In the verdant landscape of Negros Oriental, where the rolling hills meet the cerulean waters of the Sulu Sea, lies Bayawan City, a destination slowly but surely gaining a reputation for its natural charm. Tucked away in the serene barangay of Malabugas, just a short drive from the city proper, is Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort.
This tranquil haven offers a unique blend of beachfront relaxation and resort-style amenities, making it a perfect getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort Experience
The name itself, “Paradise Beach Resort,” evokes an image of an idyllic retreat, and Camaya-an largely lives up to this promise. Unlike the lively and sometimes crowded beaches of more popular tourist destinations, the atmosphere here is one of quiet serenity. The resort’s design is simple yet thoughtful, with an emphasis on creating a relaxing environment that complements the natural surroundings.
The resort’s beachfront location is its most captivating feature. Guests have direct access to a beach area, where the gentle lapping of waves provides a constant, soothing soundtrack. The sand, while not as powdery as Boracay’s, is clean and inviting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection as you watch the sunrise or sunset.
The water is generally calm and clear, ideal for swimming and unwinding. For those who enjoy a more active beach experience, the resort also offers activities such as fishing, allowing you to try your hand at catching some local fish.
However, what truly sets Camaya-an apart is its combination of a beachfront location with a well-maintained outdoor swimming pool. This dual-leisure option provides the best of both worlds. The pool area is a central hub for activity, featuring a main swimming pool with a small, working waterslide that is a hit with kids and the young at heart. The pool is a welcome alternative for those who prefer fresh water over the salty sea, and it is a great place to cool off and socialize.
Sun loungers and chairs are arranged around the pool and on a sun terrace, offering comfortable spots to relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sun. The presence of a poolside bar also means you can enjoy a refreshing drink without having to leave the comfort of your sun lounger.
The overall ambiance of Camaya-an is defined by its friendly and accommodating staff. The resort is a family-run establishment, and this is reflected in the personalized and warm service. Guests often praise the staff for being attentive, kind, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. This high level of hospitality contributes significantly to the feeling of being in a home away from home, a factor that many visitors highlight in their reviews.
Getting There: A Journey to Coastal Bliss
Reaching Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort is a straightforward journey, with the primary entry point being Bayawan City itself. Most travelers will begin their trip in Dumaguete City, the provincial capital of Negros Oriental.
From Dumaguete City:
The most common way to get to Bayawan City from Dumaguete is by public bus. Ceres Liner is a reliable bus company that operates a fleet of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses from the Ceres Bus Terminal in Dumaguete. The bus ride to Bayawan City typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, offering scenic views of the coastal towns, sugar cane fields, and rolling terrain of Negros Oriental.
Alternatively, for a more private and direct option, you can charter a van or a private car from Dumaguete City. This option is more expensive but provides the convenience of a door-to-door service and the flexibility to stop along the way.
From Bayawan City Proper:
Once you arrive at the Bayawan City Bus Terminal, you will need to take local transportation to reach the resort. The most convenient and readily available options are tricycles or “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis). Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort is a well-known establishment in the area, so most drivers will know its location in Barangay Malabugas.
The ride from the city center to the resort is short, usually taking about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It’s always a good practice to agree on the fare with the driver before the trip.
For guests who prefer to drive themselves, the resort provides free on-site private parking. The roads leading to Camaya-an are generally well-maintained, making it an easy drive, except for a short unpaved road from the highway inward to the resort’s premises.
Facilities: Comfort and Convenience
Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort is equipped with a range of facilities designed to cater to both overnight guests and day-trippers. The resort’s amenities are a key part of its appeal, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- Accommodation: The resort offers various room types to suit different group sizes and budgets. These include bungalows and family rooms, many of which provide a sea or garden view. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms. Some units also come with a balcony or kitchenette, adding a layer of convenience for guests who wish to prepare their own meals. For bookings, you may book a room directly from Agoda or contact then through their Facebook page or by calling their phone number: +63 995 578 8829.
- Swimming Pool: As previously mentioned, the outdoor swimming pool is a highlight. It is a year-round facility, meaning it’s always open for a refreshing swim, regardless of the season. The pool is open for your for day tour guest with only 100-peso entrance fee for adults, 70 pesos for kids, and 80 pesos for seniors.
- Dining and Leisure: The resort has an on-site bar and a poolside snack bar. While some reviews mention that the food can be basic, it is generally praised for its quality and flavor. Guests can enjoy continental and Asian breakfast options. For those who prefer to cook, there is a shared kitchen, and barbecue facilities are available for use. The resort also allows guests to bring their own food, with a nominal corkage fee for alcoholic beverages.
- Other Facilities: The resort provides free Wi-Fi in public areas and in all rooms. Other amenities include a private beach area with cottages and umbrellas for day-use guests, a lush garden, and a shared lounge. Services such as room service, laundry, and daily housekeeping are also available. The resort can also accommodate events like weddings and parties, with an event cottage that can host up to 100 people.
Nearby Attractions: Exploring Bayawan City and Beyond
While Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort is a destination in itself, its strategic location in Bayawan City makes it a convenient base for exploring other local attractions.
- Bayawan City Boulevard: Just a short drive from the resort is the Bayawan City Boulevard, one of the longest in the Philippines. It’s a popular spot for a leisurely evening stroll, offering a panoramic view of the coastline and a great vantage point for a beautiful sunset. It’s also home to a number of local eateries and stalls, where you can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- The Source Spring Resort (Tab-ang): For a different kind of water experience, you can visit The Source Spring Resort, located in Barangay Tab-ang. This natural spring-fed pool offers a refreshing dip in crystal-clear, cool water. It’s a popular local spot for family picnics and a nice contrast to the saltwater of the sea.
- Lourdes Falls: Located in Sitio Tagubang, Barangay Narra, Lourdes Falls is a beautiful natural waterfall with a cool, inviting pool at its base. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers. The journey to the falls is an adventure in itself, showcasing the rural beauty of Bayawan’s interior.
- Niludhan Falls: About an hour’s drive from the resort, Niludhan Falls is a magnificent curtain waterfall that cascades into a large basin. Its serene environment and impressive size make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the natural wonders of Negros Oriental.
- Santabucks Eco AdventurePark: The park is a haven for both adventure-seekers and those simply looking to unwind in nature. Its most famous attraction is the “Palwa Ride,” a one-of-a-kind slide where riders use a makeshift sled made from dried coconut palm leaves (palwa) to glide down a track. There are two versions: a regular one included with the entrance fee, and a longer, more “extreme” version for an additional cost. Other standout features include a towering “Giant Spider Web” made of ropes that offers a high-up vantage point for photos, and a “Giant Swing” suspended between tall coconut trees, providing a thrilling ride with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Random “Hugot” posts around the facility: Quotes and some random blabbering.
In summary, a visit to Camaya-an Paradise Beach Resort is a journey into a more laid-back and authentic side of coastal living in the Philippines. It’s a place where the simple pleasures of a beachfront stroll, a refreshing swim in the pool, and warm hospitality come together to create a truly memorable and relaxing holiday.
With its practical facilities and proximity to other natural and cultural attractions, it serves as an excellent starting point for an unforgettable exploration of Bayawan City and the surrounding region.
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