Images: Lantawan View Silay Facebook page
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. Several recommendable tourist spots in Negros Occidental that a wanderlust like you should visit.
Before planning your itinerary, you may want to check out our list below of unique places to visit in Negros Occidental.
1. Lantawan View (Silay, Negros Occidental
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Travel Time: 30 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates:
Cottages – start at PhP2,000 a night for two persons
Tents – PhP300 a night for four persons
Cabana – start at PhP500 for eight persons
Pool House – PhP3,500 for 20 persons
The relaxing ambiance of Lantawan View
Images: Lantawan View Silay Facebook page
If you have been to Negros, you probably know that Silay City is similar to Vigan regarding its 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 in the right direction.
2. Nato’s Beach (Bago City, Negros Occidental)
Travel Time: 1 hour from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates: Start at PhP1,500 for five persons
Have fun under the sun on Nato’s Beach.
Images: Nato’s Beach
Nato’s Beach is a small, newly developed beach property. This place to go to in Negros Occidental caught the locals’ attention because of its hammock in the middle of the sea, making it picture-worthy. Nato’s is an excellent place to unwind, not far from the airport. It is also ideal for gatherings, team building, and other functions.
From the airport, you can go there via Circumferential Road. Make a left turn at Araneta Avenue and head to Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. If you like Nato’s Beach, you can visit Nato’s Farm in Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City.
3. Resorts Negrense (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)
Travel Time: 50 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates: Available upon inquiry
One can experience the Negrense lifestyle in Resorts Negrense.
Images: Resorts Negrense Facebook page
The last on our list is Resorts Negrense, a newly opened resort in the metro. This 14-hectare resort is perfect if you plan a vacation in Bacolod City. It has restaurants, cottages, nipa huts, a swimming pool, a viewing tower, and a kiddie playground. All these amenities promise guests the experience of living the Negrense lifestyle.
This resort is near and accessible, especially for first-time travelers to Negros Occidental. Drive along Circumferential Road from the airport, then turn left to Araneta Avenue. Continue driving straight to Negros South Road, then make a right turn near San Roque Street, across the SEAOIL gas station.
4. Jomax Peak (Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental)
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates: Start at PhP750 for five persons
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 and tourist spot in Negros Occidental 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.
5. Mayana Peak (San Carlos City, Negros Occidental)
Travel Time: 2 hours from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rate: PhP300 for an overnight camping
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 far from other destinations on this list, but traveling there is still attainable.
Head to the Ceres Northbound Terminal in Bacolod City from the airport, then ride a bus 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 hike when there is good weather in the forecast.
6. Mag-aso Falls (Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental)
Travel Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates:
Cottage – PhP200
Room – PhP1,000 for a night for four persons
Witness the alluring and enchanting Mag-Aso Falls.
Image: Negros Tourism Gov Ph website
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 such because the twin falls create smoke as the waters cascade to the ground. This place to visit in Negros Occidental has enchanting scenery, which is why tourists keep coming back.
Drive to Kabankalan City through the Mabinay route from the airport to get there. On the left, you can see the sign going to Mag-Aso Falls. Drive five kilometers more to reach the entrance. Once you arrive, pay the entrance fee of P50.
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7. Punta Bulata Resort and Spa (Cauayan, Negros Occidental)
Travel Time: 3 hours from Bacolod-Silay Airport
Rates: Start at PhP2,000 for a night for two persons
One can unwind in the peaceful paradise of Punta Bulata.
Images: Punta Bulata Facebook page
Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise where you can unwind on a one-kilometer white sand beach. Aside from its various accommodation options, another commendable thing about the resort is how they give importance to biodiversity.
You can take the national highway from the airport to the Municipality of Cauayan. It is advisable to visit their office first, which is located in Bacolod City. 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.
Tourist spots like these prove that Negros Occidental has much to offer travelers.
Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more exciting travel destinations in Negros!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. Have a great trip!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on December 3, 2017.
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