Lakawon Island

The iconic Lakawon bridge.

I miss out on my summer peak (yes, peak) and I've been bitter since. Opportunity knocked when I went to Bacolod City for the infamous Masskara Festival. Social media over the summer season was bustling with Lakawon Island pictures and it looked so dreamy. Since Lakawon is located in Cadiz, Negros Occidental it's a pretty good idea to go on an adventure. Checked-in at the hotel, pack the necessities and went to that dreamy paradise. The ironic thing was that I didn't even do my research. I just went for it. Adventure!

White sand, checked! Crystal clear water, checked! Beautiful sunset, checked! I was lucky, it wasn't swarmed by co-visitors. It absolutely felt like summer. The heat, the beach, the water. Oh my! It's like summer never left. Hold on to your sunblocks, hat and slippers but what do you expect? It's a beach after all. Summer in October.

If you're expecting a get away like Boracay, sorry to burst you're bubbles but no. It isn't like Boracay. That's the beauty about it. It's a place of pure relaxation. Chill. Relax. Enjoy. That's what this place exudes. A pure escape from the fast paced life in an urbanized city. Everything seems to slow down but time also seems to slip away fast.

It's an island off the coast of Cadiz municipality and from what I've heard different private corporate persona owns the place. Don't worry though, the placed is equipped with electricity, internet, and other basic necessities. They even accept credit cards for your convenience but no ATMs. It won't cost a hole in your pocket.  Affordable meals are offered with the usual menu, local beer ranges from php45-60, shakes php70-80. They have rooms for an overnight stay, outdoor tents, nipa huts, restaurant for your meals and a floating restaurant (Tawhai Floating Restaurant) for your enticing hangover bliss. Why don't you sit back, relax and enjoy your stay? 'Cause I did. ;)

Getting there. From Bacolod City, ride a Mandalagan or any jeepney that would take you to the Northbound Ceres Terminal (minimum fare is php 7). Enter the terminal and take the Cadiz Bus (every 15 minutes the bus arrives). Tell the "konduktor" (that's the guy who gives you the ticket and also the guy who collects the fare, remember they're wearing their uniforms, don't be confused) you're going to Lakawon, Cadiz. Northbound terminal to Cadiz costs around php95 for regular fare and php76 for students, that's a 20% discount (it's an hour and a half or less travel time, depending on the driver). You'll be dropped off at the Barangay Burgos Stop-Over Terminal from there take a tricycle (renting the tricycle costs php120 with a 15-20minutes travel time) going to the Lakawon port. Enjoy the view of nature on the way. From the port, head to their building and pay php230 each (inclusive of terminal fee php30, entrance fee php50, fare php150 round trip). If you want to rent the boat it would cost php1,500 (php150/head for 10pax) with a 10-15minutes travel time. The earliest trip to Lakawon in 6am and the last trip is at 5pm but at 4:30pm, you should be at the island ready to board the boat if you couldn't make it, you'll be charged an overnight stay. Overnight stay would cost php2,500 max of 4pax, nipa hut for php500 and tent for php300 for a day's use. What are you waiting for? Pack those bags!