By JIMMY C. CALAPATI

DUMAGUETE CITY-A lake atop a mountain range. Dolphins. A pristine white beach visible only on low tides. Cottages at the middle of the sea.

"These are Negros Oriental's 'best kept secrets ' that we want to share," Gov. Emilio Macias said.

Negros Oriental has been receiving less than half of the number of visitors going to its twin province. Data from the Department of Tourism showed that last year 192,000 visited Negros Oriental compared with 571,000 that went to Negros Occidental.

As the host for the closing ceremonies of the National Heritage Month, the governor and the local government units of Negros Oriental together with the Tourism Office of the province, showcased their "secrets".

For nature trippers and adventure tourism lovers, Balanan Lake Nature Resort is the perfect getaway.

Located in Sitio Balanan, municipality of Siaton at the Southern end of the province, Balanan Lake Nature Resort has cottages, an 8-room hotel, a full-function restaurant, a tree house that is 60 feet above the lake, a floating pier that provides kayaks, rafts and paddle boats, and a three-tiered infinity pool curved from the mountain slopes.

"The water from the pool comes directly from the spring above the mountain," Macias said.

Getting there is actually an adventure in itself.

25 minutes from the highway junction (an hour and a half from Dumaguete), Balanan Lake Resort is actually 285 meters above sea level. After passing through zigzag roads and numerous hillside plantations, visitors are welcomed by 'balaneys' or giant golf carts that will transport them to the resort. Other vehicles are not allowed inside the resort.

Once inside, one will see close to a hundred huge balete trees . There is also a four kilometer circumferential pathway around the lake. Trekkers will also get a chance to see waterfalls at the other side of the lake.

"When we decided to develop the place, we made sure that we will preserve the natural beauty of the area," Macias said.

Macias said that first on their agenda was relocating the settlers in the area. He built a community just outside the resort and gave them means of livelihood. "They are the ones who are taking care of the area. Some are boatmen, waiters, room attendants, cleaners," Macias added.

Entrance fee is only P50 for adults and P30 for children. "Entrance every Tuesday is free," Macias said.

For groups of 10, each will have to pay P1,000. This includes aircon land transfers from Dumaguete, tour guide, lunch, entrance fees and use of the facilities.

For those who would want to experience seeing dolphins out in the open, then head straight to Bais City or the municipality of Manjuyod.

Described as one of the most successful dolphin-and-whale watching operations in the country, the tour starts at Aroma Beach Resort.

Have a hearty breakfast, you'll need one for the more than one hour land travel.

Guests are then escorted to motorized bancas that will bring them to Tanon Strait, the narrow channel between Negros and Cebu islands.

During the trip, the designated guide will brief guests on what to expect and the rules with regards to dolphin watching.

"Number one rule is to never throw anything to the water," Tanjay City councilor Cidni Mapa who volunteered to be our guide that day, said.

There are also two spotters positioned on top of the boat.

Out of 23 species of marine mammals documented to have been sighted in Philippine waters, nine have been sighted in the Bais Bay-Tanon Strait area, acknowledged to have one of the biggest concentrations of cetaceans in the world, among these the dolphins and pygmy sperm whales.

"They come here to feed. The temperature of the water is also perfect for mating," Mapa added.

If lucky, guests will see here how dolphins actually live in the open-swimming in packs, oftentimes leaping and 'playing' with the waves.

Some luckier ones will also experience seeing dolphins very close to their boats.

"Dolphins are actually here year-round, but the best time to go is March to October, early in the morning," Mapa added.

The tour costs P1,200 per person (minimum of ten) which includes aircon land transfers from Dumaguete City, a tour guide, and lunch at Manjuyod's White Sandbar.

For first time travellers to Negros Oriental, white sandbar could actually mean a restaurant's name.

Close. White Sandbar is actually a place in the municipality of Manjuyod.

It is a kilometer-long strip of white beach in the middle of North Bais Bay which is visible only during low tide and disappears at high tide.

Several cottages-on stilts-are available to accommodate picnickers or overnighters.

During high tide, boats will actually stop at the concrete stairs leading to the cottages.

"We are looking for investors to develop the place," Manjuyod mayor Amor Baldado said. "We want to be able to accommodate as many tourists as possible."

But the beauty of the place lies in its natural charms.

Imagine being able to swim with schools of fish brought in by the high tide.

Then, several hours later, standing on a long strip of white beach right where you were swimming earlier.

For daytrippers, the cottages may be rented for P1,500 and P2,500 for overnight stay.