The first leg of our Negros tour was spent in the beautiful city of Sipalay. We arrived very early for the 2 pm check in at Nataasan Beach Resort so we rented a boat for island hoping.
Instead for availing the resort's boat service, we rented from those that were anchored by the beach. They have agreed for a 2-hour trip (13 pax) for only 1300Php, and some of us rented snorkeling gear for hundred a piece.
The sea was calm. The ocean breeze was refreshing. The water reflected the sky in a deep blue hue and in shallow levels, you could see what lies underneath. Crystal clear. We were really in awe as to how clean the water was.
Our first stop was in this islet that used to be a home to a Grotto of Mary the Virgin but after the super typhoon, it was destroyed beyond use. It has a cave underneath that you pass towards the other side of the islet. The cave, as CJ discovered, was housed by dozens of bats and it gave out a strong pungent smell. I didn't dare pass through the cave as Caileigh was hugging me like a little monkey so we just sat on the sands with the water level just below my knees. The water was, as I've mentioned, crystal clear and we've seen a few fish swimming near by.
