Sta. Catalina

Sta. Catalina
Natural Attractions

Talostos Falls
With a distance of 50 feet from the ground, Talostos Falls of Barangay Amio is acclaimed to be the tallest crystal clear waterfall among the numerous gushing waters in the land of Sta. Catalina. This cataract rests four kilometers from Poblacion Amio and can be accessed by a motorcycle. There are certain areas though taht trekking is advised.

Mantangla Falls
Because if its towering stature, one ahs to look up to visually register the spectacular landscape of the site. Thus, it bears the name "MANTANGLA"(from the root word tangla which means to look up). Travel is made easy by mora than a half hour car/motor ride from its fathertown and less than an hour walk going to the falls.

Mantabios Falls
A 3-layered cascade sorrounded by dense forest trees located in Barangay, Sto. Rosario..undisturbed, soothingly cold, incessantly flowing water of Mantabios. The most easy to reach waterfall having a distance of 500 meters from the Provincial road of Barangay Kabulacan.

Bug-as Falls
It resembles as that of Bancit Falls ahving abundant flow of clear waters smoothly gliding on teh firmly postured shapely rocks. Best ton be visited during the months of April and May since the road is hardly accessed when rainy season comes. This attraction can be found in Sitio Jagna, Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Baknit Falls
Recently discovered internationally competitive natural attraction of San Francisco, Sta. Catalina that proudly introduces its 7 layers of waterfalls graciously flowing on huge well-formed rocks. This destination is recommended to adventure-enthusiasts as they need to climb mountains, to ride on horses, to walk for hours to reach this naive beauty of nature.

Mantangla Spring
This pure, safe and fresh water quences the thirst and needs not only of the residents but also of the travelers. Resting just beside a waterfall, courageous tourists climb their way up to the rocks to visibly see the depth of the temperature waters.

Carnabalan Spring, Cave and Falls
Santahanons have called it a "3-in-1" attraction. With the cave and spring on top and am water fall under it, a perfect sight is established in the inner part of Barangay Buenavista.

Pamu-at Cave
Nestled at the heart of Barangay Obat, Sta. Catalina, this unique conical formation of calcerous matter has developed after centuries of nurture and patient safeguarding.

Maglangit Cave
After hours of journey from its mother barangay, San Francisco, nature lovers are astounded by the welcoming trunk-like stalactites and mounting stalagmites. The fiddly anf gloomy path to the exit adds thrill to the one of a kind experience.

Wildlife Sanctuary
Preservation of rare and extinct species had long been the drive of Sta. Catalina. The reason why this 2-hectare tract of land that are covered with thick perennial plants was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary. Serving as haven to almost a hundred of monkeys and to countless flore and fauna, this site is continually protected by the "Bantay Lasang" and by the residents of Inobongan, kabulakan.

Caranoche Mangrove
If you want to see nature at its greenest color, pay a visit for a day in Caranoche and take pleasure in the thick lane of mangrove plantation with its vast earthly colored waters connecting to the Sicopong River. It only takes a 20 minute ride from the town to reach this refreshing site.

Caranoche Beach
Every summer and some time in June, the lenghty azure blue sea of Caranoche is flooded by domestic and foreign vacationers. The warm water summons relaxation and the shade of the four existing ordinary native cottages offers comfort to tourists and bystanders. Activities like beach volley, bangka riding contest, fishing and Skim boarding are common to the place.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church
Built in 1958 and rahabilitated in 1962 by Rev. Fr. Geminiano Semprun, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church has served as the eternal witness to the unrelenting Christian evangelization of Sta. Catalina for the past 53 years and the beacon of the catholic Faith. This half-century old church is currently undergoing expansion to accomodate an ever increasing number of churchgoers. Come, attend a mass and be one with the Santahanons in their devotion to their Patron Saint.

Heavenly Garden
Located within the Rama Estate in Sitio Balanga, Barangay Milagrosa, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine has 14 stations of the Cross, a diorama depicting highlights of the last few hours of the Life of Jesus leading to his crucifixion. All stations have life-size statues and towered literally by a gigantic statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated in a hilly terrain, devotion to our Lady of Lourdes is all the more compelling. Join us complete the Way of the Cross especially during Lent and feel yourself cleansed as you regain yourn spiritually.

Pakol Festival
Santa Catalina is Negros Oriental's top exporter of bananas. Its dwindling forest is home to pygmy monkeys, the only habitat left in the province. To accentuate the importance of these concerns, Pakol Festival was born. A multiple winner of the Buglasan Festival of Festivals Contest, Pakol Festival recognizes the contribution of bananas to the livelihood of Santahanons as well as to the economy of the Municipality and the endangered status of the only endemic simian specie in Negros Oriental.
Pakol is a kind of banana, the fruit of which is full of seeds and is the main staple of the monkeys. Usually found in the hinterlands of Sta. Catalina, this fruit epitomizes the fusion of the role bananas play in the local economy and the role the monkeys represent in the fragility of the balance of nature.
A third placer in the 2008 Sinulog Festival, Pakol Festival has become the tourism promotion flagship ofSanta Catalina. Listen to the drums as they beckon you to come to Santa Catalina anf gyrate to the beat.

Getting There DUMAGUETE Manila - Dumaguete By Air: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific By Sea: Super Ferry, Negros Navigation Cebu - Dumaguete By Fastferry: Ocean Jet, Weesam Express By Ship: Cokaliong Shipping, George & Peter Lines Larena - Dumaguete By Fastferry: Delta-Fast Ferry By Ship: Palacio Shipping Lines Siquijor - Dumaguete By Motorized Boat STA. CATALINA Dumaguete - sta. Catalina By Land: Ceres liner, Land Master*V-Hire

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Siquijor

Do you want to know more about Siquijor? Do you want to know more about it's history, Tourist Attractions, Festivals and it's Geophysical Profile?

Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines, but may be the biggest when it comes to springing our surprises to unsuspecting visitors. As the adage says, big surprises come in small packages.The breath-taking panorama of the convergence of land, sea and mountain, not to mention it's unexplainable rustic allure and warm people, Siquijor is arguably among the country's next tourist hot spot.Perhaps because of it's relative isolation over the years from the mainstream of the tourism industry in the Visayas, it has become a well-kept secret from the wave of foreign tourists.However, this veil of isolation has worked in it's favor as it has created an unmatched sense of curiosity and excitement to discover this enchanting island.According to oral accounts, Siquijor possesses a mystic energy which provided physical and spiritual healing to weary travelers in the olden days. With it's serene environment, it was and continues to be a tranquil getaway for those who seek a well-deserved respite and commune with nature.Being a coral island, the province boasts of reefs teeming with lush marine life and remarkable coral formations which are irresistible magnets for snorkeling and scuba diving. It's western coastal areas afford visitors a front row seat to witnessing one of the most romantic sunsets in the Visayas.Meanwhile, it's rugged outdoors are ideal for hiking, biking or driving around it's well-praved road to appreciate the gorgeous countryside and the simple joys in the daily lives of the Siquijodnons.The province may not have star-rated amenities of the other touist destinations in the country, but it's natural charm and the close-to-nature experience it offers more than compensate for this shortcoming.Being at the heart of Central Visayas, the province can be accessed via Cebu City or Tagbilaran City through the port of Larena using fast cratfs or roll-on, roll-off. Another point of entry is via Dumaguete City through the ports of Larena, Siquijor or Tambisan.

Brief History of Siquijor.

The Spaniards called Siquijor "Isla del Fuego" or "Island of Fire," because of the eerie glow radiated by the great swarms of fireflies that harbored in the molave trees. It was first sighted by the Spanish explores in 1565 during the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Since then, the island came under the Spanish rule and the present municipalities, with the exception of Enrique Villanueva were established as parishes of the Catholic Church. Siquijor, the first parish, was established in 1783 under the administration of secular clerymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Cano-an (Larena), Tigbawan (Lazi), Makalipay (San Juan), and Cangmeniac (Maria) were founded by Augustinian and Recollect priests. From 1854 to 1892, it was administered under the politico-military province of Bohol. In 1892, it became a part of Negros Oriental and then its sub-province in 1901.Siquijor was created as a province on September 17, 1971 by Republic Act No. 6396 with Larena as provincial capital. A year later, the seat of the provincial government was transferred to the municipality of Siquijor in 1972 by Proclamation No. 1075, making it the commercial and administrative center of the province. To help you explore the magical island of Siquijor, the Department of Tourism in cooperation with United Tourist Promotions, the country's leading mapmaker for more than a decade, is publishing this map. Whether you are a first-time foreign visitor or a Filipino trying to familiarize yourself with the province, you will find this map to be a handy and user-friendly guide to help you master Siquijor's road network like the back of your hand.

Tourist Attractions

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
The biggest of the several marine sanctuaries in the province located in Enrique Villanueva, it is a habitat to abundant fish species and underwater marine life.

Salagdoong Beach Resort
A romantic hideaway in Maria tucked in a cove, fine white sand and a nearby islet providing a good vantage point of the beachfront.

Cagusana Beach (Maria)
Noted for its pictureque seascape and rock formation, it is situated below a cliff and accessible by a concrete staircase.

St. Isidore Church and Convent
Built by Spanish priests in 1884 in Lazi, it is the biggest and among the oldest convents in Asia and recognized as a national historical landmark.

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Bell Tower and Convent
A Spanish period church made of stone, cruciform and nipa roof, while the adjoining convent is also made of stone rubble. The bell tower stands separately from the church accros the plaza, suggesting that is also served as a watch tower against raiders from the sea.

San Juan de Capilay Lake
A spring-fed swimming pool situated near the San Juan town plaza which is a favorite destination of local folks when they cool off from the heat of the sun.

Cantabon Cave
A long and winding cave in Siquijor town which will surely delight true-blue spelunkers. A fter a challenging and adventurous 90-minute trail, they are rewarded with a refreshing and rejuvenating deep in the pool.

Mt. Bandilaan National Park
Situated at the center of the province straddling the towns of Lazi and Siquijor, it is home to endemic fauna and flora.Rising at 557 feet at its highest point, the 224 hectare man-made forest covers the former Reforestation Project and offers a breath-taking view of the land below. Other attraction within the park include religious parks, natural springs and a butterfly sanctuary which is home to Asia's biggest butterfly.

Festivals

Solili Festival
A marriage ritual held in Lazi every September where parents of the bride and groom prepare a feast and take turns advising the couple on married life. The rites are depicted in street dance competition that serves as the highlight of the weeklong Araw ng Siquijor Charter Day celebration.

Dilaab Festival
Held on October 1 in Siquijor to showcase the people's distinct hospitality and the ancient name of the island - "Isla Del Fuego" because of the swarm of fireflies at night. The fest also honors St. Francis of Assisi who is known as the patron saint of animals.

Folk Healing Festival
Herbularyos from Visayas and Mindanao converge in the barrio of San Antonio, Siquijor where ancient medicinal potions are prepared and tested every Black Saturday with the belief that with the death of Jesus Christ, spirits roam the earth and share their healing powers to the sick.

Bugwas Festival
Held in San Juan, it celebrates a bountiful harvest in honor of St. Augustine. Bugwas means a spurt of water from the underground which gives farmers bountiful, the fishermen with abundant catch.

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Bais City

Do you want to know more about Bais?Do you want to know more about it's History, Eco-tourism Destinations, Festivals, and Quick Facts?

About Bais City
Bais got its anme from an elongated eel-like fish that used to abound in the streams and rivers. Legend has it that when a group of Spanish Engineers and Surveyors asked the natives the name of the place, they answered, "Bais", thinking that the foreigners were asking the name of the fish they were catching. Bais was once a barrio of the Municipality of Manjuyod, when the village headman and his followers pledged loyalty to the Alcalde of the municipality. Whwn the Americans put an end to the Spanish regime in the Philippines, Negros, Oriental became a province with the late Demetrio Larena of Bais holding the dictinction as its first governor. In 1901, Bais was recognized as a town. Emelio Teves served as its first Mayor. The City of Bais came into being by virtue of Republic Act No. 5444, otherwise known as the Act Creating the City of Bais. This took effect on September 1, 1968. President Ferdinand E. Marcos personally proclaimed Bais as a city on September 9, 1968.

Bais Dolphin and Whale Watching

Renowned as the cradle of sugar industry in Negros Oriental, Bais City is also popular for its "proximity to (Philippine most) protected marine sanctuary, the Tañon Strait," where dolphins and whales adobe. As one of the world's "biggest concentrations" of cetaceans, the Tañon Strait is the feeding, breeding and resting place of 14 pieces of cetaceans. Species that have been reportedly sighted in the area are spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, melon-headed whales and dwarf sperm whales. Since 1995, the local government unit of Bais City has been utilizing the presence of these marine creatures into an eco-tourism industry. Presently, there are 18 operational boats for rent that are clean, reliable, and comfortable for dolphin and whale watching tour. These boats are available for looking at the Tourism Office of the local government. It is expedient to go dolphin and whale watching early in the morning around 6:oo o'clock and during the months of April-September where there is almost zero wind velocity.

Talabong Mangrove Forest and Birds Sanctuary

Lies east of the Capiñahan wharf, the Talabong Mangrove forest and Bird Sanctuary is the "Largest Remaining Mangrove Forest in the entire island of Negros Oriental". It has an area of approximately 600 hectares, wherein a small fraction is wide sandy shore. the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) declared the Talabong Mangrove Forest as "a game refuge, wide life sanctuary, and tourist spot" in 1985. As one of the places to visit in a travel package, the birds sanctuary is ideal, especially during the months of December-February when looking for places the photograph various species of migratory and resident birds. It is also a perfect place to have picnic and enjoy other recreational activities. In 2004, a Sub-Marine Talabong Nursery was established to accommodate seedlings of various mangrove species for reforestation to "key locations around Bais Bay." 150 meters of offshore mooring and concrete walkway in place.
Festivals

Agro-Industrial and Seafood Fair(September 1-7)
One of the highlights of the city's Charter Day Celebration, which has been drawing visitors near and far is the Agro-Industrial and Seafood Fair. It is a gathering of Bais City's entrepreneurial communities from the hinterland to the coastal barangays, showcasing their finest produce. Themed booths of the 35 barangays, schools and rural-based organizations are an attraction in themselves. A big bonus is the display of products at its lowest prices.

Sipong sa Bais Festival(September 7)

"Sipong sa Bais" is one-day gaiety celebrated annually every 7th day of September by Baisanons. It is a colorful and lively portrayal through choreographed street dancing and dance showdown of farmers and fishermen as they expressed gratitude to the patron St.Nicholas of Tolentino, and as well as to celebrate the abundant harvest of agriculture and marine resources. Salawaki and Seafoods Festival(september 1-7). Showcasing the diverseness and the abundance of fishery resources in Bais City and living to its title as the "shelfish basket" in the province of Negros Oriental, is the Salawaki and Seafoods Festivals. Edible sea urchins, locally known as"Salawaki" (Tripneutis Gratilla) are displayed and sold for its fresh "roe" or "uni". Other fishery produce such as squid, tilapia,bangus,danggit,kitong and shellfishes are also sold cooked or raw. This celebration is spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office and the Fisherfolks' Association.

Pasko sa Bais Festival(1st week of december-2 week of january)

Pasko sa Bais has been very popular among local and foreign tourists for the past 40 years.Its starts with the lights-on ceremony with live band and fireworks display. The main attraction is themed gigantic Christmas at the center of the Hermingildo G. Villanueva Ball Field. The festival also features a month-long display of Christmas lights and decores at the Veterans Park,Rizal Park,HGV Ball Field, City Hall, Auditorium and city streets. Children enjoy free train and dolphin carousel rides as well as free icecream and cotton candy.


Getting There
Bais is 43 kms. north of the commercial airport of Dumaguete and 45 kms. from the Dumaguete sea Port. Travel time by land from Dumaguete City, the provincial capital, is less than an hour while travel time by land from the Occidental side (Bacolod City) is four hours (via Mabinay) to 7/8 hours (via San Carlos City)

MANILA - DUMAGUETE By Air:Philippine Airlines (Tel No.:(035) 225-4266; 7:00 A.M and 1:40 P.M.; Tue, Wed and Thur Cebu Pacific (Tel No.:(035) 422-9281; 7:05 A.M. and 2:40 P.M.; Daily By Sea:Negros Navigation (Tel No.: (035) 225-5209; 4:25 P.M.;Daily WG & A (Tel No.:(035) 225-7358; 11:59 A.M.;Every Thur

CEBU - DUMAGUETE By Sea:Cokaliong Shipping Lines (Tel No.:(035) 225-3588; 7:00 A.M; Mon to Sat G&P Lines (Tel No.:(035) 225-2345; 10:00 P.M.;Mon, Thur, Sat and Sun BATO - AMLAN 5:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.Daily; Departure is every after 1 hour LILOAN - SIBULAN 5:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.Daily; Departure is every after 1 hour

DAPITAN - DUMAGUETE By Sea:Ocean Jet (035) 226-1088; 12:20 P.M.; Daily Cokaliong (Tel No.:(035) 225-3588; 4:30 P.M.; Saturday

TAGBILARAN - DUMAGUETE By Sea:Ocean Jet; 8:00 P.M. & 5:45 P.M.; Daily

SIQUIJOR - DUMAGUETE By Sea:Delta Fast Ferry (Tel No.:(035) 225-3128; 5:55 A.M. & 10:15A.M.,12:30 P.M. & 3:00 P.M.; Daily

BACOLOD - BAIS By Land:Ceres Liner; 3:30 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.; Departure is every after 30 minutes; Daily

DUMAGUETE - BAIS By Land:Ceres Liner; 3:30 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.; Departure is every after 15 minutes; Daily Regular Buses; 5:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.; Departure is every after 15 minutes; Daily V-Hire; 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.; Departure is every after 15 minutes; Daily

Dolphin and Whale Watching

TARIFF
GOVERNMENT BOAT

• M\BCA DOLPHIN 1 - 20 Pax - Php 4,000.00 Boat rental and P20.00 Terminal Fee
• M\BCA DOLPHIN 2 - 15 Pax - Php 3,000.00 Boat rental and P15.00 Terminal Fee

PRIVATE BOAT

• M\BCA VIOS - 25 pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA NICO 3 - 25 pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA DOLPHIN ADVENTURE - 25pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA MARIA CRISTY 2 - 20 pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA ALFER - 20 pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA QUEEN MARY - 18 pax - Php 5,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA DOLLY - 15 pax - Php 4,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA MARIA CRISTY 1 - 15 pax - Php 4,000.00 boat rental
• M\BCA REBECCA - 10 pax - Php 3,500.00 boat rental
• M\BCA OCEAN ADVENTURE - 10 pax - Php 3,500.00 boat rental
• M\BCA JEMESIAH - 10 pax - Php 3,500.00 boat rental
• M\BCA SR. STO. NIÑO - 10 pax - Php 3,500.00 boat rental

SCHEDULE

• 6:30 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. - Capiñahan wharf, manifesto of passenger registration
• 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M. - Departure from Capiñahan wharf going to Tañon strait
• 8:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. - Approaching the dolphins
• 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.- Dolphin Watching
• 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. - Going to Manjuyod Sand Bar
• 11:00 AM. - 2:00 P.M. - Lunch, Swimming at Manjuyod Sand Bar
• 2:00 P.M.; 2:30 P.M. - Visit at Talabong mangrove forest if it is high tide
• 2:30 P.M.; 3:00 P.M. - Heading back to Capiñahan Wharf

ACCOMODATIONS

• La Planta Hotel, Mabini St., Bais City; 402-8321
• Casa Don Julian, Mabini St., Bais City; 402-9457
• Felix Economy Lodge, National Highway, Bais City; 402-8282

DINING

• Fuyma Restaurant, Burgos St.,Bais City; 402-9340
• WONKA Fast food and Restaurant, National Highway, Bais City; 402-3546
• Felix Lechon Manok, National Highway, Bais City; 402-8282
• Jacob's Barbecue House, Cor. Aglipay St.,National Highway, Bais City
• Jag Plaza Inn, Inday Loleng Building, Juan Luna St.,Bais City
• Comeda de Bais, Inday Loleng Building, Juan Luna St.,Bais City
• YJS Restaurant, National Highway, Bais City
• Chad's Restaurant, National Highway, Bais City

Local snacks shacks

• Bais Tocino Country, Upper Mabini St.,Bais City
• Nene's Halo - halo, Juan Luna St.,Bais City
• Birdies Bakeshop, Upper Mabini St.,Bais City
• Julies Bakeshop, National Highway, Bais City
• Jobert's Bakeshop, Upper Mabini St.,Bais City
• Park n' Go Bakeshop, Upper Mabini St.,Bais City

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