San Lorenzo Wind Farm (Guimaras Windmills)

My last destination in Guimaras was Guimaras Windfarm, with 27 gigantic wind turbines that harness electricity from the wind. The island is surrounded by the seas, so it’s a perfect location for renewable because of its sea breeze. According to Kuya Ken, the harnessed energy is transported to Ilo-Ilo City via cables submerged in the water. There’s a registration but no entrance fee. We also talked about the proposed bridge connecting Guimaras to Ilo-Ilo; however, it was rejected because it could damage living underwater creatures. By the way, Bangui Windmills is the most prominent wind farm in the Philippines, and it has attracted a lot of tourists to Ilocos Norte. Just recently, I featured the Tanay Windmills in Tanay, Rizal.

Tori's Backpackers Paradise

Tori's Backpackers Paradise is the cheapest place to stay in Siquijor. The receptionist greeted me at their small reception area with a genuine "Good Morning, Sir!" and a smile. At that very moment, I thought that this place was perfect. I only paid 350 pesos for an overnight stay, a great deal, right? This resort is backpackers friendly because of its low price, and they have a dormitory-type room where visitors can meet other visitors. I was just sad because my visit was off-season, and only three visitors were in the resort. If you want privacy, that's not a problem because they also have private rooms.

Siquijor Church


Introduction and History:

The Siquijor Church greets all the visitors as it is situated near the port. It was established in 1783 by the secular priests. It was built using coral stones, and cogon was initially used for roofing. What's unique about this church is the bell tower, which was built a few meters away. Like some other old churches in the Philippines,  its convent served as the hiding place from the pirates and other invaders. Today, it is the centre of Catholicism in the province, but for a non-Catholic like me, this church is the living witness of the past survived by the province and its people.

Salagdoong Beach

I can't deny Salagdoong Beach has crystal clear waters with a fine white sand shoreline, but there are also sharp stones and corals. Want a more thrilling experience? This beach has two cliff jump stations that you can try. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the man-made landscape, which is also picture-perfect. Your day will end with a stunning sunset with the cool sea breeze blowing. Also, this beach is a prominent destination in Siquijor, so tourists are expected to visit it. 

The Naked Island in Surigao

Naked Island, Surigao
Experience the naked paradise of the Naked Island, one of the islets of Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur. I know you're thinking of something green, don't you? You're wrong! The name of this islet is derived from its characteristic - naked, which means that nothing can be found except the stretch of fine white sand. It's very short, more or less 10 meters depending if it's high tide or low tide. 

HIYOR-HIYORAN ISLAND, Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur

Hiyor-hiyoran Island
Hiyor-hiyoran is another stunning islands of the Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur. It is also called the souvenir island because among islands, Hiyor-hiyoran is the only one with souvenir shops built by the beach, well' that's so far. Same as the other islands, it also has fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and gorgeous limestone formation. Very Instagrammable.

BOSLON ISLAND, Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur

Boslon Island
Walk with happiness on the fine white sand that cover on the shore of Boslon Island. This islet is like a huge boulder dropped in the water. Because of the pressured, the fine white sand exploded and became - Boslon Island. Well, that's only my own story. Anyways, this islet is circular in shape, with plants and trees hanging on top of the gigantic boulder, creating a cool atmosphere in the area. This islet is the usual "pahingahan" of the tourists. Very conyo no??

Lazi Church and Convent


History of Lazi Church:

The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, commonly known as the Lazi Church, is one of the main tourist destinations in Siquijor. I was stunned by the appearance of this Church and its convent. The parish became independent in 1857, but the current stone structure, which is neoclassical art, was completed in 1884. It was built using the sea stones, coral stones and wood. In 1972, it was declared as a national cultural heritage. Today, it is newly renovated, with the walls covered with white.

Century Old Balete Tree, Siquijor

Century Old Balete Tree Siquijor

The Century Old Balete Tree is one of the faces of Siquijor and must be visited in the province. It is a fig tree family or known as the "stranger tree" because it grows beside other trees and sometimes kills the host tree by strangling them. In Philippine folklore, balete is the house of the tikbalang (horse demon), dwende (elves) and diwata (fairies). Having said that, this old tree, according to stories, is mythical.

Tierra Alta Lighthouse

Tierra Alta Lighthouse

It is part of Tierra Alta Residential Resort, one of the prime event destinations in Valencia, Negros Oriental. This place is perfect for a wedding and other types of gatherings because of its breathtaking scenery, where the natural beauty and the man-made structures are combined with perfection. The lighthouse is comparable to the prominent lighthouse of Batanes, surrounded by well-maintained grass and ornaments.

Red Rock Hot Spring

Red Rock Hot Spring
A gorgeous view of the Red Rock Hot Spring.

It is indeed another tourist destination in Valencia, Negros Oriental. It started as a family private pool but was expanded due to demands. Red Rock Hot Spring has become prominent among tourists and locals because it's relaxing. The temperature of the free-flowing spring water ranges from 37.5 to 39.5 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for tired muscles. Plus, the ambience inside the compound is very Asian because of the cottages and plants surrounding the pool.

Cata-Al World War 2 Museum

The Cata-Al World War 2 Museum started as a private personal collection but was expanded as a museum to let the new generation see what things were used during the Second World War. The collection includes ammunition such as guns, bayonets, and grenades. Also, there are old radios, transmitters, bags, army and navy uniforms and magazines related to the Second World War. Other Japanese memorabilia include costumes, tablewares, and many more. Cata-Al is a newly developed tourist spot and destination in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

CAMPANARIO DE DUMAGUETE, Negros Oriental - a Travel Guide

Campanario de Dumaguete
You must include the Campanario de Dumaguete or Dumaguete Belfry in your list of the must visit places in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. It is the oldest bell tower in Visayas and one of the historical markers in the province. It was built to monitor and warn the locals of any danger. Standing beside the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and in front of the city's Rizal Park, it is very accessible from and to any points in the city. Having said that, it is one of the most visited landmark in the city.

Casaroro Falls

Casaroro Falls stands a hundred feet and is surrounded by luscious greens and healthy vegetation; this paradise has a cool ambience while the fresh and cool water falling creates a relaxing rushing sound harmonized with the birds' lullabies and wind blowing the trees. To experience its beauty, I had to go backpacking to visit the Casaroro Falls location. Situated outside Dumaguete City, a 20-30-minute travel, this beautiful waterfall is hiding in the forest area of Valencia.

Antwet Backpackers Inn and Rooftop Bar

Antwet Backpacker's Inn and Rooftop Bar is the cheapest hotel or place to stay in Dumaguete City. I found this place using Google Maps and searched it on Facebook. I texted the number posted and messaged them on Facebook about their rates. The owner responded in an hour, which started our everyday conversation. Every time I shoot her a question, she responds like a friend. So, this place is perfect. Also, it is a walking distance to the city's tourist destinations.

My Solo-Backpacking Itinerary in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol

Total Expenses: 11,015.84 Pesos

MONEY ON HAND: 10,424.00
EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 9,175.4 PESOS
Flights via Cebu Pacific: MNL-DGT - 627.84 Pesos. TAG-MNL: 1,212.60 Pesos