Niludhan Falls: Negros Oriental’s Hidden Natural Wonder

Contributed by The Backpack Couple

Niludhan Falls, one of Negros Island’s underrated natural attractions, lies hidden amidst forests and vast sugarcane plantations and agricultural lands in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. This water wonder is conveniently located right beside the main road along the city’s northern border connecting Brgy. Dawis to adjacent Mabinay town.

Even as a local of Bayawan, I have never heard of this particular waterfalls until I was in college when I managed to see this local natural creation for the first time. A river feeds the 25-metre wide waterfall that ends on a 40-metre vertical drop, creating the magnificent curtain falls. One can witness and capture its full magnificence, which resembles that of the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, during the rainy season or after a relatively strong downpour. During summer, the waterfalls could get sparse but still equally stunning. Every angle of the falls is picture-perfect amidst the blue skies, its turquoise basin and the lush green vegetation surrounding the falls. On a clear sunny day, tiny rainbows are visible in the falls.

Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit

From the entrance, right beside the highway, a short walk down a stairway leads you to the falls. Entry to the falls is so far FREE of charge. There are also tables and benches available for use. Toilets and a washing area are also in place. As there are no stores nearby, it is advisable to bring your own water and food during your visit.

Getting there

From Bayawan City, Niludhan Falls is 43 kilometres away and is accessible by public utility vehicles such as Ceres bus, jeepneys and motorcycles locally known as habal-habal. An alternative route is via Mabinay, which is more or less 10 kilometres away from the nearest transit point and could be reached via motorcycle or bus.

From Dumaguete City via Bayawan City: Ceres Liner buses ply the Dumaguete-Bayawan route at 30-minute intervals from the Dumaguete Ceres Terminal. Vans also serve the route at their terminal located few metres before the Ceres Bus Terminal. Travel time takes around two to three hours. From Bayawan City proper, take another Ceres Bus for Mabinay for less than ₱100 or hail a motorcycle (habal-habal) ride to Brgy. Dawis. Travel time is around one hour. Rates should be around ₱500-700 roundtrip.

From Dumaguete City via Mabinay: Take any Ceres Liner bus heading to Dumaguete-Bacolod / DGT-Kabankalan or DGT-Mabinay route at the Dumaguete Ceres Terminal. Travel time takes around one to two hours. Tell the bus conductor that you are alighting at Paniabonan Junction or Crossing (going to Dawis/Niludhan Falls). From Paniabonan, wait for the Ceres Bus bound for Bayawan City (limited multiple trips daily) or hire a motorcycle (habal-habal). Travel time is 30 minutes with rates is around ₱400-500 round-trip.

From Bacolod City via Kabankalan/Mabinay: Take any Ceres Liner bus from Bacolod South Bus Terminal heading to Dumaguete City. Tell the conductor that you are alighting at Paniabonan Junction or Crossing (going to Dawis/Niludhan Falls). From Paniabonan, wait for the Ceres Bus bound for Bayawan City (limited multiple trips daily) or hire a motorcycle (habal-habal). Travel time is 30 minutes with rates is around ₱400-500 round-trip.

From Sipalay City via Kabankalan/Mabinay: Take any Ceres Liner bus bound for Kabankalan (around one and a half hours) and transfer to another Ceres bus going to Dumaguete. Tell the conductor that you are alighting at Paniabonan Junction or Crossing (going to Dawis/Niludhan Falls). From Paniabonan, wait for the Ceres Bus bound for Bayawan City (limited multiple trips daily) or hire a motorcycle (habal-habal). Travel time is 30 minutes with rates is around ₱400-500 round-trip.

Another option is to take the Ceres bus from Sipalay City going to Hinobaan (less than one hour) and transfer to the bus going to Bayawan City (one and a half hours). From Bayawan City proper, take another Ceres Bus for Mabinay or hail a motorcycle (habal-habal) ride to Brgy. Dawis. Travel time is around one hour. Rates should be around ₱500-700 round-trip.

Also read: 20 Underrated Provinces in the Philippines Totally Worth Visiting

Where to stay

There are no available accommodations so far within the vicinity of Niludhan. One has to go back to Mabinay or proceed to Bayawan City proper, Kabankalan or Dumaguete to find hotels or homestays.

Nearby attractions

After a quick visit to Niludhan, you can continue your trip to these destinations nearby: Mag-aso Falls in Kabankalan City, Sipalay City or proceed to Bayawan City proper.

Sample itinerary

For more information, please contact the City Tourism Office:

City Tourism Office
☎ (035) 531-0020 to 21 local 142
✉ experiencebayawan@gmail.com
✉ tourism.bayawan@yahoo.com