By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA
October 6, 2010, 10:47am
A characteristic mix of landscape and waters, historic landmarks and natural resources, the nicest and friendliest people - Negros Oriental is a destination all its own. In 1890, Negros Island was divided by the Royal Decree of Spain into two provinces. The settlements on the southern coast became Negros Oriental or Oriental to its locals, the region where the sun rises and where each beautiful Negros day begins.
Located in the Central Visayas Region, Negros Oriental is one of the Philippines’ uncharted yet bustling tourism sites. Heaving with natural wonders from mountains to vast plains, to the dazzling sea beds, local and foreign tourists are fast waking up to the province’s splendid sites and splendor but it’s the people who really capture their hearts.
In a country world famous for its hospitality, Dumaguete City stands out above the rest. As the cultural, educational, commercial, and administrative center of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete is known as the ‘City of Gentle People’ because of the local’s distinct kindness and affectionate character. It is also home to the prestigious Silliman University, Rizal Boulevard, and the Aquino Freedom Park.
Negros Oriental has a total of five cities and 20 municipalities, each with its own particular charm, festivals and places of interest. The other municipalities include: Amlan, Ayungon, Basay, Bindoy, Guihulngan City, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, Sibulan, Sta. Catalina, Tayasan, and Vallehermoso.
Prominent tourism sites in Negros Oriental constitute remarkable sand bars, premiere dive sites, golf courses, mountains and caves, historical spots, lakes and waterfalls, and dolphin and whale watching sites. The province is truly an idyllic gateway from the city which is not yet crowded with tourists and perturbed by commercialization.
Fast facts:
Local Dialect: Cebuano
Festivals: Negros Oriental is host to dozens of festivals each year. Among the most popular and well attended are Buglasan, Pinaskuhan, and Pasayaw.
Points of interest:
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao - Tucked away in the remote hills of Sibulan are the Twin Lakes of Negros namely Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao. A good 45-minute drive on a winding road will lead you up to the extensive rainforest ecosystem that surrounds the lakes. Activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and trekking can be done.
Dolphin and Whale Watching in Bais City - The Bais City Tourism Council generally oversees and organizes the tours. The cruises take you out to Tañon Strait, the natural habitat of dolphins and pygmy sperm whales. Out on the sea, the boat comes to a stop and the guests are told to clap their hands or whistle to encourage the dolphins to play. True enough, you could view them leaping in the air in pairs or groups. The whales prefer to emerge when the atmosphere is calm and quiet.
Manjuyod White Sand Bar - During low tide, a 7-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand seems to float right in the midst of Bais Bay’s sparkling blue waters. Known among the locals as White Sand, this strip of beach is a popular destination for families on vacation. It is also a stopover point for dolphin and whale watching cruises of Bais City because of its proximity to Tañon Strait.
Lake Balanan - Unspoiled natural beauty that has been preserved by time, Lake Balanan is nestled in the mountains of Siaton. Development projects are ongoing at the site.
Mt. Kanlaon - The stately 2600-meter high mountain draws the boundary between Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and is the highest peak in the Visayas Region and is one of the five highest in the Philippines. It has been declared the most active volcano in the province.
How to get there:
Negros Oriental is accessible by air, sea, and land routes, depending on where you are coming from. Dumaguete City has an airport, a sea port, and a bus terminal which are entry points for visitors from out of town.
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