Bais City in Negros Oriental is known for is vast sugar cane haciendas and sightings of various species of dolphins along Tanon Strait. It is 30 minutes away from Dumaguete City so most tourists would take a daytrip (or even halfday tour) to this city.
In 2012, the DOT, together with the LGU and DTI-7 representatives, has conducted a site assessment and strategic planning workshop for the city. I assisted in this project. I was amazed with how much resources and potential this city has.
Things to do and see in Bais City
1. Dolphin
and Whale Watching Tour
Bais City is famous for its protected marine sanctuary, the
Tañon Strait,” where Nine (9) out of twenty three (23) marine mammal species
sighted in Philippine waters, have been spotted such as spinner dolphins, bottlenose, pan tropical
spotted dolphins, melon-headed whale and dwarf sperm whale. It is considered to have one of the biggest
concentrations of cetaceans in the world.(source: http://www.godumaguete.com/bais-city-negros-oriental.html)
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| Dolphin watching in Bais City, Philippines |
2. Talabong
Mangrove Forest and Bird Sanctuary
The 250-hectare Talabong Mangrove Forest is a
protected natural habitat and nesting place of various species of birds and
other wildlife. It is the largest remaining mangrove forest in the entire
island of Negros Oriental. It was declared in 1985 by DENR as a “game refuge”,
wildlife sanctuary and a tourist spot. A 150-meter offshore mooring and
concrete walkway leading to the sandy area of the mangrove was installed.
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| Talabong Mangrove Forest and Bird Sanctuary in Bais City |
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| The Team at Talabong Mangrove Forest and Bird Sanctuary in Bais City |
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| Nursery at Talabong Mangrove Forest and Bird Sanctuary in Bais City |
3. Tindog
Bato Mountain and Watershed
This is Bais City’s highest peak (at 921
meters above sea level), located in Brgy. Sab-ahan. The view from the top reveals an unobstructed
panoama of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Cebu and Negros Oriental. At the
foot of the mountain is a watershed that supplies water to the City.
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| Scenery as we go up to Tindog Bato |
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| En route to Tindog Bato |
We decided to ride at the back of the Pick-up to get a better view
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| At the peak of Tindog Bato, we had our packed lunch. |
4. Lighi Lake
Located in Sitio Lighi, Brgy.
Mabunao, the lake is an idyllic camping ground or rest stop when climbing the
Tindog Bato Mountain.
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| Lake in Lighi, Brgy. Mabunao in Bais City |
1.
Old Spanish/Ancestral Houses
·
Casa Grande
This is a two-storey
wooden Spanish house surrounded by big acacia trees which was built originally
for the use of the employees of the Azucarera. It is at present, the residence
of mill owner Steven Chan.
·
Casa de Larena
Formerly Casa Rubio, it was built in 1790.
This spacious Spanish residence located downtown hosted many diplomatic
meetings, high profile gatherings and various remarkable events in Negros history.
·
Presidencia de Bais
A Spanish inspired building rebuilt in 1934 and has been the seat of Bais
City Government. Old city documents/logbooks of resolutions and ordinances date
back 1900s written in Spanish language are well-preserved and can be viewed at
the building’s Session Hall.
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| Presidencia de Bais - Baic City Hall |
2.
Central Azucarera de Bais
Founded in 1918 by the Tabacalera of Spain. It is one of the pioneers in the sugar
industry in the Philippines. It is also
the first to use the bagasse as the
main raw material in paper manufacturing. Reminiscent of the life in the haciendas, the old machines and
equipment are on display, including the Baldwin locomotive used for hauling
sugarcane.
3.
Sipong sa Bais Festival
Annual celebration. September 7
4. Salawaki
and Seafood Festival
Annual celebration every 1st week of September
5.
Pasko sa Bais Festival
6. Bais
Tocino Country
In front of the Mercado de Bais are street vendors in
vibrant red and white stalls selling grilled native chicken and pork paired
with steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves locally known as “puso”.
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| "Puso", rice wrapped in coconut leaves |
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| Bais Tocino Country |
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| Bais Tocino Country |
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| Bais Tocino Country |
7. Daing-making Demo
A processing demo of known local daing producers may be arranged through the Tourism Office.
1. Kanumay
Island
A stretch of white sand bar estimated to be 2.5 km.,
marine culture park and coral reef garden with a sloping terrain of 50 hectares
and depth of 10-100 feet.
2. Lag-it Beach and Boulevard
It is ideal for swimming and other recreational
activities. The boulevard located in Brgy. Okiot is an ideal picnic area that
features a row of nipa hut stalls with grilling area.
1. Dewey Island Viewing Deck
The viewing deck provides a clear view of Olympia Island,
Kanumay White Sandbar and Talabong Mangrove Forest.
<To be updated>
** The author assisted in the drafting of the Strategic Tourism Action Plan for Bais City
