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Here are some Negros Occidental tourist destinations you can visit when you are in Bacolod City.

Where to Go: Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations to Check Out When You Visit Bacolod

These are some of the Negros Occidental tourist destinations that you can visit when you are already in Bacolod City. They are near and easily accessible.

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These are some of the Negros Occidental tourist destinations that you can visit when you are already in Bacolod City. They are near and easily accessible.

Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations

Bacolod City

Bacolod City is also known as the City of Smiles and home to the world-famous MassKara Festivala. It is the capital of Negros Occidental, the other half of the Negros Island Region in Southern Philippines.

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Our Bacolod Government Center is a gem.

We are an hour by plane away from Manila, which is served by several airlines, several times a day. By ship, the trip to Bacolod from Manila takes approximately 24 hours, but voyages are not daily.

If you are in Bacolod, there are so many things to do aside from just looking at acres of sugarcane. While our province is still the top producer of sugar in the country, there is more to Bacolod than sugar.

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Want to ride like the Swiss do? Visit Happy Horse Farms. Photo taken from their Facebook page.

So if you have the chance, #visitBacolod and explore the city as well as the neighboring cities and municipalities. Look North, the South, and the East.

Bacolod stories to read, click below:

Photos are not all mine (unless indicated). Photo credits on individual photos and taken from public domains.

Magikland Silay

Magikland Silay is the first ever theme park in Western Visayas. Being near Bacolod City, it is expected to become one of the favored destinations of locals and tourists alike.

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The carousel at Magikland in Silay City. Photo by Ronnie Baldonado.

This new theme park is located in Brgy. Guinhalaran, near the downtown area of Silay. Expectedly, it will soon become an integral part of every Silay City Tour.

The Lacson Ruins

The Lacson Ruins sits on the boundary of the cities of Bacolod and Talisay and is now the poster place for Bacolod and Negros Occidental tourist attractions. What used to be a mansion built as a monument of one husband’s love for his wife, the place was massacred and burned during the war.

But despite the inferno, the foundations of the mansion remain, which could mean two things—the masons of the past built a good quality building or that the foundations of enduring love will never be destroyed. It’s up to you to decide.

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The magnificent Lacson Ruins located on the border of Talisay and Bacolod. If you like to achieve this trick shot, just ask their guides. They would be happy to take this shot. But I will not tell how this is done. You have to go there yourself. Photo taken from The Ruins Facebook cover photo.

At The Lacson Ruins, you can enjoy a guided tour by engaging tour guides like the famous Roger Lucero. Additionally, you can have photo ops all around the place, play a on a large chess board on the ground, dine al fresco, or just hang around till evening. Some people also hold their pre-nuptial photo shoots and garden wedding ceremonies there.

Check out The Lacson Ruins tour conducted by Roger Lucero in the kids’ vlog below:

For regular guests, entrance fees are charged per person. Different rates apply for some activities. For more information or reservations, please call 0905 513 3347. Follow them on Facebook: Lacson Ruins

Punong Gary’s Place

Experience nature and gourmet food at Punong Gary’s Place. It is not just a mere Silay restaurant but a premier dining destination in Negros Occidental

Punong Gary's Place - Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations - Silay City - Bacolod City - Bacolod blogger - destination dining
Elegance in nature. That’s what Punong Gary’s Place can give you.

Punong Gary’s Place is located at Hda. Tinihaban, Silay City. Open Tuesday to Sundays and they are already offering an all-day breakfast menu. Strictly by reservations only. Call or text 0917-327-1729.

FB page: PunongSilay

Panaad Park and Stadium

Don’t be fooled by the name.The Panaad Park and Stadium is a stadium where international sporting events have been held in the past. So even if you are not into sports but are new to Negros Occidental, this place is the closest to covering the entire province in just one visit.

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The pavilion of Silay City at the Panaad Park. This is one of the many representations of the LGUs in the park. Photo taken from the Panaad sa Negros Festival facebook page.

Around the vast park are different stops that depict the landmarks of each city and municipality of Negros Occidental. These are actually pavilion booths where you can learn about that particular LGU. You may also buy fresh produce, handicrafts, and other products. Some also serve meals.

These LGU booths become more vibrant and active during the Panaad sa Negros Festival. It is held annually every April.

Negros Showroom

The Negros Showroom is where you can find the creations of the Association of Negros Producers. It is located at the Robinsons Place Bacolod in Mandalagan.

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The Negros Showroom at Robinsons Place Bacolod. Photo by Jojo Vito.

The Negros Museum

The Negros Museum is the first curatorial museum regarded in the Philippines. They showcase precious artifacts and Negros history as well as contemporary works. Bacolod artists and artisans sell copies of their commissioned works at the Museum Shop. 

The building itself is very historical. It is a neoclassical structure built in 1925. It was the former capitol building where past governors of Negros Occidental held office until early 1970’s.

The Negros Museum is dedicated to encouraging and sustaining a deep sense of pride towards our local culture, history, and art. So if you want to know more about Negros, its history, culture, and people, you should not miss a visit here.

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The beautiful Negros Museum building. Photo taken from the Negros Museum page.

Negros Museum is located at the Former Agricultural Building, Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City. It is also here that you can dine at the Negros Museum Cafe by Chef Guido Nijssen.

For information, call (034) 433 4764 or 7085080. They are open from Monday to Saturday, 9AM to 6PM. Please find additional information below:

  • The Negros Museum guided tour schedule: Monday to Saturday
  • 10am | 11am | 1:30pm | 2:30pm | 3:30pm

Entrance Fees:

  • General Admission – Php 100.00
  • Senior Citizens – Php 80.00
  • Students and Children – Php 70.00

Note: Group tours of more than 20 need prior reservations for proper accommodation.

Follow The Negros Museum on Facebook: Negros Museum

May’s Organic Garden and Restaurant

The 6-hectare property that is May’s Organic Garden and Restaurant is an organic demo farm, a garden resort, with an organic store. They also have a restaurant — one of the homegrown Bacolod restaurants serving certified organic food. It’s picturesque and so lovely that going there is like being transported to the land of fairies. It is within Bacolod City, so it only takes about a 20-minute drive to get there.

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The man-made lake at May’s Garden.

There are a couple of swimming pools, a lake for boating, and a pond for fishing. They also have space for horseback riding and plenty of cozy nooks to just sit down, unwind, and enjoy nature.

Plus, they have amenities for overnight stays, seminars, conventions, as well as big functions like birthday parties. It’s also a favorite venue for prenuptial shoots and weddings.

Visit May’s Organic Garden at Sitio Aning, Pahanocoy, Bacolod City. You wouldn’t miss it. Tel. No. (034) 431 3800.

Follow May’s Garden on Facebook: MaysOrganicGarden

Guerrero Farm and Nature Park

High up in the mountainous area of Talisay City is the Guerrero Farm and Nature Park. Located at Sitio Mambucano, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay, the place grows practically all kinds of plants.

They have ornamental plants, succulents, herbs, and fruit trees. You may visit them during the day for some swimming fun or trekking. Furthermore, you may spend several nights there for retreats and seminars.

Guerrero Farm and Nature Resort - Negros Occidental tourist attractions - Talisay City
Swimming and horseback riding can both be done among other things at Guerrero Farm and Nature Resort. Photo from their FB page.

They have a quaint chapel, too for a nature-tripping wedding. For information and reservations, call Tel. No. (034) 434-4368.

Follow Guerrero Farm on Facebook: Guerrero Farm

Mambukal Mountain Resort

Mambukal Mountain Resort is run by the provincial government of Negros Occidental. Located in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, it is famous for its seven falls. It will take a lot of trekking on the mountain in order to reach these waterfalls. But you get a certain pride if you reach the top. However, there are times of the year when they close off trekking for safety reasons.

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Our family taking a dip from one of the rivers flowing through Mambukal Resort.

Aside from the waterfalls, you can enjoy swimming in pools filled with natural spring water. Or better yet, take therapeutic dips in naturally hot pools filled with sulfuric water.

After that all that, relax and take a break at The Blade Spa. There are day and overnight cottages available for rent. Entrance, swimming, and dipping fees are separate. For inquiries and reservations, call Telephone Nos. +63-34 4730610, 7090990, or 4338516.

Bantug Lake Ranch

Bantug Lake Ranch is another nature park located at Granada Alangilan Road, east of Bacolod. It is nice to have family picnics here, go on horseback riding, boating, or fishing. Garden weddings and birthday parties may also be held here. They are open from Monday to Sunday at 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. For more inquiries, you may call (034) 213 1916 or send them an email at bantuglakeranch@gmail.com.

Bantug Lake Ranch - Negros Occidental tourist attractions
You can fish and go boating on the lake at Bantug Lake Ranch. Photo from their FB page. Photo manipulation mine.

Bantug Lake Ranch Fees

  • Entrance fee: P50
  • Horseback riding: P150 for 15 minutes
  • Boating/kayaking: P50 per head

Follow Bantug Lake Ranch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bantuglakeranch

Eltoro Zoo de La Castellana

The Eltoro Zoo is located along the highway of La Castellana, a municipality in southern Negros Occidental. It is a privately owned zoo and aquarium that provides eco tours to visiting guests. They also have a breeding area and an extensive collection of animals. Animal lovers would love their collection of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles.

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A hungry crocodile waiting for its meal at Eltoro Zoo.

Young children and students will surely appreciate learning about the animals and seeing them up close. It is like a real jungle out here except for the cages!

Eltoro Zoo de La Castellana is located at Gomez St., Brgy. Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental. They are open daily from 9am to 5pm. No noon breaks. For field trip bookings, you may contact (034) 485-0121, 473-9073, (0947) 4650177, or (0933) 9733742.

Farmville de Bago

Farmville de Bago offers guests the experience of learning more about life at the farm as well as interacting with different types of farm animals. Camels, Donkeys, Shetland Ponies, and Different Types of Birds and Feathered Friends welcome guests with friendly gestures, seeking to be pampered. The tour around the farm includes a caretella ride, egg-picking from the poultry house, and feeding the different types of tamed birds. Farmville de Bago serves as a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

It is located at Brgy. Atipuluan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, approximately 22 kms. via Sum-ag Abuanan Road and 29 kms. via Murcia Cansilayan Road, both roughly 30 minutes drive from Bacolod City. They are open daily, from 7am-6pm. Entrance Fee is Php200/pax for all ages, inclusive of a one-round caratella ride, a farm tour, and animal interaction and feeding.

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Perry and Thea petting the animals at Farmville de Bago. Photo from Perry Yap.

Since Farmville De Bago prioritizes biosecurity of the farm animals, it is advisable to make an appointment ahead of your visit. For more information, contact:

+639173222440 (Globe); +639173013440 (Globe); +639228282991 (Sun); +639228813354 (Sun); or +639228887879 (Sun).

Follow Farmville de Bago on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmvilledebago

Rapha Valley

Rapha Valley is perhaps the only wellness destination in the province. It is named after one of God’s names, Jehovah Rapha, which literally means “The Lord heals”. Rapha Valley promotes rural tourism, enjoying nature, and most of all healthy eating.

It is owned by Dr. Albert Jo, a medical doctor who is now an advocate for natural healing. He runs it together with his wife Marilou. They are open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 9am to 7pm.

If you want to visit during the weekdays, prior reservations are needed. You may contact them through Mobile No. +63 921 613 7928.

Follow Rapha Valley on Facebook: Rapha Valley

Happy Horse Farms Equestrian Center

Happy Horse Farms Equestrian Center is primarily a riding school. It is a place where people can learn about good horsemanship, foster a love for nature, and proper care and respect for animals.

Equine services

  • Stabling
  • Horse training
  • English riding lessons
  • Trail rides
  • Pony rides
  • Riding clinics with top riders from Manila
Happy Horse Farms - Negros Occidental tourist attractions
Photo from Happy Horse Farms. Photo from their Facebook page.

They also have carabao rides and animal feeding sessions for goats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Currently, their facilities include an outdoor arena, ten stables, and two paddocks. They also have a locker cabana where guests and riders can freshen up.

The Happy Horse Farms now has 17 horses in their roster. Some of them have already experienced competitions in Manila.

Anyone can come and visit their place. However, they do require advanced bookings. Their horses have strict regimens and their days need to be planned ahead. If you wish to visit and just have a look around, there is a minimal entrance fee.

Happy Horse Farms - Negros Occidental tourist attractions
At first glance, I thought it was like riding with the Alps in the background. Nah, this is just in Talisay, at Happy Horse Farms. Photo from their Facebook page.

The management cannot guarantee that all services will be available for walk-in visitors. HHF is located at Baranggay Virhen, Talisay City, Negros Occidental. For more information, please call Mobile 0917.8832337. Read more about our family trip at the Happy Horse Farms Equestrian Center.

Follow Happy Horse Farms on FacebookHappyHorseFarms

Other Photo Opp Sites in Bacolod

When in Bacolod City, don’t miss a photo op with our historical Provincial Capitol Building, Capitol Lagoon, and San Sebastian Cathedral. Moreover, also stop by our beautiful Bacolod Government Center.

Bacolod Government Center at Night

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My daughter poses in front of the Bacolod Government Center one chilly evening.

San Sebastian Cathedral of Bacolod

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The San Sebastian Cathedral in front of the Bacolod Public Plaza, Rizal Street. Photo by Maricar Dabao.

Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol

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The Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building across the Capitol Lagoon. Photo by Maricar Dabao.
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The Provincial Capitol taken from the grassy area by the lagoon.

Bacolod Tour Guides

For Bacolod and Negros Occidental Tours, you may contact:

Tour Organizer: Viaje Negrense
Email: viajenegrense@gmail.com
Tel. No.: 034-4761153 or 7081462 | Mobile: 0917-3000060

Or these DOT-Accredited tour guides:

MARIA CARMEN J. DABAO
TRG-R06-00002250-2015 | Mobile: 0917-3000060
maricardabao@yahoo.com

LEAH JEAN B. GAZO
TRG-R06-00002439-2015
Betsygazo_ph@yahoo.com

JENNYLIND D. CORDERO
TRG-R06-00002191-2014 | 0998-5488410
jennylindcordero40@gmail.com

ARTURO L. LACSON
TRG-R06-00002251-2015 | 0932-3541982
arturo_lacson2000@yahoo.com.ph

Did you like this list? Please comment below the other places that you think tourists should visit in Negros Occidental. Meanwhile, let’s go explore! 🙂

6 thoughts on “Where to Go: Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations to Check Out When You Visit Bacolod

  1. Very detailed information. Hope when our guests come to visit they will get the services of an accredited tour guide to fully appreciate the places they visited.
    Blogs like this would surely entice more people to come and experience the warmth of the people of Bacolod and Negros.

    1. That’s true car. Tour guides here can really help get guests to places and help them appreciate our local destinations more. I wish for people to see that there is more when they #visitBacolod. Outside the political boundaries are nice destinations that visitors can easily go to when they come from Bacolod. 😀

  2. Whenever my friends visit Bacolod, I also recommend or bring them to nearby cities or towns with interesting attractions, such as those you have mentioned here in your blog. Similarly, when friends or relatives visited me before in Metro Manila, I also brought them to cities around the National Capital Region, particularly in the City of Manila, and nearby provinces like Cavite, Bataan, or Laguna. 🙂 That’s the beauty of traveling because you are not confined in one city or area alone — boundaries become just political demarcations, while culture and history connect us into one community.

  3. Thank you for featuring many destinations around our province. I am especially proud to be living in Negros even though i was born in Iloilo. We have the perfect blend of laid-back comfort and sophistication. Our natural resources are a-plenty from sea to beaches to farms to urban attractions to mountains and all its hidden jewels. Kadto bala kamo diri kay malagaw ta!

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