Mount Kanlaon: Legend of Sugar Island

Kan-Laon is the name of an ancient Visayan deity. During pre-Hispanic times, the deity was worshipped by the natives as their Supreme Ruler. Kan-Laon means "One Who Is the Ruler of Time".

Mt. Kanlaon, situated on the island of Negros, is the largest active volcano in the Philippines and the highest mountain in the Visayas region. The mountain is said to be where Laon made his presence to the people. In ancient times, native priests (babaylan) would climb up the mountain and do rituals every good harvest season or when there was a special ceremony. They would also offer gifts as a sign of respect.

The volcano is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is the centerpiece of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Mount Talinis: Horns of the Sugar Island

Dubbed as “Cuernos de Negros” or Horns of Negros, this mountain can be reached through Valencia or Calungan, Bacong. It has five lakes in the vicinity. It is the object of mountain climbing enthusiasts. This is Negros Oriental’s eco-tourism centerpiece. The mountain stands 1,800 meters above sea level.

Cuernos de Negros volcanic complex is popular with visitors for the natural beauty of the forest and many volcanic lakes surrounded by mountains. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is one of its attractions. The park is the most visited park where the twin crater lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao are located, separated only by a narrow mountain ridge. Lake Kabalin-an, a smaller lake, is located before the two lakes.

Hiking Mount Talinis – Mt. Talinis is easily climbed via nature trails that start in Bidjao, Dauin and Aplong, Valencia. Between Mount Yagumyum and the main mountain of Cuernos de Negros is Lake Yagumyum and near the summit are the crater lakes, Lake Nailig and Lake Mabilog.

Why Sugar Island? Negros Oriental is popularly called as “Sugar Island” of Central Visayas. It is  known as one of the major sugar producing cities in the country.