Sightseeing in Valencia

Valencia was named the “cleanest and greenest” city in Negros Oriental in 2017. It is a landlocked city in the highlands that is also known to be home to various waterfalls. Since the city is just a few kilometers outside of Dumaguete City, Valencia is a popular destination for tourists who have a day or two to spare. Here you can get a breath of fresh air, even a bit of sulphur fumes and be surrounded by lush green forests, jump into cold water pools or hot springs or overlook the city from a hill.

 

Old Casaroro Falls

 

 

The Casaroro waterfalls are fascinating. These 100-foot high waterfalls plunge into a deep pool with a stream flowing through it.

The entrance fee is Php 20.00 at the resort. If you’re visiting the attraction for the first time, be sure to hire a guide. The price for this starts at Php 200.00. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to be soaked as you have to cross a river to get to the falls after descending 335 steps down a steep, long concrete staircase.

I didn’t dare go down that many steps because of my age, as I would have had to climb them again. So I made do with the fresh mountain air and the beautiful flowers there myself.

 

Pulangbato Twin Falls

 

 

Unlike the other waterfalls in Valencia, you don’t have to hike to get to Pulangbato. The name “Pulangbato” means “red rocks”, which you can actually see around the waterfalls. According to the locals, the sulphur deposits have caused the rocks at the waterfalls and in some other areas of Valencia to have this rust color.

Entrance fees
Adults – Php 100.00
Children (10 years old and below) – Php 50.00
2 years old and below & PWD – Free

Tables with umbrella – Php 200.00
Cabins – Php 300.00 to Php 600.00
Gazebo – Php 3,000.00 for 4 persons per night

 

Red Rock Hot Spring

 

 

On a rainy day, a dip in the 37° C water of a spring is ideal – and that’s exactly what the Red Rock Hot Spring offers. However, make sure you visit the spring during the off-season as it can get very crowded, especially on weekends.

Entrance fee: Php 100.00 for adults; Php 80.00 for children above 7 years old.

 

Palinpinon Sulfur Vents

 

 

After an extensive bath in the hot springs of Red Rock, you will pass the sulphur chimneys on the mountainside. Some also call it the “Smokey Mountain”. Despite the foul smell that the sulphur gives off, many would stop by because it is simply fascinating.

The unpleasant smell of rotten eggs in the sulfur vents in Palinpinon is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is released along with steam and other gases when the groundwater is brought to a boil by heating the underlying rock. There are even small holes in the road where the water boils.

Next to these sulphur vents is the Okoy River .

 

The video of our explorations around Valencia

VALENCIA SIGHTS | Forest Camp – Casaroro + Pulang Bato Falls – Red Rock Hotsprings – Sulfur Vents