Campomanes Bay, Sipalay, Negros Occidental

The beach.

The port.

My family and I were treated by my cousin and his family at the Campomanes Bay last Christmas 2010. It was my second time to visit the place and everytime I'm there the place never ceased to amaze me. The area belonged to Brgy. Maricalum, City of Sipalay. It's a 5 hour bus ride from Bacolod City (the capital city of Negros Occidental). The bay is shaped like a horse shoe, deep waters, white sand and fish abound. The place is a protective area as mandated by the national government. No big time fishing allowed. There is a port for medium size sea vessel and a sunken ship ideal for a diving adventure. Although the whole bay area is really great for diving what with the rich underwater life. The bay is also great for water sports such as water skiing, banana boat, flying fish, parasailing...whew! It can be the next Boracay!!!! It's not spoiled yet thank God! Families from the nearby barangays and towns frequent the place. It's a 20-30 minute drive from the main highway of Maricalum, quite far but once you're there all your grumbles and complaints will vanish away. Believe me.

Lala & Ceci showing off their prized catch.

My kids (Michelle & Ceci) and their cousins enjoyed picking up big starfish with dark blue, red and orange color that are aplenty in the water near the beach. The beach is great on high tide. The kids enjoyed jumping from the edge of the port to the water below. I didn't know they were doing this until I discovered them. The deep sea water did not deter them from jumping. Ceci at 9 is so adventurous I bet she jumped many times and had her explained to me that her cousins (who grew up near the sea and are seasoned swimmers) were actually in the water waiting for her and her cousin Lala (8 years old) to jump and catch them down there. OMG!

The beach is a few meters away from the cemented parking area, so it's quite tedious carrying all those pots, food and water containers where you want to station yourself while there. There's no picnic hut available so you have to bring your own table, chairs and picnic mat. You can cook cowboy style. What's great though....the shower (fresh water and tastes sweet) for bathing is free and there's no entrance fee. You can also bring your own tent and stay overnight. However, you have to pack plenty of food and water since I only saw one sari-sari store where you can buy stuff. There's a security guard there and he had us write our names in the guest book he provided.

Edge of the beach

view from the old port

Near where we placed ourselves is a mini waterfall coming from the mountain behind our backs. There's also a stair going up to a cave that houses a water catchment that supplies fresh water in the area. Nearby too is the Balag Resort owned by the Balag family who hosted me and a friend in 1997. At that time, one of the family member brought us at the mouth of the bay and showed us how to go to the islet that covers one-eight of the bay entrance. Would you believe we just walked???? From the mainland to the islet, you cross the sea for about 10-15 minutes and you're already in the islet. The water is up to my chest (about 4.5 feet high). Until now I can't forget that experience. Arriving there, starfishes of different colors abound the area, white beach and magnificent view of the bay and mountains all around.

On our way home back to Hinobaan, my daughter Michelle exclaimed "Mom this is the best christmas ever!!!". Indeed it is.