Whether it’s the warm smiles of the Baisanhons or the stunning sunsets by the bay, it’s easy to see why we take pride in calling this place home. Ang atong dakbayan dili lang matahom, puno sab kini og kalipay ug kalingaw!
, "Matahom Nga Dakbayan Sa Bais" was officially adopted as the city's hymn on November 7, 2024. : Rolin C. Obina and Oyvin Thon C. Valencia. Requirement
The formalization of the hymn addressed a long-standing need for an institutional anthem that accurately reflects the contemporary values and geographic assets of Bais City.
For those seeking upland adventures, (approximately 921 meters) offers panoramic vistas across neighboring provinces. Lighi Lake in Barangay Mabunao is an ideal spot for camping and relaxation, while other beaches like Lag-it Beach and Kanumay Island provide additional scenic options. Matahom nga Dakbayan sa Bais - Bais City Offici...
Bais City is located approximately 45 kilometers north of Dumaguete City. Travelers can easily reach the city via a scenic one-hour drive or by taking public utility vehicles like buses and jeepneys. The best time to visit for dolphin watching is between March and September when the seas are calmest.
: During the Christmas season, Bais transforms into a wonderland of lights and music. This festival, which extends from December to January, features giant light displays, local entertainment, and a variety of food stalls, creating a festive and heartwarming atmosphere.
Bais City operates as the primary gateway for wildlife tours within the Tañon Strait protected seascape. The local tourism office regulates watercraft operations to protect resident pods of spinner dolphins, melon-headed whales, and other marine mammals. Whether it’s the warm smiles of the Baisanhons
Led by a proactive administration, the city harmoniously bridges its deep agrarian heritage with environmental preservation. This article explores the history, ecological wonders, and administrative progress of Bais City. The Origins and Meaning of "Matahom"
While sugar built its economy, tourism has become the future of Bais City. The city’s most celebrated natural attraction is the , a protected seascape nestled between the islands of Negros and Cebu. Stretching 160 kilometers, this marine protected area is recognized as the largest in the Philippines and is home to a breathtaking diversity of marine life.
Bais City truly lives up to its title Matahom nga Dakbayan —not merely as a scenic destination but as an officially recognized local government unit committed to balancing economic growth with ecological integrity. Future research should assess the long-term sustainability of dolphin tourism and the resilience of coastal communities to climate change. : Rolin C
Bais’ journey towards becoming a city is a story of growth and resilience. Before the Spanish colonial era, the area was a small settlement. Under Spanish rule, it was initially a barrio of Manjuyod. It officially became a municipality in 1901 under American administration, with Emilio Teves serving as its first mayor. The turning point came on September 9, 1968, when President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Republic Act No. 5444, officially converting Bais into a chartered city.
Reflecting its economic maturity, Bais City recently welcomed a major Metro Retail Store and Supermarket , operated by the Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI). This development, opened in 2025, demonstrates strong confidence in the city’s consumer market, provides households with more retail choices, and creates new opportunities for local producers.
Vast sugarcane fields cover the city's inland plains. The historic plantation houses, known as haciendas , reflect early 20th-century Spanish-American colonial architecture and continue to anchor the region's cultural identity. Cultural Safeguarding and Civic Governance
: Often called the "Maldives of the Philippines," this 7-kilometer stretch of white sand features iconic wooden houses on stilts that appear to float during high tide.