Not all adventures work out how you think they will, and Bugsok Falls was one of those adventures for us. We’ve had plenty of hiccups and hurdles on hikes before, but never have we not made it to the destination. Our blog post for Bugsok Falls is a little different to any post we’ve made before because it was a total failure. We suppose this is what happens when you don’t do any research beforehand. Learn from our mistakes, people.
Despite not going to plan, our trip to Bugsok Falls was actually one of our most memorable adventures in Negros Oriental. We call it the oasis waterfall because of how the last light was shining and we would’ve loved to have come back another time, but our drone shots ended up being a pretty good second place prize.
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
WHERE IS BUGSOK FALLS
Bugsok Falls is in the town of Mabinay in Negros Oriental, however it sits very close to the border of Negros Occidental. It’s pretty far from Dumaguete City, between 2.5 – 3 hours on a mixture of paved and dirt roads. If you enjoy getting off the beaten track a little, then you’ll love this drive. You will need your own transport though, as there’s no public transport out this far.
There’s a pin for Bugsok Falls on Google Maps so it’s actually pretty easy to get to the right area, except we ended up on top of the falls. Our best advice is to get as close as you think you can, then you’ll probably need to get out and ask a local for directions. We asked several people and were given some vague directions through sugarcane fields, but really, we should’ve offered a couple hundred pesos for someone to guide us. Lesson learned.
WHAT TO BRING TO BUGSOK FALLS
Prepare for your trip to Bugsok Falls with our must have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BUGSOK FALLS
Like we said, we ended up on top of a ridge looking down at Bugsok Falls in the valley below. We probably could’ve figured out how to get down there, but we were quickly running out of daylight and wouldn’t have made it before sunset. Instead of wasting our last remaining light hiking down, we took a seat in a sugarcane field and did the next best thing – droned Bugsok Falls.
Bugsok Falls is a beautiful waterfall with three different streams flowing into a large basin below. We would’ve loved to have gotten down there for a closer look.
Even thought the waterfall was pretty spectacular, the reason Bugsok Falls is so memorable to us is because of “the oasis”. The waterfall feeds into a river below with a little grassy island home to one lone tree. The light was shining in a way that illuminated this tree, and it just looked so special. It looks like the oasis is a popular playground for the local kids, and we can’t blame them one bit.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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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:
Sulfur Lagoon, Amlan
Pasalan Falls, Amlan
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
