Negros is one of the lesser known islands in the Philippines but is full of hidden treasures. Whether your focus is watersports, food or the beach, there are a number fantastic sites well worth the detour. Here our three top spots not to miss on your visit to Negros.
1. Hanging loose in Sipalay
This is a must for any visitor to Negros – a stretch of un-spoilt sandy beach, accessible only by boat, and lined with just a few, quite low key resorts. With only a tiny village in walking distance, the sense of isolation is here complete and with little do but sunbathe, swim or for the truly energetic head out on a boat trip, it is a perfect holiday paradise. Although the temptation is to take it seriously easy, diving here is good and the sites alive with turtles, coral fish and even a few wrecks.
2. Eating at the Pala Pala in Bacolod
The only prerequisite for enjoying this top culinary experience is that you like seafood, for the Pala Pala is actually part of the fish market. Perhaps most popular restaurant in Bacolod, the idea here is that diners buy their dinner straight off the boat before having it specially prepared by the restaurant chef. Although the original venue still exists and consists of a series of rather ramshackle eateries, most up and coming Filipinos head instead to the ‘new’ version, which is clearly the place to be. Decorated in natural tones in stylish modern design, and throbbing to the funky beats of lounge legends, dining here is swanky as well as delicious. Local specialties such as squid adobo come sizzling in the pan, while more simple dishes such as grilled garlic prawns will leave you banging on the kitchen door for more.
3. Getting pampered in Dumaguete
Located just outside the bustling town of Dumaguete, the Atmosphere resort is a secluded piece of paradise providing the pampering and sophistication that make for a truly indulgent vacation. The restaurant offers a tasty mix of local and international cuisine – one of the few places to offer yummy mezze with proper hummus and fresh fruit smoothies that are worth a detour in themselves! I dropped by mostly for the diving – the team here are professional and well equipped (they even offer Nitrox training - for divers who really want to keep up with the times) and can organize whale-watching expeditions. This has to be the best place to stay on the south of the island – for the relaxation, the seclusion and the pure sense of indulgence.
