Top 10 Philippine Gems: 3 from Negros Island

Three of Negros Island attractions were among the Top 10 Philippine Gems as announced by Isla Lipana & Co. These destinations were chosen from an initial list of 25 sites through online voting from June 26 to September 25.

“The Philippine Gems steers awareness and appreciation for the country’s pristine and natural sites, even the underdeveloped ones. In our modest way, we aim for these places to gain local and international attention, and in due course, greater economic activity,” said Isla Lipana & Co. Chairman and Senior Partner, Atty. Alexander Cabrera in a press release.

Below is the complete list of the Top 10 Philippine Gems ranked accordingly.

10. Batanes
9. Apo Island, Negros Oriental
8. Panglao Island, Bohol
7. Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
6. Mt. Kanlaon, Negros
5. Biri Island Rock Formation, Northern Samar
4. Caramoan Islamd, Camarines Sur
3. Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, Palawan
2. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
1. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Here’s more about the Philippine Gems from Negros Island.

• Danjugan Island is a marine and wildlife sanctuary in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Unlike most islands in the Philippines, Danjugan still retains most of its original tropical forest cover which teems with wildlife. Compared to the Great Barrier Reef, the island’s 40-hectare coral reef is more biodiverse per area. The island has 5 lagoons, a bat cave, a turtle nesting beach, and a nesting pair of White Breasted Sea Eagle. Read more about this island paradise on my post on Danjugan Island.
• Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island is the highest mountain in the Visayas rising to 2,435 meters above sea level. Mt. Kanlaon is at the heart of Negros Island and tied to the culture and history of the island.  As the country’s third most active volcano, it has earned the name “The Killer Mountain” from mountaineers.  Click here to know more.
• Apo Island is considered as one of the world’s best known community-managed marine sanctuaries. It has 650 species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals. Tourists can snorkel and dive at Apo Island.  Learn more about Apo Island’s success story here.

If you haven’t been to one of the Top 10 Philippine Gems then you are truly missing out our country’s natural treasures. Explore the Philippines and start right at Negros Island.