If you are a person who loves to experience nature and still be at the comfort of the city, then make sure to add Negros Oriental to your list.
I initially went to Dumaguete from Cebu with my motorbike. But went back with friends and explored other places in the southern part of Negros. Totally worth the travel without breaking the bank! From mountains, waterfalls, lakes to beaches rich in marine life. Enjoy range of activities from hiking, lakes and waterfalls hopping, diving and simply just chilling out. For those night owls, nightlife and foods also accessible in their city center Dumaguete bay. (By the month I went, there was curfew at 10PM. So make sure to check for updates). Below is a list of the places I went to, could be your guide when in Negros Oriental.
- Dumaguete – It is known as the “City of Gentle People” and it indeed is! It is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental. If you are from Cebu like me, you can go to Dumaguete by going to either Bato port in Oslob or Liloan port in Santander. Then, it is a 15-25 mins boat ride (RoRo) from Cebu to either Tampi or Sibulan, respectively. From the port, jeepneys are at bay and the fare going to Dumaguete was 15php, if it has not changed. There are motor taxis and trikes, but I preferred the jeep since it is the cheapest and it’s just near anyway.
- Flying Fish Hostel – the place I stayed at and it’s perfect for solo and group travelers alike. I stayed in a dorm-type room and it costs 600/night by the time I went. You can always visit their Fb page to check for the latest updates.
- Rizal Boulevard – A strip of bars, restaurants and cafes are located here. I casually walked around on my first night here and grabbed a coffee at their instagram-worthy Starbucks at Dakong Balay, with a unique architectural design among other branches I always visit in Cebu City.
- Breakfast at The Henry’s – If you wish to indulge yourself with a hearty breakfast at a cozy place, then pay this place a visit. I ordered the breakfast special and you get to choose your combination of protein + 2 eggs (how you want it done) + carbs + drink.
- For Italian food cravings, visit Pasta King – I ordered their Chicken Marinara Pasta, and I honestly think it is not that good, but totally not bad as well. I ordered Iced Americano and they added sugar without asking, but they were kind enough to replace it. So, definitely not the place for coffee.
- Valencia
- Sulfur Mountain/ Hanging Bridge – On the way to the famous spots in Valencia, you can pass by the Sulfur Mountain which is deemed to be an instagrammable spot for every tourist, when in Negros Oriental. A little further is also another picture-worthy spot, Hanging Bridge.
- Casaroro Falls – By far, the most enchanting waterfalls I have ever visited. From the starting point, there is a 15-20 mins trek to the waterfalls. Brace yourself for steep stairs on the first few mins, but the view and the feels the waterfalls give you is truly out of this world wonderful.
- Japanese Shrine – This place has not been very famous to tourists, but I would say, it is also worth visiting. The shrine symbolizes the ceasefire of war between the Filipinos and the Japanese. I lost my video of this place, but there was a long white column and within its parameter is the list of the fallen people during the war. The drive going here is non-stop uphill, so prepare your engines and check your brakes. Also, PLEASE DO NOT follow the google map that leads you from here to Casaroro Falls if you are on a motorbike or on any kind of vehicle, dare I say. I did and it was helluva ride! The road is not a road at all, it’s big rocks here and there and I pity the motorbike I rode on. The “shortcut” in the maps, is actually a very long cut, when trying to maneuver on the very bumpy way filled with pebbles and rocks of sorts, plus the mud if it had recently rained.
- Forest Camp – This place is a perfect getaway for barkadas and families alike. The place is the taste of nature beautifully harnessed by humans to give you the relaxation you ever needed. There are cold springs and hot springs inside. There is also the famous hot “Kawa” bath and the place offers food. There was an entrance fee of 350 php/ per person and it was consumable. So my friends and I ate here but just note that their serving time was over an hour (it was weekend), and that is not even an overstatement. So, not the best place if you already are hungry.
- Pulangbato Falls – I have visited this place wayback 2018 and it has not changed a bit. My friends and I actually just went inside to take photos as there lots of people during the time. As the name suggests, “Pulangbato” literally means “red rock”. As seen in the picture below, the rocks are red due to the sulfur content of the water. Thus, make sure you are wearing clothes that you don’t mind having stained.
- I also went to Red Rock Hot Springs wayback 2018, which is a hot spring just along the way going to Pulangbato Falls. However, my friends and I decided not to enjoy the place since it is just a small spring and a lot of people were in the place already. In fact, I touched the water with my foot, and surprised how it was not hot at all. As far as I can remember the last time I went, the spring was so calmingly hot to the nerves.
- Sibulan
- Twin Lake/ Lake Balinsasayo – A breathtaking place surrounding Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao. The drive going here seemed like 2 meters away from heaven. A long steep narrow and slippery road for almost an hour from the highway, passable by both motorbikes and 4-wheel vehicles. Just make sure to be extra careful and check your engines ahead to prevent overheating. Though a challenging ride, the view is just astonishing. There is an entrance fee of 50 php/pax. The viewpoint has a cafeteria where local food and snacks are served. If you just wish to get mesmerized by the view of the lake, you can just simply stay here and do so. But, if you want to experience boating in the lake itself, this is also possible. At 300 php/hr good for 4 pax, you can enjoy navigating through the waters of the lake and contemplate at the things so much bigger than us – nature. The boat is operated manually and the guide is kind enough to allow me to “help” him row the boat. Then, we are headed to the entry point of a waterfall situated at the perimeters of the lake.
- Olayan Falls – My friends and I took side trip to this waterfalls from the lake. It is about 10-15 mins trek from the entry point to the waterfalls. It seemed barely touched by humans, and it is not a very big waterfall. Very tranquil and there were no other tourists around here. I suppose it is a hard to reach waterfall, if I’m not mistaken, there was no other way to reach it but through the lake. My friends and I stayed and enjoyed its cold waters for a few minutes and went back to the boat.
- Zamboanguita/Siaton
- Kookoo’s nest – Approximately 2-3 hours from Dumaguete, lies Kookoo’s nest for sunset and decent shore dive. By far, the most beautiful sunset I have witnessed around Negros Oriental. It is also perfect for people who loves snorkeling and diving but don’t want to ride a boat to do so. From the shore, it’s about 30-meter swim to see beautiful marine life. Sadly, it was jellyfish season when my friends and I went here, making us return to the shore right away. The beaches in Negros Oriental have mostly black/brown sand, so for those looking for white-sand beach, this is the place for you. Take note that from the parking area, you need to go down around 200 steps to reach their restaurant and beach. So, take everything you need when you come down, save your knees. They ask for 300php/pax entrance fee which is consumable for foods and drinks from their restaurant and they are very strict with their policy on “No bringing of outside foods and drinks”. Don’t try it, their staff will surely follow you around and keep an eye on you constantly if you do. Food they serve is decent, though not the best but I guess you get value for your money. They have life jacket, snorkel and kayak rentals as well.
- Dauin – 30 mins drive away from Dumaguete, is the beautiful black sand public beach in Dauin. No entrance fee, but there are tables for rent by the locals priced about 150-300 per table. And 20 php if you wish to use their shower. The beach also does not disappoint if you wish to see corals and fishes of sort. Bonus is the turtles swimming around with the fishes.
- Bacong
- Bacong port dive – A town before reaching Dauin, you can drop by and dive in the famous Bacong port. It is an abandoned port and its columns have corals growing all over, making it a perfect instagrammable photo background to your awra underwater shots. Google mapped the area and asked some locals around to reach the place. No entrance fee, you can freely dive with caution. Always dive with a buddy!
- Siaton
- Balanan Lake – The road going to the lake is by far, the second most difficult I have ever driven to. (Most difficult is still that “shortcut” road from Japanese Shrine to Casaroro Falls). Approximately 60 kilometers away from Dumaguete. It was raining when I went here and was soaking wet, plus the slippery roads full of pebbles covered in mud. Road consists of paved, then unpaved, paved then unpaved. It’s as if though it’s an endless loop and the lake seemed impossible to reach. But upon arriving, it truly was a bliss and a hard work paid off! Although similar with Twin Lake, Balanan Lake gives a different vibe. The subtle noise of the rain hitting the Nipa Palm Roof of the viewing point, the cold breeze of air that causes every breath to fog up, the harmony of the birds’ chirps and the leaves swaying and the warmth of the staff’s welcome, are just few of the words to describe how the place makes you feel. But, some feels are just beyond words to describe, and I must say it is better experienced.
I spent mostly a week here in Negros Oriental, but if you don’t have that luxury of time, the place can be explored in 3 days and you will be able to see lots of places already since they are not that far from each other. Best explored with motorbike to save much on fares and time for traveling.
Please also watch on my youtube channel: Exploring Negros Oriental, Philippines (Feb 2022)
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‘Til my next excursion!
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