Negros Oriental is the eastern half of Negros Island in the Visayas. Most people fly from Manila to Dumaguete, about an hour and a half by air, and use it as a base. From there you can reach Apo Island, Casaroro Falls, Baslay Hot Springs and Manjuyod Sandbar, while Basay and Bayawan are quieter coastal stops further south.
Best For
Negros Oriental suits a relaxed trip with Dumaguete as the base. Apo Island is the one for snorkelling with sea turtles, Casaroro Falls has the 335-step trail, Manjuyod Sandbar depends on the tide, and Basay and Bayawan suit a quieter stay.
Top Places
Apo Island is where you can snorkel with sea turtles, reached from Malatapay. Basay is a quiet coastal stop with a clean beach, rice fields and sunsets. Baslay Hot Springs near Dauin has steaming thermal streams, hot pools and a cold waterfall.
Bayawan is a clean, practical base for southern Negros, with Boulevard sunsets and Niludhan Falls. Casaroro Falls near Dumaguete has a 335-step trail.
Dumaguete is the usual base, with Rizal Boulevard and day trips to Apo Island and Siquijor. Manjuyod Sandbar near Bais is a sandbar that depends on the tide, with dolphin watching.
Plan Your Trip
Most people fly from Manila to Dumaguete, around an hour and a half by air, so check flights before you book. The generally drier months from December to May are a good time for island hopping and outdoor trips, though March to May can get particularly hot, and Christmas, New Year and Holy Week are busier. Tide and sea conditions matter for Manjuyod Sandbar and Apo Island, so leave some flexibility. Entrance and boat fees usually apply.
Dezza’s Tip
I’d base yourself in Dumaguete for a few nights and give each outing its own day, such as Apo Island on one, the falls and hot springs on another and the sandbar on a third. Basay and Bayawan are better kept for when you are heading further south.
Negros Oriental FAQs
How do I get to Negros Oriental from Manila?
Most people fly from Manila to Dumaguete, around an hour and a half by air, landing at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. Airlines have flown direct, but schedules change, so check before you book.
What is there to do around Dumaguete?
Dumaguete is the usual base for Apo Island, where you can snorkel with sea turtles, as well as Casaroro Falls, Baslay Hot Springs near Dauin and Manjuyod Sandbar. Rizal Boulevard is an easy walk, and Siquijor is another day trip option.
When is the best time to visit Negros Oriental?
The generally drier months from December to May are a good time for island hopping and outdoor trips. March to May can get particularly hot, and Christmas, New Year and Holy Week are busier, so book ahead for those dates.
Does the tide matter at Manjuyod Sandbar?
Yes. The sandbar depends on the tide, so check the timing before you go. Manjuyod Sandbar is near Bais and is also known for dolphin watching, so plan the trip around conditions on the day.
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Where Is Negros Oriental?
Negros Oriental is the eastern half of Negros Island in the Visayas.
