ORIENTAL NEGROS DESTINATIONS
Oriental Negros is mostly about nature and people. Occupying a modest southeast fraction of Negros Island, its 5,402.30 square kilometers nonetheless constitute the largest land area of the Central Visayas provinces and provides 60% of Region VII's total forest cover.
Its coastline is a tropical fringe, in most places just a short walk up into green mountains.
Manjuyod Sand Bar
North of Dumaguete you can find the remarkable
Bais/Manjuyod Sandbar . There you can appear to walk on water. Emerging like a white oasis in the midst of blue, this strip of land provides a great spot for recreation.
But during high tide it disappears. If you plan to prolong your fun, you can stay overnight in one of several cottages on stilts that are found nearby. You can easily reach the area by boat.
Dive in Oriental Negros
One of the world’s premiere diving sites, you don't have to believe the travelogues. Visit the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago , USA , where you can see an underwater spectacle that mirrors the Apo Island Marine Reserve and Fish Sanctuary. Or you can come on over and see the real thing.
And then there are the scuba diving sites named Mamsa Point, Rock Point and Coconut Point. But the most spectacular site of all is the marine sanctuary on the southeast side of the island. Starting from the high-tide mark up to 500 meters offshore, this diver's paradise is a virtual palette of living colors.
Apo Island , which is part of the town of Dauin , is located some 25 km south of Dumaguete City , the provincial capital. From Dumaguete's Silliman Beach , you can go directly to Apo on a two-hour pumpboat ride. Or you can go down first to Dauin or the next town of Zamboanguita , and from there take a 30-45 minute trip to the island via motorized outrigger.
Indulge your taste for adventure. Come dive in Apo .(Remember, the best time to do it is between December and May. So what's in store for you at Apo ? For starters, there's the stretch of white sand beach on one side of the island. (There are resorts there with cottages.) Across the shore, standing like a sentinel, looms a gigantic rock formation—nature's own work of art, and an image that you may not easily forget. A very great place for snorkeling.
Ang Tay Golf and Country Club
Located at Rovira Road Bantayan, right beside St. Paul University , it's a good 10 minute ride from the heart of the city, and 5 minute ride from the Dumaguete – Sibulan airport.
A 21 hectar well maintained nine-hole golf course, it's ideal for golfers, young and old alike.
Playing the 18 holes (9 front, 9 back), one could experience the fulfillment of facing the beautiful challenge of the pars and eagles and boogies and more.
Their restaurant offers a variety of sumptuous food, with clean, fast and reliable service by our restaurant personnel. They also accept parties, birthdays, wedding reception for all occasions. The driving range is appropriate for practice and to harness your golf swings. With a cool and good variety of music, one can experience the friendly and relaxing atmosphere at their clubhouse.
An 18-hole Golf Course in the midst of a lush coconut plantation. Mountain ridges provide for the panoramic view from the Pamplona golf course. The broad landscape is dotted with refreshing verdant greens. Because the terrain is naturally hilly, the course is a demanding and challenging feat even for seasoned golfers.
Pamplona golf and Country Club has a world class course that is used for provincial and national tournaments holding at least three tournaments in one year. The greens and fairs are very well cut and maintained, so with the rest of the grounds.
Dumaguete City Bravo Golf Hotel
Bravo Golf Hotel is the only hotel in Dumaguete City with its own private golf course. The nine-hole course is just outside Dumaguete City on a beautiful, naturally rolling terrain. From there you can get a clear view of Cebu, Siquijor and Sumilon islands, including the famous Tañon Strait.
The golf course has a par of 35 and rated by the NGAP at 68.8 with a slope of 119. It has a driving range, pro shop, men and ladies locker rooms, an Italian style restaurant and coffee shop. Golf sets may be rented by out of town visitors.
Canlaon Volcano
In Canlaon City , summer capital of Oriental Negros which is 165.7 kms. From Dumaguete City . Canlaon volcano stands 8,085 ft. above sea level. Its cool atmosphere gives a similar setting to Baguio in Luzon .
The park is the location of the island's only active volcano, which straddles Oriental Negros and Occidental. The park has several herds of wild Philippine spotted deer, and guides are available at Canlaon City
Mount Talinis
Dubbed “Cuernos de Negros” or Horns of Negros, this mountain can be reached through Valencia or Calungan, Bacong. It has five lakes in the vicinity. It is the object of mountain climbing enthusiasts. A group of 250 national mountaineering club members made a climb last April 1990. Its virgin forests, orchids and lakes is a beauty to behold. There is no peace and order problem here.
Estimated nine (9) kilometers west of poblacion, 1,800 meters above sea level, the highest peak of the Cuernos de Negros. Nature trails need experienced guides. Rich variety of flora and fauna including rare species of wildlife. Cascades and lakes.
At just under 2,000 meters, this towering peak makes up one crown of the famous Cuernos de Negros, the mountain range that provides the infamous backdrop to the city. To summit the peak, an overnight hike is necessary, and guides are available at the Island Life outdoor store in Dumaguete, or through the Valencia Municipal government.
Cayaso Cave and Underground River
Located 1 km. from the Poblacion Municipal Hall of Mabinay. Cayaso cave goes down 20 feet into a winding path of stone and behold, a gushing underground river of potable drinking water without a visible outlet. Stalagmites and stalactites in different chambers with stone that glitters. The length is 3 km. The width varies from 6 feet or wider.
Pandalihan and Panligawan Caves
Two of the 22 caves in Mabinay has intricate natural limestone formations and interesting sights. It is only a little distance from the main road, 15 kms. from the Mabinay Poblacion.
A team of 15 Dutch cave explorers found in Mabinay the longest cave in the Philippines, the Odloman Cave which is mainly for adventurous spelunkers or mountaineers.
Jose Rizal Boulevard
The “Boulevard” is Dumaguete's show window. It is the first delightful sight that greets you from across the sea, especially at nighttime when the place is ablaze
Silliman Hall
As you leave the port area and enter Rizal Boulevard, you will see a quaint-looking white and red building overlooking the sea. The building is Silliman Hall, the oldest building in the Silliman University campus. It was built in 1903 out of materials from an old theater in New York. Today, this relic from a bygone era houses the Silliman Anthropology Museum.
Dumaguete Cathedral And Bell Tower
At the heart of the city you will find two landmarks that not only highlight the traditional piety of the local populace but also remind you of the city’s Spanish heritage. One is the Dumaguete cathedral, the oldest stone church in the province. The other is the bell tower or belfry, at the foot of which the pious light candles. According to tradition, the bell tower (built in 1811) had served as a lookout, warning the populace of approaching pirates. Now it only serves to call the faithful to prayer.
Aquino Freedom Park
Fronting the Capitol, the Benigno Aquino Freedom Park is a sprawling park with landscaped gardens and fountains. It is the site of the annual provincial festival of festivals called
Buglasan. During this period in October, you will see the park transformed into what looks like a village—towns and cities put up their booths, and restaurants set up shop with outdoor tents.
S.U. Marine Laboratory
For an educational tour, the Silliman University Marine Laboratory is a must-see. The lab is located in a quiet seaside campus just a few kilometers north of the city ’s business district. Here you can find not only giant clams and tropical fish being grown, but also crocodiles and the bones of whales and other marine mammals.
S.U. Center For Tropical Studies (Centrop)
Tucked away in a wooded and quiet nook in the city is Silliman University ’s Centrop. This biodiversity research and breeding center is a refuge for several endangered species of animal wildlife found in Negros and Panay Islands. These include the spotted deer, wild pigs, pythons, bats, and rare birds. If you’re a lover of nature, definitely include this place in your itinerary.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Bais City, by the way, has built a reputation as the place to go for
dolphin and whale watching . That is because Bais Bay is part of Tañon Strait, the sea that links Negros and Cebu islands. The strait is home to cetaceans (i.e. marine mammals), particularly several species of dolphins and the occasional whale. Dolphin watching tours can be arranged with the Bais City Government.
Casaroro Falls
One of the few great looking and very popular waterfalls here in Orienta Negros. Casaroro is a tall waterfall, one the three waterfalls in Kampesa, amide lush virgin forest, is a favorite for young and old climbers. It has a bamboo hanging bridge and rock galore .
Twin Lakes Balinsasayaw and Danao
A trekking area for the adventurous, Orienta Negros. watershed with trees, giant ferns and lush greenery has scenic areas, then unfolds the astoundingly serene lakes with its fish stocks. Ideal for boating or enjoying the view.
Pulangbato Falls
A large cascade of seemingly reddish water from the main Pulangbato Falls in Pulangtubig , Valencia , finds its way into some unique shaped falls all the way down the mountain. Divers from the top of the falls into the water basin is a common occurrence.
Lake Balanan
In the center of mountains this placid lake as though located in the center of a cauldron fish abound and crossing by banca is a pleasant experience.
Lakes Yagumyum and Nailig in Mt. Talinis
A half day trek up Mt. Talinis in Valencia brings you to either one of the mirror clear lakes in the Mt. Talinis area where you may camp, swim or catch carp, tilapia and other fish in the lake surrounded by trees.