Valencia & Dumaguete

Following our trip to Siquijor, we decided to take the opportunity to explore Dumaguete City and its adjacent town, Valencia, located in the province of Negros Oriental. Taking this quick detour is worthwhile before returning to the concrete jungle of Manila. Join us as we explore the stunning beauty of Negros Oriental.

Sections:

• Tierra alta

• The Barn at Mango Ranch

• Pulang Bato Waterfalls

• The Forest Camp

• Sulfur Vents & Badiang Bridge

• Buglas Isla Cafe

• Things to Keep in Mind Before Heading to Dumaguete and Valencia

• How to get to Dumaguete & Valencia

• Accommodation

• Tour and Entrance Fee

• Valencia Sample Itinerary

• Essentials

• Quick Tips

Tierra Alta

 Photo Courtesy of Wenz G.

Tierra Alta is an upscale residential resort situated on the scenic slopes of Palinpinon Mountain in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Just a short 20-minute drive from Dumaguete City, this premier destination offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush green mountains and the surrounding countryside.

This Santorini-inspired resort captures the essence of the Greek island. Its centerpiece is a stunning lighthouse that adds a unique charm to your stay. You’ll love hanging out at the Aquatica Pool and Restaurant, visiting the lively Clubhouse, and grabbing a bite at Tierra Café. And if you’re looking for adventure, don’t miss their thrilling Rush Zipline.

The left side of the Tierra Cafe features a small glass walk facing the mountainside. You can also climb the lighthouse for a more panoramic view.  They gave us two options for the sightseeing entrance fee: We can pay 70 pesos per person or dine at a restaurant worth 300 pesos, and the entrance fee will be covered.

The Barn at Mango Ranch

Known for their purpled color windmill. The Barn at Mango Ranch is an American-inspired event place, located at Brgy. Palinpinon in Valencia, Negros Oriental, just before Tierra Alta.

This event space spans 1,700 square meters, accompanied by 8,000 square meters of outdoor landscapes. While many outdoor areas are still under construction, the venue is gaining popularity, mainly due to its iconic purple windmill, which both locals and tourists find captivating. Georg Steakhouse is now a proud addition to the Mango Ranch establishments. Recently opened, it offers an impressive variety of steaks and exceptional American-style dishes.

Say Hi! to our coolest tour guide “John”

A bit of trivia: The Barn at Mango Ranch and Tierra Alta are managed by the same company, Phil South. Note visiting The Barn is free of charge. For more information about this event place you may visit their website at https://thebarnatmangoranch.com/

Pulang Bato Waterfalls

Located at the foot of Mount Talinis in the Red River Valley, the Pulang Bato Waterfall is a few minutes away from the proper town of Valencia in Negros Oriental. When you arrive, pay the entrance fee of 50 pesos and walk in; a fantastic waterfall awaits you, with no hiking required.

Photo Courtesy of Wenz G.

This vast waterfall is known for its reddish rocks and is one of the most visited waterfalls in the province of Negros Oriental. The water flows gracefully over the reddish rocks, embraced by the vibrant green forest, creating a perfect harmony of nature’s beauty. After walking on the hanging bridge, get down the stairs for a closer look at the magnificent waterfall. But be careful not to stumble yourself on those big rocks. Whenever you feel hungry, there are small cafes around the area, so feel free to check them out.

The Forest Camp

This 50-hectare resort is situated at the foothills of Valencia in Negros Oriental, just a 20-minute drive from Dumaguete City. The easiest way to reach the resort is by motorbike. Family-owned and operated, this destination is a favorite among locals seeking a nature escape without venturing too far from Dumaguete City.

The swimming pools at The Forest Camp are a big reason why so many tourists and travelers can’t wait to visit. They are a wonderful place to relax and cool off while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. You will find many cozy spots to unwind and take in the scenery. Additionally, showers and restrooms are conveniently located on the ground floor. You can find a restaurant at The Forest Camp if you forget to pack food.

This mountain resort sounds like the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature. Imagine listening to the chirping of birds and the soothing sound of flowing water; it’s truly peaceful. It’s a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We explore the area before diving into the cascading pools. The entrance fee is 200 pesos. Other activities include ziplining, wall climbing, hanging bridges, and a skate park.

Sulfur Vents & Badiang Bridge

On the way to Pulang Bato Waterfalls, we passed these smoking mountains known as Sulfur Vents and a few mini waterfalls along the road. The thick sulfuric emissions have become an attraction for tourists, and they can be observed from the roadside, offering a unique experience not found elsewhere in the province.

Just a short distance from the Sulfur Vents lies the picturesque Sitio Badiang Bridge. This charming spot invites visitors to pause and take a photo while marveling at the breathtaking view of the Ocoy River as it gracefully cascades down the rocks below. The sound of rushing water and the lush surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere that will leave you in awe.

Buglas Isla Cafe

Photo Courtesy of Wenz G. 

It is located in the heart of Dumaguete City. It offers a welcoming ambiance with traditional furnishings and architecture. The restaurant also has an outdoor setting to soak up the sun while savoring breakfast dishes.

Buglas Isla Cafe offers a menu with a wide variety of options to choose from. They’ve got a bunch of different coffee and tea options, so give their pastries and cakes a shot! Don’t worry, wine lovers. A separate space is made just for you. Just across the main cafe is the bar area, which offers a variety of wines.

Going here is quite an experience for us. We get lost, so to speak. We want to walk around the city and use Google Maps as a guide. However, it suggested a different location. The Buglas Isla Cafe is located just right behind Hotel Dumaguete.  On our table, we had Pinakbet, Chicken Inasal, Homemade Calamansi Juice, and, for dessert, Taho Cheesecake. Currently, Buglas Isla has 3 branches here in Dumaguete, in Pasig, and the other one is in San Juan Batangas, and coming soon is the Alabang branch.

We opted to rent a tricycle for this quick adventure in Valencia. We were able to visit all these amazing tourist attractions in almost half a day. There are still many tourist destinations in Negros Oriental that we haven’t had the chance to explore due to time constraints. I can’t wait to return here soon.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Heading to Dumaguete and Valencia

Weather

The best time to visit Dumaguete and Valencia would be February-May, the peak season, where you can expect almost no rain showers during this month.

Transportation

The primary mode of transportation within the city of Dumaguete is the tricycle. For travel to nearby towns, you can take a provincial bus, ride a habal-habal, or rent a car.

How to get to Dumaguete & Valencia

Manila to Dumaguete

1. Fly to Dumaguete City. Manila to Dumaguete is about 1.5 hours.
2. Hop on a tricycle to Dumagute or Valencia whichever you’re staying.

Cebu to Dumaguete-Valencia (Bus and Ferry)

1. Purchase a ticket at Cebu South Bus Terminal to Dumaguete City. Travel time, including the ferry ride, typically ranges from 5 to 6 hours.
2. At Liloan, you will transfer to a ferry that will take you to Santander in Negros Oriental.
3. Upon arrival in Negros, you will continue your journey on land to Dumaguete.
4. From Dumaguete you can hop in a jeepney or tricycle to go to Valencia.

Ceres Liner offers bus trips from Cebu to Dumaguete and vice versa. The first trip from Cebu departs at 6:00 AM, and the last trip at 11:00 PM. The first trip from Dumaguete departs at 3:15 AM, and the last trip at 10:30 PM. Fare is 350.00.

Accommodation

E&R Airport Hotel

Located in Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People is just a short walk from Sibulan Airport. The hotel’s lobby features European furniture. The rooms are designed for comfort, featuring tea and coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Guests can enjoy a bidet and a bath, along with complimentary toiletries, for a refreshing experience. Wi-Fi is also free. There is free private parking, and the property provides a paid airport shuttle service and laundry facilities. We stayed for 2 nights here for 2,790.00 pesos.

Tour and Entrance

Tour – Php 800.00

Tierra Alta – Php 70.00 / person (we opted to Dine in their restaurant and paid Php 510.00)

Pulang Bato Waterfalls  – Php 50.00 / person

Forest Camp – Php 200.00 / person

Valencia Sample Itinerary

7:30AM – ETD from your Hotel

8:00AM – ETA The Barn at Mango Ranch

9:15AM – Tierra Alta

10:30AM – Pulang Bato Waterfalls

12:15PM –  The Forest Camp (Lunch)

4:30PM – Back at the Hotel

Essentials:

• Sun Protection
• Mosquito repellent
• Bottled Water
• Extra clothes
• Camera
• Powerbank 

Quick Tips

• The signal strength in most parts of Valencia is inconsistent. If you require a dependable internet connection to work, this may not be the best place.
• Although Dumaguete City has many ATMs and banks, it is still advisable to carry enough cash, especially when visiting nearby towns.
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• Some roads may not be accurately displayed on Google Maps. If you are unsure of your location, residents are friendly and willing to assist you in finding your way.
• Always adhere to the Leave No Trace principle: pack out all trash and dispose of it properly.

Take away

Navigating an unfamiliar environment may seem complex; however, it allows us to gain a clearer perspective and discover new possibilities. We may lose our way, but it doesn’t mean we’ve lost our sense of direction; sometimes, the detours lead us to the most beautiful destinations. #Amping