Things To Do
in Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a municipality located in the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The town is also home to lush coconut plantations and picturesque rice fields, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
Santa Catalina offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading out for an island hopping tour. Explore stunning lagoons and hidden beaches like Banol and Kayangan Lake.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the secluded beaches and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Visit the enchanting Skeleton Wreck for some underwater exploration.
Return to your accommodation and relax. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset.
Spend your morning lounging on the soft sands of White Beach, soaking up the sun. Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters to cool off.
Grab a delicious seafood lunch at a beachfront shack. Continue relaxing on the beach or try out some water sports such as kayaking.
Enjoy a casual dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the sea breeze.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches with clear waters and white sand.
- Rich marine biodiversity, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Tropical climate, providing warm weather year-round.
- Friendly local community and vibrant culture.
- Less commercialized than other tourist destinations, offering a more authentic experience.
- Limited access to modern amenities and services.
- Transportation can be challenging due to remote location.
- Healthcare facilities may not be up to par with urban centers.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters like typhoons.
- Limited options for dining and entertainment compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Santa Catalina
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life in Santa Catalina through scuba diving.
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and vibrant underwater world of Santa Catalina through snorkeling.
Visit the nearby islands and discover their pristine beaches and natural beauty.
Catch some waves and experience the thrill of surfing along the coast of Santa Catalina.
Embark on scenic hikes and treks to explore the lush landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints.
Discover the fascinating underground caves and caverns in the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Catalina with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Catalina
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of Coron Town and its surrounding islands
Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs, ideal for photography
Popular spot to capture the sunset with a backdrop of palm-lined shores
Food in Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A succulent and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a special blend of spices. Best enjoyed with garlic rice and a side of atchara (pickled papaya). One of the best places to try this is at Aida's Manokan in Bacolod City, just a short drive from Santa Catalina.
Must-Try!
A hearty and sour soup made with tender beef, native jackfruit, and batwan (a local fruit). It's a comforting dish popular in Negros Occidental, and you can savor a delicious bowl at Sharyn's Kansi House located in nearby Kabankalan City.
A savory and sour soup that originates from Negros Occidental. It's comprised of tender beef, guava, and tamarind, giving it a delightful tangy flavor. You can relish this culinary delight at Pala-pala sa Lagoon in Bacolod City, known for its authentic local cuisine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Bacolod Public Market for a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food. Be sure to try the famous Bacolod Inasal, a local barbecued chicken dish that's a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Venture to Manokan Country in Bacolod to discover a cluster of eateries specializing in Bacolod Chicken Inasal. You'll have the opportunity to taste this iconic dish in an energetic and bustling atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Catalina, it is important to show respect to elders through gestures such as saying 'po' and 'opo' (terms of respect), and seeking their advice and opinions.
When visiting Santa Catalina, it is respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or in rural areas where conservative attire is appreciated.
Learning about and participating in local customs and traditions, such as fiestas and cultural celebrations, is a way to show respect and appreciation for the community in Santa Catalina.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Catalina
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Santa Catalina, Philippines, as service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small token of appreciation is always welcomed.
In Santa Catalina, Philippines, cash is the primary form of payment, especially in smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger businesses, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for day-to-day transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for diving and snorkeling, with calm seas and excellent visibility.
Expect heavy rainfall and some rough seas, but also lush, green landscapes and quieter tourist crowds.
Great for surfing and windsurfing, with milder temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Santa Catalina at Night
Hiking in Santa Catalina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the highest peaks in Luzon, known for its majestic sea of clouds and diverse flora and fauna. A popular destination for hikers looking for a challenging trek.
A protected area that offers a beautiful hiking experience through lush forests and diverse wildlife. It features various trails suitable for different skill levels.
The highest mountain in the Philippines, offering breathtaking views and a variety of ecosystems. It is a challenging hike that attracts serious trekkers.
Famous for its stunning crater lake, this hike combines adventure and beautiful landscapes. The trek to the crater involves an easy to moderate hike.
A popular spiritual and adventure destination, this mountain offers several trails with varying difficulties and is known for its natural beauty and folklore.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Catalina by plane.
Located in Pasay, Metro Manila, it is the primary airport serving the Philippines and is approximately 1,100 km from Santa Catalina.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, this airport is about 730 km from Santa Catalina and serves international flights.
Situated in Pampanga, it is roughly 1,200 km from Santa Catalina and serves both domestic and international flights.
This airport is located in Davao City and is about 480 km from Santa Catalina, catering to both domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Zamboanga City, this airport is approximately 300 km from Santa Catalina and primarily handles domestic flights with some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Santa Catalina, predominantly speaking Cebuano.
A significant demographic group known for their agricultural skills and culture.
Members of this group often engage in commerce and have significant cultural influence.
An ethnic group that includes various languages and cultures within the Visayas region.
Indigenous peoples of Mindanao who reside in the area, known for their rich cultural heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport in Santa Catalina, played in neighborhoods and schools, with many local tournaments held throughout the year.
Volleyball is widely played, especially among women, with community leagues and school competitions being common.
Football is gaining popularity in Santa Catalina, with both youth and adult leagues forming and matches played regularly.
This traditional sport, similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, is popular in the region and often enjoyed during festivals.
Badminton is a favored sport in Santa Catalina, with many people playing in local courts and participating in friendly matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Catalina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the local cuisine prominently features meat and seafood, several restaurants and eateries in Santa Catalina offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Be sure to communicate your dietary preferences to the staff, who are often happy to accommodate special requests.
Finding gluten-free options may require more specific communication with the chefs, as wheat-based ingredients are common in Filipino cuisine. However, many establishments are attentive to dietary needs and can often tailor dishes to accommodate gluten-free requirements.