The Best Cities to Visit in Negros Occidental

Top 5 Cities to Visit in Negros Occidental – The province of Negros Occidental, located among the Visayas islands in the heart of the Philippines, is home to natural and cultural treasures that delight residents and guests alike. Whether for a short trip or a longer stay, here are some towns situated in the province that is the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines” and the home of the beloved chicken inasal.

Rest assured, there is more than just food-tripping to be done in a province of pristine beaches and houses with colorful pasts.

1] Bacolod City

No visit to the province of Negros Occidental would be complete without a trip to its provincial capital. Bacolod City is a highly urbanized, fast-growing capital that still remains very much in touch with its roots. This is exemplified by its yearly Masskara festival, which is celebrated with much pageantry and dancing for most of the month of October. Bacolod and its neighbors Talisay and Silay have plenty of heritage sites and parks open for both casual and scholarly visitors.

However, many a well-traveled Filipino will say that Bacolod City is also home to a number of culinary delicacies such as the delicately flaky piaya, and of course, the famous roasted chicken inasal.

The Calea patisserie is a must for food-trippers; its specialty cheesecakes draw in hungry visitors from both near and far!

For accommodations check these:

• 1] Top 10 Best Hotels in Bacolod

• 2] Low Priced Pension Houses in Bacolod City

2] Silay City

Close to the city proper of Bacolod is the bustling city of Silay, which is known as the “Paris of Negros”. Silay is the urban cradle of art and culture, as evidenced by the well-kept heritage buildings in the area, as well as its many cultural shows and exhibitions. Up to thirty houses here have been declared as historical landmarks.

You can enjoy day tours and photo walks in this area, or stop by for the various events regularly sponsored by the local government. These include local film festivals as well as annual fiestas and celebrations.

3] Cadiz City

Negros Occidental is a province of beautiful beaches, many of which are close to urban centers. One of these, the city of Cadiz at the northernmost reaches of the island, is known not only for its beaches but also for its lush and cool waterfalls. Intrepid hikers can take on the Cabagacayan Falls and the Busac-Busac Spring located just outside of town. For those more intent on relaxing or communing with the sun, sand, and surf, there is a variety of resorts along Cadiz’s extensive beachfront.

Island-hoppers can book trips to Bantayan Island, or arrange for scuba diving and snorkeling to get up close and personal with Cadiz’s rich marine resources.

4] Bago City

Another town known for its historical and cultural treasures is Bago, located on the northwest of Negros Occidental. Bago’s rich history dating back to the earliest days the Spanish colonization is well celebrated in its local museums and monuments.

The area is also becoming known as an eco-tourism hub because of its proximity to the hillier parts of the province, from which flow cascades such as the Kipot Twin Falls.

Bago is also home to critically endangered local flora and fauna, such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, one of the most vulnerable dolphin species worldwide.

Bago is also a staging point for climbers intent on taking on Mount Kanlaon, one of Negros Occidental’s highest peaks.

5] Sipalay City

The crowning jewel however of Negros Occidental is found in its very south, in the City of Sipalay. This town, known for its fertile farmland, has grown to become one of the most celebrated tourist destinations of the province. Sipalay has white-sand beaches to rival those of Boracay in the nearby province of Panay.

Scuba divers and snorkelers can spend countless hours exploring the town’s lagoons and caves, while those who desire a more relaxed pace can stroll on Sipalay’s long beaches and enjoy a view of the spectacular sunset over the Visayan seas.

The next time you find yourself in Negros Occidental, be sure to drop by these gems. Trust us, it will be an experience you will never forget in your lifetime.