Tawhai Floating Bar [LIR&S] — Attraction in Cadiz

It took me 23 years to get back to Lakawon, courtesy of an excursion shouldered by my brother-in-law. All in all, we were 17 for an extended family gathering that was filled with fun. We rented a spacious family cottage made of bamboo and nipa. On that day, particularly in the late morning to early afternoon with the scorching heat, the humid air in the cottage was a little nuisance that never dampen our spirits as we indulged in endless chats. The wind coming from the northern side of the little island could hardly get its way to the cottages as there are coconuts, palms and a huge 3-story building blocking the course. Our youngest, a girl of two years was busy shoveling the brownish white sand underneath the roof of the cottage. Right upon arrival, Ethan, couldn't contain his curiosity of the beach and pulled me towards it in the middle of the scorching heat of the Sun. The beachgoers were sparse as most excursionists rather spent their time drinking, talking, eating and singing in the cottages. The few, however, who braved the heat either enjoyed the cool crystalline water, taking social media post photos or sitting on a couple of swings by the waterline. I missed walking around the island as I was acting as lifeguard for Ethan who really enjoyed the beach. It my second son, Carl, who accompany his Tito Boyet along with his cousin, Nayds, to the western tip of the island. Carrying a fishing pole, the three broke past a No Trespassing sign and found the stunning vista of the western horizon (the coast of Iloilo and the Sun) with a sandbar in the foreground. It appears that not all of Lakawon Is. is under the control of the resort owner. Hence, walking around it as I was wont to do seems now a difficult proposition although it would only take half of an hour to do provided property restrictions are not being imposed. The Lakawon resort, I came to realize, actually occupy the area of the island where there used to be a little community of fishermen and their families. As we walk through the pier towards our departure boat, I could say that Lakawon is worth going back to. You see, it must be a whole new experience to enjoy an overnight stay there. Island experience,...

It is worth the trip from Bacolod City. Beach front is decieving. Grassy and a bit muddy. One must have to ask where is the best spot to take a good dip. That is right side of the island if you are facing it. The water was so refreshing that everyone was literally sun-kissed at the end of the day. The sand was so clean and fine. Be prepared to dig into the finds underneath. Abundant sea creatures such as shells, star fish and others. Catchy part is the banka ride. Be prepared to pay an extra 1500 for a special trip if you do not meet with the 25 capacity. While they say outside food and beverage is not allowed into the island. No one was checking on it. Only our group followed the advise ending up ordering food from their resto. All in all....

The Tawhai Floating Bar is one of the main attractions of Lakawon Island. I was really looking forward to hanging out and chilling here when I was planning my Bacolod trip. The floating bar is a nice place to chill with family and friends. They have lounge chairs and beds. You can actually spend the whole day here if you want. My biggest concern is the place needs repairs and upgrade. The floor is old and has a lot of cracks and holes. The mattresses are old and dirty and the back part of the bar is like a storage of broken chairs and some other things. I hope to be back in Lakawon and hopefully see a renovated and new Tawhai...