Siaton Travel Guide

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Like so many tips, I don't quite know where to place this one. A thing to do, certainly. Restaurant, yes. Nightlife, well on occasion. Accomodation, yes again, and so it goes on. This place is somewhat of a legend amongst the expats of Negros Oriental. Getting there is an expedition in itself although well worth it. I'll deal with that first. If you are coming from the Dumaguete or Dauin directions, you need to be looking for a sign on your left indicating Antulang Beach Resort. Continue past the entrance to that past the boatyard with the huge catamaran (believe me, it will not be finished for years yet) and just before the road peters out to nothing turn left into the resort. It is hard riding and a dirt bike is preferable, although I managed it on a road bike. Believe me, it is well worth the effort.

The photos really do paint a thousand words here as the Tongo Sail Inn must be one of the most laid back and scenic bars I have ever visited. It is at the entrance to Tambobo Bay which gives it one of very few typhoon-proof anchorages in this region, which is good to know if you are a sailor as a fair proportion of the clientele are. It is just a crazy place. If you can find a member of staff (not always possible) they will serve you your first drink and start your tab, then it is an honour bar system as they seem to melt away into the abundant tree coverage which backs the property.

There is food available, although I didn't dine. My friends did speak highly of the food, specifically the fish which is supposed to be excellent. I believe that they do barbecues and a bit of live music on certain Sundays but you need to check with the locals to get the lowdown on this, it is truly a moveable feast. Alternatively, ust the 'phone number provided and speak to Nigel, the Australian boat-building owner or Pilar his wife.

Lacking swimming trunks and begging the ladies permission, I couldn't resist a quick dip in the Bohol sea in my underwear. It was delightful and you can lounge very comfortably against the smooth stones of the small breakwater and enjoy the view past the entrance to the bay and along the coast northwards, it really is idyllic in the proper sense of the word. If you tire of this, you can climb the bamboo ladder to the treehouse for a different perspective.

As one of the images shows, amongst everything else, the folks here even manage to run a volunteer unit of the Philippine Coastguard.

I beleive accomodation is available here and I did see some very pleasant looking nipa (local construction) huts scattered about. This would be a place to come for a complete getaway as there is nothing to do locally and you really wouldn't want to ride the road after dark but it is a superb place to spend an afternoon.