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Negros Oriental beholds some of the scenic views and adventure spots on the island, with plenty of escapades and volcanic lakes to hike. Mount Talinis and Mount Canlaon both offer access through spectacular tropical forests to hidden calderas. La Libertad is a great option for sceneries and landscapes as well. In Dumaguete, there are waterfalls that are a must to see. For people who are into the roots of Negros Oriental, the island’s historical features are on display at St. Paul’s University in Dumaguete. The town has good access to commuters and is located on the southernmost tip of the state, yet close to many of the island’s main attractions, including great beaches.
The various towns of Negros host colorful and worth attending festivals and events throughout the year. So, it’s easy and a must to visit for one of the colorful religious performances that are part of the local culture of this beautiful island.
Lake Kabalin-an Image by Backpacking Philippines via www.riley.ph
The name of Lake Balinsasayao is a Spanish transcription of Balinsasayao in Cebuano, which means “fast boat”. Its “twin”, Lake Danao, gets its name from Cebuano the Danau, which means “lake”. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) manages tourism activities in natural parks through the Office of Biodiversity Management. At the office, you can enjoy sightseeing on Lake Balinsasayao, mountain trekking, camping, bird watching, and paddle boating. The nature park has a concrete lookout, parasol shelters, restaurants, gift shops, restrooms, and a visitor center. Lake is located northwest of a narrow ridge of a caldera formed by four mountains, Mount Calvasan to the north, Balinsayao to the east, Mount Mahungot to the south, and Mount Gintabondome to the west. A regular fault separates Lake Balinsasayao from Lake Danao, and another fault, Amran, lies about 1,400 meters west of Danao. In addition, four geological faults have cut off the southern edge of Lake Danao. The water level of Lake Danao is lower than that of Balinsasayao. Driving to Kabalin-an requires a dangerous drive via “Habal-Habal.” The ride takes you to unpaved, dusty, or muddy terrain as you enter the Sibulan rainforest. The road leading up to the mountain is very scenic, about a forty to fifty-minute drive, and once you arrive at the registration point your sight will be automatically drawn to this very calm lake, Kabalin-an. Very impressive are the tall trees that sank in the middle of the lake. It’s actually very interesting because I’ve only seen something like this in wetlands. Kabalin-an lake is a quiet retreat that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the big city for a while. The fog is gradually clearing, but it is a more mysterious and beautiful area. From Dumaguete, take the Ceres bus to the northern part of Negros Oriental and tell the bus driver to drop you off at the twin lakes at his junction. The transportation takes about thirty minutes or so. For reference, there is a sign on the left side of the road leading to Sibulan and Twin Lakes. Sibulan or Negros Oriental, in general, is known for their smooth tended golf courses, it is not surprising to see that Negros oriental has its own set of tourist spots not limited to churches and forests.
Visit expedia.com.ph for more travel guides and tour expenses in Sibulan
For hotel recommendation options in Sibulan, visit tripadvisor.com.ph
Pulangbato Waterfall is located in the Ocoy Valley in the city of Valencia, Negros Oriental. The name comes from the reddish appearance of the waterfall water due to the presence of natural reddish rocks in the area. Pula means red in the local language and Bato means rock. So, when interpreted, its name would be Red Rock. Like many other waterfalls, swimming lagoons, and pools in the city of Valencia, Pulangbato Waterfall is blessed with calm, refreshing water. This is mainly due to Valencia’s geography, and the climate temperatures are always warm and cool. Pulangbato Waterfall has a wide cascade. The water is poured into swimming holes deep enough for high diving. Enthusiasts climb nearby rocks that act as jumping points and fall freely into puddles. The shape of the Pulangbato waterfall is considered unique due to its layered structure. In the first layer, the cascade starts narrow and gradually widens down the next few levels. Seen from a distance, the waterfall looks like a triangle. What makes Pulangbato Falls special is the color of the water. It looks red, but it becomes transparent as soon as you take it from the river. It should reflect the red rock formations that make up most of the landscape. Surrounding the waterfall is dense foliage of wild plants and vegetation and a few trees. The atmosphere is quite calm in an unaffected way due to the impression of being far from civilization. Apart from a few makeshift huts and small shops selling snacks and sweets, Pulangbato Falls is a non-commercialized area. This also prevents the inevitable effects of tourism such as garbage and pollution. The city of Valencia. The journey takes about an hour and takes visitors through Valencia’s Kaipohan Sulfur Springs. It is located on the main street, but it is not advised to stay too long in this area because of the unpleasant smell of the smoke emitted by the vents beside the road. Come to the forest camp and not only relax but also eat the local delicacies offered in the resort. There is a restaurant serving delicious Filipino cuisine that can be served anywhere in the resort. The best way to enjoy the Forest Camp is to spend the night in a cozy, modern native cottage. The resort has rooms for families, large groups, and couples. There is also a camp area where you can set up tents and hammock houses to help backpackers sleep while swinging. Valencia Forest Camp Mountain Resort is a vast accommodation in the hills of Valencia, where its natural beauty blends into the lush jungle. This family-run resort is a popular destination for locals looking for a natural escape not far from the city of Dumaguete. Forest Camp Valencia’s swimming pool is its greatest attraction, attracting travelers from all over the world and incredible cascades to see and hear pictures of his pool. There are countless numbers scattered throughout the house, so you don’t have to share it with many others on the busiest days. Water is chemical-free and is naturally pumped from the river that runs through the premises.
Visit travelosyo.com for more travel guides and tour expenses in Valencia
Visit their Facebook page at pulangbatofalls and forestcampresort
Getting to know our own country feels refreshing to do. Exploring different cities and provinces that has their own very special tourist attraction that will surely make someone fall in love with the place as well as the people living in it. The culture that is yet to be flourished and known all throughout the whole world. Someone out there can be a witness of the beauty of the Philippines within its localities.
This is a blog series, featuring different tourist spots in the Philippines that will entice and encourage you to travel. Be updated when a new blog is released.