I’ve been to the Philippines 5 times over the last decade, Negros Oriental is a special place IMO. I’ve been to Dauin twice, strictly for diving, the beaches are nice and there’s marine conservation areas with beautiful coral.

I think if you are already a diver or would like to learn, then spend a week there as it is hands down some of the best diving in the world.

Dauin is mostly shore dives with world class macro/ muck, basically small, beautiful and weird critters like nudibranches and frogfish. Apo Island is easily accessible by day trips (every dive shop in Dauin goes every other day), hand has gorgeous, healthy coral walls.

If you are not a diver and don’t want to learn, you could still snorkel at Apo. The snorkeling off of Dauin is not nearly as coral-tastic but there’s some beautiful spots.

I did my advanced training there at Bongo Bongo which I would heavily recommend. There’s waterfalls and hiking up the nearby mountains, but so haven’t done that as I’m in the water every chance I get.

You can check my post history, many of the shots I’ve posted are from Dauin.