Negros Oriental is endowed with outstanding tourist spots making it one of the best destinations in Visayas, Philippines. Tourist spots in the province includes internationally known dive sites, sandbars, lakes, mountains and caves. It is one of the two provinces located in Negros Island in Visayas where it faces the nearby islands of Cebu to the east and Siquijor to the southeast.
Dumaguete is the capital city of the province, better book your hotel in this city. Large percentage of the population speaks Cebuano but most of them can also speak in Hiligaynon, Tagalog and English Languages. So if you are looking forward to visit the province this year, check out these beautiful tourist spots in Negros Oriental.
10 Best Tourist Spots in Negros Oriental
1. Apo Island
Apo Island by wingmarc on Flickr
Apo Island is one of the best tourist spots in Negros Oriental, known being the best diving and snorkeling destination in the province. It is a marine sanctuary, a home of around 650+ species of fish and 400+ types of corals. It is composed of coral beaches with crystal clear waters and just few meters away from the shore, sea turtles can be sighted and this what makes Apo Island a great snorkeling destination. To explore more, go diving to see spectacular marine lifeforms underwater on a deep sea level. Amazing rock formations can also be observed in the island.
Apo Island is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental. Just a 30-minute boat ride from the port of Zamboanguita.
2. Manjuyod Sandbar
Manjuyod Sandbar | Photo by cheeslyxx
Manjuyod Sandbar is another beautiful place to visit in Negros Oriental, a long and wide stretch of sandbar that completely disappears on high tide. Manjuyod Sandbar is a perfect destination for families or group of friends and but also a romantic place for couples. During low tide, one can witness the vast expanse of beautiful sandbar where star fish and seashells show up and then, it will be transformed into a wide crystal clear waters on high tide, a very alluring unspoiled beach. There are around 5 cottages on the sandbar that seems like floating cottages during high tide. Manjuyod sandbar is being dubbed as the “Maldives of the Philippines“.
Manjuyod Sandbar is just a 15-minute boat ride from the Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bais Bay, Bais City, Negros Oriental.
3. Dolphin and Whale Watching in Bais
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Bais by FLIP BARDINAS
When you visit Manjuyod Sandbar, it is highly recommended to include Dolphin and Whale Watching in Bais, one of the most popular tourist spots in Negros Oriental. Your guide will take you to Tañon Strait, a protected marine sanctuary where you can witness pods of dolphins swimming up close. There are many species of dolphins swimming in Tañon Strait like the spinner, spotted, striped and bottlenose dolphins. Whales that emerge from the deep can also be spotted like the melon headed whales, short finned pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, pygmy killer whales and dwarf sperm whales.
Tañon Straight located in Bais City, Negros Oriental.
4. Antulang Beach Resort
Antulang Beach Resort | Photo by Tabitha Fernan
Suspended on top of sheer cliffs, Antulang Beach Resort is the best place for those who wants to relax and enjoy the company with friends and families. If you planning to go here alone with all the super magical expectations running in your head, better stop it or you will be one of the persons who wrote bad reviews on TripAdvisor and mostly said that this place is boring. The resort has wide swimming pools/infinity pools and premium rooms positioned near the cliff’s edge that gives guest very spectacular view of the beach.
There is a staircase for anyone interested going and swimming in the wide sand beach where huge rock formations can also be found. Other things to do here includes snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding and rappelling. A cruise to nearby famous Apo Island and Tambobo Bay can also be arranged in the resort.
Antulang Beach Resort is located in Siaton, Negros Oriental, 40 kilometers away from Dumaguete City.
5. Lake Balanan
Lake Balanan by Carlo Marco Simpao on Flickr
Lake Balanan is one of the beautiful tourist spots in Negros Oriental tucked in the forested mountains of the province. This a perfect place for nature lovers or couples where the magnificent view of the lake, mountains and forests surely captures the heart. It is a freshwater lake fed by three tributaries (Lamarao, Balanan and Nasig-id Creeks) surrounded with mountain ranges being clad by lush vegetation.
The lake covers a total surface area of 24 hectares with an elevation of 285 meters above sea level making a cool and refreshing atmosphere. History has it that the lakes was formed on 1925 by a 6.8 magnitude tectonic earthquake that made the falling rocks and soil from mountain ranges dammed the Balanan River, thus Lake Balanan existed. Some amenities in the lake includes swimming pools, a restaurant, a treehouse, rooms and cottages.
The best thing to do here are kayaking and boating. A romantic walk with your partner around the lake following the trail is a recommended thing to do. Unfortunately, signs are everywhere saying that swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.
Lake Balanan is located in Siaton, Negros Oriental.
6. Twin Lakes: Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao
Lake Balinsasayao by christopher lepaopao on Flickr
Lake Danao by Ace Reston on Flickr
Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao are two of the major tourist destinations in Negros Oriental, both are crater lakes separated by a narrow mountain ridge. The lakes rises 1,000 feet above sea level and have a maximum depth of 90 feet. They are part of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park covering a total area of 8,000+ hectares.
Even though there are many people who visit here, the lakes are still well-preserved. Lake Balinsasayao is more accessible than Lake Danao so interested tourists take Lake Balinsasayao route first. Few kilometers up the mountain from the registration area, one can find a viewing deck that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the entire lake. Again, this is a perfect place for nature lovers. The best things to do here are swimming, trekking, day camping and paddle boating. Explore Lake Balinsasayao or visit its twin lake, Lake Danao, using a paddle boat.
Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao lies within the municipalities of Valencia, Sibulan and San Jose, Negros Oriental.
7. Mount Talinis
Mount Talinis by Deo Dax Cordova on Flickr
Mount Talinis is one of the known tourist spots in Negros Oriental which is a favorite destination among mountain climbers in the province and in the nearby islands. It is standing 1,903 meters above sea level that makes it the second highest mountain in the province. It is also called by the name Cuerno de Negros because the peaks look like horns. A popular route in climbing the mountain is a traverse from Barangay Bendiao, Daun to Barangay Apolong, Valencia City. The average duration of the climb is 2-3 days where one can see lakes, lagoon and waterfalls along the journey.
Mount Talinis is situated in Dauin and Valencia City, Negros Oriental.
8. Mount Kanlaon
Mount Kanlaon | Photo by Maximus Jovi
Mount Kanlaon is the highest active stratovolcano in Negros Oriental, and on the entire Negros Island with an elevation of 2,465 meters above sea level. It is one of the best destination among experienced mountain climbers but climbing this mountain is no joke, a mere fact that it is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines adds up the danger involved. Daring ones will surely be thrilled in climbing and reaching the peak where the active crater can be found. Mount Kanlaon is dotted with craters and hotsprings. Following the Wasay trail, the most popular trail, the climb would normally takes 2 days before reaching the peak.
Mount Kanlaon is located in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
9. Mabinay Caves
Mabinay Caves | Photo by Negros Tourism FB Page
Mabinay Caves are included in the list most visited tourist spots in Negros Oriental, a famous spelunking or caving destination in the province. Dubbed as the “Cave Town of Negros Oriental“, the locals in the municipality of Mabinay claimed that there are more than 400 caves spread all over the area. Among the hundreds of caves, there are only few one’s with easy access, the remaining are still unexplored and takes advance mountaineering skills to reach. If you love spelunking, visit these popular caves:
- Crystal Cave – numerous stalagmites and stalactites can be found. It is gives a beautiful view especially when light passes through, maybe that’s why they call it crystal cave.
- Pandalihan Cave – a huge hole on the ceiling makes a spectacular view when rays of the sun enters inside the cave.
- Panligawan Cave – a small but beautiful cave with skylight on the middle.
- Odloman Cave – the second biggest cave system in the Philippines.
Make sure to wear proper footware when spelunking at Mabinay Caves.
Mabinay Caves are located in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
10. Casaroro Falls
Casaroro Falls by oscarmachaconjr on Flickr
Casaroro Falls is a majestic natural tourist destination in Negros Oriental tucked in the mountains of the province. A 300 descending steps from the entrance will bring you to a paradise where one can find a wonderful narrow waterfalls plunges around 100 feet high being surrounded by huge walls of rocks. Go near the waterfalls where a deep cold basin can be found and rest into its huge boulders or dip into the waters.
Casaroro Falls is located in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
