Inland Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental

The Quiet Place Farm Resort located at Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City is 20-minute drive south east between the border of Bago and Bacolod City, set on 20 hectares of sloping terrain fringed with trees. The Quiet Place Farm Resort is fully functioning agricultural estate offering a unique experience of rural life in the tropics without the sacrifice of comfort.

It has 26 deluxe rooms and full service restaurant with a swimming pool, pavilions for parties and events up to 200, air-conditioned meeting room for 40, a library, billiard, table tennis and other board games, a children’s play park, a camping ground, a hiking trail, barbecue pits for outdoor picnics, and a tropical spa offering traditional local wellness practices with herbs and oils produced on site. For more information, please visit the booking office at 2/F DC Cruz Building, Magsaysay Avenue. Bacolod City or call Tel. No. (034) 731-0100.

Natures Village Resort & Hotel is located along the highway of Talisay City, just 10 to 15 minutes from Bacolod City. The resort has a driving range, tennis court, restaurant, resort swimming pool, kiddie pool, children’s park, gazebos and picnic grove, function hall, and standard hotel. For reservation or bookings the resort can be reached through Tel. Nos. (034) 495-3368, 712-1272, Fax No. (034) 495-0808, Website www.naturesvillageresort. net.

Sta. Fe Resort is a 20-minute drive from downtown Bacolod to the east at Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City. The resort is accessible by taxi or jeepneys and is equipped with 50 and 25 meters swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a tennis court, air-conditioned rooms, and dormitory type facilities with bowling lanes, open field for basketball and volleyball, a mini zoo, a restaurant, shed houses and function rooms for weddings, meetings and family reunions & TS Home to the only accredited shooting range Central Negros Shooters Association in Bacolod. For reservations please call 432-1473, Fax No. 434-1456.

Carribean Waterpark Resotel, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City,Tel. No. 7096059

Palmas del Mar Conference Resort Hotel, J.R. Torres Avenue, Tangub, Bacolod City, Tel. No.435-3527 434-7971

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Mountain Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental

Mambukal Resort 31 kilometers east of Bacolod is surrounded by therapeutic sulfur springs, leisure traits leading to the three waterfalls, mountain streams, lush valleys and hiking trails leading up to Mount Kanlaon. A perfect place for eco-tourist, the resort has accommodation facilities, swimming pools and therapeutic warm dipping pools, picnic huts, bat watching, boating facilities, wall climbing, slide for life, canopy walk, and camping ground, overnight cottages and food court. For reservation or inquiries please call 709-0990, 433-8516 or (fax) 7100-800.

Guintubdan Nature Camp located at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon is a cool place where one can unwind and trek down to the falls. There are accommodation facilities available, food can be cooked at the camp, reservations can be made thru the City Tourism Office at Tel. No. (034) 460-2459.

Buenos Aires Mountain Resort is a government-run resort located at Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City about 45 minutes drive from Bacolod to the south-east. The resort is equipped with hotel rooms, cottages, pavilions, booths, shed houses, function rooms, a restaurant and swimming pool. Contact # 4610-164 or fax to 4610-199 or e-mail to bago@lasaltech. com.

Balicaocao Highland Resort. Gently nestled on the hill more 500 feet above sea level, Balicaocao offers perfect ambiance for leisure while taking a breathtaking view and panorama of the coastal towns of southern Negros, the blue waters of Panay Gulf and the Island of Guimaras. It has two pavilions, four cottages, shed houses, swimming pool and cooking area perfect for family picnics, located at Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan is two hours and a .half drive from Bacolod to the south. The resort has swimming pool, a pavilion and four cottages for overnight accommodation. Reservation can be arranged thru the Kabankalan City Tourism at (034) 4712-291.

Pandanon Valley Resort is 45-minute drive from Bacolod City. Located at Brgy. Pandanon Silos, Murcia, this river resort has function halls,day cottages and accommodation facilities with a swimming pool, plus packages are offered for the adventurous who wants to explore the river. For reservation and information, please visit the booking office at Hang-Hang & Mayon Sts.,Villamonte,Bacolod City or call (034) 433-5527 and (034) 455-0550.

Kipot Summer Resort is located at Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City, the resort is ten minutes away from Buenos Aires Mountain Resort which is also run by City Government of Bago, the resort has cottages for overnight accommodation, and shed houses for family picnics, with 300 steps going to and from the waterfalls, Reservations can be made through the City Tourism Office tel. 4610-540 or fax thru 732-8036.

Rafael Salas Nature Park is located at the foot of Mi. Kanlaon which has accommodation facilities for retreats and seminars, Tel. 0927-2767937.

Mag-aso Falls is a 20-minute drive from the city proper. With large mountain as backdrop, Mag-aso Falls releases a smoke-like shower of mist as it cascade down the natural pool with its turquoise green water.

Baji-Baji Spring Resort. The resort features a big swimming pool and two kiddie pools of fresh spring waters and a nearly waterfall for the more adventurous activity. The resort is suited for overnight camping activities. It is located in the municipality of La Castellana, Tel.No. (034) 485-0209.

Tikoy-tikoy Spring Resort. Twin pools and lush greeneries can be seen in the area. Species of Hibiscus, euphorbia, monkeys, bat haven and birds are among the attractions of the resort. The power supply is sourced from the micro-hydro electric power based in the resort. An eco trail featuring endemic tree species is also the attraction of the place.

Gawahon Eco-tourism Development Project is another tourist attraction int the city of Victorias. It has seven natural waterfalls that nature lovers and trekkers would love to explore. Various facilities and other infrastructure projects are being implemented through the Gawahon Eco-tourism Development Project. Today, existing facilities included include a two-room staff house, a one-room cottage and open shed house/picnic cabanas. Ongoing projects include road improvement; construction of additional open shed houses/ picnic cabanas, boating lagoon and staff quarters.

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Beach Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental

Campomanes Bay is a favorite dive site for safari divers with its beautiful coral gardens and sunken warships. It has an enticing pristine waters and white sand beach.

Sugar Beach formerly called Langub Beach is a long stretch of sugary light brown sand with pristine blue waters. There are high quality standard resorts in this fine stretch of sand. They are the Taka Tuka Beach and Diving Resort, Bermuda Beach Resort, Driftwood Village Resort, Sulu Sunset Resort and Langub Beach Resort. Sugar Beach is a 20-minute boat ride from the town proper.

Punta Ballo Beach is found on the other side of the Sugar Beach. This place boasts of first class diving resorts like Artistic Diving and Beach Resort and Easy Diving Resort. Nataasan Beach Front is also found in this side. This area is blessed with white sand and cool blue waters

Palau Beach Resort offers overnight accommodations. It has a restaurant and it is accessible anytime of the day.

Sagay Marine Reserve that is well-managed protected area and a balanced marine and terrestrial ecosystems with abundant resources that caters to the needs of the stakeholders towards sustainable development and progress and is considered as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in the country.

Carbin Reef is a marine sanctuary with its huge, tongue-shaped, creamy white sandbar and its clear water offers the freshest option for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, picnic, boating or just frolicking in the sand.

Panal Reef is another marine sanctuary which offers the best snorkeling area for tourists to enjoy the colorful corals and marine life.

Macahulom Reef is a beautiful sight with its migratory birds flocking to its shore during certain months. Its crystalline waters and pure sea breeze make boat cruise in the area a soulful experience.

Molocaboc Island home to fisherfolk where big jars, mangrove reforestation and a miracle hole “amatong” fishing are found.

Lakawon Island Resort is a white sand island paradise amid clear blue waters. The resort has a magnificent view of the sunset. It is a peaceful haven that offers diving, surfing and jet skiing.

Laura’s Seafront Beach Resort. This seafront beach resort prides itself with its magnificent Olympic-size swimming pool. It’s ideal for night swimming and family outing. Its stylish and neat beach houses and cottages add charm to its already-stunning view.

Sicaba Beach Resort is 7 kilometers from crossing Martisan. It has rooms for overnight stay and open cottages for day excursionists. Fishing is also available in the resort. It has two 200 meters bamboo bridges ideal for watching fishes shaded under the mangroves.

Sipaway Island is geographically known as Refugio Island. A favorite rendezvous of local and foreign guests. It has beautiful century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resorts and natural reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Travel time is only 15 minutes from the pier by local outrigger.

Whispering Palm Island Resort in Sipaway is a white sand beach resort and a 15-minute boat ride from the city proper. It has air conditioned cottages, cocktail bar, multi-purpose hall, restaurant, gym, seafood grill house, mini-zoo, swimming pool, tropical garden and children’s playground.

Danjugan Island is the largest of the Bulata Islands in Cauayan whose white sand beaches and underwater world rich in marine life makes it a favorite destination of foreign diving enthusiasts and conservationists, particularly coming from the United Kingdom, among them the Coral Cay Conservation volunteers.

Managed by the Philippine Reefs and Rainforests Conservation Foundation, Inc, this 15 kilometers long and half kilometer wide island is comprised of lush tropical forest, five lagoons, beach and mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Hulao-Hulao Reef is a coral reef situated in Brgy. Caliling. It is a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland. Special interests include different coral species, fishes and other marine life.

Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa. Enjoy life through nature and wellness in comfort. Wake up to the call of Kingfishers and Orioles. Take in the fresh sea air on your early morning walk on the sandy white beach. Swim in the clear blue waters of the Sulu Sea.

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Punta Bulata, Sipalay, Negros Occidental: One of the Best Places in Negros Occidental

Nestled 154 kilometers south of Bacolod City lies one of Negros Island’s best-kept secrets. Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa is a tropical hidden paradise that truly reflects the laid back lifestyle of the opulent sugar barons of Negros Island. Enjoy one whole kilometer stretch of white sand beach in privacy and exclusivity as you spend quality time with your friends and family.

From native Filipino nipa-hut cottages to luxurious spa rooms, guests at Punta Bulata Resort are able to choose from a wide variety of accommodations that are all just a few steps away from the beach. Step into Capiz-shell doors and garden bathrooms, take in the fresh ocean breeze, and wake to the call of orioles at The Ayu Spa at Punta Bulata, where twelve unique spa guest rooms await the weary traveler in search of a comforting temple of relaxation.

Punta Bulata Resort is known to have one of the finest and whitest beaches in Negros Island, comparable to those of the popular island destinations of Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan, and its waters are teeming with marine and coral life. A mere 10-minute boat ride from Punta Bulata Resort, Danjugan Island Marine and Wildlife Reserve is a small island surrounded by coral reefs as diverse as the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Aside from having some of the best diving sites in the Philippines, day trips to Danjugan Island also allow you to enjoy several other outdoor adventures and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, and bird-watching.


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Geography of Negros Occidental Where Best Places can be found

Negros Occidental is located in the western side of Negros Island, the fourth largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 972,607 hectares or 9,726.06 sq. kms.

The province is approximately 375 kilometers long from north to south. It is bounded by the Visayan Sea in the north, Panay Gulf on the west, Tanon Strait and Negros Oriental province on the east and Sulu Sea on the south. Negros is basically volcanic, making its soil ideal for agriculture. Eighty percent of all arable land is cultivated.

Mount Kanlaon is one of the mountain ranges found in the heart of Negros Island. One of the country’s 13 most active volcanoes, Kanlaon is the highest peak in Central Philippines. At an elevation of 2,465 meters above sea level, the most dominant and attractive feature of which is its active summit-crater. Mt. Kanlaon has a land area of 24,577.6 hectares, with rainforest and verdant vegetation sliced from the cities of Bago, La Carlota, San Carlos and Canlaon (in Negros Oriental) and the towns of Murcia and La Castellana.

The trek trough ridges and deep gorges for 14.5 kilometers shows a panorama of lowlands and carved mountains. An 8.5 kilometer ascent along sights of refreshing waterfalls and treacherous trails best capture the moods of this unpredictable volcano. Rare endemic species such as the Bleeding Heart Pigeon and the Negros Fruit Dove are protected in this park, which makes bird watching a prime attraction. Other birds include woodpeckers, bulbuls, babblers, warblers and flycatchers. The Guintubdan Nature Camp in La Carlota City is one of the best take-off points in climbing Mt. Kanlaon.

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What Makes Towns and Cities of Negros the Best Places in Negros Occidental

Here's what makes towns and cities of Negros the best places in Negros Occidental:


Sugar is central to the evolution of the Negrense culture. The affluence and the prosperity that the industry brought to the province nourished a charming, genteel, sometimes lavish spirit that sets the Negrense apart from his Ilonggo kinsman. Negrense are regarded as affectionate, generous, fun loving people who enjoy the finer things in life. As a labor force, however, Negrenses are highly motivated, educated, skilled, trainable and entrepreneurial individuals.

Negros pastries and confectionary are equally renowned, with guapple pie, piaya, barquillos, pinasugbo, pastel de mangga, panyo-panyo, butong-butong and dulce gatas ranked among the favorites. Negros is also presently giving Davao and Bicol Region a run for their pastilles de durian and pili nuts, respectively.


Chicken Inasal
Negrenses celebrate in style. Negros cuisine developed from this eagerness for festivity, though much of this remarkable cuisine is guarded jealously in family kitchens. Aside from dishes cooked with Spanish influences, probably the most famous dish Negros Occidental is remembered for is Inasal (barbecued marinated chicken).
Negrense Sports

Negrenses are noted for their artistic abilities as well as for their love for sports. Many Negrense artists-designers/architects, cartoonists/visual artists have gained national and international distinction in their fields. The province is also noted for its world-class athletes in track and field, swimming, football, softball, golf and boxing among others. Even in the field of cock-fighting, it is known as the home of the best handlers and gamefowl breeders.


Festivals
The Negrenses’ joie de vivre is manifested in the various festivals all over the province, foremost among which are famous MassKara Festival of Bacolod, Pasalamat Festival of La Carlota, Bailes de Luces of La Castellana and Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos. These and other interesting local festivals are featured during the Pana-ad sa Negros Festival staged every April at the 25-hectare tree-lined Pana-ad Stadium in Bacolod City. Dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals”, Pana-ad brings together the 13 cities and 19 towns in a showcase of history, arts and culture, tourism, trade, commerce and industry, beauty and talent as well as games and sports.


“Man and Beast” sculpture at the Capitol Lagoon
Negros Occidental is rich in structures and buildings that are remnants of a once affluent lifestyle. The Palacio Episcopal (1930), San Sebastian Cathedral (1876) and the Capitol Building (1931), are popular landmarks. Silay City has fine examples of sugar barons’ palatial homes. In other towns, steam locomotives that used to cart sugarcane from the fields to refineries attract steam-engine enthusiasts from all over the world. There are also impressive churches all over the province, both built recently and during the Spanish era.

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New Government Center at Bacolod City: Best Places in Negros Occidental

The New Government Center of Bacolod City at night...one of the best places in Negros Occidental...


A closer view of the New Government Center, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental...


What makes the New Government Center alive and refreshing all day and night is its fountain and the spacious ground. It is a haven for leisurely walk and simple family evenings...truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental!