Bayawan City, Philippines…

Bayawan City is the penultimate LGU of the 3rd Congressional District of Oriental Negros with a land area of 69,908 hectares, the biggest in Region 7. It became a City by virtue of R.A. 8983 last December 23, 2000 and has been recently classified as a 3rd class City.

Bounded by the South Sulu Sea, known as the “tuna highway of the Visayas,” it offers a picturesque panorama of captivating sunsets and a windswept shoreline.  A newly completed two-kilometer four-lane coastal road known as the “boulevard” is fast becoming the center of a bustling night life, and  was the venue of two prestigious national triathlon events in 2004 and 2005.

Bayawan City is a Character City and an active member of the Association of Character Cities in the Philippines. It was the sole recipient in the Visayas and Mindanao of the Healthy City Award by the Department of Health as of last December, 2003.

Aside from its fine beaches, the City has lots to offer for the adventurous due to abundance of eco-tourism destinations: waterfalls, subterranean caves and natural springs.  Niludhan Falls, Lourdes Falls, Mag-aso Spring and Habhaban Cave are just some of the natural wonders unspoiled by civilization.

Bayawan City is also noted for cultural tourism.  Belen Festival, the centerpiece of the Pasko sa Bayawan celebration has made the City one of the most enduring Christmas playgrounds of Oriental Negros. Visual artists vie for top honors in the month long activity, depicting the Nativity with Christmas tree and Parol as structural requisites. Intricately crafted Belens using discarded and indigenous materials attest to the Bayawanons’ ingenuity and artistry.

The Tawo-tawo Festival held every 3rd Sunday of February breaths life to the elements of the rice field: the scarecrow or “tawo-tawo”, the “maya” birds, the farmer and his wife tilling the land and in thanksgiving. They are woven together to form a bigger scenario of the rich culture and history of Bayawan City. The Festival whose root is traced back to Pre Hispanic times has reaped honors for the City in the provincial Buglasan Festival of Festivals and in Sinulog de Cebu.

Bayawan City is also noted for a delicacy made of glutinous rice, young coconut and sugar called the “baye-baye.” It is wholesome snack or dessert all members of the family will surely enjoy. It comes in a handy pack perfect as “pasalubong”.

At the helm of Bayawan City’s growth is forward looking City Mayor German P. Saraña, Jr. His flagship livelihood initiatives: the 5-year rubber tree program and pioneering Jethropa Curcas production project for bio-diesel are fast becoming learning centers and agri-tourism attractions. Visitors to the city have risen dramatically, largely due to the willingness of the LGU to share the technology to everyone. These projects are geared to make Bayawan City another business hub of the Visayas in the next five years.

HOW TO GET THERE:

ayawan City is 102 kilometers from Dumaguete City and can be conveniently reached by Ceres buses and V-Hire regularly plying the route and vice versa.

From Negros Occidental side, a shorter but rougher ride via the Kabankalan City-Mabinay-Brgy. Dawis road is an option. Via Hinobaan route is suggested for travelers coming from the southwestern portion of Negros Occidental. However, for a smooth but definitely longer ride, one can take the Kabankalan City-Mabinay-Dumaguete City route in going to Bayawan City.

Mode of transport from Cebu City to Bayawan City:

By Land – Ceres buses and V Hire regularly ply the Bato or Liloan, Santander routes. From these points, one can take a ferry in going to Tampi, Amlan or pump boat via Liloan to Sibulan. Tampi and Sibulan are only 15 kilometers and 5.5 kilometers from Dumaguete City, respectively.

By Boat – Vessels from Cokaliong Shipping Lines and George & Peter Lines regularly ply a direct Cebu City-Dumaguete City route, while fast crafts like the Oceanjet and Weesam Express take the Cebu City–Dumaguete City via Tagbilaran City.

From Manila By Air – Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines have regular flights from the NAIA to Dumaguete City daily.

Distance from Major Cities

Major City	Route	Distance (km)	Travel Time
Manila	Manila ? Dumaguete  (by Boat) ? Bayawan (by Land trip) Manila ? Dumaguete (by Plane) ? Bayawan (by Land trip)		27 hrs
Cebu	Cebu ? Dumaguete  (by Boat) ? Bayawan (by Land trip) Cebu ? Bato ? Tampi  ? Bayawan (by Land trip) Cebu ? Liloan ? Sibulan  ? Bayawan (by Land trip)	290 70	10 hrs 7 hrs 6 hrs
Bacolod	Bacolod ? Hinobaan ? Bayawan (by Land trip) Bacolod ? Mabinay  ? Bayawan (by Land trip)	280 240	8 hrs 5 hrs
Dumaguete City	Dumaguete ? Siaton ? Bayawan   (by Land trip) Dumaguete ? Bais ? Bayawan (by Land trip)	102 140	2 hrs 2 hrs & 30 min

TOURIST SPOTS:

What to see

Niludhan Falls (Sitio Niludhan, Barangay Dawis)
Approximately 43 kilometers from the city proper, Niludhan Falls offers a lot of excitement especially to those who love adventures. The place does not only offer a refreshing, cool water for swimmers likewise, it also dares picnickers to scale its heights and do the bungee jump.

Mantapi Falls (Sitio Mantapi, Barangay Nangka)
Only 4 kilometers from the city. Mantapi Falls or Busay as nearby residents call it, is a natural swimming pool. The source where the irrigation system draws its water to nourish Bayawan City?s vast rice plains, is a great site for swimming and hiking adventure.

Lourdes Falls (Sitio Tagubang, Barangay Narra)
Situated 20 kilometers from the city proper, Lourdes Falls never fails to earn the admiration of nature trekkers and picnickers. The enchanting falls has cascading crystal clear water that finds its way along multi-tiered levels that drop into a pool like basin, inviting you to take a dip to refresh and relax your tired body especially on hot summer days.
Going there is in itself an adventure, passing through thickets and lush vegetation.

Palasanon Falls (Barangay Cansumalig)
Located approximately 30 kilometers from the City Proper, the ride to the location is an adventure one will hardly forget. Awaiting is the beautiful Palasanon Falls. The beauty will take your breath away and make a promise to go back to the place. A case of love at first sight.

Mag-aso Spring (Barangay Nangka)
Summer is never complete without the visit to Mag-aso Spring. The place is enchanting and will leave quiet impression on every visitor?s heart. Do not forget your camera to record the memories and the enchantment while you can.
Pasko Sa Bayawan
(December-One Month Celebration)

WHERE TO STAY:

Integrated Business Center
Villareal, Bayawan City
Tel No.: (035) 531-0883/430-0117

C and L Top View Inn
Bollos St., Bayawan City
Tel No.: (035) 531-0356 / 430-0038

Bayawan Pension House
C. Gamboa St., Bayawan City
Tel. No.: (035) 531 – 0151

Bliss Pension House
Mabini St., Bayawan City
Tel. No. 228-3548

Riverfront Inn
National Highway, Bayawan City
Tel. No.: (035) 228 – 3337

La Vista del Mar Beach Resort
Brgy. Malabugas, Bayawan City
Mobile No.: 09187048282

Casa Rosario Pension House
C. M. Recto St., Bayawan City
Tel. No.: (035) 531-0678
Mobile No.: 09193721769

Joe’s Place
National Highway, Bayawan City
Tel. No.: (035) 531 – 0045

Blue Haven
Telesforo Diao St., Bayawan City
Mobile No.: 09183506147

Sacred Heart Lodging House
Rizal St., Bayawan City
Mobile No.: 09194614704

HOMESTAY PROGRAM

Bayawan City also adopts the HOMESTAY PROGRAM of the Department of Tourism which gears towards providing alternative accomodation facilities to Filipino and foreign travelers by tapping Bayawanon private home. Homestay Program offers traveling public the budget-priced accomodations and the unique quality of Bayawanon homes. The accomodation services are designed to meet adequately normal vacation living standards: quite, uncrowded, inexpensive Bayawanon homes, clean and comfortable beds or good native cuisine upon request of the guests. The package is basic comforts for a reasonable price. Most home-owners of the Homestay Program will probably share a room or two, common facilities like living room, comfort room or bath. Thus, services and rates vary accordingly.

Non-Aircon    -    P 100 to P 200/head
Aircon            -    P 200 to P 300/head

For more information, please contact: Bayawan Tourism Office at Tel No. (035) 430-0017.