Lakawon Island Resort and Tawhai Floating Bar | Bacolod

The highlight of our Bacolod trip was the visit at Lakawon Island Resort, which became one of the most popular tourist spots in Negros since it was established in 2016. Yup, the island resort was established roughly 2 years ago, yet have drawn huge number of visitors already. Of course, I certainly cannot miss the chance to see if it is indeed a must-see. Now who’s up for an island experience? *wink*

Nothing can beat the standards set by Calaguas Island in my head, but I was hoping that the place will offer a different experience, something to talk about after a day’s tour (if not for the pristine beach and milky sand).

Visited the place on our second day in Bacolod, we hit the road as early as 7AM! (Though the original plan was to get off the hotel at six, change plan due to upset stomach and cartoon network *smiles*).

How to get there?

We rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan and told the driver to drop us at Ceres Northbound Terminal. You can easily spot it though, because the terminal is huge and apple green in color. At Ceres, we just asked someone in uniform if which bus will pass by Burgos Market or Lakawon Transport Terminal. 

They are all friendly and accommodating so don’t be shy to ask. Fare was PHP110 per head, for the 1 ½ hour ride. The ambience inside the bus was relaxing, you can even take a nap or watch a movie. When we reached the transport terminal in Cadiz Viejo, we alighted and took a tricycle going to the port. 

You can either choose a regular ride (PHP30 per head) or special ride (PHP120), whichever you think is more comfortable for a 20-minute rough road travel. Our last ride was at the Lakawon port, wherein we paid a total fee of PHP310 for the 20-minute boat ride (two-way).

What to do in the island?

It took us four transfers just to reach the island, but surprisingly, it was not very tiring at all. The island at first glance is very lovely, but a closer look at the waters made me feel a bit unhappy. The water is not clear, instead, it was filled with floating sea grass and other stuff (but not garbage). I thought maybe it was because of the weather that day; waves were quite big and the sea looked grumpy. Anyway, I was still hopeful and extremely excited to see what’s in store for us in the island.

Aside from swimming, there were several activities that was offered to us, like kayaking, snorkeling and mermaid tail swimming. However, unlike other resorts, this place doesn’t have much facilities yet. Though I think it is perfect for those people who would want to unwind and relax; breathe fresh air and refresh their thoughts (like me!). It may look so boring to other people, especially to those who prefer the nightlife (like that of Boracay). But serenity is often too hard to find, and this place is a good start.

What is Tawhai Floating Bar?

I believe that this is Lakawon’s most interesting attraction at the moment. Tawhai Floating Bar is located just near the island. A quick motor boat ride is needed to get there. 

We paid an additional of PHP250 per head, exclusive of the drinks and foods. I have a slight case of motion sickness, so I felt really uncomfortable for the first few minutes. But I grew accustomed to the ‘floating’ motion after a while, and I knew it was the time to try what’s on their menu! And did I mentioned that the food was good? Yes! yet quite pricey too! We chilled for almost two hours there before going back to the island.

The rest of our stay was spent on picture-taking, swimming and chatting under the sun! 

Aside from the day tour, you can also book rooms and enjoy an overnight stay (or even stay for days!). They have selected rooms which already offer free breakfast and entrance to the Tawhai Floating bar. You may check the full details here: Lakawon Island Resorts and Spa

Here are some quick notes:

• The island is cashless. You need to purchase a cash card at the port before going to the island. Make sure it is loaded with enough amount, since you'll be using only the card in purchasing food, drinks, etc. Don't worry because the remaining balance can be refunded before you leave the island.

• Pack your stuff inside a waterproof bag or container. The boat ride can get a little bumpy, and you certainly don't want to wet all of your clothes, especially your gadgets. 

• Grab the opportunity to talk with yourself or with the person (or people) you are with. Do not miss the wonderful chance to detach your mind and soul from the stressful world; find peace with nature. 

Hope you enjoyed this post :) If you have questions or anything you may want to share, just drop a comment below. And please do share your Lakawon pictures with me too! Would love to see them all :)

Find peace in your heart...and everything shall follow.

Visiting The Ruins | Bacolod

The Ruins was the first place that we visited in Negros. It is located in Talisay City, about 30 to 40 minutes away from Bacolod City. 

From Bell Hotel, we rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan. Fare is only PHP8; we just told the driver that we are going to the Ruins, so he drop us off at a tricycle terminal. It costs us PHP300, which was quite pricey, yet convenient because the driver waited for us at the location and brought us back to the terminal. 

In order to get inside, you need to pay PHP100 for the entrance fee, and that's unlimited stay already. Though there's nothing much to see (I must be honest, sorry), the aesthetics of the place can be a perfect material for photo shoots and even events. Plus, there is a great historical background within the walls of this beautifully ruined mansion, something worth revisiting.   

There is also a lovely fountain, a wishing well and a cafe where you can also take photos and chill. Though we haven't tried the stuff inside the cafe / restaurant, there were a lot of people inside enjoying their coffee and pastries. 

That's it! Don't forget to visit this place and take good photos for memoirs :) If you have questions, please do leave a comment below---would love to hear your thoughts as well!

Our flaws make us more beautiful. Make sure to love yours...and be proud of it.

Flying to Negros: Welcome to BACOLOD CITY | Travel Blog 2018

Hey yah! Sharing another beautiful place that I've visited last month. It is my second domestic travel for the year (guess it shall be the last for now, since we are preparing for the wedding. Yass! I'm getting married guys! Haven't finished the blog post about the proposal yet...but it shall be up real soon *whew* I hope so.)

Okay, so we traveled down south to the marvelous City of Smiles *drumrolls* BACOLOD! It was my first time in Negros, and I must say, all of my senses were satisfied by its simplicity and sweetness. So here we go, let's start exploring!

On July 15, 2018, we boarded Cebu Pacific (5J) flight 473 at 4 o'clock in the morning. We experienced a bit of delay, that's why we took of at around 4:45 AM. It was still dark, but the view above the clouds was majestic. Turbulence hit us a few times, making me a bit dizzy (motion sickness problems), but still, it was a smooth flight. We landed at New Bacolod-Silay airport at exactly 5:30 AM---just in time!

We took an airport shuttle going to our hotel (but honestly, we haven't booked any hotel yet, clever me). Our kind driver suggested a nearby hotel, but unfortunately, since it's only 6:30 in the morning, they won't allow us to check-in early so we had to leave. Left the hotel lobby and rode a jeep without knowing where to go (how unfortunate). 

I searched on the web and saw a top recommendation. Hoping this one would allow us to check-in early...and they did! So we settled our tired bones at The Bell Hotel. 

A standard room costs PHP1,700 per night, while a deluxe room is around PHP2,500. Since the former was no longer available, the manager offered a deluxe room for the price of a standard (lucky us!). Aside from that, we were allowed to check-in early for an additional of PHP300 only! It was indeed a great deal for a 3D-2N stay! (Oh, there were two beds which can be combined, or left as is).

We rested for an hour before we decided to take our breakfast, since our last meal was past midnight. There was a Continental / Filipino breakfast buffet offered to all hotel guests for only 200 php, yum!

After our meal, we freshen up and went out to start exploring. Our first stop, The Ruins. 

The Ruins a must-see place in Bacolod, though it is actually located in Talisay City.  Built in the early 1900, it was originally the ancestral mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. 

Today, it is considered as a popular tourist site. We paid PHP100 each for the entrance fee, and took unlimited photos of course! There is also cafe there where you can chill for a while.

Who wants some fresh sugarcane juice? :) 

How to get there? From our hotel, we rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan (fare: PHP8) and alighted at the tricycle terminal (fare: PHP300, back and forth). More photos and full story here: Visiting The Ruins

When we got back, we decided to check out SM City Bacolod, because it's just a few blocks away from our hotel. Let's see what they've got there!

SM City Bacolod was just like other SM Supermalls. The Bacolenos seem to be updated with the latest trend as well! They've got almost the same boutiques just like here at the metro. We actually shop for a few stuff there...hehe! After an hour, it started raining really hard outside, but we must visit the famous Manokan Country (which is just across the street) to experience authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal. So we braved the rain!

Bacolod Chicken Inasal is rather savory than sweet. It was far from the flavour of chicken served in Mang Inasal, but I do like it since it has this nice herb taste. You can check out my separate post about it here: Aida's Chicken. 

Day 2 started at seven o'clock in the morning. We had to leave the hotel as early as possible because we planned to visit Lakawon Island, and the estimated travel time was about 2 1/2 hours. We packed light and brought waterproof containers since we expected a boat ride. 


Lakawon Island is a nice place; serene is the best word to describe it. I've never set my expectations, though the place has become the talk-of-the-town since its operation two years ago. Good thing, the island successfully surprised and satisfied me.

   

Check this separate post for the details of my Lakawon experience, which is indeed a must-see place when you visit Negros here: A Day at Lakawon Island


Day 3 was dedicated in touring around the city, and buying 'pasalubong'. There are actually other places that we can still visit outside Bacolod, but we opted not to explore anymore in the fear of getting stranded, and worst, missing our flight back to Manila. 


San Sebastian Cathedral

Bacolod Public Plaza

Pope John Paul Tower

I'm not sure when will I return to this city again, so I hoarded their delicacies like crazy! Visited Bongbong's for the famous Piayaya and Broas; dropped by at Merzci for the delicious Napolones and Butterscotch; and lastly at Calea to grab some slices of their heavenly cakes. 

And oh! I almost forgot that we also purchased a lot of dried goodies, like dried pusit (squid) and danggit (a variety of dried fish), since these are very expensive here in Manila. 

Plus, we also visited the Negros Showroom for some refrigerator magnets and key chains (located at Robinsons).

Our loots were all packed nicely—perfect for travel (these stores are indeed 'tourist-friendly'). 

We were fetched by an airport service provided by the hotel at around 5:00 PM for our flight at 8:30 PM. We had to leave early because of the inclement weather, would rather wait at the airport than be stuck in traffic or stranded due to flood. 


And since we bought so many stuff, plus our luggages, we were required to check-in some of our baggage when we approached the counter. it costs us 800 php for 15 kg baggage (our actual check-in baggage was 12 kg only). And as expected, our flight was delayed for about an hour and a half. Exhausted? Yes. Happy? Definitely!


EPILOGUE


Landed safely at NAIA Terminal 3, still missing the city which served as our home for three days. I would love to visit again of course! Hoping I could personally witness the beauty of Sipalay, which is famous for its beaches, on my next visit. 

For now, this picture of their "jeep" will be a reminder of how simple yet lovely my stay in Bacolod has been.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Make sure to check the links to my The Ruins, Lakawon Island and Aida's Chicken blog posts as well :) If you have questions or you want to share some thoughts, please don't be shy to comment down below! 


Smile always...it makes life easier and lovelier,