The resumption of flights and gradual reopening of select destinations in recent weeks have enticed wanderers to seek the so-called revenge travel after the quarantine variants has locked down people in their abode. Negros Oriental is one enticing location which beckons with its streamlined requirements, so visitors can have more quality time touring the province.
With a remarkable road system, motoring around the province is as pleasant as the attractions themselves. Below are some of the must-see towns which offer a consummate experience.
of Apo Island.
Valencia. Nestled in the bosom of Mount Talinis at 275 meters above sea level, it is the province’s weekend hideaway because of its proximity to the provincial capital of Dumaguete City and its year-long cool climate.
Outdoors lovers can bask in the icy pools created by the falls of Casaroro and Pulangbato, trek the mountain trails and World War II garrisons, enjoy the lush vegetation, and feast on tasty a Pork Humba and local specialties.
Hit the sack at The Forest Camp, a river resort which is embedded in between the boulders and rivers, and has cascading river-sourced water for a rejuvenating hydromassage. Red Rock Hot Spring is another nature-themed lodging near Pulangbato Falls, which has therapeutic pools emanating from the mountain spring.
Siaton. If you love the mountains and the seas, this place has wonderfully combined the upland and coastal ecosystems. The 25-hectare Lake Balanan is a bone-shaped body of water formed by a confluence of rivers due a strong earthquake almost a century ago.
The biodiversity-rich lake is best viewed through a stone boardwalk where you can also spot endemic species of birds, reptiles, and snakes.
The mountain park, managed by the provincial government, also has swimming pools, a canteen for homestyle dishes, and cabin rooms for overnight stays.
Down below is Tambobo Bay, home to about 50 sailboats from all over the world, which has made this picturesque cove an inexpensive yacht club of sort. At sundown, the boats are a sight to behold you sip coffee at a nearby viewdeck restaurant.
Dauin. Located 30 minutes away from Dumaguete, this coastal municipality is sought-after for its world-class scuba diving spots and rich marine biodiversity, particularly the famed Apo Island. While it is not quite known for white beaches, it is a dining colony with the wide array of native, international, and fusion dishes offered at the dive resorts or quaint roadside restaurants.
A boutique hotel which has captured both the dive and dine crowd is Silver Reef Dive Resort, a brainchild of seasoned divers and hospitality entrepreneurs Analynne Sison and Reggie Reyes. With an abundance of open spaces and manicured lawns, this cozy dining place and watering hole is punctuated with artworks, indigenous crafts, upcycled non-biodegradable materials, and an assortment of bric-a-brac which make interesting conversation pieces.
And despite being a new player in the town’s competitive market, the resort has established its own following known for its all-time favorites given a gourmet twist, freshly-baked breads, donuts, pastries, iced coffee, and wines, among others.
It is also ideal for family recreation with its homey rooms, scuba diving introductory lessons, archery range and native hut lounge areas by the shore.
On top of its main diving and dining offering, the resort is also engaged in social entrepreneurship and environmentally-sustainable projects with the community, as well as conservation of the town’s marine and coastal resources.
Another noteworthy property in Dauin is Munting Paraiso, an intimate resort designed for families who want quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of dive center operations. It boasts of tender steaks and the signature wood-fired brick oven Bravo Pizza, which has attained a celebrity status in the province.
Complementing Dauin’s resorts is Baslay Coffee Project in an upland barangay, which is an inspiring success of a grassroots cooperative which has bonded together to protect and nurture the forest ecosystem, and offer a unique tourist experience in the process.
Situated at the mountain’s foothills, guests can sip a highland coffee brew farmed by the locals themselves, which have found their way in cafes across Negros Oriental. It also has a 100-foot 3-story bamboo tower, which can double up as a yoga venue or sleeping quarters for overnight stays.
Hie off to Tierra Alta Residential Resort, a Greek-themed highland posh village which has a postcard-perfect lighthouse, and amenities such as a casual dining restaurant, clubhouse, and several pools overlooking the sprawling land and sea below. The wind-swept property also has an intimate boutique hotel where one can spend the night and gaze at the stars.
Images courtesy of Bernard L. Supetran and Silver Reef Dive Resort