Ten months is a long time for us to stay in one place, and after such a long time we thought we’d seen all there is to see in Negros Oriental, that is until we were shown Naibid Falls. Turns out there’s always something more to be discovered, you just need to look a little harder. Or know the right people.
Naibid Falls – also known as Naibid Cascades – was one of our last adventures before leaving Negros Oriental, and it was definitely one of our bigger treks. Naibid Falls is the very definition of “off the beaten track”. Not for the faint of heart, getting to this oasis was an adventure and a half, but totally worth it.
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
WHERE IS NAIBID FALLS
Naibid Falls is deep, deep in the mountains of Amlan, Negros Oriental. Amlan town is about 40 minutes from Dumaguete City, but getting to Amlan is the easy part. There is a Google Maps pin for Naibid Cascades, but honestly… forget about it. We drove on dirt tracks through sugar cane fields for what felt like hours before parking at a random shack and starting our hike.
What we do recommend is contacting our friend Marlon who can guide you to Naibid Falls. Not only is he an Amlan local, he comes fully prepared with all sorts of hiking gear so you’re in good hands with him. Marlon’s number is 09672163409. Give him a call and he’ll arrange everything.
WHAT TO BRING TO NAIBID FALLS
Prepare for your trip to Naibid 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)
HIKING TO NAIBID FALLS
Things start off pretty normal but quickly turn into a battle. We hiked for close to two hours to reach Naibid Falls, through fields and dense jungle. This area is almost completely undeveloped, save for a few little local houses here and there.
We learned, on the way back, that there’s actually a much shorter way to get there. But where’s the fun in that? Marlon came fully prepared with ropes and other hiking apparatus to help us traipse through the thick forest and along narrow edges. It was definitely needed.
We continued our trek upriver, hauling ourselves up boulders and steep mountainsides, thankful for Marlon’s ropes and expertise. Don’t let the first little waterfall trick you, there’s still plenty more hiking and climbing to be done before you reach Naibid Falls.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT NAIBID FALLS
Reaching Naibid Falls was such a rewarding feeling. The hike was pretty grueling so it felt so good to cool off in the refreshing mountain water.
Having zero expectations for Naibid Falls, we had no idea that it cascaded down so many levels. We tied our rope to a tree and rappelled down one last rock face to reach the last safe level of Naibid Falls. This is where we spent most of our time swimming, as it was the deepest pool.
We couldn’t leave without sending the drone up to get a bird’s-eye view of Naibid Falls and the surrounding jungle. From this angle, it was clear to see just how deep in the middle of nowhere we were. It also gave us a better view of Naibid Falls, which practically split the landscape in half as it cascaded down the mountain.
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
