Bais City Postal Office by Marion Paul Baylado
Along the eastern coast of Negros Oriental, the component city of Bais is a charming coastal destination just 45 kilometers north of Dumaguete. This city has 35 barangays, a 2020 population of 84,317 people, and a land area of 319.64 sq. kilometers (123.41 sq. miles).
Known as a cradle of the region’s sugar industry and a hub for nature lovers, this city strikes a balance between heritage, marine life, and scenic tranquility.
History & Identity
- Origin of the Name: “Bais” may refer to the Visayan word for brackish-water eel—ba‑is—or derived when early Spaniards misinterpreted locals naming the vinegary-caught fish “bais” as the place’s name.
- From Town to City: Once a barrio under Tanjay, it became a town in 1849 and was chartered as a city on September 9, 1968.
- Economic Roots: Established in 1918, the Central Azucarera de Bais by Tabacalera became one of the Philippines’ earliest sugar mills, anchoring Bais as a sugar powerhouse.
Geography & Nature
- Land & Ecology: With around 31,964 ha (319 km²), over 70% of Bais City is dedicated to agriculture—mainly sugar cane. The Pelarta River, significant for irrigation, helped shape former mangrove wetlands now used for settlement.
- Marine Ecosystems: Bais Bay and the nearby Tañon Strait host some of the greatest concentrations of cetaceans in the Philippines—spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pygmy sperm whales, and more. The area is protected as the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
by Christopher Albone
Top Attractions & Activities
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Departing Bais’s Port Capiñahan, morning cruises head into the Tañon Strait where multiple cetacean species are routinely spotted—especially from April to September, with peak encounters from mid‑August to mid‑October. Boat tours can be booked via the tourism office, and typical excursions last around six hours.
Manjuyod White Sandbar
Known as the “Maldives of the Philippines”, this 7-km white sandbar emerges during low tide between 7:00–9:00 AM. Visitors can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy seafood cooked by local fishermen.
Talabong Mangrove Park & Bird Sanctuary
Covering 400 ha of protected mangrove forest, this sanctuary hosts diverse bird species and marine life. Visitors reach it by boat and explore via a bamboo or concrete boardwalk leading to the mangrove forest.
Heritage & Haciendas
Stroll past colonial-era landmarks such as the Central Azucarera de Bais with its old Baldwin locomotive, the elegant Casa de Larena, and the historic Presidencia de Bais (City Hall).
by Ronanjayron
Other Highlights
- Tindog Bato Mountain (~921 m) offers panoramic vistas across neighboring provinces and islands.
- Lighi Lake—ideal for camping in Brgy. Mabunao.
- Beaches like Lag-it Beach and small islands such as Kanumay Island provide further scenic options.
Festivals & Culture
- Sipong sa Bais Fiesta (September 7–10): Vibrant street parades and gratitude dances in honor of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, blending religious devotion with agricultural and marine themes.
- Salawaki & Seafood Festival: Celebrates marine produce such as sea urchins (salawaki) and regional seafood.
- Pasko sa Bais Festival: A colorful Christmas‑season extravaganza (December–January) featuring giant light displays, entertainment, and local treats.
Travel Tips & When to Visit
- Getting There: Quick and scenic transport from Dumaguete via Ceres bus (₱50), or rental vehicles. Travel takes about 1 to 1.25 hours.
- Best Season: Dry weather from December to May offers ideal conditions; dolphin watching is most rewarding between April and September. Festival season around early September offers immersive cultural experiences.
Why Bais Should Be on Your Radar
- Natural wonders: Dolphins, pristine sandbars, mangroves, and wildlife all in close proximity.
- Rich heritage: Historic sugar haciendas, grand ancestral houses, and colonial architecture paint a vivid past.
- Authentic culture: Festivals blending agrarian and maritime traditions.
- Accessible yet off the beaten path: Easily reachable from Dumaguete but far less crowded than mainstream tourism spots.
Whether you’re drawn by eco‑adventure, historical intrigue, or cultural celebration, Bais City delivers an unforgettable mix of sights, sounds, and flavors that embody the heart of Negros Oriental. Let me know if you’d like a 3‑day itinerary or where to stay nearby!
by Jarie World Tour