The Manjuyod White Sandbar in the Philippines has gained a lot of popularity in the media lately and it has been dubbed as the “Maldives of the Philippines”. If you are dreaming of a powdery white sand, crystal clear water, fresh ocean air, beautiful corals and fresh seafood then this is the place.
I grew up in the beautiful and peaceful island of Negros Oriental where the Manjuyod White Sandbar is located. The past few years I have been planning to go back home to visit my family. This summer I, fortunately, got to visit them and also had the chance to visit this wonderful place that everyone has been talking about.
How to get there?
My family flew from Manila to Dumaguete City; it was a short flight, about one hour and 20 minutes. The Negros Oriental province is in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The capital, Dumaguete City, best known as a University City because of Silliman University, the first American University established in the Philippines and in Asia. The city is also known as the City of Gentle People!!! If you are looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path, this island won’t disappoint you.
Where to Stay?
There are a lot of accommodations to choose from in Dumaguete City and surrounding towns, depending on your budget and preference. My family stayed at the Bethel Guest House, a favorite of ours when in the city for a quick visit. Nothing fancy but it’s clean and amazing customer service. It is located on Rizal Boulevard, a famous place where locals and tourists stroll and relax. The hotel is also a walking distance to restaurants, shops, and local landmarks.
Our room got the ocean view
Where to eat?
Jo’s Chicken Inato… you can’t visit Dumaguete City without trying out the original Jo’s Chicken Inato. This is my personal favorite and a national favorite eatery. Well… actually my husband is also a big fan of this place. They serve local farm-raised chickens and fresh ingredients from the local market. Their grilled chicken is a MUST!!!
Reaching the Manjuyod White Sandbar
It is easy to get to the Manjuyod White Sandbar from Dumaguete City. Most hotels and resorts offer day trip packages at affordable rates or you have the option to do it on your own – take a bus or rent a car. We drove there on our own one early morning and rented a boat from the Campuyo Wharf. A friend helped us get a boat and if you are planning to come visit this place, let me know and I will be happy to help you plan and arrange your ride.
THE WHITE SANDBAR
When we arrived at the White Sandbar, it was so beautiful!!! The water was what I was expecting, crystal clear. There are local vendors selling fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters that you can order ahead of time and they can prepare it for you at your convenience.
Here are some photos we took at White Sandbar:
Tip: Check the tide forecast since the White Sandbar is best visited during low tide.
DOLPHIN WATCHING
This area is also a popular place to spot wild dolphins. The best time to swim with dolphins or to see them depends on the season. According to local boatmen, the dolphins around the Manjuyod Sandbar and Tanon Strait normally appear in the morning hours just after sunrise. And we were so lucky to see a lot of them during their playtime. What an AMAZING experience!!!
OMG!!! It was an extraordinary experience. Happy to share it with family:)
After dolphin watching, we went back to the White Sandbar. There we had lunch and enjoyed swimming and diving off the boat. Our lunch was all fresh, from raw oysters, sea urchins, scallops, fish and fresh coconut juice. It was definitely one of the best days of our lives.
By the way, there are cottages on stilts available for daytime use or overnight use but don’t expect luxury, these are simple and basic accommodation.
People ask if it’s worth going to this place, what do you think? 🙂
looks like a wonderful place for a family trip. I love the white sand and that drop off has me thinking that diving there might be interesting. Did you? I love that the local fishermen will prepare your catch for you and the fresh coconuts !
Oh yeah…. Negros Oriental has the best diving spots in the Philippines. we didn’t do any scuba diving this time but maybe next time and kids can join:)
Wow, now this is what I call A luxury vacation! I would definitely try the amazing lunch you had, I can be picky he it comes to fish but having everything fresh from the source might make a differene. And, I just learned I love raw oysters! lol. but sign me up for this amazing trip please!
I haven’t heard of the MaNJUYOD SANDBAR AND IT LOOKS AMAZING! lOVE SEE ALL THE PICTURES AND THANKS FOR THE HANDY TIPS. iT IS NOW ON MY LIST.
Wow! Could this place look any more inviting?!?! You are so lucky that you have this place. The Bethel Guest House looks like the most perfect place to stay. Your shots are stunning as well.
What an amazing place! I can’t get over the clarity of the water. Definitely a great spot to share with your family. I’d be really loving the seafood too; that looks so beautiful. And you saw dolphins – I’ve managed that just once, and the memory has stayed with me for such a long time.
That’s gorgeous! Looks like your family had a really great time. We’re there any private boats there too?
What a beautiful area! Watching the dolphins must have been amazing!
I can definitely see why this is compared to the Maldives – the Manjuyod White Sandbar is stunning! And OMG to those dolphins!!
What a wonderful place to have grown up – and a great opportunity to travel back to spend time with your family these holidays 🙂 Quick flight from Manila, so that’s good to know! Thanks for the heads up on the Bethel Guest House, and on picking up fresh seafood whe you’re out there. Sounds like it was a fabulous family day out!
Great article! Going to the philippines next year and I am right now checking out which places to visit, will bookmark this post for further reference, thanks for sharing!
The Philippines never fails to surprise me with its beautiful natural treasures. The Manjuyod white sandbar is another revelation. it is so beautiful and pristine, no wonder it has been dubbed the Maldives of the Philippines. it looks like a slice of paradise. the water is so crystal clear.
Wow, the beaches look amazing! The water is crystal clear, just my kind of place. Seafood looks delicious too!
“The City of Gentle People,” that sounds like a place I’d like to visit! I consider myself a beach girl, and it looks like THE MANJUYOD WHITE SANDBAR is right up my ally. I would enjoy The ocean front view of the Bethel Guest House, but I’m thinking I could be very happy with the simple accommodations of the cabins on stilts. Now that’s good living! Thanks for letting me know about this Maldives alternative!
Wow! What an exotic destination! Looks like you have had a memorable family vacation!
Exactly, right? Sooooo beautiful and definitely o of those trips that I will never forget (in details if you know what I mean:)
Such gorgeous pictures! Looks like a really fun trip, and thank you for all the recommendations.
xx Sara
We had a BLAST!!! The timing couldn’t be any better. Thanks for dropping by and you’re welcome:) Safe travels. xoxo
Incredible place!! Love the buildings on stilts over the shallow water. Your pictures are beautiful, and so lucky to have seen dolphins! I’m jealous! I really need to get to the Philippines in 2018.
It’s very RAW…. I mean, totally nature perfect 🙂 You should visit Philippines and stay in touch, I can help you get in touch with some locals.
Wow, I really enjoyed reading your blog, you have lots of great content, Thanks for posting this interesting article… : )
Wow,it looks like an incredible place,the beaches are very clean anD the color of the water looks awesome
It is!!! Hope you get to see this beautiful place one of these days…
Wow, that sandbar looks like such an amazing place to visit! Bethel Guest House really looks like the perfect place to stay
Right?!? Totally worth it!!! Though…. have to really monitor the tide forecast coz it is really pretty when it’s low tide:) And yeah… Behel is a perfect choice of lodging when in the city:)