LAGAWAN: SANDBAR RESORT: Back to basics

My sister was home and she wanted to go to the beach. It was (un)timely because the father of our cousin's wife E recently passed away and the wake and burial will be at Concepcion, Iloilo. And because the said place is home to some of the popular islands of Northern Iloilo, we headed to Sandbar Resort in Bolobadiangan Island to stay overnight and have a chance to attend the burial scheduled the next day.

We boarded a small fishing boat (owned by cousins of E) to transport us to Bolobadiangan Island, which took about 30 minutes. We have to wade in the waters because it was low tide when we arrived. For convenience, I recommend to contact Sandbar Resort for your transportation because they have a bigger boat for their guests and they leave from the main port of mainland Concepcion.

Just as we were nearing the island, a drizzle started. And thankfully it was all that. We were able to enjoy the island and had some fun before the night prevents us so. Take note that electricity by generator runs only from 5pm-10pm. We stayed on a closed cottage provided with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. A simple comfort room and bathroom is also available for use. However, water for bathing is sold at Php 25/container.

We bought our own food, but the resort can also prepare food if you will tell them days before. You can also grill your own food on the island or you can have them cook for you for a small price. Some fishermen will dock on the island and sell fish if they know there are guests staying. You can also have these cooked for you. Bummer for us because no fishermen docked for the whole time we stayed there. Also you have to buy all that you need from the mainland because there's no store in the island.

Dawn at Sandbar Resort

Because of exhaustion and there was literally nothing else to do, we slept even before the lights were off. But it was an uneasy sleep for me because of the sound of the waters rushing in for high tide. Aside from that, the night was peaceful. However, morning was another story. We woke up around 6am and we were greeted by such a beautiful dawn! It was a promise that the coming morning will be much fun. And we were not dismayed!

Pan de Azucar on the backdrop

We were not able to do some island hopping because the resort's boat was made to fetch some guests and they arrived late. We didn't have the time because we still have to attend the burial. I really hope that we can be back here and explore more the other islands. Fingers crossed!

This was what we were all looking forward to. The cool and clean waters, bright sand reflecting the equally bright sun, the peacefulness of the surrounding, and the blueness of the sky makes it a perfect weekend. We had fun exploring the areas of the beach at low tide and when the waters slowly crept up for high tide, it was time for us to swim until forever!

This is not like Boracay, so don't expect the crowds and the nightlife. However if you want a quiet getaway, to get a taste of simple island living, and just appreciate and marvel at the wonders of the Philippines, then this is for you. When we stayed here we were the only guests. But the next day, which was Saturday, a lot of families were coming in which shows the popularity of the island.

The simple toilet and bathroom. Cottages for day use further back.

Most of the resort's infrastructure was damaged by Typhoon Yolanda and they are slowly rebuilding using the money from their income. So plan your trip now to Sandbar Resort to help them and also to enjoy!