Things to do
Things to do in Dauin
From critter-hunting on black sand to turtles at Apo Island and hot springs in the hills — here's what to do, and which locals can help you do it.
Muck diving the Dauin coast
Dauin is one of the world's best-known muck diving spots — frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus and ghost pipefish live on its black volcanic sand.
Snorkel the marine sanctuaries
Dauin protects several stretches of reef as no-fishing sanctuaries — Masaplod, Dauin, Mainit and Luca among them. Swim straight off the beach into healthy coral.
Apo Island day trip
A small volcanic island off the Dauin coast — and part of Dauin municipality. Snorkel with sea turtles, dive coral walls and hike up to the lighthouse.
Soak in Baslay Hot Spring
Natural sulphur hot spring pools in the cool hills of Barangay Baslay, about a 10 km ride up from the town centre.
Hike Mt. Talinis (Cuernos de Negros)
A tough but rewarding climb through mossy forest and crater lakes. The steeper Bediao Trail starts in Dauin.
Black-sand beaches & sunset
Dauin's beaches are fine dark volcanic sand. Walk the shore at golden hour, watch the fishing boats come in and the sun set over Apo Island.
Dauin Church & the old watchtowers
The Spanish-era San Nicolas de Tolentino church — one of the oldest in Negros Oriental — and the stone watchtowers built to spot pirate raids.
Yoga by the sea
Daily drop-in classes in town and open-air platforms at the resorts — the perfect counterweight to early dive mornings.
Malatapay Wednesday market
A lively weekly market just south in Zamboanguita — farmers, fishermen, livestock trading and famous lechon (roast pig).
Day trip to Dumaguete
The friendly university city 20–30 minutes north — Rizal Boulevard, the bell tower, cafés, malls and the best bakeries in the province.
Waterfalls in the Valencia hills
Next door in Valencia, Casaroro Falls and other jungle waterfalls make a great cool-down day in the mountains.
Oslob whale sharks (Cebu)
Cross the strait to southern Cebu to snorkel beside whale sharks in Oslob — the most popular day trip from the Dumaguete area.
Siquijor island
The 'mystic island' off Dumaguete — turquoise waterfalls, white-sand beaches, ancient balete trees and a slow, friendly pace. Go for a day or stay a few.
Bais dolphins & Manjuyod white sandbar
Spot dolphins in the Tañon Strait, then wade out onto a long white sandbar in the middle of the sea, lined with houses on stilts.