So maybe you’re the type to like experiencing everything when you’re on a trip. If you are, you might find Negros Island, the Philippines quite the charming destination. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, but it also has a wide variety of things to try. Think of Negros like a “tourist attraction sampler,” if you will. So whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you can fill your Negros itinerary with these 10 hotspots to get a little bit of everything.
1. Waterfalls: Casaroro Falls
Neatly tucked away deep amongst lush greenery, the Casaroro Falls are anything but ordinary. It is not easy getting here, but anyone who has visited Casaroro Falls would tell you that the hardship is worth it. You’ll need to take a motorcycle ride from the town proper, then walk a few hundred steps down a stairway, and then go trekking. It’s very much worth the hassle though — especially because it’s not very easy to access. You can expect a very serene dip into Casaroro’s cool, crystal waters. Also the waterfalls are pretty impressive as well, standing as tall as a 10-storey building!
Casaroro Falls
Address: Taft St. Valencia, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines
2. Marine life: Apo Island Marine Reserve
The Visayan region of the Philippines is where to go when you want to see the most spectacular views from down under, and Negros Island definitely does not disappoint on this front. When you visit the Apo Island Marine Reserve, you may never want to leave. You get to see giant turtles up close, colorful fishes, and majestic coral formations. If you want, you can go diving, snorkeling, or scuba diving to experience these up close and personal. You’d almost wish you could bring your phone underwater with you to take pictures!
Apo Island Marine Reserve
Address: Negros Oriental, Philippines
3. History: Hofilena Heritage House
If you’re a fan of exploring the eras you never lived in through the art and items from those times, then you need to check out Hofilena Heritage House. This national historical landmark is owned by Ramon Hofilena, who’s also the famed Father of Heritage Conservation in Silay and the tour guide of this house. Here, you can find the world’s smallest dolls, the first pocketbooks, tektites, vinyl, the tiniest toys, the first printer, China collections, antiques, and memorabilia from old “Hollywood” in the Philippines. You can also find rare artwork from some of the Philippines’ most renowned artists: Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.
Hofilena Heritage House
Address: 14 Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City
4. History and Religion: Campanario De Dumaguete
Religion is a big part of the Philippines, both today and throughout history, so a visit to Campanario De Dumaguete is essential if you want to gain a better understanding of the Negros Island and its people. Built in 1811, Campanario De Dumaguete is the oldest Belfry in the Visayas, and is also one of the oldest surviving structures in Dumaguete. It’s right beside the Dumaguete Cathedral, where you can light candles and offer prayers to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Campanario De Dumaguete
Address: Perdices St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Website: Campanario De Dumaguete
5. Museum: Laguerta Home of the Vintage Glasses Museum
While the Hofilena Hertiage House gives you a tour across time, Laguerta gives you a unique and very curious tour across many different kinds of drinking glasses. If you’re a big fan of art and everything quirky, this place is a definite must-visit. It contains around 3,000 examples of unique glass pieces in varying colors, shapes, and sizes. The glass pieces interplay to create a spectacular lighting effect, so it’s best to visit in the afternoon or during sunset. Laguerta also plays host to many events, and if you’re looking to host one here, you can expect that they’ll let you experience a very grand celebration complete with classy dinnerware, Victorian lamps, and decorations.
Laguerta Home of the Vintage Glasses Museum
Address: Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines
6. Water sports and hiking: Danjugan Island Marine Reserve
If you’re the mood for something a little bit more active, Danjugan Island Marine Reserve is the place for you. A day trip costs around 1,950 PHP (approx. 40 USD) and eco-tour costs around 950 PHP (approx. 20 USD) per person. And at these rates, it’s pretty great bang-for-your-buck. Danjugan Island is a very vast marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary, with over 572 fish species, 244 hard corals species, 72 bird species, 22 butterfly species, and 10 bat species. You can also go kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving here if you’re a water sports aficionado. Or, you can go hiking, trekking or bird-watching if you’re more of a life-on-land fan. To make things even more jaw-dropping, Danjugan Island Marine Reserve is not run by electricity at all — it’s all solar-powered. Reservations are required, so call +63 915 234-7145, +63 908 525-4108, or +63 34 441-6010.
Danjugan Island Marine Reserve
Address: 3 Purok Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental 6112, Philippines
Website: Danjugan Island Marine Reserve
7. Secluded beach: Sugar Beach
After tiring your body out from all the water sports and hiking, you can head over to Sugar Beach where you can enjoy a nice, quiet bum session amidst an unspoiled beach. Sugar Beach is very secluded, making it the perfect backdrop to a tiring day’s end. There are different resorts nearby, too like Driftood Village Beach Resort. You can also go on mangrove tours, hiking on nearby hills, caving, scuba-diving, and snorkeling, so there’s no need to worry about getting bored.
Sugar Beach
Address: Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines
8. Overnight stay at waterfalls: Mag-aso Falls
Usually, when it’s a trip to the waterfalls, you’re only allowed there for a few hours. You’d be lucky to spend the entire day. But at Mag-aso Falls, you can spend the entire day (and night) by the waterfalls. The twin waterfalls at Mag-aso Falls are characteristic of a breathtaking waterfall scenery, too. Its clear blue waters are surrounded by tropical flora and fauna, and it has a very deep pool with a shallow area that you can wade into. It’s only 197 steps away from the ticket office, and you can also rent cottages and rooms for an overnight stay if you ever want to experience the waterfalls at night.
Mag-aso Falls
Address: Sitio Dug-anon, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan, 6111 Negros Occidental
9. Scuba diving: Sipalay Punta Ballo
From 7 AM to 9 PM, Sipalay Punta Ballo is open to guests who want to explore the deep blue ocean and all the wonders it has to offer. Resorts are lined up to give you one-of-a-kind scuba diving experiences, where you can explore over 30 dive sites including shipwrecks like the World War II SS Panay in Campomanes Bay and the Sunken Island, an underwater coral plateau. Punta Ballo is also filled with top-rated restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and you can take advantage of diving lessons and tours as well.
Sipalay Punta Ballo Scuba Diving
Address: Punta Ballo, Sipalay, Negros Occidental 6113, Philippines
Facebook: Artistic Resort Diving or Easy Diving Resort
10. Visit an active volcano: Kanlaon Volcano
Located in Mount Canlaon (also spelled Mt. Kanlaon), Kanlaon Volcano is the highest peak in Central Visayas. It is an active volcano, but you are welcome to go on trekking tours to explore the most breathtaking sights from the peak of Kanlaon. It has an art gallery, a zipline, and a couple of river trail adventures, and at the base of the volcano you can find cherry blossoms too!
Kanlaon Volcano
Address: Mount Canlaon, Negros Oriental
Negros, the all-around experience
If you want to pack a lot of experiences into your travel itinerary, Negros is the place to be. Aside from the variety of things to do, Negros is also known as one of the regions that takes conservation and the protection of the Earth to heart, so you can expect that they really love and take care of their wildlife, marine ecosystems, and flora. Visit Negros and get an all-around experience that you’ll never forget!