World of Dreams: Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I have found you. Finally, after few months of planning this travel I’m ticking this beautiful beach off my bucket list. Waking up the following morning after enduring a 5 hour evening bus ride from Bacolod City, my soul surrendered to the symphony of the sea and sand of Sugar Beach in an instant.

Hemmed along the limestone formations reminiscent to the world-famed Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Sugar Beach is a kilometer long stretch of fine, cream sand located in a secluded part of Barangay Nauhang, Sipalay City in Negros Occidental. For those who crave tropical resets, this is an ideal spot to relax as it is richly outlined by coconut trees that provides sufficient shade and completes the tropical vibe.

Since going here takes around 5 hours or less of land travel especially if commuting, this place is perfect for individuals who seek adventures and who has the leisure to travel long hours. However, no need to worry because in between those long hours of travel is the opportunity to witness prettiest views, with mountains, beaches and rivers, in the island of Negros.

Fortunately, I was able to achieve all my travel ideas for this trip. As I was able to see the famed islets of Sipalay City, to dip in the waters of Sugar Beach, to witness the spectacular Sulu Sea’s sunset and lastly, to stay at one of the most unique resorts – Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort.

Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort is one of the few resorts in Sugar Beach that offers a laidback atmosphere. It is owned and managed by Swiss couples who is now permanent resident of Sipalay City – Cathy and Kale Kalitta. After years of meticulous planning and unwavering dedication, the resort made it on top things to visit when in Sipalay City.

In fact, the vibrant and colorful set-up as well as the creative recycled decorations will blow you away. You will be mesmerized with their out of this world concept! It was like a beauty of a puzzle, finding pieces that perfectly fits. This place is perfect of millenials and millenials at heart because everything here is Instagram-worthy. Actually, I have been eyeing to visit and stay here in which luckily, I did.

One of the places of interest in visiting Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort is sleeping at their meticulously designed themed rooms. Their rooms are strange and weird but it offers an exceptional charm. At present, they have 12 themed rooms for you to choose from depending on your liking – Bongo-Bongo, Rockadelic, The Cave, Treasure, Superstar, Madmix, El Castillo, Nautilus, Marco Polo, 70’s Groove, The Garage and Golden Empire. Lovely, isn’t it?

On this particular visit, I booked the 70’s Groove although my first choice is The Cave themed room but unfortunately it was unavailable that time. That is why I decided to choose the 70’s Groove room because it is perfectly represented. It will bring you back in time as colors and style were played in the interior design. You can really feel the groove of the 70’s – fantastic era as they say.

My room were equipped with a king-sized round bed with an additional single bed to accommodate third flower child, a 70’s style bathroom equipped with complete bathroom amenities and a separate toilet, coffee and tea-making facilities including complimentary bottled water, electric fan, hair dryer, safety deposit box, minibar, in-house movie system, blackout curtains and a veranda. Likewise, it also comes with a complimentary breakfast and WiFi internet connection.

If you have noticed, I did not mention their air-conditioning system it is because the resort is equipped with a unique modular rate system. This means you only pay for what you consume, so guests can customized their stay according to their budget. The resort have 3 comfort categories: Deluxe (air-conditioning AND warm shower), Saver+ (air-conditioning OR warm shower) and Ecomax for fan only.

Meanwhile, Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort also have an in-house restaurant serving delectable and savory dishes and a beach bar serving a wide selection of wines, beers, softdrinks, shakes and cocktails to quench your thirst. Take note that even on its food and beverages it is still served artistically. I love it! But please bare in mind that every high-quality customer service delivered comes with a higher price tag, so better expect that foods and beverages on this resort are quite expensive.

Furthermore, this resort offers an entertainment wing in which guests can socialize and meet other guest and play with all sorts of board games, billiards, foosball and darts. They also have a wide variety of books for you to read while basking on the sun and this all comes for free! No time for boredom, right? On the other hand, the resort also offers other outdoor activities aside from swimming such as island hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving.

All in all, I enjoyed my stay here at Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort. I can even imagine myself staying here for a week or more and never return to civilization again. I guess, I have already found the right sweetness here at Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort in Sugar Beach. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and life-saver vacation and where everything is within reach, try Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort. It is a great place to relax and unwind in a suite life!

How To Get There:

There are no commercial flights available as of the moment though Sipalay City has an airport that could cater private and chartered planes usually of mining companies and planes en route to commercial and private resorts. The nearest operating commercial airports are in Silay City, Negros Occidental (Bacolod-Silay International Airport) and Sibulan, Negros Oriental (Dumaguete Airport).

Meanwhile, the best way going to Sipalay is thru land travel and it  will take 3 hours using a private vehicle while 4 to 6 hours when commuting.

Via Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

From Bacolod City proper, head to Ceres South Bound Terminal located at Lazuriaga St., Bacolod City and hop on Hinoba-an or Bayawan bound bus. Take note: Travel time is approximately 5 to 6 hours and fare is 385php for an AC bus.

Alight at Sipalay Centro, one may opt to take a tricycle going to the mouth of the stream at Brgy. Nauhang and fare is 100 for a chartered trip. Small canoes can be hired for 5-10 to take you across to the southern end of sugar beac, where you will have to walk to your resort of choice. You may contact our tricycle driver during this trip, Kuya Richard at: +63910-6385855. Take note: Travel time is 10 to 15 minutes and expect a bumpy ride.

Another great alternative especially for bigger groups is to charter a 15 minute boat ride from the Poblacion beach going to your resort. Fare is 300 for 8-10 pax and an additional 50 for night trips.

Via Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental (Bayawan City Route)

            One of the great options is from Dumaguete. On this route travel time is only 4 to 5 hours however; there is only 1 daily bus with a direct trip going to Sipalay and it departs at 1300H. If you miss it, you have option to take the same route but will require at least 3 transfers which is Dumaguete-Bayawan-Hinoba-an-Sipalay.

Via Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental (Kabankalan City Route)

            Another alternative route going to Sipalay is using the Kabankalan route. Travel time is almost the same as the Bayawan route however; it will only require you for at least 2 transfers.

For bookings and reservations, contact:

Address: Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6113

Website: www.sipalay.net

E-mail address: relax@takatuka-lodge.com

Mobile Number: +63915-6283516 (Globe) / +63920-6792349 (Smart) / +63920-2309174 (Smart)

Official Facebook Page: Takatuka Lodge Beach and Dive Resort

Thank you for reading and sharing!