Tanjay, Peaceful, Friendly City

I made the drive from Dumaguete to Tanjay last Friday. It was a holiday, so the traffic was not so terrible. I was able to complete the drive in less than an hour. Considering the ongoing road repair, this was not bad.

I have always liked Tanjay, it is clean, and it has just enough amenities to make it attractive to me as a potential residence. Tanjay is what Dumaguete was 15 years ago. If simple living without malls, McDonalds, and movie theaters is attractive to you, Tanjay might be a good choice.

Tanjay is a relatively affluent town. There are many Filipino bussiness owners living there, as well as seamen and their families. There are many clean streets with quaint houses lining the way. A residential town, Tanjay has a relatively quiet ambiance.

There are accomodations for visitors ranging from Nelia's lodge at 300 pesos per night to other pension houses nearer to town for 1000 pesos. There are a few upscale restaurants, A Scoobies fast food, and of course an extensive local market located in the middle of the city.

During weekend evenings, you will find the Park Cafe the buzzing spot for young people. Bands play in the park every Friday and people gather to listen while socializing over a red horse or two. It is a simple life, small town Philippine style. Night markets are open near the Park, and people stroll in the early evening hours to see and be seen. Food vendors and small restarants beckon with wonderful smells wafting into the street as you amble by.

Located between Dumaguete and Bais on the national highway, Tanjay is easy to find, and worth the time to do a little exploring. If you play golf, the turn off to Pamplona golf course is at the soth end of town. Bais with it's famous whale watching is only a short drive North.

Pamplona Golf Club

For those who enjoy golf there is a world class Golf course within a one hours drive (40 kilometers) of Dumaguete, it is Pamplona Golf club. Pamplona golf club, near the City of Tanjay, sit in a pircturesque valley near the town of Pamplona Negros Oriental. Originally a coconut plantation, it retains a shaded course lined with trees. Originally built in the early 1990's, it is home to several national tournaments a year.

Considered a challenging course, the fairways are narrow, and feature some unique water hazzards. The office and adjacent clubhouse are well equipped with staff. you can hire a caddy, and an umbrella girl as well as the services of a local pro. Meals and cold beverages are available in the clubhouse.

For those wishing to stay overnight, there are three rental cottages available for visitors to Pamplona glolf club. Golf carts are available to rent by the day. Fees are very reasonable. 800 pesos a round, cart, 800 pesos (weekdays), excluding caddy and umbrella girl fees which are dependent on the golfers generosity over a basic fee. Pamplona golf has three sets of rental clubs for the unprepaired visitor. Memberships are available for a minimum six month period.

A surprisingly picturesque oasis of golf in the middle of rural Negros Oriental. It is just another example of the variety of activities available to tourists and residents alike.

Drive north on the national highway, as you enter Tanjay City proper, start looking carefully on the left side of the road. There is a very small sign at a gravel road going left. Turn left, and follow signs to the Pamplona Golf Club. The road becomes concrete in a short distance and it is an easy drive through the countryside.