above A view of the beach
in front of Atlantis Dive Resort
in Dauin
below Casaroro Falls make for
a great photo, if you can handle
the trek to get there
Underwater thrills are a popularpastime in Negros, but there are also
numerous activities on land: Caving
is a huge attraction here, as there are
several hundred underground caves
on the island, mostly located in the
municipality of Mabinay, about two
hours’ drive north of Dumaguete.
The most famous is Crystal Cave,
housing 157-metre-long stalagmites
and stalactites.
The area offers caving for all
abilities; the more daring and
experienced cavers venture to
Habhaban Cave in Bayawan, located
about an hour south of Dauin. Part
of the experience is crawling yourway through water – an effort that
we’re told is worth once you reach the
impressive underground waterfall.
Sadly, due to serious flood alerts,
we had to postpone this adventure.
Back above the ground, natural
water sources are all over the island:
The Casaroro Falls close to Dauin are a
favourite photo opportunity. However,
getting there requires a bit of grit, as
you need to hike up some 300 steps
and across slippery rocks. The view
of the sheer drop of roaring water is
incredible, and well worth it.
Thankfully, the nearby Baslay
Hot Springs (be warned: they follow
another steep set of stairs!) offer the
weary hiker the chance to take a load
off and ease tired legs.
A quick stop at the Baslay Farmer
Association – a community farming
project that grows coffee and plants
local trees to mitigate past destructive
agriculture practices – is a good end
to an active day, and allows you the
chance to support this sustainable
local initiative.
From there, it’s a short drive
back to Atlantis Resort, to rest up
with a view and a cocktail made with
Tanduay – a delicious local rum. agp
IMAGE © STEWART WESTMORLAND