Summer time is popular in the Philippines where people often take a break from school or from work, and families get together and spend time vacationing. As summer approaches, people from different places in the country will definitely be travelling and visiting tourist spots for vacation.
Negros Island and its rich culture and bio-diverse environment offer a variety of destinations for travellers and foreigners to enjoy and visit. Here are some places that you definitely should not miss out on this summer or even at any time during the year:
Apo Island Marine Reserve. This island is located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, 7 kilometers from the town of Zamboanguita and 25 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital, Dumaguete City, with a resident population of 710 people. The marine reserve is home to more than 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals. Tourists visit the place to see the abundance and diversity of fish and other marine animals around the island. The island government collects a snorkelling/diving fee from the visitors. The island also has two small hotels and a dive shop. Tourist revenue has been financing the island’s diesel generator that supplies electricity to the households, improvements of schools, garbage management, and in water supply. If you’re a marine enthusiast, Apo Island should definitely be one of your travel destinations.
Pulangbato Falls and Hot Spring. Found in Valencia, 13.3 kilometers away from Dumaguete City, Pulangbato Falls pours down deep enough for high dives. This falls is unique because of the red rocks that are all over the place. The locals claim that it is because of the sulfur from Mt. Talinis, Negros’ second highest mountain. Another point of interest is the hot spring. The spring is often claimed to be therapeutic because Honaturally occurring spring which spouts through an opening by the pool. The destination is great for adventure from the cold waters of the falls and relaxation from the hot spring.
The Ruins. Also known as the “Taj Mahal” of Negros, this two-storey mansion was built in loving memory of a sugar baron’s wife. However, the romance story of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga is one that has a not-so-happy ending. The mansion is located at Talisay City, Negros Occidental and this destination should definitely be in your checklist because it is filled with rich historical memories that are, indeed, fascinating. It took three years of construction with materials of A-grade concrete and oversized twisted bars that contributed to the strength of the skeletal frame of the structure. The finishing touches on the posts are mixtures of pure concrete with white egg leaving it with a marble-like finish which can be seen and felt even today. When World War II broke out and as the Americans burned down the mansion to prevent the Japanese inhabiting the mansion, it took three days of burning to consume all of its roof, ceiling, floors, doors and windows which were made of hard wood like tindalo, narra and kamagong. After the flames finally died down, the pillars of the mansion, the grand staircase, as well as parts of the two-inch wooden floors on the second storey, were all that was left.
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. Located in the mountains of the southeastern half of Negros Island, 12 kilometers west of the town of Sibulan, Negros Oriental, the twin lakes are small, but deep crater freshwater and separated by a narrow mountain ridge. It is one of the most visited places in Dumaguete City, but the serenity and natural state of the environment remains untouched – clean and clear waters and an abundance of life in the existing rainforest. The view of the destination attracts travellers to visit the place. There are other activities that you could do to enjoy your stay even more such as paddle boating, exploring underwater life with snorkelling or just free diving, getting a foot spa, and even camping on broad daylight.
Mambukal Resort. This is located in Murcia, Negros Occidental and is one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Philippines. The resort offers not only swimming pools for the tourists to enjoy, but also seven descending waterfalls. Activities such as trekking the seven waterfalls, dipping in several warm sulfur pools, kayaking in their boat lagoon, visiting the butterfly gardens, riding their zip-line and wall climbing will definitely keep you occupied.
For sure, there are other equally beautiful and enticing places in Negros Island, but these are just a few of the island’s attractions. Needless to say, these places will make your stay worthwhile and memorable. | With reports from Kimberly Selda, former SU MassCom intern
