Negros Oriental Tourist Attractions and Activities

Historical Sites

Baldwin Locomotive (Bais City)
Rests on memories of its heyday as dean of the hacienda workhorses. Central Azucarera de Bais was established in 1918 as the first sugar mill of Tabacalera in the Philippines.

Spanish Fortress (Ayungon)
Remains of a Spanish fortification on the shoreline of Tampocon II.

Central Azucarera de Bais (Bais City)
Established in 1918 by the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas SA, or Tabacalera, as its first sugar mill in the Philippines. CAB stimulated the growth of Negros Oriental’s sugar industry. In 1941, the Compania Cellulosa de Filipinas set up in CAB the first integrated pulp and paper factory in the world using the bagasse as raw and primary material in the manufacture of paper.

Balatong Point (Basay)
Also called Punta Tambungon by the locals, with rocks and large corals used as navigation landmarks. The biggest shipment of WWII ammunition for the Negros guerilla movement is said to have been unloaded here, now the favored dive site of many scuba enthusiasts.

Silliman University (Dumaguete City)
Comprising 35 hectares adjacent to downtown Dumaguete; declared a bird sanctuary; noted for its olden trees, cottage residences, and major buildings such as Guy Hall, Channon Hall, Oriental and Occidental Halls, which the Japanese occupation forces used for administrative and penal activities.

Looc Memorial Shrine (Sibulan)
Marks the site of the first WWII encounter in Negros Oriental, on October 11, 1942, when independent partisan guerilla groups joined forces.

Fil-Am-Jap Amity Shrine (Valencia)
A 3-sided pillar soars above a viewing deck on the Sagbang hilltop where Filipino, American, and Japanese soldiers clashed in a fierce encounter during WWII in Negros Oriental. Unveiled on April 2, 1977 by veterans and descendants of the war casualties, the shrine overlooks the panoramic sprawl of Dumaguete City, Sibulan and Bacong towns, and the neighboring islands of Cebu and Siquijor.

Spanish Fountain (Valencia)
Devised by an Augustinian friar to spout water channeled from a highland spring, the fountain is now the centerpiece of the sunken Valencia Municipal Plaza.

Cata-al War Memorabilia (Valencia)
Relics of the WWII encounter in Negros Oriental include Japanese and American materials and personal effects, preserved as part of the private collection of the Cata-al family in Valencia.

Cultural Heritage

Fleur-de-Lis Hall (Dumaguete City)
Housed at St, Paul College, it is noted for its lavish theatrical productions. The multi-purpose hall provides more seating and a bigger stage for the school’s cultural presentations.

Luce Auditorium (Dumaguete City)
Silliman University’s modern cultural center is the fully airconditioned venue for local and international performing artists; also houses a ballet studio and a spacious lobby for exhibits.

Sidlakang Negros NOREA Showrooms (Dumaguete City)
The arts and crafts hub of Negros Oriental; two browse-around shops – the main showroom in the Sidlakang Negros Building at the Capitol Area and another at Products of Negros Oriental in Noblefranca St., downtown Dumaguete, both operated by the Negros Oriental Entrepreneurs Association (NOREA).

Mariyah Gallery (Dumaguete City)
Central venue of Negros Oriental’s visual artists; an extensive inventory of books of Filipino authors are also found at the gallery.

Sinco Memorabilia Museum (Dumaguete City)
Repository of works and personal effects of Vicente G. Sinco, a signatory of the UN Charter. Also houses an exhibit of objects d’art and crude implements of early Negrenses. Established in 1949 by Dr. Sinco as his masterwork, the museum is located in Foundation University.

Silliman University Ethno-Anthro Museum (Dumaguete City)
Exhibit of artifacts and archaeological finds dating some 2,000 years back; also showcases an ethnographic collection from the country’s tribal minorities.

Silliman University Library (Dumaguete City)
Largest collection of books and publications in the province, with ample space for regular art exhibits.

Natural Formations

Lag-it Beach (Bais City)
A magnificent 7-kilometer stretch of powder-white sand that disappears in the clear water at high tide, a unique adventure for swimmers.
White Sand Reef (Bais City). Its shoreline is a vast stretch of powder-white sand and sparkling azure waters; ideal for swimming and diving.

Camangyawon Beach (Basay)
Fine white sand beach bracketed by twin rivers that hug the island in Camangyawon, a municipal fish port complex located in the area.

Nagbo-alao Cave and Beach (Basay)
Fine pebbled beach line with prominent rock formations and coves just off the highway; reached by interesting foot paths.

Antulang Beach (Siaton)
Strip of white pebble beaches between Zamboanguita and Siaton; interesting rock formations on the beach; clear waters and underwater scenery ideal for snorkeling.

Talisay Beach Park (Bacong)
Popular public resort operated by the Bacong Municipal Government. Has a coconut grove and gardens, with cottages for picnic goers; three houses perched atop Talisay trees for longer-term accommodation. Usual take-off point for visits to nearby Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (NOAH) stone craft factory, sinamay weaving center, and the Bacong Church.

Tambobo Beach (Siaton)
Located along Bonbonon Bay, it is a good site for windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing; cottages amid the white pebbled beach, with a restaurant to serve beach enthusiasts.

Apo Island Beach Resort (Dauin)
Formerly known as Kan-Upe Cove Resort, this is an internationally acclaimed dive site with 8 regular and honeymoon cottages. The 12-hectare island has a hilly terrain and white-pebbled lagoon. The Balwarte Rocks and Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park, with its spectacular coral gardens and marvelous marine life, are consistent crowd drawers. Apo island is accessible by a 35-minute boat ride from Zamboaguita.

San Moritz Beach (Agan-Agan, Sibulan)
Swimming and beachcombing area with five naturally ventilated cottages for rent, with balcony and bathroom, under shady trees; game room available.

Mina’s Undersea World (Zamboanguita)
200 yards from the beach is a veritable marine garden for snorkeling and swimming. In this area are water tanks with white sea turtles and other marine creatures.

Banica Swimming Lagoon (Valencia)
Two river-fed swimming pools in a garden setting, with restrooms and a canteen. A favorite hangout of picnic goers due to its proximity to Dumaguete City.

Pasaka-an Spring (Mabinay)
A poblacion landmark spring-fed lake amid a forested area, ideal for picnics and bathing. The spring is the town’s main source of potable water.

San Isidro Hot Spring (Tanjay)
Hot spring bordered by mangroves, located in Barangay San Isidro.

Inyawan Enchanted Falls (Canlaon City)
Flows 100 feet off Inyawan River at the edge of a forest. Cold and clear waters cascade downstream to join Masaulog River.

Quiapot Falls (Canlaon City)
Bottle-shaped water cascade about 100 feet; largest of three neighboring waterfalls fed by the Binalbagan, Malaiba, and Linothangan tributaries; deep basin ideal for swimming and boating.

Pulang Bato Falls (Valencia)
Cool clear waters cascading over reddish rock formations, creating an awesome two-toned waterfalls.

Casaroro Falls (Valencia)
Cool waters cascade down to a swimming basin, almost enclosed by steep precipices and lush vegetation. Hikers traverse an adventurous nature trail. Considered the province’s most photographed falls.

Religious Structures

Church of St. Augustine of Hippo & Pipe Organ (Bacong)
Completed in 1865; situated by the sea; main altar is reputed to be the province’s oldest; its pipe organ from Zaragosa, Spain was installed in 1894 through the efforts of its first parish priest, Rev. Joaquin Soriano. The belfry, reputed to be the province’s tallest, with winding steps to the top, was used as a look-out point for seafaring pirates.

Dumaguete Belfry
Erected in 1811 as belltower of the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria and watchtower to forewarn townfolks of impending attack of marauders. Restored in 1985 and skirted with a garden ten years later, the belfry has become the city’s most popular architectural landmark.

Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine (San Jose)
In the cane fields of Cambaluctot, where a spinning sun is said to have manifested the visit of the Lady of Lourdes, devotees flock every Saturday of the month.

San Antonio de Padua (Sibulan)
St. Anthony’s devotees from all over the province crowd at the Sibulan church to light candles for the patron saint every 13th of each month, especially during his feast day, transforming the church grounds and the plaza fronting it into a bustling festive gathering. A fluvial procession is also held annually on his feast day, June 13.

Man-Made Attractions

Bacong Oil Mill (Bacong)
Mill for processing copra into oil; well-kept premises and a vicinity rich with the delicious aroma of coconut being cooked.

Dyno Nobel (Bacong)
Biggest Swedish venture in the country at the time; an ammonium nitrate plant consistently cited for excellence in safety standards; main building and guest house by the sea; private wharf.

Tirambulo Highland Resort (Mabinay)
A resort set among scenic mountains with five manmade lakes teeming with fish; man-made waterfalls; cottages and a restaurant amid beautifully landscaped lawns and shady forested areas.

Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (Bacong)
Export-quality stone craft items are manufactured here.

Pamplona Plantation Tourism Estate
Varied natural attractions, an 18-hole golf course already in place and another in the works, a world-class clubhouse, swimming pool, landing strip, and a flank of residential enclaves.

Central Azucarera de Bais (Bais City)
Established in 1918 as the first two sugar centrals of Tabacalera in the country; pioneered in the manufacture of paper from bagasse. CAB propelled the province’s sugar industry into a top dollar earner. Buildings, early machines, implements, and locomotives used for hauling cane in the past are on display.

Dumaguete Golf & Country Club (Sibulan)
A newly refurbished clubhouse and the 9-hole golf courses of the San Antonio hilltop greens.

PNOC Geothermal Power Plant (Ticala, Valencia)
Nestled among mountains that spout steam from vents, set amidst a lush landscape at cool altitudes. The Palimpinon Power Plant is the centerpiece of the geothermal reserve in the care of the Philippine National Oil Company, which generates and supplies power to Negros, Panay, and Cebu.

San Antonio Golf Course (Sibulan)
A 9-hole golf course located in Sibulan ,15 km. from Dumaguete City. Fresh country air; course open to both members and non-members.

Malatapay Livestock and Fish Market (Zamboanguita)
Seaside market of livestock, fresh fish and seafood, grains, and many other commodities from salt to rubber slippers. Your fish of choice may be cooked to your desire; racks of lechon (roast pig) to enjoy right on the beach or in the midst of the market; open only on Wednesdays.

Aquino Freedom Park (Dumaguete City)
Wide expanse of green lawns and old trees with flower borders, a musical fountain, and the Aquino stage for promenading and lounging; right in front of the imposing Capitol building.

Rizal Avenue (Dumaguete City)
The capital’s seafront boulevard, lined with old trees and memorial houses and some of the elegant dining establishments of the city. Dumaguete’s most popular promenade and sunrise; jogging track for health buffs.

Pamplona Plantation Tourism State (Pamploma)
Leisure estate that extends into Tanjay; golf buffs’ paradise; verdant fairways, swimming pools, elegant amenities; a portion of the area set aside for upscale residence.

Sidlakang Negros Showroom (Dumaguete City)
Main shop of Negros Oriental arts and crafts; its branch, Products of Negros Oriental, is situated on Noblefranca St.; run by the Negros Oriental Entrepreneurs Association (NOREA), makers of gift and novelty items, household and décor accessories, garments, basketry, souvenir shirts, and delicacies.

Universal Robina / Sugar Milling Company (Manjuyod)
Established as Negros Oriental’s most modern sugar mill, also with an oil mill for copra produced by the northern district.

Festivals
Sinulog de Tanjay (Tanjay City; June 24)
Street dancing and a mock battle between the Moros and Christians, followed by their reconciliation through the intercession of town patron Señor Santiago, held on the eve of the patron’s feast day. This is an old tradition that began with old men engaged in swordplay and dancing from house to house.

Hugyawan Dalansayaw (Dumaguete City; December)
Hugyawan means “merrymaking” and is the main concept of the celebration and street dancing presentations, with contingents coming from all parts of the province. The object is to showcase the unique way of life in Negros Oriental and capture the attitude of the Negrenses towards nature, fate, and God.

Ayuquitan Festival (San Jose; May 7)
The town’s name is derived from “inukitan” or bird pickings, recounted in colorful production numbers.

Balik Lantaw sa Amlan (Amlan; November 28)
A dance festival depicting the folk ways of Amlan.

Buglasan (Dumaguete City; May 4)
The festival of festivals, Buglasan brings together the finest street dancers of the province for a day of competition and merrymaking. Other activities include an agri-tourism fair, pageants, and musical variety shows.

Budyas (Tandayag, Amlan; June 29)
Traditional ritual invokes good fortune on fishermen, their boats and paraphernalia; fluvial procession of elaborately decorated vessels ferry patrons St. Peter and St. Paul between the two chapels of Tandayag.

Daro Sinulog (Dumaguete City; 3rd week of January)
The traditional festival in barangay Daro is held in honor of the Infant Jesus. The barangay’s various “puroks” participate as “tribus” (tribes).

Fluvial Procession of Sibulan (Sibulan; June 12)
Precedes the June 13 fiesta of St. Anthony de Padua; lighted and decorated vessels ferry the saint’s image and devotees along the waters off the town, which attracts mammoth crowds of supplicants to the patron’s shrine in the parish church.

Kasadyaan Festival / Foundation University Founder’s Day (Dumaguete City; December 12-14)
Initiated by Foundation University to add color to the local community’s Christmas season. The 50-year old tradition is the longest established festival in Negros Oriental. Highlights includes field presentations and beauty pagents, and culminates in the Kasadyaan mardi gras.

Hudyaka Festival (Bais City; September 7)
Highlight of the Bais City fiesta and Charter Day celebration; features street dancing and mardi gras with showdown competitions and grand floats.

Mei Hua Festival (Dumaguete City)
Held to coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year. Mei Hua (Beautiful China) comprises parades and pageants, exhibits, film showing, the Lion Dance and Chinese Food Festival.

Special Interests
Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park (Bais City)
A 400-hectare protected mangrove forest which is a natural habitat and nesting place of birds and other wildlife. Accessible by boat and then a walk through a 5,968 bamboo-split boardwalk before reaching the park.

Bais Bay
Regular cruises supervised by the Bais City Hall can take visitors out to Tañon Strait to view playful dolphins and pygmy sperm whales. Dolphin and whale watching activities are ideal between May and September. Spectacular underwater scenes reward snorkeling and diving.

Tañon Strait (Bais City)
Popular for dolphin and whale watching activities ideal from May to September when playful dolphins surface from their natural habitat to put up an acrobatic show for enthusiasts.

Camp Mapot and Mountain Park (Canlaon City)
Verdant plateau 5,000 feet above the sea level, first developed as a health camp; pine trees, streams, and hillside springs, some rare flora and fauna; temperature and scenery reminiscent of Baguio’s Mines View Park; part of Mt. Canlaon National Park, a favorite of nature trekkers.

Canlaon Volcano
One of the tallest peaks in the Visayas, the volcano raised Canlaon City’s skyline to 8,085 feet above sea level. A favorite spot of intrepid mountain climbers, the still active volcano can be accessed from Canlaon City, 165.7 km. from Dumaguete City.

Makawiwili Ridge (Canlaon City)
Also known as the “Saddle in the Sky,” the ridge is located between two mountain peaks 8,000 feet above sea level, and frequently used by scientists as a vantage point in observing the two craters of Canlaon Volcano.

Mayon Zigzag (Canlaon City)
Portion of highway from the junction of Barangay Bagawines where the road ascends in a zigzag, affording a changing panoramic view of the blue waters of Tañon Strait and the island of Cebu, and hugging the foothill dwelling of farmers that appear like toy houses surrounded by cornfields. The climb ends in Barangay Tagbino of Canlaon City.

Mt. Talinis (Valencia)
Negros Oriental’s prominent peaks, the Cuernos de Negros or Horns of Negror rise 5,095 feet above sea level and are situated 9 km. southwest of Valencia. Declared a geothermal reserve under the protection of the Philiipine National Oil Company. Regular climbs are arranged by the Cuernos de Negros Mountaineers based in Siliman University; nature lovers can enjoy the unspoiled scenery, Nailig and Yagunyum lakes, and the lush vegetation; mountaineers from all over the regiom come together for the annual climb in September in celebration of World Tourism Month.

Cayaso Cave (Mabinay)
An underground river located 1 km. from the poblacion Municipal Hall. Three km. long and 6 feet wide, the cave goes 20 feet down a winding stone pathway leading to an underground river of potable drinking water but without a visible outlet. Stalactites and stalagmites abound in different chambers.

Mabinay Caves (Mabinay)
Some 32 minor and major caves identified by a Dutch-Belgian expedition in 1990. Awe-inspiring limestone formations and underground rivers await spelunkers. Pandalihan and Panligawan are accessible on foot. Odloman is one of the longest caves in the country. Cave tours can be arranged with the Tirambulo Highland Resort n Paniabonan, Mabinay.

Veranda of the World (Zamboanguita)
Located in Salngan II; picnic and camping area with head-on view of the face of Mt. Talinis and mini terraces for trekking.

Zoo Paradise of the World (Zamboanguita)
Set in an ipil-ipil forested area; Fr. Eleuterio Tropa’s collection of live and stuffed wildlife, memorabilia, and ecological conservation action during his lifetime; located in the Salngan I camp grounds.

Pandalihan Cave (Mabinay)
Stalactites and stalagmites abound in this cave which is accessible by foot. Cave tours can be arranged with the Tirambulo Highland Resort in Paniabonan, Mabinay.

Baldwin Locomotive (Bais City)
Rests on memories of its heyday as dean of the hacienda workhorses. Central Azucarera de Bais was established in 1918 as the first sugar mill of Tabacalera in the Philippines.

Spanish Fortress (Ayungon)
Remains of a Spanish fortification on the shoreline of Tampocon II.

Central Azucarera de Bais (Bais City)
Established in 1918 by the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas SA, or Tabacalera, as its first sugar mill in the Philippines. CAB stimulated the growth of Negros Oriental’s sugar industry. In 1941, the Compania Cellulosa de Filipinas set up in CAB the first integrated pulp and paper factory in the world using the bagasse as raw and primary material in the manufacture of paper.

Balatong Point (Basay)
Also called Punta Tambungon by the locals, with rocks and large corals used as navigation landmarks. The biggest shipment of WWII ammunition for the Negros guerilla movement is said to have been unloaded here, now the favored dive site of many scuba enthusiasts.

Silliman University (Dumaguete City)
Comprising 35 hectares adjacent to downtown Dumaguete; declared a bird sanctuary; noted for its olden trees, cottage residences, and major buildings such as Guy Hall, Channon Hall, Oriental and Occidental Halls, which the Japanese occupation forces used for administrative and penal activities.

Looc Memorial Shrine (Sibulan)
Marks the site of the first WWII encounter in Negros Oriental, on October 11, 1942, when independent partisan guerilla groups joined forces.

Fil-Am-Jap Amity Shrine (Valencia)
A 3-sided pillar soars above a viewing deck on the Sagbang hilltop where Filipino, American, and Japanese soldiers clashed in a fierce encounter during WWII in Negros Oriental. Unveiled on April 2, 1977 by veterans and descendants of the war casualties, the shrine overlooks the panoramic sprawl of Dumaguete City, Sibulan and Bacong towns, and the neighboring islands of Cebu and Siquijor.

Spanish Fountain (Valencia)
Devised by an Augustinian friar to spout water channeled from a highland spring, the fountain is now the centerpiece of the sunken Valencia Municipal Plaza.

Cata-al War Memorabilia (Valencia)
Relics of the WWII encounter in Negros Oriental include Japanese and American materials and personal effects, preserved as part of the private collection of the Cata-al family in Valencia.

source: Department of Tourism

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This page was last modified on Tuesday, 8 Jul 2008