Note: As a precautionary measure in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to check with the authorities the updated travel requirements and possible restrictions that might affect your travel plan. Contact Negros Tourism office at [email protected] or at (034) 433 2515 to know the latest update.
Remember to always follow the health and safety protocols imposed from your travel origin to your destination. I wish you a safe trip ahead!
Summary: This blog shares 25 of the best places to visit in Negros Island. All needed details for each top attraction are laid out in the post including operating hours, entrance fee, location and information on how to get there.
NEGROS ISLAND AT A GLANCE
The island of Negros is a unified region in the Visayas divided only by language and a central mountain range. The west part is Negros Occidental with Bacolod city as its capital and Ilonggo as its main language; while the east lies Negros Oriental with Dumaguete as its first city and Cebuano as the dominant language. The convergence of these two provinces makes for the right fit of a top tourist destination.
Negros island encompasses a multitude of attractions and never goes short of sweet delights from the culinary scene of Bacolod, the ancestral houses of Silay, the coastal resort of Cadiz, the waterfronts of Sipalay to the waterfalls of Valencia, the marine reserves of Dauin and Danjugan island, and the heritage sites of Dumaguete.
To make a run down of its boundless lineup of attractions calls for a bold move, but to at least kick off our nomadic pursuits, here are top 25 tourist destinations that you can cover for a week-long itinerary in the island of Negros. Keep reading and enjoy! 😉
Click here for Negros DIY Budget Travel Guide.
TOP 25 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NEGROS ISLAND
Apo Island Marine Reserve of Dauin
A modest work of nature and human geniality that is APO ISLAND lies 30 minutes off the coast of Malatapay in Dauin, Negros Oriental, less than an hour away from Dumaguete city. It stretches for about 72 hectares terrestrial area and 619 hectares marine area. What draws most tourists are the soft coral gardens that are well-orchestrated from the shallow waters of the island down to the steeps of its ridges; and the turtles that are exceedingly just about everywhere because of the abundance of algae and seagrass that make up for their food. These two create a brimming beauty of underwater scenery that launches Apo island as a premiere snorkeling and diving destination in the Philippines.
Rating: 3.5/5
Check out this link for Apo Island Budget Travel Guide.
Mt. Kanlaon
Mt. Kanlaon is the 3rd most active volcano in the Philippines located at the central-northern part of Negros island. There are two main entry points to the volcano: the easier and more common trail is the Guintubdan while the more demanding is the Wasay trail. Both are considerably a major climb that will last for 2 days.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Twin Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao in Sibulan
The twin lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao are tranquil and relaxing . Getting here from the junction in San Jose, Sibulan requires a long motorbike ride of steep, curvy yet scenic road up at the highlands for about 30 minutes. Entrance fee to the lake is P30 for locals, P100 for foreigners. From the entrance, you can hike through the outskirts of the mountain or paddle a boat through the vastness of Balinsasayao lake (the first lake from the entrance) for P250 per boat to the viewpoint section where both lakes meet.
Rating: 3.5/5
Sugar beach of Sipalay
Sugar beach is yet another long stretch of sand, but sugary brown in color that gives the right sweetness for those who love to find themselves in a quiet and secluded beach front.
The beach is located at barangay Nauhang, outside Sipalay city proper, and can be reached either by going on a boat ride for 20 minutes from Poblacion beach (fare is P300 per boat) or by chartering a tricycle (for P100) from the town to barangay Nauhang where you can find small boats that will take you to the beach in a minute (the entrance to the beach is only a sight away) for P10 per person. You will be met by a mix of low to mid-range resorts; some would offer a snorkeling and scuba diving activity like Takatuka and Driftwood village resorts which is a must-do while here because of the strong sense of marine life and underwater attractions at the off coast of the beach. Sugar beach also faces the west and is suitable for a sunset experience. Give it a twist, hike up the hill and watch the sunset as it slowly dives deep down the horizon of a 360-degree Sugar beach view.
Rating: 3.5/5
Lakawon Island of Cadiz
At the coast of Cadiz, outside Bacolod city, is an imposing, banana-shaped island that brags of its sublime, white sands that extend to 13 hectares – Lakawon Island.
Book for an overnight stay (by room, hut, cottage or canopy tent) and jam at the evening party or enjoy a good drink on its floating bar (the bar operates until 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays, until 8:00 p.m. Fridays to Sundays). To get there, make way to the Ceres North terminal in Bacolod. Catch a bus that goes to Burgos public market for P250. Transfer on a tricycle going to the port for P120, travel time is 15 minutes. Book for a boat to the island and pay all fees for P270 . For day use guests, last trip back to mainland is 5:00 p.m. Travel time is 30 minutes. Contact them at +63 917 555 6979, +63 939 969 7574 or visit Lakawon Island website.
Note: Food items here can become pricey so bring your own food. Corkage fee is P50. Also, customer service and amenities in the resort sometimes require extra patience. Pack a load of it. 😉
Rating: 3/5
Casaroro Falls of Valencia
You are looking at one of the sought after gems in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Casaroro falls is nature’s finest. To get here from Dumaguete city, take a jeepney at the downtown area and drop off at Valencia town proper. There are regulated tourism tricycle drivers that will offer a tour to the falls for P200. At the jump off point to the falls, you will hurdle through steep, long staircase and go over rocks and boulders before finally able to view a scenic waterfall with its majestic cascade.
Rating: 3/5
Perth Paradise of Sipalay
Arguably, the one to blame for the influx of tourists in Sipalay. Not that it’s meant in a bad way, but Perth Paradise resort is a magnet for a fascinating view of an infinite azure that stretches from the water of its pool to the horizon of its seas where awaits an iconic sight of dotted, limestone hills. The resort is a 15-minute ride from the town proper. Entrance fee is P80, with a separate fee for use of pool for P100. Cottage is P500 and kayaking activity per person is P250. Contact them at +63 946 059 0076.
Rating: 3/5
Tinagong Dagat of Sipalay
Tinagong Dagat resort is on the same level when it comes to offering a fabulous view of the green mounds which Sipalay is known for. Yet, unlike Perth Paradise, Tinagong Dagat is cheaper with only P30 as entrance fee. The resort is hidden, by which it gets the name “Tinagong” Dagat resort, but is easily accessible from the main road of sitio Latasay, the same area where Perth Paradise is situated. The resort is composed of clustered islets that are connected by wooden footbridges. The first islet connected to the mainland offers a full view of the surrounding resort when you climb up to its top. Contact them at +63 920 902 2300, +63 917 304 1748.
Rating: 3/5
Pulangbato Falls of Valencia
The rustic stones that surround the catch basin of Pulangbato falls make for an astounding view from the dine area of the resort. Entrance is P50. To get there from Dumaguete city, take a jeepney at the downtown area and drop off at Valencia town proper. There are regulated tourism tricycle drivers that will offer a tour to the falls for P200.
Rating: 3/5
Manjuyod Sandbar of Bais
Manjuyod at its gloomy disposition. Visit the sandbar on a low tide during new moon between the months of April to October to get a glimpse of its full beauty. To get there, take a bus bound for Bais at Dumaguete city near Robinsons mall. Drop off at Jollibee beside a gymnasium and take a tricycle that goes to a small port where outrigger boats that go to the sandbar await for guests.
Rating: 3/5
The Ruins (Mansion) of Bacolod City
The then-mansion-turned-to-ruins was built by a sugar baron for his Portuguese wife on her death. The place is considerably one of the most famous heritage landmarks in the country and is a premier destination for events in Bacolod. The Ruins welcomes visitors from 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. daily. Entrance fee is P100. The best time to visit is in the evening when the entire structure is lit up. After enjoying the Ruins, roam around the 400-hectare mansion and find yourself a comfortable seat at its park.
To get there by public transport, take a jeepney en route to Bata from the downtown area. Drop off at the tricycle terminal near a Pepsi factory. There is a sign showing the way to the Ruins. If you haven’t spotted the sign, ask any motorcycle driver in the area for directions. Some drivers would offer to take you to the ruins but the better way is to charter a tricycle which is only around the corner. Take note that there are no available transport from the Ruins back to the main road. It is best to ask the tricycle driver to wait. The round trip on a tricycle would set you back about P80-P100, depending on your negotiation with the driver.
Rating: 3/5
Poblacion Beach of Sipalay
A public beach that has been a major come on to the wanderlust for its long stretch of ivory sand which makes for an excellent site for camping. Pitch your tent here for free while watching the fascinating sunset. Beside the beach is Sipalay Food park where there is a lineup of affordable grill and restaurant. Visit the food park at sunset for dinner and taste some of the city’s delicacy as you catch the sun going down.
Rating: 3/5
Punta Ballo Beach of Sipalay
Punta Ballo beach is frequented by tourists not only for its kilometer strip of white sand and cool blue waters but also with its first class diving resorts that assemble as backdrop to its fine shores. Some of these diving resorts are Artistic Diving, Easy Diving, and Nataasan beach resorts. The beach is another spot to grace the sunset. While going to its waters, be wary of the sea urchins that seem to form like gardens in the little holes of its seafloor.
Rating: 3/5
C View Haven Resort of Sipalay
C View Haven is the newest addition to the resorts that share the view of clustered islets at the waterfront of Sipalay. It is nearby Tinagong Dagat but closer to Perth Paradise. The resort also offers a swimming pool that makes for a fair vantage point for sunset viewing. Use of pool is P100 for adults, P50 for kids (free use for checked-in guests). Contact them at +63 923 612 1555, +63 923 460 6977.
Rating: 3/5
Julien’s Wreck of Sipalay
Sipalay is easily a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. What makes it a standout is its underwater attractions that are only few minutes away from mainland. Julien’s wreck is one, which can be explored even by snorkeling or free diving since the tip of the shipwreck is only a few feet away from sea level during low tide. If you are at Sugar beach (the nearest beach to the shipwreck), arrange your snorkeling experience with Scuba Planet for a fair and affordable underwater experience. Contact them at +63 908 128 6766.
Rating: 3/5
Campuestohan Highland of Bacolod City
A sweet escape from the busy streets of Bacolod, Campuestohan is a rural theme park that sits on a 5-hectare highland overlooking mountains. It features a lineup of Native American-inspired tepees that can accommodate 6 people. The resort has a garden, restaurant, outdoor pool, a kid’s play area, ice cream shop, and cafe. Activities available here are zipline and cable hamster wheel among others. Contact them at +63 915 211 1406; +63 917 300 5007 or visit their website for more details.
There are two options to get there: 1) By its shuttle service which stations at Caltex Circumferential road in front of McDonalds or at i-Mart convenience store. Trip goes in an hourly basis from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Last trip from the resort to the city is at 5:00 p.m. One way fare is P50. 2) By public transport, ride a jeepney to Burgos Market. Fare is P8. At the market, ride another jeepney that goes to Alagilan terminal. Fare is P20. At the terminal, charter a tricycle to Campuestohan. Round trip is P400.
Rating: 3/5
Mambukal of Murcia
Originally constructed by a Japanese, the now government-owned Mambukal resort sources out its natural spectacle from a big mountain stream that descends through a series of seven waterfalls. Adding up to it are the hot sulfur springs and warm dipping pools dotted around its sloping landscape that make for a perfect bathing place. Everything here ties up with nature.
You can come here for a day use or stay overnight on its accommodation facilities from cottages, villas, rooms, dormitories and camp sites. Entrance fee is P30 for adult, P20 for kids. Contact them at (034) 473-0610 or visit their website for inquiries and reservation.
The resort is located in Minoyan, Murcia, outside Bacolod city. To get there, go by jeepney to Libertad market in Bacolod and take a bus that goes directly to the resort. To get back to the city, take a jeepney or bus outside the resort. Fare is P35.
Rating: 3/5
Forest Camp of Valencia
Forest Camp nature resort in Valencia, Negros Oriental is 2.5 hectares in capacity and features swimming pools, a campground, a valley, indigenous forest trees, a zipline and a wall climb activity. Entrance fee is P100 during weekdays (P80 for kids) and P120 during weekends (P100 for kids).
The resort is 25 minutes away from Pulangbato falls. To get there from Dumaguete city, take a jeepney at the downtown area and drop off at Valencia town proper. There are regulated tourism tricycle drivers that will offer a tour to the resort for P200.
Rating: 3/5
Manokan (Chicken) Country of Bacolod City
Lies few meters away from SM Bacolod is Manokan country, a food market composed of stalls serving Bacolod’s front runner in the culinary scene: chicken inasal (or roasted chicken). The top choice among these stalls is Aida’s Restaurant which is usually occupied with a jam-packed of visitors, both locals and tourists.
Rating: 3/5
Tierra Alta of Valencia
Tierra Alta residential resort is a premiere events destination in Negros Oriental. It offers an overlooking sight of the highlands of Dumaguete. Visit here near sundown and catch the place all aglow. Contact them at (035) 536 0096.
To get there, catch a jeepney with a Valencia sign near the public market in Dumaguete city proper; fare is P10. Tell the driver to drop off at the junction to Tierra Alta. At your drop off, take a motorcycle-for-hire to the clubhouse for P30.
Rating: 3/5
Red Rock Hot Spring of Valencia
Enjoy a warm bath in this small resort of Red Rock Hot Spring in Valencia, Negros Oriental. The place is few meters before reaching Pulangbato falls resort. Entrance fee is P30.
To get there from Dumaguete city, take a jeepney at the downtown area and drop off at Valencia town proper. There are regulated tourism tricycle drivers that will offer a tour to the resort and Pulangbato falls for P200.
Rating: 2.5/5
Silliman University of Dumaguete City
The oldest American University in Asia, Silliman University is a private research university in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental which was established in 1901. It has its own Anthropology museum at Hibbard Hall which exhibits some artifacts that date back as early as 500-200 B.C. Entrance fee is P100. Operating hours is from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
The university is located at Rizal boulevard. To get there, at the promenade walk to its left side until you spot Moon Cafe, go to its intersection which will lead to the entrance near the Anthropology museum.
Rating: 2.5/5
Smokey Mountain of Valencia
On the way to Pulangbato falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental is a mountain with geothermal vents of sulfuric smoke. Check out this pure delight for free especially during rainy season when the vents produce more smoke than usual.
Rating: 2.5/5
The Negros Museum of Bacolod City
A 1925-constructed museum which lays out an interesting display of artifacts and various artworks that illustrate the defining past of the province, the Negros Museum is located beside the Hall of Justice, 3 minutes away from the Provincial Capitol. General admission is P100, senior citizen is P80, and students is P70. Operating hours is from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
Rating: 2/5
Campanario de Dumaguete of Dumaguete City
Campanario de Dumaguete was built in 1811 and its belfry tower has been recognized as the oldest in Visayas. It is positioned beside the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria along Perdices street in front of Rizal Park.
To get there from Silliman University, walk the Hibbard avenue outside the entrance of the museum to its right. It will take 2 minutes past Robinson’s market to get to the belfry.
Rating: 2/5
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WHERE TO STAY IN NEGROS ISLAND
Here is a mix of average to budget accommodations from the three major cities of Negros.
Bacolod
- Mainstreet Pension HouseCheck rate and availability
- The Suites at Calle Nueva Check rate and availability
- Star Plus Pension House Check rate and availability
- Saltimboca Tourist Inn Check rate and availability
- Cityscape Residences Check rate and availability
- Hometown Hotel Check rate and availability
- Joaquin’s Place Check rate and availability
- Amaia Steps Capitol Central Check rate and availability
Dumaguete
- Hotel Essencia Check rate and availability here
- Hotel Nicanor Check rate and availability here
- Hotel Palwa Check rate and availability here
- White Knights Dumaguete Check rate and availability here
- Apartment Near Down Check rate and availability here
Sipalay
- C View Resort Check rate and availability here
- Big Bamboo beach resort Check rate and availability here
- Gabriella’s Guesthouse and Resrto Check rate and availability here
- Easy Diving Beach and Resort Check rate and availability here
USEFUL PHRASES
English is widely understood in Negros Island, but in case you want to speak the local tongue, here are phrases that proved to be useful.
English to Hiligaynon (main language used in Negros Occidental)
Good morning – Maayong aga
Good afternoon – Maayong hapon
Good evening – Maayong gab-i
Thank you – Salamat
Where is… – Diin ang…
How much – Pila
English to Cebuano (main language used in Negros Oriental)
Good morning – Maayong buntag
Good afternoon – Maayong hapon
Good evening – Maayong gabii
Thank you – Salamat
Where is… – Asa ang…
How much – Tagpila
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