Who doesn’t love a good hot spring? There’s just something incredibly enticing about naturally hot water flowing from the ground, even if you are in the tropics! The province of Negros Oriental has a lot of volcanic activity going on, which is where the Dumaguete hot springs get their heat from.
Having lived in Dumaguete for 10 months, we were able to explore just about every corner of the region and found what we consider to be the 3 best Dumaguete hot springs. These hot springs range from totally developed to very well hidden, and we definitely swing towards the latter.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
3 BEST DUMAGUETE HOT SPRINGS
RED ROCK HOT SPRING, VALENCIA
We’re gonna come right out and say Red Rock Hot Spring is our least favourite of the Dumaguete hot springs. It’s a nice spot, but we usually try to steer clear of overly developed tourist attractions, unless its in the interest of the blog. Red Rock Hot Spring in Valencia is obviously very developed, but it does make for a nice spot to spend an afternoon with family or friends and is by far the easiest hot spring to get to out of the three. It’s also very close to Pulangbato Falls, so you can combine the two on a day trip from the city.
READ THE FULL GUIDE TO RED ROCK HOT SPRING VALENCIA HERE
BASLAY HOT SPRING, DAUIN
Coming in second place for Dumaguete hot springs is Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin. What used to be a semi-developed attraction has since been left to crumble, but we probably prefer it that way. The area was built up by the local government, but when Super Typhoon Yolanda flattened it in 2013 the government just forgot about it. A short drive and a hike will take you to these cement pools, some of which are boiling hot, others are just the right tempo to soak in. A little further upriver is a small waterfall which is a good spot to cool off before hiking back to the car.
READ THE FULL GUIDE TO BASLAY HOT SPRING DAUIN HERE
SECRET HOT SPRING & WATERFALL, DAUIN
Completely natural and our favourite by a long shot is the Secret Hot Spring & Waterfall in Dauin, for lack of creativity. Tucked away in the dense rainforest within the mountains of Dauin lies this hidden oasis. It requires a bit of a hike, but nothing too physically demanding, and the reward is all the more worth it. The cascading water is a wonderful warm temperature, and the shallow sitting pools have been eroded by the falling water over time.
READ THE FULL GUIDE TO SECRET HOT SPRING & WATERFALL DAUIN HERE
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR DUMAGUETE
Most people who visit Negros Oriental are told to stay in Dumaguete, but what they really mean by that is stay around Dumaguete. True, Dumaguete City has plenty of tourist inns and budget hotels, but it’s the surrounding towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita that offer the best spots to stay. There’s not a whole lot to do in the city itself, so when you stay in the nearby municipalities there’s plenty of nature to explore whilst still being nice and close to Dumaguete City. Check out our top picks for accommodation near Dumaguete City.
LUXURY: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Dauin
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin is the resort to stay at if you’ve got a big budget and fancy the finer things in life. Atmosphere has hosted its fair share of local celebrities and deep pocketed divers looking for the best beachfront luxury in Dauin. Read our full review of Atmosphere Resorts & Spa here.
MIDSCALE: Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort, Dauin
If you want to stay by the ocean without breaking the bank, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort in Dauin is a comfortable midscale accommodation option perfect for diving enthusiasts. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your certification at Mike’s, and divers of all skill sets can enjoy the abundance of macro diving opportunities in and around Dauin.
BUDGET: Bongo Bongo Divers, Dauin
Bongo Bongo Divers is one of the most popular hostels in Dauin for backpackers looking for cheap accommodation in a convenient location. The rooms are simple, without any glitz and glam, but the vibe is fun and welcoming. They have a variety of room styles to choose from, ranging from couples rooms to AC or fan only dorms.
AIRBNB: Villa Amani, Zamboanguita
Villa Amani in Zamboanguita is the perfect holiday home for small families or groups of friends looking for privacy that a traditional resort or hotel can’t offer. The main house sleeps 4 with additional space for 2 in the guest house, or you can book the guest house separately if it’s just the 2 of you and you’re on a budget. The property has a swimming pool, an unbeatable view of Apo Island and kayaks to use whenever you want. Read our full review of Villa Amani here.
MORE NEGROS ORIENTAL GUIDES:
Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia
Secret Hot Spring & Waterfall, Dauin
Baslay Hot Spring, Dauin
Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Upper Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Lake Balinsasayao & Danao Twin Lakes, Sibulan
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Swimming with Apo Island Turtles, Dauin
Original Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Tottyn Falls, Valencia
Dumaguete Belfry Tower
