Why Are Beaches Closer to Bacolod a No-Go?

 

Despite its prime location along the Guimaras Strait, Bacolod and its surrounding cities, such as Talisay, Silay, and Bago lack truly swimmable beaches. Here's why:

1. Muddy Coastlines – The beaches closer to Bacolod tend to be brown, muddy, and littered with seagrass due to mangrove-rich deltas and river outlets.
2. Industrial Activity – Coastal areas near the city are heavily used for fishing ports, aquaculture, and industry, not recreation.
3. Poor Waste Management – Inadequate coastal clean-up and water treatment lead to polluted shores.
4. Lack of Investment – Very few serious tourism developments or resort investments have been made near the city, unlike the south, where private eco-resorts thrive.

 

What Should Be Done to Add More Tourist Beach Destinations Near Bacolod?

The lack of local swimmable beaches poses a huge opportunity. With the right strategy and sustainable planning, nearby areas can also be developed for coastal tourism.

Develop Artificial Beachfronts

Much like Manila Bay's dolomite beach (but more ecologically sound), Bacolod or nearby towns could develop artificial white sand beaches that are safe, clean, and family-friendly.

Rehabilitate Wetlands and Mangroves

Invest in eco-tourism with boardwalks, kayak tours, and wildlife observation points. Coastal mangroves can be assets, not liabilities, if appropriately framed.

Improve Access to Coastal Barangays

Roads to areas like Barangay Punta Taytay or Barangay Pahanocoy can be enhanced to attract more visitors and entrepreneurs.

Create Marine Sanctuaries

Develop protected marine zones for snorkeling and diving, similar to those found on Danjugan Island. LGUs or partnerships with NGOs could spearhead this.

Public-Private Partnerships

Encourage private investors to build mid-range resorts, glamping spots, or floating cabins in underutilized coastal lands with clear tourism potential.

Promote Island-Hopping from Bacolod

Guimaras is just across the strait. Organized boat tours, day-trip packages, and water taxis from Bacolod to Guimaras beaches could diversify the tourism portfolio.

While Cauayan, Sipalay, and Hinoba-an remain the darlings of Negrense beachgoers, the story doesn't have to end there. The southern coast may continue to shine, but with vision, planning, and investment, the coastal towns nearer Bacolod can become the next chapter in Negros Occidental’s tourism journey.

Until then, the southern road trip remains a rite of passage for beach-loving Bacolodnons—a pilgrimage to sun-soaked serenity, far from the urban sprawl, but close to the soul.