The island of Negros in the Visayas is a single territory separated only by language and a central mountain range.Negros Occidental is in the west, with Bacolod as its capital and Ilonggo as its primary language; Negros Oriental is in the east, with Dumaguete as its first city and Cebuano as the primary 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, and the marine reserves of Dauin.
To give a list of the island's innumerable attractions would be a hard decision, but to get us started, here are the top 7 tourist locations on the island of Negros that you may visit this holidays!
Suggested Read: Negros High Tides and Good Vibes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Twin Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao in Sibulan
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4. 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.
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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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