Negros Island divides into two distinct provinces — Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental — each with its own character. From colonial Bacolod to Dumaguete’s dive sites, these guides explore the full breadth of what Negros Island has to offer.
Dumaguete – The City of Gentle People If cities had dating profiles, Dumaguete’s would read: “Loves sunsets, coffee by the sea, and making strangers feel at home. Will never ghost you.” This charming coastal city on Negros has earned the nickname “City of Gentle People” — and unlike your ex’s sweet talk, this one’s legit. The goal […]
Think you’ve already “done” the Philippines? Think again, my sand-loving friend. Negros Island, tucked right in the heart of the Visayas, is overflowing with jaw-dropping waterfalls, steamy volcanic springs, turtle-filled reefs, and secret spots that aren’t yet drowning in influencers and drone shots. This isn’t just another tropical island; it’s your jungle gym of nature’s
Negros Island’s Best Kept Secrets: 10 Stunning Destinations You Need to Visit Read More »
This guide to Bacolod City will inform you of the Charm of Bacolod and what you can expect in the “City of Smiles.” This isn’t just a hidden gem in the Philippines; it’s a warm embrace waiting for you. Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and the famous Masskara Festival, Bacolod offers an equally
Discover the Charm of Bacolod City: A Complete Guide for Older Adventurers Read More »
The first thing you notice when you drive into Mabinay from the coast is that the ground is hollow. Not literally, not in any way you can see from the road. Mabinay sits atop more than 500 documented caves. This is the largest concentration of caves in the Philippines. Once you know that, the landscape
Natural Wonders of Negros Island: Volcanoes, Caves, Waterfalls, & Wildlife Read More »
My family has a home in Mabinay, in the interior of Negros Oriental, not far from Mabinay Springs. When you drive in from the coast, the land changes. The sugarcane flats give way to karst limestone hills. Then the hills fold into each other, and you understand that you are somewhere old. Mabinay sits atop
The History of Negros Island: From Ancient Kingdoms to the Sugar Republic Read More »
Every traveler to Negros Island faces an early decision: which province to visit? A central mountain spine divides the island into two provinces, each with unique cultures, economies, and attractions. Negros Occidental, on the west, is known as the sugar province. Its capital, Bacolod, is the island’s largest city. The province features hacienda-style architecture and
The waters surrounding Negros Island lie within the Coral Triangle. This is a roughly triangular area of tropical seas bounded by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It contains more species of reef fish, coral, and marine invertebrates than any other comparable area of ocean on Earth. The Coral Triangle is to marine biodiversity
I watched the MassKara Festival street dancers for the first time and understood. I learned something about Negros Island that the history books had been circling around. The dancers were not performing happiness. They were insisting on it. The masks, hundreds of them, painted gold and white with fixed smiles, were not decoration. They were