Giant Balete Tree of Canlaon
Canlaon City, Negros Oriental · about 47 km from 3ACs Apartment, Talisay City
The oldest and biggest tree in Negros Oriental — centuries old, with a cathedral of roots.
About
A colossal lunok (balete) tree whose twisting roots and hanging vines form chambers big enough to walk into, under a wide canopy that keeps the air cool. Locals say it is enchanted, and it has watched over Canlaon since long before the city existed. Pair it with Padudusan Falls and its smooth natural water slide, and the Bao-bao viewing deck facing Mt. Kanlaon.
History
Promoted by the city as Negros Oriental's oldest and biggest tree; when it reopened in 2025 it drew over 11,000 visitors in a few months.
Why visit
A quick, magical stop in the cool upland city at the foot of Kanlaon.
How to get there
Brgy. Lumapao, Canlaon City — about 3 hours from Dumaguete or 2.5 hours from Bacolod via La Castellana.
- Bus to Canlaon City
- Tricycle / habal-habal in Canlaon
Prices (estimates)
- EntranceSmall fee (check)
Hours / best time: Daytime. Canlaon sits beside an active volcano — sites can close when PHIVOLCS raises the alert; check with Canlaon City Tourism first.
Nearby places
- Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park — Highest peak in the Visayas (2,465 m) — an active volcano.
- Guintubdan Nature Park (Seven Falls) — Mountain park on Kanlaon's slopes with seven waterfalls and a viewing deck.
- Vallehermoso Coral Reefs & De la Viña Heritage — Negros Oriental's newest dive frontier, in the 'beautiful valley' of a revolutionary general.
- Mayana Peak — A short, steep hike to a grassy ridge with views over San Carlos, Sipaway Island and Kanlaon.
- Mambukal Mountain Resort — Hot sulfur springs, seven waterfalls, bats and zip lines at Kanlaon's foot.