend driving or visiting other places, I believe I found in the Ranger Raptor.
Design and look
One will surely notice if you are driving Ranger Raptor. It is massive, and you will surely attract others on the road. What makes the Ranger Raptor a standout is its extended side body panels giving the vehicle a “macho” and tough-looking appeal.
I love buying things/products sold anywhere on the countrysides highway, so the 5.5-ft cargo bed comes in just perfect. We brought along with us coolers and other items for the outing, and it wasn’t a problem at all because of its spacious cargo bed.
Beauty on the inside
The truck has premium and sporty interiors. The dashboard has black soft-touch panels, and its steering wheel looks like that of a sports car. The luxurious seat is made of perforated leather with a stitched Raptor logo.
The space inside is enough for a comfortable long-distance trip. It has a 230V power socket for the rear passenger (which I guess can even be used for the rice cooker) which I like so much.
Driving modes
The truck offers various specialized driving modes such as Tow/Haul, Rock Crawl, Wet, Baja, and Mud/Sand which will allow you to drive it under special roads and driving conditions.
Other features of the Ranger Raptor that I like:
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Speed-sensing door locks
- Hill-start assist
- Electronic stability program (ESP) with traction control
- Trailer sway control
- The anti-lock braking system coupled with electronic brakeforce distribution
The Ford Ranger Raptor is truly powerful and versatile.
It would be best to try and test drive it yourself. For people in Negros Occidental, you may visit/contact:
FORD NEGROS
Contact person:
Trecia Javier
Branch Manager
Contact No.: 0917 351 9127
While raining and muddy, our trip to Sipalay was made perfect by Ford Ranger Raptor
Sipalay City Tourist Spots and Things to Do
Negros Occidental Travel Guides
- Cadiz City Travel Guide
- Negros Occidental Travel Travel Guide
- 5-Day Northern Negros Travel Guide
- Talisay Travel Guide
- Silay Travel Guide
- San Carlos Travel Guide
- Don Salvador Benedicto Travel Guide
- Murcia Travel Guide
- Escalante Travel Guide
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- MINULUAN FESTIVAL | TALISAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
- PATTAYA BEACH TOURIST SPOTS
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- TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE
- PRASAT TA PROHM, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA | TOURIST ATTRACTION + TRAVEL GUIDE
- 10 TEMPLES TO SEE IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA + TRAVEL GUIDE
- ILIGAN CITY TRAVEL GUIDE | Tourist Spots, Hotels
a beautiful place to visit.
Looks like Paradise City, where the beaches are clear and sun is aplenty! Wonderful!
Again, so thorough with so much information and details. I really appreciate the info you provide, especially because I’m not a super experienced traveler and I’m always looking for extra help. You the best!
The costumes speak of a colorful history. Was the costuming donned in preparation part of some cultural performance. Sipalay seems as an interesting place to visit
Awesome post and great places to visit. On my list:)
No doubt this is a cool place to visit. Lovely pictures.
Oh wow, what a gorgeous place to visit! I have utterly no idea where it is though, my geography is terrible!
Really awesome post with amazing pictures! Youve awakened my urge to go there…
These beaches look insanely beautiful! I love staying right on the beach!
This look really beautiful. I would love to visit one day. xx
Interesting history you shared with us here esp with how the place got its name. I would love to visit Sipalay – I am in love with the beaches. I like that it’s not so tourist-y yet.
Wow, this place is new to me but can’t deny myself in going there and already added on my summer escapade list. I wonder if the travel is easy from Manila.
Wow those beaches look amazing. I really miss living on that side of the world. The waters are so clear and beautiful there. So much fantastic culture to explore too. I love your pictures 🙂
Wow, such lovely views. I think the best places tend to be hidden gems for tourists to find.
Never heard of this city before but this sounds wonderful. The beach looks exactly like the one here on the island I live in. And kudos to whoever named it sipalay cus Yes I love rice
Wow, there is so much to see and do and looks like a great adventure! This is lovely. Another great place I have gotten to know.
Great photos! I’ve never heard of Sipalay, but it looks like a lovely beach town. =)
Looks like there’s plenty of things to do there in Sipalay. I’ve never heard of the city but it sounds beautiful. I am curious about that last beach. I wonder why it’s called Sugar Beach.
The main attraction here is diving because of its rich marine life. No wonder why most resorts here offer diving activities. Aside from diving, the major draw of tourist in Sipalay are the beaches
True. The place is really great 🙂
It looks like paradise – the water looks so clear and the sand looks so white – id love to see the fisherman bringing in their catches!
This looks so beautiful! I’ve only been to the Manila airport, but I want to see more of the Philippines, since I’m part Filipino and my family is from there!
Jocelyn, thank you!