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Home » Asia » The Manjuyod White Sandbar, Philippines
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The Manjuyod White Sandbar, Philippines

BonBon December 17, 2017 24 Comments

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.

Welcome to the beautiful island of Negros Oriental
Welcome to the beautiful island of Negros Oriental

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.

Welcome to Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental

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.

Rizal Boulevard, where you get to walk, relax and get all the local street food.
The famous landmark, Rizal Boulevard from Bethel Guest House.

Our room got the view of the Boulevard and the sea.

Our room got the ocean view 

My kids love their cousin, Ainz:)
My kids finally hang out with their cousin, Ainz:)

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!!!

Jo's Chicken Inato famous grilled chicken
Jo’s Chicken Inato famous grilled chicken
My kids love it too:)
My kids love it too:) My girl eating Pork BBQ and my boy eating their famous grilled chicken

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.

At Campuyo Wharf. The water is so calm that day; looks like a lake:)
At Campuyo Wharf. The water is so calm that day, it looks like a lake:)
On the boat, On the way to White Sandbar
Boat ride on the way to White Sandbar
Dropping the anchor, like a pro. HA!
Dropping the anchor, like a pro. HA!

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.

As fresh as you can get.
As fresh as you can get.
I am totally thankful that my kids are such real troopers.
I am totally thankful that my kids are such real troopers. They love it!!!
Getting off the boat to explore White Sand Bar while water is still shallow.
Getting off the boat to explore White Sandbar while water is still shallow.

Here are some photos we took at White Sandbar:My boy looking for some fish:)

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0757.JPG

My brother, my niece and my girl having a great time!!!
My brother, my niece and my girl having a great time!!!
My Love!!!
My Love!!!
It was such a beautiful day, couldn't be any happier:)
It was such a beautiful day, couldn’t be any better:)
This is LIFE!!! I belong to the Ocean:)
This is LIFE!!! I belong to the Ocean:)
Water is crystal clear!!!
Water is crystal clear!!!

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:)

OMG!!! It was an extraordinary experience. Happy to share it with family:)

WOW!!!
WOW!!! Aerial tricks. This one did a spin.

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.

Freshest oysters
Freshest oysters
Coconut Juice... Yeeeesss
Coconut Juice… Yeeeesss
Want some? :)
yummy 🙂
Want some?
Want some?
Happiness!!!
Happiness!!!
Jumping off the boat is FUN!!!
Jumping off the boat is FUN!!!

Family is LOVE!!!
Family is LOVE

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? 🙂

 

 

 

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About Author

BonBon

Call me BonBon!!! I am here to help you with your family travel plans and to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. GO and explore the world. Travel. Learn. Evolve.

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24 Comments

  1. Elaine J Masters Reply
    January 2, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    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 !

    • BonBon Reply
      January 5, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      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:)

  2. Bailey Reply
    December 30, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    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!

  3. Lara Dunning Reply
    December 27, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    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.

  4. Helena Reply
    December 27, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    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.

  5. Bernie Reply
    December 27, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    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.

  6. Amy Alton Reply
    December 27, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    That’s gorgeous! Looks like your family had a really great time. We’re there any private boats there too?

  7. Soaringtraveler Reply
    December 25, 2017 at 11:38 am

    What a beautiful area! Watching the dolphins must have been amazing!

  8. Megan Jerrard Reply
    December 25, 2017 at 4:01 am

    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!

  9. Jack Reply
    December 25, 2017 at 3:30 am

    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!

  10. Sandy N Vyjay Reply
    December 24, 2017 at 7:43 am

    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.

  11. Katie Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    Wow, the beaches look amazing! The water is crystal clear, just my kind of place. Seafood looks delicious too!

  12. Jackie Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    “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!

  13. Michelle Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Wow! What an exotic destination! Looks like you have had a memorable family vacation!

    • BonBon Reply
      December 23, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Exactly, right? Sooooo beautiful and definitely o of those trips that I will never forget (in details if you know what I mean:)

  14. Sara Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Such gorgeous pictures! Looks like a really fun trip, and thank you for all the recommendations.

    xx Sara

    • BonBon Reply
      December 23, 2017 at 3:11 pm

      We had a BLAST!!! The timing couldn’t be any better. Thanks for dropping by and you’re welcome:) Safe travels. xoxo

  15. Julien Mordret Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 11:34 am

    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.

    • BonBon Reply
      December 23, 2017 at 3:12 pm

      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.

  16. socialoutwork Reply
    December 23, 2017 at 11:28 am

    Wow, I really enjoyed reading your blog, you have lots of great content, Thanks for posting this interesting article… : )

  17. Somnath Reply
    December 19, 2017 at 3:18 am

    Wow,it looks like an incredible place,the beaches are very clean anD the color of the water looks awesome

    • BonBon Reply
      December 19, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      It is!!! Hope you get to see this beautiful place one of these days…

  18. Bruce Schinkel Reply
    December 18, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    Wow, that sandbar looks like such an amazing place to visit! Bethel Guest House really looks like the perfect place to stay

    • BonBon Reply
      December 19, 2017 at 8:40 pm

      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:)

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Call me BonBon... I am a mom of 2 beautiful toddlers. My family loves to discover new things near and far... So, I am here to inspire your whole family to travel, to get out of your comfort zone and to explore this wonderful world. And, I am here to help you get started:) Stay in touch!!!

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