Manjuyod Sandbar and Bais
A white sandbar that rises from the sea at low tide, cottages on stilts and dolphins in the strait beyond.
Quick answer
- What it is: a long stretch of white sand in North Bais Bay, about 7 km long, that surfaces at low tide.
- The cottages: a few wooden cottages on stilts stand on the sandbar; at high tide they seem to float.
- Dolphins: boats head into the Tañon Strait to watch spinner and bottlenose dolphins, usually in the morning.
- Getting there: about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Dumaguete to Bais, then 15 to 20 minutes by boat.
- Timing: go early, and check the tide; the sandbar is best at low tide.
Why it is a wonder
In North Bais Bay, off the coast of Negros Oriental, a long ribbon of white sand, about 7 km long, rises from the sea at low tide. A handful of wooden cottages on stilts stand on it, and at high tide, when the sand slips beneath the water, they look as if they are floating in the bay.
Beyond the bay lies the Tañon Strait, between Negros and Cebu, home to several species of whales and dolphins. Most trips combine the two: dolphin watching in the morning, then lunch and swimming on the sandbar.
Beat the crowds
- Leave early. Dolphins are most active in the morning, and the light is best.
- Avoid weekends and Holy Week, when boats fill up.
Getting there
Bais City is about 1.5 to 2 hours by road north of Dumaguete. From the wharves in Bais, boats take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the sandbar. Book through the city tourism office or an accredited operator. See our Dumaguete guide.
A perfect day
- Set off at dawn to look for dolphins in the Tañon Strait.
- Land on the sandbar at low tide and wade in the shallows.
- Lunch in a stilt cottage.
- Paddle through the mangroves at Talabong on the way back.
Through the seasons
- About March to October: local sources say dolphins are most often seen in these months.
- March to May: sunny, calm days for the sandbar.
- Rough weather: boats are cancelled when seas are high.
Respect the place
Ask your boat to keep its distance from dolphins and not chase them, and take every scrap of rubbish off the sandbar.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the sandbar?
At low tide, often in the early morning. Ask your boat operator to plan around the tide table.
When are dolphins most likely?
In the morning. Local sources say dolphins are most common from about March to October, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I stay overnight on the sandbar?
A few cottages on stilts can be rented. Book through the local tourism office.
Where do boats leave from?
From wharves in Bais City, such as Capiñahan or Canibol, where you can hire a boat or join a tour.
Sipalay
A slow, sunset-facing corner of Negros, with long beaches, coves and dive sites far from the crowds.
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.
