Sugar Beach and the Most Unusual Beach Resort

Not much Filipinos know about the beaches of Negros, except of course if you are Ilonggo. Negros doesn't really stand out as a beach destination for most. Since I began traveling, I've been hearing about this beach that the Ilonggos go to, say an escape from Bacolod. They call it Sugar Beach.



One of the main reasons why I visited Sipalay was to see Sugar Beach for myself. I've been wanting to go, but because of the 2 to 3 hour drive from Bacolod, I always miss out the chance whenever I am there. 


Sugar Beach is a 20 minute boat ride from Punta Bulata Resort. I wasn't expecting fine powder white sand as I have been warned by the locals. But Sugar Beach has made it to the backpacking route of foreigners, and that must say something about the place (it is mentioned as part of the Visayas islands itinerary in Lonely Planet).


We docked at the fine brown to gray sand beach. It was called Sugar Beach, not because it as white, but because of its reference to brown sugar. And I think it's because Negros is known for its sugar cane plantations. I was drawn to one particular resort that had these colorful sun lounges.


This is Taka Tuka Lodge and Dive Resort, and I immediately knew it was special. I actually was looking for this resort for the longest time, since I read it in some magazine years back. It made me want to visit Sugar Beach. I totally forgot about it, until now.


The resort has gained attention in the backpack circuit because it is a top pick in both Rough Guides and Lonely Planet. It labels itself as the most unusual resort in the Philippines. And I'm glad to say they were right.


The German owners of the resort built this unique hideaway all by themselves. They designed each room with a theme and thus, are different from one another. I guess these pictures speak for themselves.



I was amazed at the craziness and eccentric designs. But all these blended well together to create one massive work of art. I have seen a colorful beach resort in Thailand that resembles this, but this is way more interesting and attractive.


There is a dive shop in the resort, which is also one of the best in the area. I guess their main market are the divers who probably spend a week or so here.


I was just amazed at all the details put in to this resort. I was like exploring an art gallery. Believe me, it was a feast for the eyes. 



I moved further out to explore the other resorts on the beach, but of course, Taka Tuka stood out. All the rest were of native style. It is not the most popular resort on the beach though, as there was one village type resort (forgot the name) that had the most guests (as confirmed by the locals as well).



The foreigners here were blending already with the locals and island life. It was reminiscent of The Beach. It was a community of happy people blessed to visit a beach that is off the radar and truly relaxing.


I imagine staying for a week here and never wanting to return to civilization ever again. I'm sure some of the foreigners here stay for months. Well, most of the resorts here are also owned by foreigners, so I guess that settles my case. They have found home on Sugar Beach, and never wanted to leave.


***

Taka Tuka Lodge and Dive Resort
Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental
+63 920 230 9174
+63 915 628 3516
relax@takatuka-lodge.com


Comments

  1. kim buenafeSeptember 19, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    the beach looks serene. and staying in such interesting resort makes the stay all the more fun.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KULAPITOTSeptember 19, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    i can't help thinking if it's taste sweet? lols

    ReplyDelete
  3. chuckJuly 28, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    Swiss, not German. Some Swiss speak German as their first language, but that doesn't make them "German".

    ReplyDelete
  4. chuckJuly 28, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    They're Swiss, not German. They do speak the language German, but so do Austrians. Being labelled "german" might have political and historical connotations that the non-Germans might not appreciate. It's like calling British "American" just because they speak the same language.

    ReplyDelete

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