Undeniably, nothing can encompass nature’s magical prowess, and Manjuyod Sandbar is one perfect testament to that. Devoid of luxury trappings, even coconut trees are nowhere in sight, Manjuyod Sandbar is like a white gem that emerges from the seafloor when the tide recedes.
Although geographically located in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, the usual jump-off point is the municipality of Bais. From Capiñahan Wharf in South Bais Bay, we reached Manjuyod Sandbar via an outrigger boat within 15 minutes. It is a typical stop-over during the Bais dolphin and whale watching tour. And it is highly advised to visit the sandbar early in the morning to catch its momentous appearance. There is no sign of plush resort here, only three native cottages dotting the sandbar, and they all offer a gorgeous tropical isle scene.
During our visit, the balmy weather seemed to clad the entire region even if a destructive storm was expected to hit Dumaguete in a day or two. So we wasted no time and hurriedly frolicked in the beach and basked in its sandy shores just in time before the dreamy island disappeared.
At noon, our charming chalet amusingly floated in the water and the calm waters were gently crashing on its pillar down below. And we all blissfully dined here with a dreamy view of the sheer mountainside plummeting into the sun-sparkled, cerulean sea.
Manjuyod is a year-round destination, especially the snorkeling area, but the best time to visit Manjuyod Sandbar is during the dry season – March to May, so you can witness its sparkling, turqoise water.
WHAT TO BRING TO MANJUYOD SANDBAR
There are no stores, restaurants or other establishments in Manjuyod Sandbar, bring your own food and drinks.
Bring a coral-friendly sunblock, you can purchase one from my friend’s online shop – Beach Born.
Secure your gadgets, keep them in a water-proof bag.
Bring garbage bags for your trash, take the trash to the mainland, and dispose it properly.
MOBILE SIGNAL: Globe and Smart are both available.
MODES OF PAYMENT: Everything is on cash basis, so stack up cash.
ATM’s IN SAGAY: There are ATMs in Bais town like BPI,Metrobank, PNB,Robinson’s Bank,etc.
HOW TO GET TO MANJUYOD SANDBAR
From Manila, there are daily flights to Dumaguete. At Dumaguete Airport, take a tricycle to Ceres Bus Terminal. Board a bus to Bais, and get off at Brgy. Calindagan. Bus fare is about PHP 55 / USD 1.10. Bais City, ride a tricycle to Canibol Wharf or Capiñahan Wharf, the jumping off point for island hopping in Bais and Manjuyod. Rent a boat for island hopping, PHP 3,500 / USD 70 (boat is good for 5-7 persons) and PHP 5,000 / USD 100 (boat good for up to 15 persons). The Manjuyod boat rate is for whole day rental already that includes boat tour to Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais City Bird Sanctuary and the Mangrove Forest. Make sure to bring packed food and drinks as there are no restaurants on the islands.
Alternatively, you may contact Manjuyod Tourism Office at +63 919 488 2950 or landline: 035 404 1136 / Email: [email protected] if you need assistance or if you want to stay overnight ate one of the cottages in Manjuyod Sandbar. You may also get in touch with Bais Tourism Office at +63 918 265 0474/ +63 35 402 8338 / +63 917 300 5945 / or [email protected]
MANJUYOD BOAT RENTAL RATE
The Manjuyod island boat rental rate is for whole day rental already which includes boat tour to Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais City Bird Sanctuary and the Mangrove Forest, boat rental for island hopping is about PHP 3,500 / USD 70 (boat is good for 15 persons) and PHP 5,000 / USD 100 (boat good for 60 persons).
MANJUYOD SANDBAR + TWIN LAKES
RESERVE MANJUYOD SANDBAR TOUR + TWIN LAKE HERE
- Explore the twin crater lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, situated 1,000 feet above sea level
- Marvel at the crystal clear lakes reflecting the emerald tones of the surrounding forests
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Tanon Strait, Mt. Guintabon in the east and Mt. Guinsayawan in the west
- Trek through the forests teeming with life with over 184 species of terrestrial vertebrates and 180 species of forest trees surrounding the twin lakes
- See the most important sights of Dumaguete City with a visit to Siliman University, Handumanan Souvenir Shop, Sansrival Cafe and Dumaguete City Boulevard
MANJUYOD SANDBAR TOUR ITINERARY
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| 7:00 AM | ETD to Bais from Dumaguete |
| 8:00 AM | ETA Bais City. Rent a boat. |
| 8:30 AM | Star of Tour : Mangrove Forest, Dolphin Watching and Manjuyod Sandbar |
| 11:00 AM | Lunch |
| 12:00 PM | Swimming |
| 02:00 PM | End of tour. ETD to Bais |
| 03:00 PM | ETD to Dumaguete City |
MANJUYOD SANDBAR TOUR BUDGET
| EXPENSES | ACTIVITY |
| PHP 3,500 / USD 70 | Boat rental |
| PHP 55 / USD 1.10 | Bus to Bais from Dumaguete |
| PHP 55 / USD 1.10 | Bus to Dumaguete from Bais |
| PHP 3,610 / USD 72 | TOTAL |
WHERE TO STAY IN MANJUYOD OR BAIS
Casa Sandoval Pension House & Restaurant
National Hi-way, Talungon, Negros Oriental, Bais
Velez Pensionne House
Mabini cor. Roxas Street, Bais
La Planta Hotel
Mabini Street, Bais, Bais
WHERE TO STAY IN DUMAGUETE CITY
Islands Leisure Boutique Hotel & Spa
Hibbard Avenue, Bantayan, Across ABC Learning Center, Dumaguete City
Dumaguete Royal Suite Inn
L. Rovira Rd., Bantayan, Dumaguete City
Bravo Resorts
Pancil, Looc, Dumaguete, Sibulan, Dumaguete
MANJUYOD SANDBAR TRAVEL TIPS
- Time your visit during low tide to better appreciate Manjuyod Sandbar.
- Stack up cash.
- Bring your own food and drinks. No commercial establishment in the island.
- Bring a dry bag to protect your gadgets.
- If you are traveling alone, best to book a tour package. RESERVE HERE.
- Do not leave or throw your trash anywhere! Take them with you please and dispose them properly.
- Do not collect sand as souvenir
- Wear coral-friendly sunblock.
Beautiful. Does the sandbar disappear like a few feet underwater during high tide? That’s so cool.
Yes. It disappears after 9-10am (non summer).. So I suggest you get there as early as 6 to 7am to see the sand submerge
eeeeeeeee, the sand is soooo fineeeeee… i want to spend an afternoon here. 😀
yeah, gora na! sama mu sila Doi at si Dylan. 🙂
Gael, you’re so lucky! We went here May of 2011 and we had a bad experience 🙁
hay. one of the tour operators based in dumaguete city cheated on us. kasi supposedly kami yung naka-sched na sumakay ng bangka then may nauna lang sa amin, yun ang sinakay kahit bayad kami. so ayun, di namin nakita ung dolphins. saka cloudy rin nun 🙁
hope to return to the sandbar and sleep in the cottages and hopefully have a good memory of it.
thanks a lot for visiting our place. actually i’m a manjuyodnon and i’v visited the sandbar many times. I just searched manjuyod sand bar in google that’s why i found your site. anyway thank you for visiting
thank you too for dropping by. hope to explore more of Manjuyod this year. 🙂
Hi sir! can I just ask anong month or season magandang pumunta diyan?…
Hi Gael,
Your travel blogs never fail to amuse me. Everytime i read your articles, you just awaken my sense of freedom. And this is probably one of the best you have featured so far! Because of the beautiful pictures you posted, it allows me to feel the need to go to this amazing place in Negros and embrace the healing seabreeze. I am currently struggling for my personal happiness, and having to know that there is indeed a paradise in this side of the planet (thanks to you!) just makes my heart return back to its normal beat….I’ll definitely go to this place this year by hook or by crook (even if i’ll be alone). Thanks a lot and more power! 🙂
Glad was able to inspire you. Keep the faith, girl. Happy travels! 🙂
Planning a trip to dumaguete this august. which month did you visit the sandbar? and appreciate if you have a contact person/number to which i could inquire directly for boat rentals. thanks much
hi gael,
i just wanna ask if how much the total of your expenses? were planning to visit that place with my squad thankyou for your answer 🙂
This is now in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Hello! Thank you for your informative blog post! I can’t wait to visit Dumaguete and be amazed by the Manjuyod sand bar! I was wondering what time did you arrive in Manjuyod Sand Bar? You’re very lucky to have seen the sand bar on low tide. I wish I was as lucky as you when I visit it. 🙂
Hi Aceline, it was early morning. Low tide is the not the same each day so I suggest you search online the time of low tide on the date of our visit to make sure. Have fun!
Any contact number of boatman or travel agency from the area?
Hi! Thank you for this post. I’ll be travelling solo to dumaguete this month. Sort of a birthday gift for myself and maybe some well deserved “Me” time as they say. The way u described the place really caught my interest and really made me want to see and experience the Maldives of the Philippines. I’ve also seen the boat rates you posted here and they’re quite reasonable for group travellers. But how about for soloist like me? Any advise?
Thanks in advance!
email address is not working..
Hi! I’ll be in Dumaguete this March and I am doing a lot of research on how I can go to Manjuyod Sandbar the cheapest possible since boat ride is so expensive. Is it possible to join other tourists in renting the banca? And also what is the best time to leave Dumaguete to travel to Manjuyod? Thanks a lot! 🙂
meron po ba silang public boat?para sa mga hindi grupo kung pumunta.
TY 🙂
Pano po yun pag 2 pax lang kami?
Regarding the boat rates, yung 3500 po ba is good for 5 already? or per head? thanks!
Wow!this place is very beatiful and relaxing based on the pictures that you posted.this is certainly a good place to visit especially this summer season.thanks for your very imformative blog!
how much is the sand bar cottage?
Thanks for the terrific post
Thank you for your Blog. It was really helpful, we just follow your suggestions and tips. It went smoothly we had a great time.
Thank you so much.
Glad to hear that! Cheers to more adventures!