Hidden Beach Siaton is a pristine pocket of coastline just over an hour’s drive from Dumaguete City. We stumbled upon this little gem as we drove aimlessly along the coast in search of the best beaches near Dumaguete to hang out just the two of us. Tucked away at the bottom of the cliff, this white sandy beach is dotted with giant boulders and tropical trees so we could lay a towel down in the shade. It might not be the biggest beach we’ve been to, but it was nice to have the place all to ourselves for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.
READ: 7 BEST BEACHES DUMAGUETE
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
GETTING TO HIDDEN BEACH SIATON
Not so secret that it isn’t on Google Maps, Hidden Beach Siaton is surprisingly easy to get to as long as you have your own mode of transport. You can rent a scooter or motorbike in Dumaguete for $8 USD a day, or if you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, you can rent a car for $40. You can follow the map all the way to the end of the road, but beware of huge pot holes. We drove a car and had to park just short of the end and walk the rest of the way, but if you have a 4×4 or motorbike you should be able to make it to the very end.
The road ends right in front of the last house, just before a big field. At the entrance to the field, there’s a fence with a sign for Hidden Beach Siaton, so it’s not that secret but you’ll be hard pressed to find any tourists there despite it being one of the best beaches near Dumaguete. It’s super low key and is really just a spot for the locals to hang out.
Keep following the path along the bamboo fence to the cliff’s edge and you’ll find the track leading down the cliff face directly to Hidden Beach Siaton. We initially took the wrong path (there are a few!) so if you accidentally take the wrong one don’t stress. It’ll still lead you to the bottom, and the whole coastline is beautiful, but you’ll have to keep walking to the left to reach Hidden Beach.
You’ll know when you’ve reached it because you won’t be able to go any further thanks to the massive rocks. Hidden Beach also has a distinct cliff framing the whole back of the cove, which adds to its appeal making it one of the best beaches near Dumaguete. There were a couple times where we thought we had found it, but once you reach the end you’ll realise how painfully obvious Hidden Beach Siaton really is.
If you’ve got the time while you’re in Negros Oriental, we absolutely recommend making the drive out from Dumaguete to Siaton to enjoy this little slice of paradise for yourself. It’s the perfect place for a picnic or to just chill out away from the crowds of the city and is easily one of the best beaches near Dumaguete. If you’re looking for other things to do around town, why not check out Casaroro Falls in Valencia for an awesome day trip.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR HIDDEN BEACH SIATON
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.
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.
MORE NEGROS ORIENTAL GUIDES:
Turtle Island, Siaton
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Tottyn Falls, Valencia
Original Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Palaypay Falls, Pamplona
