Silay City

Silay City might not be a popular destination as Bacolod City, but visiting this town makes you curious about how the Mestizos, Indios, and Spaniards created a community and live together for hundred years. Even in the town proper, the old buildings are proof that Cuidad existed. Next time you visit Negros Occidental, include Silay City on your itinerary. Don't forget to try the bread products of El Ideal.

Bernardino Jalandoni Museum

The museum is in the town proper, and locals call it the Pink House. Though the time I visited this, its colour has faded. the entrance fee at Bernardino Jalandoni Museum is Php50. Inside, you can see images, books, and memorabilia during the Hispanic era until the WWII. 

Heritage Houses of Silay City

These heritage houses of Silay are not located on the same street but you need to walk around. Be amazed at discovering them as you roam. Most of the houses are kept private.

Balay Negrense

Just like the other heritage houses of Silay City, Balay Negrese reflects the rich historical transition of the Philippines from the Spanish era to American colonization. This is open to the public and accepts donations from visitors. The structure, rooms, furniture, silverware, and clothes are displayed inside. Its 'karawahe', dirty kitchen, dining room, and maids quarter signifies the status of the family who lived here.

Bacolod City

The City of Smiles. Aside from being the capital city of the Negros Occidental province, Bacolod City is also known for its Masskara Festival held every October. The local dialect is Ilonggo, and you will love its accent. Some say they still sound sweet even if they are angry.

The Ruins

Most tourists thought The Ruins was in Bacolod City, but it is geographically in Talisay City. Just 20 20-minute drive from Bacolod, you can reach the Ruins and pass through sugar cane plantations. The entrance fee to The Ruins is Php 100. There will be a tour guide who will introduce and tell the story of the mansion. You can visit in the morning to take advantage of the less crowded or in the afternoon for the golden hour and hue transition to evening. Ask the tour guide for the best angle, they have plenty of camera tricks.

How do I get to The Ruins from Bacolod

Convenient and fastest way: Taxi or Grab

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Cheap way:

1. From the city, ride a jeepney going to Bata. Tell the driver to drop you at Bangga Pepsi. Landmarks are the big Pepsi products on the right. Travel time is 10 mins.

2. From there, take a tricycle to the Ruins. The travel time is 10mins and the fare is ~Php50.

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Just reverse this to return to Bacolod.

Negros Occidental Capitol

The lagoon across the Capitol is- for me- a bright idea. It is an instant park and an open space for Bacolodnons for their physical activities and hang-out places. By the way, this city is one of the cleanest I've seen in the Philippines. Kudos!

Bacolod Cathedral

It's good to visit the town's cathedral when you are strolling around. If this isn't your thing, check their plaza across the church. If you walk towards the SM, you will find the Manokan Country.

Manokan Country

When visiting Bacolod, eating inasal at Manokan Country is a requirement. I ate at Aida's, and I liked it. Maybe next time I'll try the others to see if theirs are as good as Aida's. Add chicken oil on your rice and a dash of salt, that's how some locals do it. You'll forget how Mang Inasal tastes after trying the authentic.

Calea/ Felicia

Their display of cakes and pastries is so irresistible. Pair it with the coffee of your choice then your day is complete. If you want something else, try Felicia across Calea (in Lacson St.)- same sweetness, same indulgence. 

Delicacies

Find Bonbon's or Merzci, their products are Bacolod's delicacies. Bring home some pasalubong from these stores. You can also try other delicacies or streetfoods.

Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach of Sipalay is not a famous destination, but I'm telling you, it's a hidden gem. The sand is not white, and the water is not blue-ish, but its exclusivity makes it compelling. Check it yourself; some foreigners even know it before I did.

I recommend staying here when in Sipalay than in Perth Paradise Resort. You'll have a hundred more views than the resort.

Sunset in Sugar Beach

Beachfront hotels here set up chairs in the afternoon to provide their guests comfort seats while watching a sunset. The show is dramatic and peaceful.

Off the beaten track

At the far end of the beach stretch, there is a resort in the elevated area. Beside that is a track. I followed it and when I got at the dead end, I saw this. I recommend to ask local first if you want to check this out.

IG entry

A local recommends this area for photos. This shot was taken at the "passage" from Sugar beach going to the river crossing.

Sipalay Public Beach

How lucky these locals are that behind their public market is a swimmable open beach.

Perth Paradise Resort

This image is IG-worthy and catches the eyes of travelers. Though I expected more sceneries, the view is the only thing you will pay for. You can enjoy other activities in the resort if you stayed here.

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Hire a tricycle at the public market and haggle for a good price to go here. The driver can wait for you if you take a day pass at this resort.