From Bacolod to Bliss: A tour to Lakawon Island Resort

Lakawon Island Resort and Tawhai Floating Bar in Negros Occidental, Philippines, offers an idyllic and increasingly popular escape from the hustle of city life. Nestled off the coast of Cadiz City, this 16-hectare banana-shaped island is a blend of pristine natural beauty, relaxation, and lively entertainment, making it a must-visit destination in the Visayas region.

The Lakawon Island Experience

The moment you step onto Lakawon, you are greeted by a stunning stretch of cream-colored sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The overall ambiance is laid-back and tranquil, perfectly embodying the “island life” spirit. The resort offers a spectrum of experiences, catering to both those seeking peaceful relaxation and those craving adventure.

For the beach bum, the long, powdery white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing, leisurely walks, or just enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The calm, shallow water near the shore is ideal for a refreshing swim. You can rent a beach umbrella or one of the various cottages and open huts for a comfortable day-long base.

Water activities are a major draw. The resort offers rentals for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and more adrenaline-pumping options like banana boat rides and bandwagon rides. For those interested in the underwater world, snorkeling gear is available for rent, and there are options for diving experiences.

Lakawon Island is also well-equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including restaurants and bars that serve a variety of food, often including fresh local cuisine, and drinks. Outside food and drinks are sometimes permitted with a potential corkage fee, but it is always best to check the resort’s latest policy.

The island environment is generally clean and well-maintained, but visitors are reminded to practice responsible tourism by using reef-friendly sunblock and disposing of trash properly, aligning with the “take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time” philosophy.

Tawhai Floating Bar: The Iconic Centerpiece

The single most distinguishing feature of a visit to Lakawon is the Tawhai Floating Bar, famously dubbed as the largest floating bar in Asia. Located a short boat ride from the main island, “Tawhai” is a Visayan word meaning “relaxed” or “calm,” and the structure lives up to its name, offering a uniquely chill-out experience on the water.

Tawhai is essentially a massive, multi-level wooden structure anchored in the sea. It provides a 360-degree view of the open ocean and the beautiful Lakawon Island coastline. Guests typically pay a separate entrance fee for Tawhai, which includes the round-trip boat transfer from the island.

Once on the floating bar, you can:

• Lounge and Relax: The bar is equipped with sunbeds, lounge chairs, and shaded areas where you can sip on cocktails, grab a light snack, and simply enjoy the ocean breeze and the spectacular vista.
• Swim and Jump: A major highlight is the opportunity to jump directly into the deep, clear water from the deck’s second floor, often an exhilarating experience for the adventurous. There are also floaters and a dedicated swimming area.
• Party Vibe: While it’s a perfect spot for daytime relaxation, Tawhai can transform into a vibrant party venue, especially towards the late afternoon or on weekends, with music and an energetic crowd, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunset.

Access to Tawhai is typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for day-trippers, and children are allowed entry but must be accompanied by an adult.

How to Get to Lakawon Island

Lakawon Island is situated in Negros Occidental. The jump-off point is the Cadiz Viejo Port in Cadiz City.

From Bacolod City

Lakawon Island is approximately 1 to 2 hours away from Bacolod City.

1. Bacolod North Bus Terminal to Cadiz City: Take a non-stop bus bound for Cadiz City from the Bacolod North Bus Terminal. The fare is relatively inexpensive, and travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Martesan Bus Terminal or the crossing to Lakawon (Cadiz Viejo).
2. Tricycle to Cadiz Viejo Port (Lakawon Port): From the drop-off point, hire a tricycle to take you to the Cadiz Viejo Port (Lakawon Port). This ride is typically short, around 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Boat to Lakawon Island: At the port, you will register and pay the necessary fees (terminal fee, environmental fee, entrance fee) and the round-trip boat fare. The boat ride to Lakawon Island is about 15 to 20 minutes.

From Cebu City via Tabuelan-Escalante Ferry

This route is longer and involves a sea crossing, ideal for travelers who want to explore Northern Negros Occidental.

1. Cebu City North Bus Terminal to Tabuelan: Take a bus from the Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Tabuelan Port in northern Cebu. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours.
2. Tabuelan to Escalante Ferry Crossing: Take the RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry from Tabuelan Port to Escalante City Port in Negros Occidental. The Tabuelan-Escalante ferry is operated by companies like E.B. Aznar Shipping Corp. and the sea travel typically takes around $2$ to $3$ hours. It’s crucial to check the most current ferry schedules and fares beforehand.
3. Escalante City to Cadiz Viejo: Once in Escalante City, you will need to travel south to the Cadiz Viejo Port, the jump-off point for Lakawon.
   • Public Transportation: From Escalante Port, you can take a tricycle to the main road or bus stop and board a bus or van bound for Cadiz City (specifically, the Lakawon crossing/Cadiz Viejo). This leg of the journey can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the availability of transport and traffic.
   • Tricycle/Motorcycle Taxi (Hired): For a faster, but more expensive, option, you can hire a private van or motorcycle taxi directly from Escalante Port to Cadiz Viejo.
4. Cadiz Viejo Port to Lakawon Island: Follow the final step of the Bacolod route (registration, payment of fees, and boat ride to the island).

Island Fees and Accommodation Options

The fees and rates at Lakawon Island Resort are subject to change, but generally include a combination of port, entrance, and boat fees.

Typical Day Tour Fees (Subject to Change)

• Entrance/Day Tour Fee: This is the basic fee for access to the island.
• Terminal Fee (Port Fee): A small fee collected at the Cadiz Viejo Port.
• Round-trip Boat Transfer: The cost for the boat ride from the mainland to the island and back.
• Tawhai Floating Bar Fee: A separate fee for access to the floating bar, which usually includes the boat transfer to and from the bar.

Many resorts offer a Basic Rate which may bundle the boat transfer, entrance fee, and terminal fee together, often around PHP 750 per head for adults. Always confirm the latest rates directly with the resort or at the port upon arrival. You may contact them through their Facebook page.

Other Day-Use Costs:

• Cottage/Hut Rental: Various sizes of open cottages and huts are available for rent for day use, with prices varying based on size and location.
• Corkage Fee: The resort may charge a fee per person if you bring in outside food, though some reports indicate corkage is sometimes waived or the policy is flexible.

Accommodation Options for Overnight Stay

For a more immersive experience, Lakawon Island offers various accommodation options for overnight guests, ranging from rustic to modern, beachfront stays.

• Bamboo Huts (Nipa Huts/Kubo): These are typically the most traditional and often more budget-friendly options, offering a native experience. They may be non-air-conditioned but provide a cozy, authentic stay, usually accommodating a small group of people.
• Air-conditioned Rooms/Suites: The resort also features modern rooms and suites with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and amenities, suitable for couples, families, or groups seeking more comfort and luxury.
• Glamping/Tent Rental: For those who enjoy camping, the resort may allow pitching your own tent for a camping fee per head, or you can rent a tent, which includes a mattress, blanket, and pillow, along with a separate camping fee.

The resort encourages guests to check in at 2:00 PM and check out at 12:00 PM. Rates for rooms often include complimentary daily breakfast, and a refundable incidental deposit is typically collected upon check-in.

Lakawon Island Resort and Tawhai Floating Bar provide a compelling destination, merging a classic tropical beach experience with the unique and exciting element of a massive floating bar, making it a memorable stop for any traveler in Negros Occidental.