Lakawon Island
A banana-shaped island of white sand off northern Negros, with a floating bar offshore.
Quick answer
- Where: off Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, in northern Negros Occidental.
- The island: a small, banana-shaped island with white sand and calm water.
- Floating bar: TawHai, opened in 2016 and billed as the largest floating bar in Asia.
- Getting there: bus from Bacolod to Cadiz, then a short boat ride from the port.
- Stay: the island resort has rooms and simpler huts; day trips are common.
Why it is a wonder
Off the northern coast of Negros Occidental, near Cadiz, lies Lakawon, a small, banana-shaped island of white sand and calm, clear water. Its sheltered side faces the mainland, and the beach is made for slow days: swimming, kayaking and doing very little.
A short boat ride offshore floats TawHai, opened in 2016 and billed as the largest floating bar in Asia. Guests lounge on its daybeds, eat and drink over the water, and jump straight into the sea.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid summer weekends and holidays, when the island fills up.
- Go early to enjoy the beach before day-trippers arrive.
Getting there
From Bacolod, take a bus from the North Terminal to Cadiz, then a tricycle to the port at Cadiz Viejo. The boat to the island takes about 20 minutes. Pair the trip with The Ruins near Bacolod.
A perfect day
- Early boat to the island.
- Swim and kayak in the calm water.
- Afternoon at the floating bar.
- Last boat back in time for dinner in Bacolod.
Through the seasons
- About February to May: sunny and calm.
- Rainy season: boats may be cancelled in rough weather.
Respect the place
Take your rubbish back to the mainland and don’t swim after drinking.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lakawon from Bacolod?
Roughly an hour and a half to two hours by road to Cadiz Viejo, then about 20 minutes by boat.
What is TawHai?
A large floating bar moored near the island, where you can lounge, eat, drink and swim. Tawhai is said to mean calm.
Is there a fee?
Yes, an island entrance fee that includes the boat, plus a separate fee for the floating bar.
Can I visit on a day trip?
Yes. Check the last boat back to the mainland.
Sorsogon
Luzon's southern tip, with whale sharks, pink-sand coves and a lake beneath a volcano.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
