While you’re here, tick off a few items off your bucket list. Go scuba diving at Apo Island. Climb Mt Kanlaon, an active volcano. Go dolphin watching in Bais City. Visit the monkey sanctuary of Santa Catalina. Swim with the whale sharks in Oslob. Sample the in-season produce at Malatapay Market.
Negros is the second-largest island in the Visayas region, known as a “muck” diving area with lots of sand and very rare critters. The island is surrounded by marine reserves and more than 30 exciting dive sites that offer world-class macro and night dives, including Apo Island — a 72-hectare volcanic island with unique rock formations, 650 documented species of fish and over 400 species of corals. In 2008, Sport Diver Magazine listed Apo Island as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world — and it still is!
The Sea Explorers Dive Center is located next-door, inside our partner resort Pura Vida. The dive center is directly on the beach. We have four excellently maintained dive boats waiting to bring divers to different dive sites and on exciting day trips. Each boat can carry 10-16 divers and is equipped with oxygen (O2) equipment, First Aid kit, spare dive equipment, toolbox, life jackets, VHF, mobile phones and emergency communication.
20 minutes from Vida Homes is Dumaguete City, a funky college town and expat hang-out. It’s a refreshing taste of slow, easy, small-town life. Take a stroll along Rizal Boulevard, a stunning waterfront promenade where locals and tourists gather. Eat Filipino-style seafood at Lantaw. Have an ice-cold beer at Sans Rival. Listen to live music at Hayahay. Visit the town’s many historical, religious and cultural attractions. Get a souvenir or two from the local shops. If you’re in town for Dumaguete’s colorful festivals, they’re one for the books!
Some days, you’ll want to just lie back on a chaise lounge and enjoy the sun. Or work up some endorphins on the treadmill. Or get a rejuvenating massage. Maybe some sunset cocktails at the beach bar?
