Any mention of Negros Occidental conjures up Bacolod chicken inasal and the famous Masskara Festival. But is the province only about the capital city and its smokey chicken delicacy? Or is there so much more when you step outside the city of smiles?
The answer? A responding yes. Negros Occidental is more than just chicken and the manokan country. It is a province with a deep and rich history, undeniable natural beauty, and a few hidden spots that were once well-kept secrets of locals.
Today, we’ll show you six underrated sights outside Bacolod that will make your Negros Occidental vacation something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Related article: Masskara Festival in the City of Smiles, Bacolod, Must-see Festivals in the Philippines
Don Salvador Benedicto
Dubbed the “Little Baguio” of Negros Occidental, Don Salvador Benedicto, or DSB for short, is a sleepy town about 40 minutes from Bacolod and is one of the coldest places in the Philippines. It has private mountainside homes and quiet mountain resorts located at a high altitude with very little modern infrastructure.
Coffee shops and viewpoints aside, DSB is a place where you can find tranquility and calmness just minutes away from the province’s capital. With pine-tree-lined roads, lush forests, abundant natural resources, and verdant mountains, DSB is the place in Negros Occidental where you can unwind, relax, and escape it all.
Mambukal
Mambukal Resort is a government-run nature resort located in Murcia, which sits on the foothills of Mount Kanlaon. About 30-40 minutes from Bacolod, it is a 23-hectare area conceptualized in 1927 by Japanese architect Kokichi Ishawata, hence the Japanese-style bathhouse and picnic garden.
You’ll find hot springs, cottages, a beautiful spring with seven waterfalls, a lush forest, and overnight accommodations perfect for nature-loving groups and families.
The Ruins
A trip to Negros Occidental is never complete without a photo op at The Ruins, located in Talisay, about 10 minutes from the capital. A mansion that was burned down during World War II, its central structure still stands, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to a lush garden complete with a fountain and a sprawling yard.
The Ruins is a testament to the province’s history as the sugar capital of the Philippines. It was owned and built by a sugar baron named Mariano Ledesma Lacson, who was believed to have built it for his deceased wife, Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau.
During WWII, guerrillas burned down the mansion to prevent the Japanese from turning it into a military post. The main structure, however, remains and, to this day, is a symbol of Negros Occidental’s rich history.
Silay
Once called the “Paris of Negros,” Silay is like a trip back in time. Known as the second “Museum City” of the Philippines (next to Vigan, one of the top historical sites in the Philippines), Silay is best explored on walking tours. About 30 Spanish-era mansions still stand, having been well-preserved and lived in by generations of families.
Located only 16 minutes from Bacolod, Silay is a beautiful side trip for its culture, heritage, and history. Some of the best places to visit include the El Ideal Bakery (the oldest in Silay), Balay Negrense, and the Victor Gaston House.
Lakawon
A family-run resort accessible through Cadiz City, Lakawon is about 90 minutes from Bacolod and reachable through a boat ride from Cadiz. Its gorgeous white sand beach and azure blue waters are what tropical dreams are made of and are simply breathtaking. It also takes pride in having the most extensive floating bar in Asia.
Tourists can stay for the day or overnight, making it one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Negros Occidental.
Sipalay
Sipalay was once a well-kept local secret, but not anymore. A beautiful and quaint coastal town about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Bacolod, Sipalay is known for its undeniable natural beauty. Gorgeous beaches with calm waters, waterfalls, rivers, mangrove forests, beautiful resorts, and a generally laid-back vibe make it a favorite weekend destination for locals.
Some of the must-visits include Campomanes Bay and the Maasin Island Cave, which are perfect sights for nature lovers.
Conclusion
Overall, Negros Occidental is more than just the ulam called chicken inasal; its beauty in and outside the capital city of Bacolod is something you need to experience. From sleepy mountain towns to laid-back coastal cities to white sand beaches, or hot springs, there’s something for everyone in this province.
Plan an itinerary that includes Don Salvador Benedicto for breathtaking mountain views and native coffee, walk through the streets of Silay and take a step back into history, or dip in a serene hot spring in Mambukal. Whether you’re a nature buff, a history aficionado, or simply want to get away from it all, there’s a spot waiting for you in Negros Occidental.
Related article: Foods You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting Bacolod
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Featured Image by Yoorekka Philippines
