When in Negros Occidental: Punta Bulata

We've seen people crashing weddings and bachelor parties in movies but never in my wildest dreams would I consider doing it myself in real life. But I did. And before you start thinking of The Hangover or anything similar, it's far from that. After all, the dad of the bride was at the pre-wedding bash too. 

Hello, Punta Bulata White Beach & Spa.

Our very spontaneous trip to Punta Bulata all started when we were asked what our plans were the weekend we were in Bacolod. Since we had a loose schedule to follow during our first week in Visayas, we had time to relax and unwind in the City of Smiles. And when we were invited to hang out by some good friends in the city, we quickly said yes. But what was originally planned as a trip to Lakawon turned into us crashing a bachelor's and bachelorette's party at Punta Bulata. 

Okay, it may not exactly like the ones you'd see in movies as we know the friends of the ones who are about to get married. So that's not exactly crashing right? Everyone else though were new faces to us. Luckily, they are a cool bunch who welcomed us with big smiles and funny stories to match.

Punta Bulata is a long drive from Bacolod City. Approximately 156 kilometers south of Bacolod City, it would take about 3 and a half hours to get to this tropical paradise in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. 

Since we left the city around 4 p.m. and took a few stops to get supplies, we got to Punta Bulata just in time for dinner. 

We were welcomed with Lemongrass drink and cold towel to energize us from the long trip.

The place was packed with the whole entourage with only Hillside B (PHP2000++) as the only available room. Spiral staircase aside, the location of the room's pretty good as it is near the beach and the restaurant. 

It comes with a comfortable king size mattress, very spacious bathroom with hot and cold shower, cable TV and breakfast for two. There's also a small veranda where you could have your cup of coffee while enjoying the relaxing view. (Check out the whole room feature here.)

Punta Bulata may be a relatively big resort but its kitchen staff seems to be limited. It takes at least half an hour to get your order. But rest assured that the food's good and reasonably priced. 

Breakfast buffet was simple yet delicious. It features several local favorites as classic breakfast viands such as corned beef and eggs.

Before heading out for the beach, we had Marilori Pizza (PHP240), Carbonara (PHP220) and fresh coconut. The chunky thin crust pizza generously topped with chorizo recado, mozzarella and tomato sauce sure hits the spot. Carbonara was very creamy and something white sauce lovers would enjoy.

We rode a party boat on our way to the groom's private island and I have to admit, it was my first time to ride one as I'm not exactly a party animal or into those things. 

But it was a fun ride. 

We had to drive to the other side of the resort though to ride the boat.

We headed back to the island in time for dinner and everyone suggested that we continue the party at the mud hut after dinner. Since we were still quite full, R and I decided to just grab one pizza again. And this time, we with with Mirene (PHP240), topped with anchovy, mozzarella and pesto sauce. This one had lighter flavor and tasted less sinful compared to Marilori. 

We all headed back to our respective room or cottage to wash up but we all (or almost all) got knocked out after showering. Some didn't even make it past the bed!

I exerted an effort to be up early the following day so that I could enjoy the sunrise. And I had no regrets of doing so as I got to enjoy the beach alone and bask in nature's majestic beauty. 

Since I had new lens with me, I had a blast taking photos of hermit crabs, slugs and all sorts of creatures I came across with. 

And when I grew tired of it, I decided to take a quick dip in the pool where I had a friendly water gun fight with the daughter of one of the guests. 

Punta Bulata is, without a doubt, a lovely spot to relax and unwind. It's also perfect for those who wish to disconnect with the digital world as signal barely exists in this resort. Though there's wifi at the restaurant, it is extremely weak as well. You could avail of its high speed connection though but at a cost. 

So if you are up for a road trip to a paradise, do try Punta Bulata. 

We hitched a ride with our friends on our way to Punta Bulata which is also on Waze. But if you are commuting from Bacolod City, here's a quick guide for you:

Go to Ceres Liner South Terminal in Bacolod City and take the Hinoba-an bus (it would cost you about PHP150-200 per person) and ask the driver or conductor to drop you off Barangay Cartagena heading to Punta Bulata. From there, take a habal-habal to the resort.

Punta Bulata accepts credit card payments unlike some resorts in the area. So you don't have to worry if you have enough cash on hand. 

If you happen to visit, please do say hi to Tito Bomber for me. He's the cool guy who built the resort!

Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is located at Barangay Elihan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.