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.
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.
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:
- Pinoy Foods in Bacolod restaurants
- Things to do in Bacolod
- List of Bacolod restaurants
- The Best Desserts in Bacolod
- Bacolod City Guide
- Bacolod Masskara Festival Schedule
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.
- Read more: Magikland Theme Park in Silay
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Related: Trusted Wedding Suppliers in Bacolod
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.
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.
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.
- For Pasalubong suggestions, read: What to Buy: Bring Home Bacolod Pasalubong
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 Facebook: HappyHorseFarms
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
San Sebastian Cathedral of Bacolod
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol
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! 🙂
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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.
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. 😀
Woah! There are places I haven’t visited. I miss Bacolod already. I want to visit soon!!
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.
That is lovely and so true. Thank you for your comment. 😀
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!