Negros Oriental

Land Area : 5,385.53 km2 (2,079.36 sq mi)

Population : 408,112
Capital : Dumaguete City
Component Cities : 6
Municipalities : 19
Barangays : 557

The island of Negros is approximately located in the middle of the archipelago, 500
miles south of Manila.

It lies along 9º 1′ to 11′ north and longitude 12º 34′ to 122º 24 east. It is the fourth
largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is located between the islands of Panay in
the west and Cebu in the east. It is bounded by the Visayan sea in the north, the Tañon
Strait in the east, the Sulu and Mindanao Seas in the south and Guimaras Strait in the
northwest.

Negros Oriental is located on the eastern side of the Negros Island in the Central
Visayas Region, occupying the southern lobe of the island of Negros.

While Negros Occidental belongs to Region VI (Western Visayas Region), Negros

Oriental is in Region VII (Central Visayas Region) grouped together with other
Cebuano-Speaking provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

TOURIST SPOT:

Apo Island
Location:
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.

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.
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.

Antulang Beach Resort

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.

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.

Twin Lakes: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delicacies
The eastern half of Negros Island has some specialties to offer, some of
which owes to sugar industry where lands used to be tilled. Here are
some treat you can take home from this province:

1. Sans Rival
The pride of Dumaguete, this pastry is
made basically of meringue
sandwiched with cream and butter and
showered with cashew nuts. Sliced
akin to loaves of bread, this light
dessert is perfect with coffee to satisfy
your buttery cravings. I took a slice
and at first bite, the cream seeps in to
your taste buds as it was served
chilled. I finished the slice in a minute
and felt like I want to ask for more.
However, I need to try the second
item.

2. Silvana
This sister of sans rival is a cookie
made also of meringue but filled with
butter and cream. It is chewier and best
eaten chilled, closer to ice cream
sandwich. Once you took a bite, you
won’t stop to take or eat a box of these.
I’ve tasted ones from Nueva Ecija and
guaranteed their milky goodness. Can’t
help to take more but I have to buy
other delicacies as well.

3. Budbod Kabog
This rolled millet rice cake from
Tanjay City is their specialty. Millet, a
kind of round grain is made into these
sticky cakes and a common staple for
breakfast in public markets in Negros.
There rice cakes are more expensive
than common glutinous rice varieties
but the texture is different. The taste
varies as it is not too sweet, perfect
with a slice of ripe mangoes and
chocolate drink for a fulfilling
breakfast.
4. Inato Pecho
Visayans have several ways of grilling
chicken like inasal and inato. Lately I
found out that Dumaguete is the
birthplace of famous Jo’s Chicken
Inato. This barbecue, grilled to a tender-
juicy crisp, is marinated in a special
sauce for its aromatic flavor, and served
with atchara or picked papaya. Their
single serving is big enough to make
you full. Couple with unlimited rice, I enjoyed every bite and left
nothing but little inedible chicken bones.

5. Barquiron

Barquiron is a fusion of two delicacies:

barquillos (wafer rolls) and polvoron
(powdered milk candy). Polvoron is
put in every wafer roll and packed. The
taste is light as sweetness of polvoron
overpowers the plain flavor if
barquillo. It is a perfert pasalubong for
people who enjoy these two-treats-in-
one package.

Puto Maya

in Dumaguete takes on a quite different

appearance from the famous smooth-
white puto commonly served in parts of Luzon
(narrowing on the greater Manila area). This
specialty treat in Negros Oriental appears to be a
chunk of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk.
Similar to Bod-bod, Puto Maya is also best
served with a sikwate, or hot chocolate, a perfect
balance to the delicacy’s slightly bland taste.

Puto Maya is also sold in the Painitan section of

the Dumaguete City Public Market.

Cansi or Kansi is a combination of famous Filipino

dishes, Bulalo and Sinigang. It is made of beef shank
and bone marrow boiled until gelatinous.
This beef soup originated from the Western Visayas Region. It is one of the signature dishes in
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Chicken Halang Halang is Negros Oriental delicacy that you

must try once in your life! This Visayan dish which is “super
spicy” is cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, papaya,
and hot pepper leaves.

KBL stands for Kadyos (pigeon beans), Baboy (Pork), and

Langka (Jackfruit). This combination of unique ingredients
serves as comfort food during rainy days and normal busy
days in the province!

Napoleones

This unique pastry from Negros is a temptation! These custard

creams are sandwiched between layers of buttery, flaky crust,
and topped with a white sugar glaze. It’s a perfect take-home
surprise for your loved ones!

Festivals

Sinulog sa Jimalalud
The Festival year kicks off with the Sinulog sa Jimalalud, also widely known
as Hambabalud Festival celebrated on 13th of January to honor Santo Niño with
rhythmic dancing and Samba drums in the streets of the municipality.
 Tawo Tawo Festival of Bayawan City
Bayawan City is very well known for their Tawo-Tawo Festival, also known as
scarecrow festival. The people of Bayawan hold this annual colorful celebration on
the 18th of February.
 Kapaw Festival of Basay
In honor and celebration of the abundant harvest the Kapaw Festival was created. This festival
is celebrated during the surrounding days of March 16 in the municipality of Basay at the border
to Negros Occidental.
 Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon
The Pasayaw Festival is usually celebrated on the days before or after the 18th of March. The
whole city of Canlaon expresses their joy, jubilation and thanksgiving to the almighty creator
for a boastful harvest.

Langub Festival in Mabinay

The Langub Festival is usually celebrated in the Poblacion of Mabinay every 24th of
January. This cave-inspired festival showcases the importance of the caves and
religious believes of Mabinay.

Sandurot Festival

P
Pakol Festival
Inagta Festival

Buglasan Festival