2025 Negros Occidental Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

The captivating ambiance of this must-to-visit place will unlocked your curious minds what is/are in-store for you. The entire scenery is with in a 400+ hectare of land, covered by lush green plants welcoming everyone with calmness and serenity as they gaze their eyes. No doubt, you will surely capture every moment in every spot of this tourist(both local and international) destination. Try to include "The Ruins" of Talisay-Bacolod in your bucket list because it will showcase you its beauty tested by time.

#timetotravel During my trip to The Ruins in Bacolod, Philippines, I had an incredible experience exploring the remnants of this majestic mansion. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit: 1. Timing is key: Plan your visit to The Ruins in the late afternoon or early evening. This will allow you to witness a breathtaking sunset and see the ruins illuminated at night, creating a truly magical atmosphere. 2. Guided tour: Consider joining a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of The Ruins. The knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories and anecdotes about the mansion, making your visit more insightful and engaging. 3. Capture the moment: Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone! The Ruins offers countless photo opportunities with its picturesque surroundings. From striking arches to beautiful gardens, you'll want to capture the stunning architecture and lush greenery. 4. Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you'll be doing some walking and exploring. The Ruins is set amidst a lush garden, so be prepared for some outdoor activity. 5. Enjoy the surroundings: Take your time to stroll around the gardens surrounding The Ruins. The beautifully landscaped area is perfect for a leisurely walk or a moment of tranquility. Enjoy the serene ambiance and take in the scenic views. 6. Savor local delicacies: After your visit, head to the nearby café or restaurant to indulge in some delicious Negrense cuisine. Try local delicacies like Chicken Inasal, Batchoy, or Cansi to complete your Bacolod experience. Remember, The Ruins is not just a historical site; it's a symbol of love and resilience. Embrace the rich heritage, immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance, and create lasting memories during your trip to The Ruins in Bacolod. #travel #mytripvlog #travelinspiration #travel #travelguide #wanderlust #philippines #trip #tripmoments #triplocal #tripblazers #fun #historicallandmarks #historical #mustvisit #adventure

The Ruins was originally the ancestral mansion of the sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his family. Built in the early 1900s, the mansion was a testament to the love of Don Mariano for his wife, Maria Braga Lacson, who died tragically at a young age. The mansion's architecture is inspired by the Italian Renaissance style, featuring tall columns, intricate designs, and a spacious layout. It is often referred to as the "Taj Mahal of Negros" due to its romantic backstory and resemblance to the famous Indian mausoleum. Sadly, during World War II, the mansion was burned down by the retreating Japanese forces to prevent it from being used as a headquarters by the approaching American troops. What remains today are the skeletal remains of the grand mansion, which have been preserved and maintained as a heritage site.

The Ruins is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. It is situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The mansion was built in early 1900s and inspired by Italian architecture The Ruins was the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy sugar businessman Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built on a 440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, in the early 1900s in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga Lacson, who died during the birth of their 8th child. During the Second World War, Filipino guerillas burned it down as a countermeasure to prevent the invading Japanese forces from using it as a military headquarters. It burned for three days. The intention was to burn it to the ground Known variously as the "Taj Mahal of Talisay", "Taj Mahal of Negros" and "Taj Mahal of the Philippines", it is in the private ownership of the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga. They have preserved it in its ruined state, among operational farmland, as a tourist attraction that can be visited for a fee or hired for events. It is open to daily visitors from 8am to 8pm for am entrance fee of PHP100 for adults, PHP 50 for students and PHP20 for children. #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer

Some ruins of ancient times are much more beautiful than the best buildings of modern eras! Mehmet Murat Ildan

Kali Fishing Lagoon & Restaurant 📍Located at San Enrique Negros Occidental (Former Wisik Resort) ✅️Entrance Fee: P100 - Adult | P50 - Child (Includes Swimming Pool)

#SummerIwaSummer Mambukal Resort is a hot spring located near Bacolod, a famous place where you can enjoy sulfur hot springs at a low price! Basic entrance fee: Adults 50 pesos / Children 20 pesos + Additional entrance fees for hot springs, swimming pools, boats, and other activities~~ Mambukal where you can enjoy hot springs and swim at a low price! I think it would be good to come once^^ #Unique accommodation #Ho-cation #Hotel recommendation #Bacolod #Bacolod resort #Philippine hot springs #Unique experience #Heat fighting #Bacolod travel #Water play

This is Hda Palma were i used to play when i was a kid. My mother used to work in rhe office in Balay Dako. I love this place and i wish to go back time😢

At Alimyun Kapehan, you get to enjoy all-day-breakfast with a view. Great placw to chill. Peaceful, quiet, and away from the city maddness. Alimyun Kapehan is located in Sibulan of Negros Oriental. Just a few minutes ride from a highway, you get to enjoy this place. They sell "silog-silog" meals and native foods like "bud-bud", "puto & sikwate". #hiking #nature #naturelover #natureshots #coffee #coffeelover #scenery #scenicspots #café

A very secluded place. Talk about privacy, away from the city and the crowed. All you hear is pure nature. You won't notice the time, like the world has stopped. Great place to relax and refresh from all the stress. This place offers activities too, such as kayak and island hopping. Food is great as well. #unforgettableexperiences#scenicspotguide#travelinspiration#staycations#bestislandtraveltowns#romanticrestaurant#naturalwonders#summertrip

The Terraza Cafe view is awesome as it is located in Don Salvador Benedicto. They have group meals that were really plenty. You can bring food, cook and grill, no corkage, but please dispose your waste and garbage at the garbage bin .. Prepare for an entrance fee of 50 when you want to go downstairs to take photos of their famous instagrammable spots. The place has 3 structures. Function hall for parties and events, over flowing spring swimming pool, & room with queen size bed and pull out foam, wood tatame floor as extra bed. Must try and visit to witness their fascinating and instagrammable view.. #naturalwonders

The white sand bar of Manjuyod is a strip of pristine white sand located at about 15 minutes boat ride from the coast of Bais City, in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines. The surface of this island emerges only during low tide and there are native wooden houses built on stilts. When the high tide comes, these houses look like they are floating on the water. The Manjuyod Sand Bar is considered one of the main attractions of the province, due to it’s specificity. The total surface of the strip it’s about 600 hectare, considering also the submerged portions. You can rent a boat in Bais City and then enjoy this beautiful paradise during the day, or you can even stay overnight renting one of the wooden houses. #naturaloxygenbar#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#beaches

Amid the lush vegetation lies a mystical beauty that nestles on the slopes of Palinpinon in Valencia, Negros Oriental. It is a beauty engulfed with breath-taking sights, a beauty with valuable work of art and a beauty surrounded by magnificent architectural edifices designed with perfection. It combines the best of resort atmosphere with peace and serenity of the mountainside. This is what Tierra Alta Residential Resort is all about. Characterized as one of the premier events destinations in Negros Oriental and with an abundance of scenic event venues, Tierra Alta provides a romantic backdrop for a destination wedding. Talk about your dream wedding and together, we will create a memorable dream come true celebration. #summervacation#hotelstay

Mount Talinis is known as “Cuernos de Negros” or “The Horn of the Negros”. At 1,903 meters high, Mt. Talinis is the second tallest mountain in the region, right behind Mt. Kanlaon. Mt. Talinis is a natural beauty with many volcanic lakes which add to the already incredibly scenic hikes.Climbers flock to Mt. Kanlaon for a 3-day hike full of wildlife, views, and hot springs. #urbanexplorer #summervacation #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

refresh day at Negros Occidental

The Ruins in Talisay is a captivating historical landmark and popular tourist destination near Bacolod City. Despite being a ruin, it looks very appealing and enchanting. On the way to The Ruins was the most stunning and picturesque views of the province, the farms of sugar cane stretched for miles and before even arriving it feels like you are being transported into past filled with heritage and culture. Upon arriving I immediately noticed how pristine and well taken care of the grounds were, it didn't seem like a blade of grass was out of place. The allure of "eternal love" started to reminisce on my skin, and I felt tingles across my body. Once you veer about the sheer size and magnificence of the structure, you are breath taken. Then seeing the finer details that are on every crevasse and inch of the structure, you'll begin to see the historical elements that really cause you to begin to appreciate the beauty of the mansion. It was a surreal experience. In the day time-it's one thing. Visiting the Ruins at night is an entirely different experience, that's when it becomes a dream of a sight and place to be. #bacolod #Talisay #negrosoccidental

happy

The Ruins in Bacolod City

peace mind

Waking up early to catch the sunrise over the mountain peaks🌄 #scenicpeaks #breathtakingview #explorethemountain #naturalwonders #peakperfectiom

Mt Kanloan

Although I missed the MassKara Festival in October, the City of Smiles still beckoned, so I decided to visit. Bacolod City doesn't have many attractions within the city itself, just a few churches and museums, but the ruins on the outskirts are famous far and wide. If you hurry, you can see it all in one day. 🏞Itinerary: San Sebastian Cathedral—Bacolod Old City Hall—The Ruins 🕰Morning: 1️⃣ San Sebastian Cathedral This medieval church ⛪ is right behind the accommodations. The main structure is built with coral stones from Guimaras Island. 👉The coral stone exterior walls in the sunlight and the Baroque dome are unique. It is said that there is a saint's festival in January. 💡Tip: This is not a tourist-style church, so please be quiet during your visit. You can experience the local religious culture during mass.⛪ 💰Admission: Free! 📍Address: Rizal St., Bacolod City (10 mins walk from the city center) ⏰Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 6:00–19:00 / Sunday 5:00–20:30 2️⃣ Bacolod Old City Hall This Spanish colonial building, completed in the 1880s, once served as the mayor's office. The Justice Fountain is in front of it. You must take a photo when passing by. 👉The interior is not open to the public, but the Old City Hall is in the most prosperous area of the city, close to restaurants and shops. 📍Address: Intersection of Araneta and Luzuriaga Streets, city center 🚶‍♀️Transportation: Walking distance to the public square/cathedral, forming a triangle with the Justice Fountain for photo opportunities 🕰Afternoon 3️⃣ The Ruins 🌺These ruins are known as the Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental and are a must-see attraction. 👉In the Middle Ages, sugar tycoon Don Mariano built this Italian-style manor to commemorate his wife, Maria, who died in childbirth. During World War II, to prevent the Japanese army from occupying it, the manor was burned for three days, leaving only the skeleton. 🌟If you have time, count whether there are 10 bedrooms. The concrete building has a marble-like sheen, and the shell decorations are a tribute to his father-in-law, a sea captain. The initials "Ms" are hidden in the carvings on the pillars, a poignant detail!! 📍Tips: The sunset through the ruins is especially picturesque. The mango smoothie at the cafe at the entrance is excellent.👍👍 Listen to the family descendants tell the secrets and touch the time marks on the tiles. ⏰Opening hours: 9:00–18:00 (open daily) 📍Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental (10 mins drive from Bacolod City) 🚗Transportation: A taxi from Bacolod City costs about 150 pesos, or take a jeepney to Talisay and then walk.

Negros is known to be a sugarcane bowl in the Philippines . I used to play and eat sugarcane during my younger age. Missing this place . Love to do again all this time.#Sugarplantation

The Best Floating Cottage experience 💕 The kids enjoy the sand bar. 💞

#travel

The Ruins is a national landmark in Talisay City, Philippines. The popular tourist attraction is rich in history and the grounds are gorgeous as they are well kept to keep its beauty for those to adore.

Ruins of the past, engraved with the light and shadow of history.🏛️ The aroma of food, dyed with the tenderness of time.🍱 The grand celebration, releasing the unrestrained nature.🎉 A gentle smile, encountering a poetic journey.🌸 📍Detailed Address Bacolod is located in Negros Occidental, Western Visayas, Philippines, on the western part of Negros Island, and is the capital of the province. 🚘Transportation Guide ✈️By Air: Bacolod International Airport is located in Silay City, about 15 km from Bacolod City, a 20-30 minute drive. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and others have flights from major Philippine cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao to Bacolod. 🚌By Ferry: Bacolod's Bredco Port has ferries from Manila and Iloilo. For example, 2go travel boat from Manila to Bacolod has 4 trips per week, taking 20-24 hours; Supercat 2go travel boat from Iloilo to Bacolod has 4 trips per day, taking 1.5 hours. 🚖By Land: Ceres buses from Cebu to Bacolod take 7-11 hours. In the city, you can take a jeepney, tricycle, or taxi, and to nearby towns, you can choose Ceres public buses, private vans, or taxis. 🍽Food Recommendations 🍲Chicken Inasal: Marinated with vinegar, lemongrass, and other spices, then grilled with Annatto oil, served with garlic Annatto rice and vinegar, the chicken is juicy and tender. 🍲Lechon: The skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is a traditional Filipino dish, often seen in local restaurants and banquets. 🍲Leche Flan: Sweet and smooth, with a strong milk flavor, it is a popular dessert. 🍲Napoleones: A puff pastry with custard filling, sweet but not greasy. 📸Must-Visit Attractions 🎬Negros Museum: Located on Gatuslao St, it showcases the history of Negros Island, the development of the sugar industry, and local endangered animal specimens. 🎬San Sebastian Cathedral: Located in the city center, it was built in the late 19th century with coral stones and other materials. The architecture is unique and is an important Catholic site. 🎬The Ruins: Once a sugar baron's mansion, now only ruins remain, but the architectural framework still shows the former luxury, and the night light show is spectacular. 🏠Recommended Nearby Attractions 📍Mambukal Mountain Resort: About 1 hour's drive from Bacolod City, you can hike, dive, swim, and see waterfalls. 📍Punta Ballo Beach: Located in Sipalay City, it takes about 5 hours by long-distance bus from Bacolod's Southern Terminal. The water is clear, and the sand is fine. ✨Travel Experience ✅Bacolod is known as the "City of Smiles", with friendly and enthusiastic locals. The city has fresh and clean air and a high level of greenery, making it one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. Visitors can feel a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere here. ✅The Masskara Festival, held on the third week of October every year, is a local event where people wear masks and celebrate, with beauty pageants, food festivals, and other activities.