Note: Due to current government restrictions in place, some of the featured destinations below might not be open yet. Please contact their management before visiting.
Negros Occidental is one of the go-to destinations of tourists in the Visayas, not just during the Masskara Festival but also during the “ber” months. The island has a number of recommendable Negros and Bacolod tourist spots that a wanderlust like you should visit.
Before planning your itinerary, you may want to check out our list below of unique places to go to in Negros Occidental.
1. Lantawan View
Location: Silay-Lantawan Road, Silay City
Travel Time: 30 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
The relaxing ambiance of Lantawan View
Image: Lantawan View Silay
If you have been to Negros, you probably know that Silay City is similar to Vigan when it comes to their numerous heritage houses. However, this city is also rich in eco-tourism spots. One such notable destination is Lantawan View.
Lantawan View is a privately owned place overlooking mountains and trees. This site gives you a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
From the airport, you can drive along Jose Pitong Ledesma Street and Silay-Lantawan Road. If you struggle to find the place, the locals will be glad to guide you to the right direction.
2. Jomax Peak
Location: Brgy. Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto
Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Breathtaking birds’ eye view of Jomax Peak
Image: Jomax Peak
Negros Island is a favorite place for hikers because of the long ranges of Mt. Kanlaon. If you love mountain views but don’t want to exert effort in hiking, you can try camping at Don Salvador Benedicto. One camping spot in the area is Jomax Peak.
Jomax Peak is a camping site which is famous for its Instagram-worthy view. The site encourages tourists to experience the golden hours of the Little Baguio of Negros Occidental. Jomax Peak does not cater to walk-in guests so it is recommended to make reservations first before going to the site.
3. Mayana Peak
Location: Sitio Punod, San Carlos City
Travel Time: 2 hours from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Visitors can pose on top of the mountains at Mayana Peak.
Image: Mayana Mountain View
Mayana Peak has become one of the go-to destinations in Negros. Visitors admire it for its magnificent view of the mountains. It is quite far from other destinations in this list, but traveling there is still attainable.
From the airport, head to the Ceres Northbound Terminal in Bacolod City, then ride a bus going to San Carlos City. Tell the driver to drop you off at Sitio Punod. Once there, ride a habal-habal or improvised motorcycle and do a 20-minute trek. To have the best experience, plan the trek when there is good weather in the forecast.
4. Mag-aso Falls
Location: Sitio Dug-anon, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City
Travel Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Witness the alluring and enchanting Mag-Aso Falls.
Mag-aso Falls is one of the jewels of the south. The name of the waterfalls originated from the Hiligaynon word “aso,” which means smoke. It’s called as such because the twin falls create smoke as the waters cascade to the ground. Its enchanting scenery is the reason why tourists keep coming back.
To get there, drive to Kabankalan City through the Mabinay route from the airport. On the left side, you can see the sign going to Mag-Aso Falls. Drive five kilometers more to reach the entrance. Once you arrive, pay for the entrance fee of P50.
5. Punta Bulata Resort and Spa
Location: Municipality of Cauayan
Travel Time: 3 hours from Bacolod-Silay Airport
One can unwind in the peaceful paradise of Punta Bulata.
Image: Punta Bulata Resort & Spa
Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise where you can unwind in a one-kilometer stretch of white sand beach. Aside from its various accommodation options, another commendable thing about the resort is how they give importance to biodiversity.
From the airport, you can take the national highway going to the Municipality of Cauayan. Just keep an eye on the right side of the national highway to see the Bangga Salamat Po access road. Take a right turn and drive for 2.5 kilometers more. It is advisable to visit their office first which is located in Bacolod City.
6. Nato’s Beach
Location: Brgy. Taloc, Bago City
Travel Time: 1 hour from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Have fun under the sun in Nato’s Beach.
Image: Nato’s Beach
Nato’s Beach is a small newly developed beach property. The place caught the attention of the locals because of its hammock placed in the middle of the sea which makes it picture-worthy. Nato’s is a good place to unwind which is not far from the airport. It is also ideal for gatherings, team buildings, and other functions.
From the airport, you can go there via the Circumferential Road. Make a left turn at Araneta Avenue and head to Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. If you like Nato’s Beach, you can also try to visit Nato’s Farm in Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City.
7. Resorts Negrense
Location: Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City
Travel Time: 50 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
One can experience the Negrense lifestyle in Resorts Negrense.
Image: Resorts Negrense
The last in our list Resorts Negrense a newly opened resort in the metro. This 14-hectare resort is perfect if you are planning a vacation in Bacolod City. It has facilities such as restaurants, cottages, nipa huts, swimming pool, viewing tower, and kiddie playground. All these amenities promise guests the experience of living the Negrense lifestyle.
From the airport, drive along the Circumferential Road, then turn left to Araneta Avenue. Continue driving straight to Negros South Road, then make a right turn near San Roque Street, across SEAOIL gas station. This resort is near and accessible especially for first-time travelers to Negros Occidental.
Tourist spots like these prove that Negros Occidental has a lot to offer to travelers.
* Click the establishment names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.
* Prices may change without prior notice.
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on December 3, 2017.
