Manjuyod Sandbar: Things to consider before visiting!
8:25 AM |
| Humble Chalet of Manjuyod Sandbar |
After so much hype on the internet, we’ve finally visited Manjuyod Sandbar dubbed by many as the “Maldives of the Philippines”. Geographically, it is located at Brgy. Bais Negros Occidental which is more than an hour drive away from Dumaguete.
My boyfriend and I took a Ceres bus early that morning and told the bus driver to drop us at Bais bus stop (Landmark: Jollibee). We already arranged a tour through Kuya Hadji Adiong prior to our visit and he met us at Jollibee. Since we don’t have enough time to prepare food for lunch, we decided to order at Jollibee. From Jollibee, Kuya Hadji drove us to Canibol Wharf (Jumping off point for the island hopping). We reached Manjuyod sandbar via an outrigger boat within 20 minutes. It was half-past 7 am when we arrived and were lucky enough to see a little sandbar.
Manjuyod is one of the best sandbars here in the Philippines; spectacular view, crystal clear water and friendly locals awaits you there. Dolphin watching and sportfishing are the must-try activities. Unfortunately, during our visit, the weather condition was not really great; so we skipped the dolphin watching but we still enjoyed our time there together.
We’ve done so much research before visiting the place and here are the things you might consider before packing your bags.
· Check the tide forecast
It is best to visit the sandbar when the tide is low because the sand is visible and the water is shallow. Otherwise, the 7 km stretch of powdery white sand cannot be seen during high tide. Summer is the best time to visit there and be sure to check the weather condition.
· Book a reservation in advance or visit Bais Tourism Office before your trip.
In our case, we arranged a tour through Kuya Hadji (+63 9774208051). We only paid for 1,500 PHP since we only visited the sandbar and canceled other activities due to unforeseen circumstances. Usually boat rental ranges from 2500 PHP to 3500 PHP (good for 15 - 20 guests). Booked in advance especially in the peak seasons (February to May). For more information, you may contact Bais Tourism Office: (+63 35) 402 8338 or email them at baistourism@gmail.com
· Bring your own food and water
Expect that there are no restaurants in Manjuyod Sandbar, however, there are local vendors that sell ready-made foods such as grilled fish, sea urchins, oysters and even fresh coconuts. We ordered food from Jollibee for our convenience. (Please be mindful of your garbage! Don’t throw/leave it everywhere).
· Be early
Best to start the tour early in the morning to maximize your trip and to spot some dolphins.
· Keep your things from getting wet.
Prepare drybag, waterproof camera or waterproof phone case to avoid things from getting wet.
· Don't forget the sunscreen.
You’ll be having so much fun under the heat of the sun, protect yourself first by using a sunscreen. I used Belo tinted sunscreen because it offers the superior sun protection that my skin needs and it has the perfect skin coverage I desire.
How to Get There:
- Book a flight to Dumaguete via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.
- From Dumaguete, ride a Ceres bus bound to Bais City. Get off at Brgy. Calindagan or tell the bus driver to drop you at Bais Bus Stop (Landmark: Jollibee & Julies Bakeshop). Bus fare is about 55 PHP.
- From Bais city, ride a tricycle to the jumping off point for the island hopping whether Canibol Wharf or Capiñahan Wharf. (Capiñahan Wharf in the south, where government-operated boats are docked, and the Canibol Wharf in the north, where you can hire private boats.)
- Rent a boat for the island hopping!
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| Walk with me on this sandbar |
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Capturing our time together
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Now, I guess you're ready! Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Manjuyod is an ideal place to visit.
xoxo,
Rothessa Jane
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