The Inviting Waters of Mantalip Reef

Bindoy, Negros Oriental
May 31, 2014

Mantalip Reef is a marine protected area located in Bindoy, Negros Orental.  It's a rising tourist destination and can be reached via pumpboat for roughly 30 minutes from Domolog pier.

How To Get There

1. From Dumaguete pier, exit to Rizal boulevard and wait for the Ceres bus bound to

Canlaon, Guihulngan, Mabinay, San Carlos or Bacolod.  If you want to secure a seat since it would be a two-hour ride, take a tricycle (locally referred to as pedicab) to the bus terminal.  Bus fare is Php77.00. Descend at the Domolog Public Market. You'd see the sign board at your right. 

2. From Dumaguete Airport, exit to the highway and wait for the Ceres bus at Shell gas station.  Descend at the Domolog Public Market.  You'd see the sign board at your right.

You can then wait for your boat ride at the cottages behind the public market.  In case the boat gets delayed and you can't wait to take a dip, you may enjoy the waters at the pier which we did.  Note: It's not a typical pier so you can expect that the water is as clear, though not as enticing, as the one in Mantalip Reef.

Everyone stayed still on the boat while waiting for the Mantalip Reef Inn to emerge in sight.  The thought that it's in the middle of nowhere sent shivers in me as there was a recent reported earthquake in the nearby island of Cebu. Questions ran through my mind as to what could possible happen if earthquake strikes on a high tide at night, roughly 30 minutes offshore. It was a smooth ride nevertheless and all those hesitations were replaced by excitement upon seeing the inviting clear waters, and the view of the starfishes and corals of different colors.  When we got to our destination, the very first thing we did was savor and capture the scenic view with our lenses.  Not long enough, three of us were enjoying the waters while the others prepared dinner.  Since it was nearing low-tide, we had to be careful with our steps as one simple hit on the corals could leave us with some scars.  It's advisable to wear aqua shoes or slippers especially on a low tide.  We got up as soon as darkness struck as there was not enough lighting in the place.  The place was run by four solar panels so if you have gadgets or any electronic devices, it's best to take them fully charged because the generator only runs for an hour and there's only one available outlet.  Everything we had was cooked and boiled on charcoal and portable butane gas stove.

I was without proper sleep for more than 24 hours, so after dinner and some chat, I, together with a few, retired on my little space while the others stayed late for some drinking session.  The room was good for 2-3 persons but there were available mattresses which one can use while sleeping under the stars.

    

I was the first one to hit the waters in the morning.  It was irresistible!  And it just kept getting better when it reached high tide, when the water went beyond the platform we laid on below.

Bathing in the sun til our skin gets burned has never felt that good.  Kidding!  It was only for pictorial purposes.  Of course we can't let the chance pass by without having a great photo with this picturesque view.  Thanks to Mhike for taking this one.

It was a perfect weekend getaway- a place so relaxing and surrounded with overwhelming beauty.  See for yourself!

 

For reservation inquiries, contact the Office of the Mayor thru 405-3011/531-0883 and look for Joel Verna.