Punta Bulata: A sustainable paradise in the heart of the Philippines

In the southern part of Negros Island, where the sun kisses the sea and the green hills cascade down to meet the crystal clear waters, you’ll find Punta Bulata Resort & Spa—a paradise that dances to the rhythm of nature and sustainability.

The resort is situated on a vast 20-hectare property in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, and it boasts a breathtaking view of the Sulu Sea. You’ll find powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery around you. And the sunsets? They’ll take your breath away.

But what makes Punta Bulata Resort & Spa truly special is its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural surroundings. It’s not just your ordinary beach resort—it’s an eco-friendly sanctuary that values the well-being of its guests and the environment.

Eco-friendly building design: Merging tradition with sustainability

Here, you won’t find towering concrete structures that slash the skyline. Instead, you’ll stumble upon charming bamboo cottages nestled amidst coconut groves, their silhouettes softly blending with the surrounding beauty.

These cottages whisper the tale of Punta Bulata’s commitment to sustainability. Constructed from locally sourced materials like cogon leaves for roofing, they symbolize a harmonious union of tradition and environmental consciousness.

“Our use of cogon leaves is a tribute to traditional Filipino architecture,” shares Martina Zayco, Punta Bulata’s General Manager. “It’s our way of striking a beautiful balance between honoring our culture and nurturing our environment.”

The resort’s embrace of passive design principles further underscores this commitment. Windows are strategically placed to welcome sunlight and invite cool breezes, eliminating the need for artificial heating or cooling.

As you wander around, you’ll discover green roofs and lush gardens, a visual treat that also promotes environmental sustainability.

Promoting local employment, sourcing local produce

Sustainability extends beyond environmental preservation; it encompasses uplifting the community that resides in this place.

Punta Bulata Resort & Spa takes this sentiment to heart, extending its commitment to sustainable practices by providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses through responsible procurement.

Approximately 80% of the resort staff hail from the local community of Cauayan. “Some team members receive training and educational support from the owners, while others are graduates of local colleges in nearby cities,” mentions Zayco. “Our on-call workers and construction teams are also predominantly hired from the community or within Negros Occidental.”

Punta Bulata’s commitment to the community also shines through in its procurement practices. The resort sources its fresh seafood directly from local fishermen, while other produce and vegetables are purchased from local suppliers.

“Our fresh catches of the day, including fish, squid, and shrimp, are purchased from the local community,” shares Zayco. “It’s more than just procuring food; it’s about supporting the livelihoods of the locals who depend on fishing. We also procure some of our produce from the area, allowing us to contribute to the local community’s well-being.”

The resort’s menu predominantly features Filipino cuisine, specifically dishes native to the region. “By serving local dishes such as KBL Soup (KBL stands for Kadyos, Baboy, and Langka, a traditional Filipino pork soup or stew) and Chicken Inasal (roasted chicken), we celebrate our culinary heritage and provide our guests with an authentic Filipino gastronomic experience,” says Zayco.

A step towards greener footprints

“We believe that every little step towards conservation matters,” says Zayco. “From our guest reminder standees encouraging energy conservation to reduce lighting in resort public areas during low occupancy days, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.”

Punta Bulata also promotes al fresco dining to make the most of natural light and air. The resort also maintains a strict schedule for air conditioning in the offices to help save electricity.

But Punta Bulata’s vision extends beyond conservation – it’s looking towards harnessing renewable energy.

“We are in discussions about transitioning to solar energy utilization, to implement it for the entire resort in 2024,” shares Zayco.

A toast to water conservation

Water management is another primary focus area at Punta Bulata Resort & Spa.

The resort’s linen and towel reuse program and dual-flush toilets significantly help conserve this precious resource. Guests are guided on which button to use for different kinds of flushes through advisories placed inside bathrooms.

Punta Bulata harnesses water from a nearby lake to supply all guest rooms and kitchens, ensuring cleanliness through a water filtration system.

Embracing a zero-waste philosophy

Punta Bulata takes a firm stand against waste. Recycling is a part of the resort’s DNA, with stations dotted across the premises.

“We have a dedicated compost pit to help us manage organic waste and support our Blue Garden initiative, where we grow a range of spices and vegetables,” shares Zayco. This farm-to-table approach not only reduces our costs but also reflects our commitment to sustainability.”

The resort’s zero-waste philosophy extends to food utilization too. Rigorous inventory management (purchasing weekly based on occupancy with only a 30% buffer), portion control measures (ensuring their bill of material is implemented in every à la carte order), and creative menu planning (using the same ingredients across different menu items, such as chicken for inasal, adobo, and curry) ensure that food waste is minimized.

“We also conduct regular staff training programs to raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste,” adds Zayco.

The restaurant actively reduces single-use plastics, with eco-friendly alternatives such as paper bags for takeaway orders and bamboo straws replacing plastic ones.

Even seemingly minor details, such as crafting bamboo straws from locally harvested baby bamboo, reflect the resort’s innovative and culturally sensitive approach to sustainability.

They also reuse empty bottles as vases for restaurant tables and teepee setups.

Protecting biodiversity

The resort takes active measures to protect and restore natural habitats. Their efforts include sustainable landscaping practices to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity on their grounds.

“We prioritize guest education on local wildlife and conservation efforts through our collaboration with Danjugan Island,” the manager adds.

“This partnership offers programs highlighting the importance of protecting the region’s biodiversity, encouraging guests to actively support conservation during their stay. This connection aims to instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural wonders around our resort and the islands nearby.”

The restaurant also displays signs promoting the resort’s animal feeding policy, further emphasizing their commitment to wildlife conservation.

“Our housekeeping team uses organic and environmentally safe cleaning products that are harmless to marine life,” shares Zayco. “In every aspect of our operations, we strive to minimize negative impacts on our environment.”

Sustainable activities for immersive experiences

Travel is about immersion, experiencing new things, and understanding different cultures.

“At Punta Bulata Resort & Spa, we offer our guests a chance to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of Negros Occidental through a variety of eco-conscious activities,” says Zayco.

Guests can engage in guided nature walks to explore local flora and fauna, embark on bird-watching excursions, and participate in community-based cultural activities. Responsible wildlife viewing, such as ethical marine tours, is part of the experience.

“These mindful experiences not only allow visitors to appreciate the region’s richness but also contribute positively to its conservation and cultural heritage,” adds Zayco.

Empowering guests for sustainable travel

Punta Bulata doesn’t stop at offering sustainable experiences; it ensures guests understand why they matter. The resort takes it upon itself to educate guests about sustainable travel and the environmental and cultural sensitivities of the area.

“Informational materials in guest rooms, eco-conscious signage throughout the resort, and orientations upon check-in are some ways we educate our guests,” explains Zayco.

The resort also organizes educational workshops, nature talks, and cultural presentations to enlighten guests about responsible travel practices.

“We believe informed guests can make more eco-conscious choices,” says Zayco. “Our goal is to empower our guests with knowledge so they can contribute positively to our sustainability efforts.”