Trip Report

[RBM]

 

There does not seem to be much interest in trip reports how ever maybe this light report will be of interest to some living in Negros.

Due to recent injury I had earlier decided to quit riding, after recovery and with the blessing of my fine ortho I am off again be it at a much more sedate pace distance per day.

My SO planned the trip as she is far better than myself and knows my weaknesses, of which are many.

Day 1…

Departing from close to San Carlos (Negros Occidental) rode the short distance of 75KM to the beautiful resort on Lalimar. The road is appalling to say the least, especially the first 40KM, for a main highway its crazy, muddy, construction and full of pot holes due to many heavy cane trucks. Enjoying beautiful Lalimar makes it worth while, a private room with fan costing just P220, Shared clean bathrooms, as always I was the only one there. Food is good and reasonably priced. Can be lonely so a lap top with movies if good, just 2 G internet available.

Day 2…

Departing La Libertad around midday rode gently down to Bias city just 1.1/2 hours. Stayed in a pension house Casa Sandova which could only be described ar reasonable. Again experienced the usual nonsense when trying very gently to explain the need of a mirror in bath room, even offered to buy one.  The small town of Bias known for dolphin watching is quite pretty and has nice plazas, one or two good resto bars. Internet is fine.

Day3…

Departing Bias around 11am rode south to Tanjay where one is able to turn west on a road I had not travelled before. This has been recently upgraded and a beautiful ride all the way to  Santa Catalina.  Out standing views and lovely sweeping curves made it a high light. Arriving Bayawan around 4pm with heaps of stops to admire the scenery. Around 120KM which was very easy given splendid road conditions. Checked into the brand new Maefinn hotel which is outstanding, Paid just P880 for a lovely single room with high speed internet and top of the line furnishings. Food also outstanding as was service.  Was around 5 years since my last visit to Bayawan, new blood in the politics and does it show. This small city is outstanding thanks to forward thinking. Best and cleanest plaza in the country, free wi fi, spotlessly clean.  All government departments either have been or are being transferred to a lovely green area some 5km from the city. Had a long chat to the head councilor and he explained they do no want the Dumaguete problems of traffic so are fast tracking ideas, great work. Only downers I thought of were medical care and a lack of restos, apart a very livable city in my opinion. Lovely long beach where one can avail of a cold beer and chicken, as I did while watching the sun set. Two days here.

Day 4..

Rode the short distance to Basay and stayed at the lovely Funtasy resort, large nice and clean. Felt lonely as only guest there, guess recent problems in Mindanao are effecting busines. Paid P1200 for a cottage with limited cable TV no cell coverage. Beach was nice and able to swim at low tide which was nice. Staff friendly an helpful.

Day 5…

Left around 10am as slightly longer trip, nice ride as far as Sipalay, stopped there for a drink, Sipalay is one of those towns that does not appeal to me, never has.  Carried on the Kabankalan, roads were reasonable how ever of course heaps of on going construction. Was around 160KM but enjoyed the run. Stayed at the over priced  Southgate Inn as did not feel like searching for an alternative, Kabankalan is a busy city with heaps of tricycles, the city I do not find attractive at all.

Day 6…

On to Bacolod which is not far around 100kms, roads here are nice with the remaining 20km or so being highways, of course traffic increases.  Styed a couple of nights here in 11 St bed an breakfast, think was P1090. Well located and has good off road parking. As many know Bacolod offers many treats, great swimming at Santa fe resort, excellent restos and many other activities.  I am often there and always enjoy.

Day 8….

Gentle ride back through Don Salvador visiting a few friends en route and enjoying the splendid scenery

Transport Yamaha Super Tenere

Weather every day fine…

Total KMs 750.

Trip could easily be done in 4 days or less.

 

Edited July 28, 2017 by RBM
Pics

[OnMyWay]

Thanks for the report!  Sounds like a smooth trip and you stayed away from cliffs.  For some reason the first 4 pics don't come up for me.  Might be my internet.

[intrepid]

11 minutes ago, OnMyWay said:

Thanks for the report!  Sounds like a smooth trip and you stayed away from cliffs.  For some reason the first 4 pics don't come up for me.  Might be my internet.

Not your internet, I cannot open them either.  Looked like a fun relaxing trip!

[robert k]

Agree about Bais, which I would describe as attractive even though there appear to be some building that are maintenance deferred, reasonably clean place. Tanjay I would more describe as quaint. I have visited Bayawan several times and I would recommend it as a place to visit.

[Jake]

Outstanding trip advisory for road trip south of San Carlos.  Your wife must be a real trooper with an adventurous spirit just like you.  May I ask what kind of motorcycle is that?  Looks really durable for all types of road condition.  

Thank you RBM!  By the way, I also could only see the last four attachments.

[MikeB]

Great report! Enjoyed following your journey on Google Maps. And the best part is you got home safe. Well done!

[Eddie1]

12 hours ago, RBM said:

There does not seem to be much interest in trip reports how ever maybe this light report will be of interest to some living in Negros.

Not sure I agree with that comment RBM, your trip reports have always been very interesting and this one was no different.  Like Mike B, I also used Google maps to follow your trip, I would certainly like to do a similar trip to that in the near future.  Out of interest what is it you dislike about Sipalay? I haven't had the pleasure of visiting it yet.

Anyway, a good report, seems that all that read it enjoyed it and health permitting hope that you manage to give some more road trip reports soon.

[bastonjock]

i enjoyed your report ,the photos look great ,i also ride a motorcycle ,your choice of yamaha Tenere is tops for a trip such as that one ,is it the XT660 or the larger version ?

[RBM]

22 hours ago, Jake said:

Outstanding trip advisory for road trip south of San Carlos.  Your wife must be a real trooper with an adventurous spirit just like you.  May I ask what kind of motorcycle is that?  Looks really durable for all types of road condition.  

Thank you RBM!  By the way, I also could only see the last four attachments.

Thanks for the comments, for trips I ride a 2014 XZ Yamaha Tenere 1200  heavy but very comfortable. People often remark on the weight 245KG how ever only noticble when parking or going very slow, center of gravity very low meaning easy handling. 

Had problem uploading the pics, there are just 4 pics, so perhaps a mod could delete the lower 4. 

[RBM]

On 7/28/2017 at 5:42 AM, robert k said:

Agree about Bais, which I would describe as attractive even though there appear to be some building that are maintenance deferred, reasonably clean place. Tanjay I would more describe as quaint. I have visited Bayawan several times and I would recommend it as a place to visit.

Without question the young mayor of Bayawn  is so forward thinking, what an improvement. Returned in the car with my brother last week, he last visited Bayawan in 2012 and could not believe the transformation. Spotlessly clean and the lovely tree lined road outside the city which leads to City hall and many government offices is amazing. His plan is not to congest the city.

There is a new hospital being built i was told, time will tell what kind of medical care will be available, its an isolated area so medical facilities definitely  top consideration, apart a very livable city.