Carbin Reef Summer Getaway

My family couldn't let summer pass without heading to the beach.  As for me, I look forward to the feel of the sand on my feet and the wind in my hair.  My friend's homecoming and two of my friends' husband's birthday are the perfect excuse to head there.  Plus, we have been planning a get-together for years.  And I am saying years because my friend Cheska is based in Qatar, I used to live in Manila and a couple of them are here in Bacolod.

Our target destination - Carbin Reef.  Carbin Reef is a sandbar, 15 km northeast of Old Sagay, right on the center of the 32000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve.  It was establish in 1999 and is home to a wide variety of underwater species.

Sagay is a two-hour drive by private car from Bacolod City.  From Sagay, you then take a short 15-20 minute pump boat ride going to Carbin Reef.  Like most parents, my issue has always been safety especially with the numerous drowning incidents reported on TV.  What made me feel secure is the fact that all passengers are wearing life jackets the entire boat ride.  It was a really quick ride and my son was even glad that he saw a jellyfish in the water.

Our boat. We finally arrived at the Reef. YAY!

I didn't quite know what to expect because my friend told me that all I will be seeing are the sand, the sky and the sea.  She was right! The place was heavenly.

My view from the cottage.

The water was so clear, you can even see your feet at the bottom.  I love the blue skies and the white sand.  The place is not commercialized. No buildings. No stores. Just us, the cottages and the beach.  Was it boring? We had the best time.  Our families get to bond together and we get to catch up with each other's lives.

My daughter with my friend's kids

Loving the water

Best experience we had and despite the sunburn and too much tan, we will be definitely coming back.