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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL: Lakawon Island - Boracay of Negros
When you ask people where you can find the best white beaches in the Philippines, they will definitely say Boracay. But, if you're looking for white sand, a good place to chill and less populated beach I highly recommend Lakawon Island Resort and Spa. Lakawon, also called Llacaon by the locals of Negros. The term Lakawon is derived from a Cebuano word lakaw, meaning "to walk". It is a 13 hectare Banana-Shaped Island off the coast of Cadiz which is located on the northern part of Negros Occidental.It is also the home of the biggest floating bar in Asia, the TawHai floating bar.
My journey to Lakawon Island is unexpected just like my other solo backpacking trips. When I arrived at Bacolod-Silay Airport, I immediately asked the locals where i can find the best beach in Negros Occidental and their answer is Lakawon Island in Cadiz. I started my journey by hiring a cab going to Silay and wait for a bus bound to Cadiz City. The bus ride is roughly 2 hours and I asked the conductor to drop me off at Martesan Bus and Tricycle Terminal and hailed tricycle to Cadiz Viejo the port bound to Lakawon Island. The boat ride is around 15 minutes from the port to island.
The island caters different family and team building activities. They have huts for rent where you can place your belongings while exploring the island. They also have rooms if you choose to stay there overnight. The staff of the resort is very accommodating and they will try to attend every concerns that you will raise to them. There is a restaurant in the resort and they serve great food.
I would recommend that if you will go to Lakawon Island you should also try visiting the TawHai Floating bar. I can say that I enjoyed the bar better than the island. The cozy feels and relaxing view is just perfect. If you like to be solo on your photo ops I would recommend that you should go there first before other tourist arrives or an hour before it closes. If you like diving, the bar also allows guests to jump from the second floor of the bar. Don't worry there are life vest present on the bar and there are a lot of life guards.
All in all I can say that I had a good experience in Lakawon Island (7/10) and TawHai Floating (8/10). Though I can see a lot of potential for the island. Roughly 30% of the island is developed and I can see the aggressiveness of the management to continue the development of the resort. I can't wait to visit the Island again and share my experience with you.
Budget Php 760:
Php 300 : Bacolod Airport to Silay (Van - good up to 6 persons - 50/head)
Php 100 : Silay to Martesan Bus and Tricycle Terminal (Bus - 1 person)
Php 120 : Martesan to Cadiz Viejo (Tricycle - Up to 4 persons - 30/head)
Php 180 : Cadiz Viejo to Lakawon (Round trip boat ride and entrance)
Php 250 : TawHai Floating Bar Fee (Round trip boat ride)
Php 120 : Cadiz Viejo to Martesan (Tricycle - Up to 4 persons – 30/head)
Php 120 : Martesan to North Terminal (Bus - 1 person)
For the price range of food on their restaurant Php 150-300 is enough per person. I highly recommend that you also look for other group that is heading to the Island so you can minimize your transportation expenses. The rates above are as of May 2017 and I don’t know if there are changes on the rates for the past few months. Just remember the LNT principle upon visiting to preserve the area .
Have you visited the island? I'm happy if you'll share your experience with me. Feel free to message me.