Denise Alyssa G.
2026 Lakawon Island Travel Guide for First-time Visitors
Fall in love with Lakawon Island: Negros Occidental’s Precious Gem
When was the last time you escaped the city and visited Paradise? Well, here is one. Try sailing away at Lakawon Island, touted as the “Boracay of Negros Occidental,” and have the best time of your life.
Breathtaking aerial view of Lakawon Island
Lakawon Islands is a sprawling 13-hectare banana-shaped island about 3 km off Cadiz City. It is now a destination of choice for local and international tourists, especially the TawHai Floating Bar, dubbed the largest floating bar in Asia.
Aside from the floating bar, you can experience the clear, sunlit waters of Lakawon Island and some water activities, too! For first-time visitors on the island, the Out Of Town Travel Blog has listed how to savor the beguiling destination.
The best time to visit Lakawon Island
The best time to visit Lakawon Island is during the dry season from November to May, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
More specifically, late December to May offers the most ideal conditions. However, keep in mind that the summer months of April to May can be pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
If you’re looking for the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the early dry season (November to early December) or the late December to March period on weekdays. Also, avoid traveling during holidays, as beaches and islands can be very crowded at popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
How To Go There
Here are the main ways to get to Lakawon Island:
From Manila:
- Fly to Bacolod-Silay Airport – Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate flights from Manila to Bacolod
- From Bacolod, proceed to Cadiz City (see below)
From Bacolod City to Lakawon Island:
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Travel to Cadiz City – This is about 65-70 km north of Bacolod City. You can:
- Take a Ceres bus from the North Bus Terminal
- Hire a private van or taxi
- The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours
-
Take a boat to Lakawon Island – From Cadiz City port:
- Boats depart regularly for the Lakawon Island Resort
- The boat ride takes about 15-20 minutes
- You can arrange transfers through the resort or hire a boat at the port
From Other Cities:
- From Iloilo City: Take a fast craft to Bacolod (1 hour), then proceed as above
- From Cebu, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao: Direct flights are available to Bacolod
Important note: Always check with the resort or local authorities regarding boat schedules, as trips may be suspended due to weather or other circumstances.
Things to Bring
Although the resort has a shop, it would be cheaper to pack these items in your travel bag before you head to the island.
- Dri-fit long-sleeve shirts
- Boardshorts and your favorite swimwear
- Sunblock
- Power bank
- Dry Bag
- Sand-proof beach towels
Stay at Lakawon Island Resorts
Lakawon Island Resorts offers a range of surprises and attractions, giving every seasoned traveler more reasons to return.
A key advantage of Lakawon Island is its variety of accommodations to suit your needs and budget. For a group of 6, you can rent nipa huts or canopy tents from PHP 600.00 to PHP 1,200.00 (suitable for 10 persons), with an additional PHP 100.00 per person.
For room accommodations, you can choose from Junior Suites and Premiere Suites with breakfast for two, inclusive of terminal fee, entrance fee, and round-trip boat ride. Rates range from PHP 2,500.00 to PHP 6,500.00 per night.
Alongside endless water activities like Kayaking, Banana Boat Ride, and Kiteboarding, tourists can just chill at the biggest Floating Bar in Asia – the TawHai Floating Bar. If you’re not into extreme water sports and activities, probably the best idea would be to grab a beer and wine and just sunbathe in the famed floating bar. It even has its own kitchen and a second floor where divers can jump.
It is open Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and on Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Where To Eat
Sunset Bar is the best dining option if you get hungry after tiring activities at the resort. Enjoy ice-blended specials like fresh fruit shakes and native-influence specialties.
You choose from Sisig, Grilled Seafood, Soups, and heavy rice meals. They also have a massive selection of desserts. It is open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight.
General Information:
Lakawon Island Resort and Spa
Address: Lakawon, Cadiz Viejo, Negros Occidental
Contact details: +63 917 555 6979, +63-9175022625, +63-9491132202, +63-9323964453
Facebook Account: /lakawonislandresort/
Source: Official Facebook page
Also Read:
- Magnificent Underwater Photos of Anilao revealed at Anilao Underwater Shootout 2017
- A Touch of Paradise: Sailing in the Ionian Islands
- Checklist for a Laid-Back Vacation in Boracay Island
