Your Travel Guide to Negros Oriental
Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, this province offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, breathtaking waterfalls, or charm of laid-back provincial life, Negros Oriental is a destination that keeps on giving. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through must-visit spots, local cuisine, and travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.
Places to Visit:
Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete
- Named after the Philippines National Hero, constructed in 1916, this scenic quarter-mile lined with old fashioned street lams is a spot to stroll, attracting families on picnics, power walkers and those content to sit on benches gazing out to see.
Dumaguete Belfry
- Known as one of the city’s best-known landmarks, the Dumaguete Belfry, is thought to be one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. The tower stands beside the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral; at one time it was also used to call the residents to mass. Now there is an added grotto of the Lady of Perpetual Help near the base of the tower. All of this addition, together with the lush garden around the base, has become a tourist hotspot of Dumaguete.
Bais Dolphin Watching, Bais
- Bais, located just 45 kilometers north of Dumaguete, is a popular destination for dolphin watching. Tours typically operate from March to October, with April and May being the peak months and September to October offering calmer seas. Visitors are advised to make reservations in advance to join the dolphin-watching trips, with private boat options also available.
Lake Balanan, Siaton
- The Lake Balanan is located in the town of Siaton. It is a nice & peaceful attraction located in the middle of the forested mountains. The freshwater lake has a shape that resembles a figure “8”. The narrowest point between the two main portions of the lake being only 90m wide.
Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais
- Is a strip of pristine white sand located at about 15 minutes boat ride from the coast of Bais City, in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines. The surface of this island emerges only during low tide and there are native wooden houses built on stilts. When the high tide comes, these houses look like they are floating on the water.
Caves in Mabinay, Mabinay
- Mabinay, located in the mountainous heart of Negros Island, is famed as a “cave town” with over 400 caves, though only about 100 are known and 50 were explored by a Dutch-Belgian team 25 years ago. Seven caves are open to visitors: three are easily accessible, while four require advanced skills like swimming through underground rivers, crawling through tight spaces, or rappelling.
Kansalakan Enchanted River, Guihulngan
- Features a deep and clean river with small cascades and circular holes. The river is easily accessible as it crosses the main road of the village, making it a popular bathing and cliff jumping site for locals. The river is situated between the villages of Banwague and Balogo in the highland of Guihulngan City, approximately 137 kilometers away from Dumaguete City and 100 kilometers away from Bacolod.
Pulang Bato Falls, Valencia
- Pulangbato is the “sister” waterfall of Casaroro in Valencia. The term pula means “red”, while bato means “rock”. The waterfall is characterized with its beautiful red rocks surrounding the entire waterfall. Among the two of the waterfalls in Valencia, the Pulangbato is easier to access. The municipality has developed the area. Hence, cottages and different swimming areas are available.
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
- Casaroro Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder hidden within a lush rainforest. To get there, visitors must undertake an adventurous trek through a dense jungle, which adds to the thrill of the journey. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of a 100-foot waterfall tumbling into a deep, emerald-green pool.
In conclusion, Negros Oriental is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, as well as beautiful natural landmarks that showcase its rich cultural heritage and storied past. These landmarks serves as important reminders of Negros Oriental’s colonial influence, tourism development, and the enduring culture that shapes it identity. Exploring these sites allows both locals and visitors to connect with the province’s roots and appreciate its deep cultural significance.