WHAT DOES TRAVEL MEAN TO YOU?
In today’s tech-obsessed world, social media may well be the perfect platform to showcase the world’s beauty to armchair travelers across the globe, but travel is so much more than just getting that perfect Instagram shot. Travel should be meaningful. It should excite and inspire you, rejuvenate and ground you, educate and challenge you, and most of all, it should humble you.“What does travel mean to you?” As it turns out, the answer is entirely personal and different for every traveler.
BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Negros Occidental is a province in the Philippines occupying the northwestern half of Negros Island abundant in both sugar and tourist spots. It is known as the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines for it produces more than half of the sugar output of the country. Aside from that, with the abundance of tourist spots like heritage sites, islands, sandbars, beach and mountain resorts, it is considered as one of the tourism hubs in Visayas.
Bacolod City is the capital city of the province and the most populous one but this is where budget to luxury types of accommodations abound. Planning to visit the province this year? Check out the list most beautiful places and popular tourist spots in Negros Occidental below.
Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental
1. The Ruins
The Ruins is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Negros Occidental. It’s the remains of once a grand mansion built by Don Mariano Lacson for his unending love of his wife, Maria Braga after her death. This is the reason why it is known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. It was burned down by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East when the World War II broke out since rumors has it that Japanese forces might use it as headquarters. The building is still amazing and was made of Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque twin columns. Outside the mansion is a fountain with a beautiful garden.
Locaton: The Ruins is located in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
2. Danjugan Island
Danjugan Island is one of the best island destinations in Negros Occidental. It is a 43-hectare island with lush vegetation and is a home of many wildlife species. Its coasts are teeming with marine lifeforms a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The island is a marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary, an ecotourism destination for students, researchers and of course, tourists. There are plenty of things to do here like snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, bird watching, sailing and scuba diving.
Location: Danjugan Island falls under the jurisdiction of Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
3. Lakawon Island Resort
Lakawon Island Resort is one of the famous tourist spots in Negros Occidental. It is a 16-hectare, banana-shaped island resort dotted with coconut trees. It is being dubbed as the Boracay of Negros for its vast pure white sand beach. This is a perfect weekend getaway destination for families and friends to relax and enjoy the beach and the amenities of the resort. The resort proudly offers all the comforts of home available and spacious accommodations. Of all the tourist attractions in the province, never miss to visit Lakawon Island Resort.
Location: Lakawon Island Resort is 3 kilometers away from the coasts of Cadiz, Negros Occidental.
4. Carbin Reef
Carbin Reef is a huge white sandbar in Negros Occidental that looks like a tongue in shape. It is the center of attraction in the 32,000-hectare marine reserve where mangroves, corals and variety of marine species can be found. The white sandbar is surrounded with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For non-swimmers, the waters near the sandbar is just shallow giving you great opportunity to enjoy water sports/games. The sandbar can approximately accommodate a hundred people.
Location: Carbin Reef is located in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Contact first the tourism office of Sagay City before you visit Carbin Reef.
5. Buenos Aires Mountain Resort
Buenos Aires Mountain Resort is one of the best places in Negros Occidetal for the locals and tourists who wants to relax and cool down for a while. Feel the aura of nature as the resort was enclosed with trees and one can find a unique picture perfect garden. The resort is also dotted with picnic huts for visitors and excellent accommodations for those who wants to stay overnight. It also has a refreshing pools since the fresh and cold waters came from the mountain springs.
Location: Buenos Aires Mountain Resort is located in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City, Negros Occidental. Around 1 hour travel time from Bacolod City.
6. Mambukal Mountain Resort
Mambukal Mountain Resort is another interesting mountain resort managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. There are plenty of things to do in the resort making it a favorite destination among the local visitors and foreign tourists. You can go for some adventure to explore the 7 waterfalls in the resort. Try boating at the resort’s lagoon or see beautiful butterflies in their butterfly garden. Swim in their swimming pools or relax your muscles and dip into their hot sulfur spring. The resort is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy with your families and friends.
Location: Mambukal Mountain Resort is located in Murcia, Negros Occidental. Travel time is around 30 minutes from Bacolod City.
7. Campuestohan Highland Resort
Campuestohan Highland Resort is a fantastic resort in Negros Occidental dubbed as “The Disneyland of Negros.” A resort with so many features and so many things to do mainly built for fun and relaxation especially for families and friends. They have zipline, sky bike, carousel, heroes’ hall, shoe house, giant foot-shaped swimming pool, huge playground and more. The food being served also gained a good reputation and their accommodation is really good.
Location: Campuestohan Highland Resort is located in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
8. Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach is a popular yet not so crowded and quiet beach in Negros Occidental. It is probably called “Sugar Beach” since the sand is sugar brown and creamy, very soothing to the feet. This is actually one of the natural gems of the province where locals and tourists love to visit. There are many good resorts and restaurants nearby. One can relax in a hammock or enjoy kayaking. One can also enjoy swimming in the calm sea, snorkeling and exploring the sunken cargo ship nearby. If your budget and time allow, go scuba diving in the near dive sites teeming with marine lifeforms.
Location: Sugar Beach is located in Sipalay, Negros Occidental.
9. Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa
One of the famous tourist spots in Negros Occidental is the Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa. The beach resort is a hidden paradise with a kilometer-long stretch of fine white sand beach where you can enjoy in privacy and exclusivity especially when you stay at the resort. The staffs earned a good reputation being friendly and approachable. If you want more than just swimming and snorkeling, they can also arrange a day tour to Danjugan Island Marine Reserve.
Location: Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa is located in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
10. Mag-Aso Falls
Mag-Aso Falls is an enchanting waterfalls in Negros Occidental famous of its turquoise or bluish water that makes its basin very attractive that lures visitors for a swim. Aside from the falls, there is also a man-made swimming pool fed by the free-flowing spring water that makes it very refreshing. Cottages are also available for day trip and rooms for overnight stay. Bring your group friends here and have a good time. The rates could possibly change but as of writing this, its Php 50 for the entrance, Php 200 for Nipa Hut, Php 1000 for the room.
Location: Mag-Aso Falls is located in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Every travel addict loves the quote, “collect moments, not things”, so let’s all take this adage to heart as our inboxes get bombarded with one-day-only offers and sales over the next few days. Say no to ‘things’ and yes to ‘moments’. Let travel be your vice — it provides unforgettable memories, quality time with loved ones, unparalleled teachings and, if you travel responsibly, it also gives back to our planet’s land, wildlife and people.
gladys mae 