Bais Travel Guide (Negros Oriental/Negros/Visayas/Philippines/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Bais

Located in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines, Bais is a small, coastal city that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of the country. The city is known for its sugar industry, scenic beachfronts, and the stunning Tañon Strait, a protected marine habitat that is home to a diverse range of marine life.

If you’re planning a trip to Bais and want to explore the best the city has to offer, read on for our comprehensive travel guide to Bais.

List of Places to Visit in Bais

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bais City Museum: Housed in a restored Spanish colonial-era building, the Bais City Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the city. The museum features exhibits on the sugar industry, traditional dress, and the indigenous people of Negros Oriental.
San Agustin Church: Built in the 1800s, the San Agustin Church is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Negros Oriental. The church is known for its intricate architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and the beautifully landscaped courtyard.

Natural Attractions of Bais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dolphin and Whale Watching: Bais is known for its dolphin and whale watching tours, which take visitors out into the Tañon Strait to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Some tour operators also offer snorkeling and diving tours in the area.
Manjuyod Sandbar: Located just off the coast of Bais, the Manjuyod Sandbar is a must-visit for nature lovers. The sandbar stretches for miles and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Forest Camp Nature Resort: This eco-tourism resort is located in the heart of the Bais countryside, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The resort offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bais

Mount Talinis Trail: For experienced hikers, the trek up Mount Talinis is a must-do. The trail takes several days to complete and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Bais-Bindoy Road: The Bais-Bindoy Road is a popular route for both hikers and bikers. The road is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Bais: Activities and Tours

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours: As mentioned above, Bais is known for its dolphin and whale watching tours, which are a must-do for nature lovers.
Island Hopping Tours: Bais is surrounded by a number of small islands, each with its own unique charm and character. Island hopping tours are a great way to explore these hidden gems.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The clear waters of the Tañon Strait make Bais a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a diverse range of marine life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bais

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Bais, check into your hotel, and explore the city center.
2	Take a dolphin and whale watching tour, and explore the local markets.
3	Visit the Bais City Museum and San Agustin Church, and enjoy a sunset at the beach.
4	Take a day trip to the Manjuyod Sandbar and enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
5	Go on a hiking or biking expedition along the Bais-Bindoy Road.
6	Visit the Forest Camp Nature Resort and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
7	Take a scuba diving or snorkeling tour in the Tañon Strait and explore the marine life.

Food and Drink Scene of Bais

Must-Try Dishes

Inasal: Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that is popular throughout the Philippines. Bais is known for its delicious inasal and there are several local restaurants where you can try it.
Binagoongan: Binagoongan is a traditional Filipino dish made with pork and shrimp paste. It is a staple in Bais and can be found at most local restaurants.
Budbud: Budbud is a sweet sticky rice cake that is traditionally served for breakfast. It is often paired with hot chocolate or coffee.

Local Beverages

Barako Coffee: Barako coffee is a strong local coffee that is grown in the Philippines. It is a popular drink in Bais, and there are several local coffee shops where you can try it.
Tuba: Tuba is a traditional Filipino alcoholic beverage made from coconut sap. It is a popular drink in Bais and is often served at local festivals and celebrations.

Where to Stay in Bais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

GV Hotel: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Bais and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
La Planta Hotel: La Planta Hotel is a mid-range hotel located in the city center. It features a pool, restaurant, and bar.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort: For a luxurious stay, consider the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. Located just off the coast of Bais, the resort features stunning views of the ocean and luxurious accommodations.

What to Buy in Bais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pasalubong: Pasalubong are traditional Filipino souvenirs that are meant to be brought back for family and friends. Some popular pasalubong from Bais include local delicacies like budbud and binagoongan.
Local Handicrafts: Bais is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including handwoven baskets and traditional clothing.

Local Culture and Customs of Bais

Festivals: Bais is known for its colorful festivals and celebrations, including the Bais City Charter Day Celebration and the Tawo Tawo Festival.
Religion: The majority of the population in Bais is Catholic. Visitors should be respectful of local religious customs and traditions when visiting churches and religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Bais

The best time to visit Bais is from December to May, which is the dry season. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming are possible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bais

Do:

Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Bais. This includes dress codes for visiting religious sites and festivals.
Try Local Food and Drink: Bais is known for its delicious local cuisine and visitors should definitely try some of the local specialties.

Don’t:

Forget to Wear Sunscreen: Bais can get very hot and sunny, so visitors should always wear sunscreen to protect their skin.
Disrespect the Environment: Bais is known for its natural beauty and visitors should be mindful of their impact on the environment. Trash and litter should be properly disposed of, and visitors should avoid damaging coral reefs and other sensitive habitats.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bais

Bais is generally a safe city, but visitors should still take basic precautions like keeping valuables in a safe place and being mindful of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Bais

Visitors to Bais should make sure to drink only bottled water, and consider taking precautions like getting vaccinated for diseases like dengue fever and hepatitis A before traveling.

Getting to Bais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bais

The closest airports to Bais are Dumaguete Airport and Bacolod-Silay Airport, both of which are located approximately 2 hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near Bais

Buses to Bais are available from most major cities in Negros Oriental and surrounding areas. The Bais Bus Terminal is located in the city center, making it easy to access other parts of the city.

Other Options

Visitors to Bais can also rent a car or motorbike to explore the city and surrounding areas. However, driving in the Philippines can be challenging, so visitors should be comfortable driving in busy, bustling cities before attempting to drive in Bais.

How to Get Around in Bais

The best way to get around Bais is by tricycle or jeepney, which are both affordable and convenient options for travelers. Visitors can also rent a car or motorbike if they prefer.

Where to Go Next from Bais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dumaguete City: Located just 45 minutes away by car, Dumaguete City is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food.
Apo Island: Apo Island is known for its incredible coral reefs and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Bais is a hidden gem in Negros Oriental, Philippines, with plenty to offer visitors. From natural attractions to cultural institutions, Bais has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or simply exploring the city, Bais is a must-visit destination for your Philippines itinerary.

Bais Image Gallery

The city has its main fiesta, the Sipong Festival, every 7 September but also enters contestants in the Sinulog festival held in Cebu in late January. Even the smallest and poorest barangay loves dressing up and practising elaborate dance routines even in the absence of a suitable stage

The City of Bais is famed throughout the Visayas for its Christmas Decorations. In 2014 the "tree" was impressive from an engineering point of view, being composed of separately rotating and illuminated sections, but some questioned the aesthetics of this 100-foot tower

Moto-Tricycles are cheap and plentiful

Narrow gauge steam locomotive manufactured by Baldwin in the US on display opposite the sugar mill Central Azucarera de Bais and formerly used for hauling wagons loaded with sugar cane throughout the fields of the City of Bais

Carabao are often seen on the streets of Bais pulling carts

Mounds of shrimp paste can be seen in the wet market