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Maricalum

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City
—°1
Maricalum (Philippines)
ℹ️

Practical info — Maricalum

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Campomanes Bay gives world-class diving spots, including shipwrecks like the MS Jojo.
  • Visit the Tinagong Dagat lookout for a spectacular view of the limestone islets and lagoons.
  • Take a boat trip to Danjugan Island, a protected marine sanctuary featuring five distinct lagoons.
  • Cash is scarce in Sipalay; ensure you bring enough Philippine Pesos from Bacolod or Dumaguete.
  • The best time for crystal clear water and high visibility is from December to June.

🍽 Food

🍽
Chicken Inasal

Negros-style grilled chicken marinated in calamansi and annatto oil.

🍽
Fresh Scallops

Look for restaurants along Punta Ballo beach that serve scallops harvested from the bay.

🍽
Piaya

A flaky flatbread filled with muscovado sugar, a famous specialty of the Negros region.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Sipalay Public Market

The best place for dried fish (tuyo) and local handicrafts made from shells.

🛍
Local Woven Goods

Look for hand-woven mats and bags made from pandan leaves by local artisans.

🧘
Sugar Beach at sunrise

A vast stretch of golden sand that provides complete peace during the early morning hours.

🧘
Danjugan Lagoons

Inside the nature sanctuary, find quiet spots for kayaking and bird watching in the mangroves.

Maricalum is a coastal treasure situated in the southern part of Negros Occidental, specifically within the scenic town of Sipalay. Known for its turquoise waters and lush green hills, it gives a tranquil escape for divers and beach enthusiasts alike. The Bugana Beach and Dive Resort serves as a premier gateway to the underwater wonders of the region, featuring bustling coral gardens and diverse marine species. One of the highlights of the area is Punta Ballo Beach, a long stretch of fine white sand that remains relatively uncrowded compared to other Philippine destinations. For those seeking professional diving experiences, the Easy Diving and Beach Resort provides world-class facilities and access to nearby shipwrecks and reef systems. The coast is dotted with hidden lagoons and limestone formations that are best explored by small boats. Getting to Maricalum requires a land journey from Bacolod or Dumaguete, making it a 'low-key spot' that rewards the persistent traveler. The local cuisine reflects the richness of the island, with grilled seafood and sweet delicacies being local favorites. The sunset over the Sulu Sea is considered one of the most beautiful in the archipelago, painting the sky in deep hues of orange and purple.

Geography

Population
4,459 (2017)
Coordinates
9.70686, 122.43683

Facts

  • Negros Occidental province
  • Diving paradise
  • White sand beaches
  • Near Sipalay town
  • Sulu Sea region
  • Shipwrecks nearby
  • Eco-tourism destination
  • Stunning sunset views

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maricalum (1)

Calangcang Mountain📍 landmark

A mountain peak providing scenic views of the Maricalum area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight of Maricalum?
The highlight is the beautiful Campomanes Bay, convenient for diving and snorkeling.
How to get from Sipalay to Maricalum?
It is about a 20-minute ride by tricycle or boat from Sipalay city center.
Are there dive shops there?
Yes, there are professional dive centers for all levels in the resorts along the bay.
Is Maricalum expensive?
Prices are moderate; there are both simple accommodations and upscale resorts.
Can you see shipwrecks there?
There are two sunken ships in Campomanes Bay that are popular dive spots.
Maricalum: where is it located?
Maricalum is located in Philippines.
Maricalum: why is it worth visiting?
Maricalum is a coastal treasure situated in the southern part of Negros Occidental, specifically within the scenic town of Sipalay.
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