It is a city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Sipalay City is a 5th class city in the province of Negros Occidental, located 175 kilometers south of Bacolod City. Sipalay got its name from the old native phrase “si palay” meaning “there is rice.” Touted as the “Jewel of the Sugar Island,” Sipalay City is fast becoming a destination of choice among tourists. One can swim and snorkel in its pristine blue waters, frolic in the white sand beaches, explore its numerous dive sites, and take an adventure hike up to its mountains or go spelunking.

A 15-minute boat ride from the city proper is the Sugar Beach. This beach is so called because of its powdery brown sand that resembles brown sugar. Not far from the Sugar Beach is the Tinagong Dagat. Literally meaning “hidden sea” in Hiligaynon, Tinagong Dagat is a hidden sea dotted with dozen islets covered with lush vegetation. In close proximity to Tinagong Dagat is Punta Ballo Beach. It has more than a kilometer long of fine white sand beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling. More or less 10 minutes from the Punta Ballo Beach is Campomanes Bay, excellent not only for diving but for jet skiing, kayaking, and all sorts of water sports. The enclosed shape of the bay and the islets in its opening provide a natural protection to the beach, providing calm waters even in harsh weather condition.

Sipalay City also has 42 dive sites including three wrecks - SS Panay, MS Jojo and Julien’s Wreck located in the southern coast. There are three PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) accredited resorts to cater to tourists’ diving needs.

Caves, springs and waterfalls also abound in the coastal and upland areas of the city. Areas with limestone and other natural rock formations can be found along the coastline which attract local and foreign tourists. Waterfalls are located within the remaining forest areas of the city in the upland hinterlands. The areas are noted for their cascading rivers and numerous caves with bats and cathedral-like columns of stalactites and stalagmites.

The City of Sipalay is very famous for its festivals. The Pasaway sa Sipalay is celebrated every last week of March marking the Charter Anniversary of the city. It features street dancing and merry making by performers from seventeen barangays of the city clad in exotic costumes resembling copper minerals. Sipalay is one of the richest in copper in the country and its development was largely influenced by the mining industry that was once a major income source for the city.

The Handurawan Festival is an annual fiesta, held every December 18-20, to commemorate the official declaration of Sipalay as a town in 1948. This celebration, coupled with the yuletide season, provide Sipalaynons and visitors a time to enjoy.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

City of Sipalay Official Website

Inside Negros

 

 

Also check out the Sipalay City Website.