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.
In the town centre stands the church of San Nicolas de Tolentino, among the oldest churches in the province. In front of it and along the beach are the ruins of dome-shaped watchtowers (baluarte), said to have been used to warn townspeople of approaching pirates.
It's a short, easy stop — combine it with lunch and a walk through the poblacion and market.
Highlights
- Spanish colonial church
- Coral-stone watchtower ruins
- Town plaza and market
Good to know
- Dress modestly when going inside the church, especially during Mass.
- Dauin's town fiesta honours its patron saint — ask locals for this year's dates and events.
Prices and fees last checked October 2026. Always confirm locally before you go.
Book it with a local
More things to do
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.