Negros is an island in the Visayas region of the Philippines divided into Oriental and Occidental provinces. It is an often-overlooked destination for tourists despite its alluring, rugged countryside.
Negros Occidental takes up the north-western portion of the island and boasts a few enviable resorts including Sipalay and Lakawon Island. The other major attraction on this half of Negros is Mt Kanlaon, an active volcano and highest peak in the region. Treks through its foothills can be arranged.
Negros Oriental is less developed but still has several sites worth exploring. Dumaguete is a charming university town on the Oriental half oozing with small-town appeal, despite its size. Apo Island is found here and hosts one of the best diving sites in the Philippines.
Diving is popular along both coasts. Dive shops cater to experienced divers as well as beginners, and many of them host PADI-certification courses to help introduce newcomers to the sport.
Getting There & Away
Bacalod is the island’s travel hub. It is found on the Occidental half and is equipped with a seaport and airport. Flights to and from Manila connect on a regular basis and take 45 minutes. Flights to Cebu take 30 minutes. On the island, transportation consists of jeepneys, taxis and buses.
Things to Do
Negros Attractions
- Sipalay
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This secluded beach resort is more than a hundred miles from the island’s northern cities and has everything from secluded white-sand beaches and first-rate dive sites to laid-back seafood restaurants.
- Dumaguete
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This beautiful college town is well-landscaped and boasts an outstanding boardwalk along the harbor.
- Mt Kanlaon
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The highest peak on the island is also an active volcano and can be visited by hikers as long as there is no major seismic activity.