The document provides information about tourism promotions in Negros Occidental, Philippines. It discusses the region's history, infrastructure for transportation, and many top tourist destinations across the province. These include bird watching in Pulupandan, diving at Sagay Marine Reserve, Danjugan Island wildlife sanctuary, the beaches of Sipalay, TawHai floating bar, Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, resorts like Mambukal and Campuestohan, organic farms, museums, and landmarks in Bacolod City. It also mentions the annual MassKara and Panaad festivals celebrated in the province.

1. TOURISM PROMOTIONS
Presented by: ___________________
(Course/Year)

2. REGION VI-WESTERN VISAYAS REGION
VISAYAS

3. NEGROS
OCCIDENTAL
“The Sugarbowl
of the
Philippines”

4. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Country: Philippines
Region: Negros Island Region
Founded: January 1, 1890
Capital: Bacolod
Land Area: 7,802.54 km2(3,012.58 sq mi)
Highest Elevation: Mt. Kanlaon- 2,465 m (8,087 ft)
Population
(2015 census): 2,497,261
Divisions: Independent Cities- 1
Component Cities- 12
Municipalities- 19
Barangays- 601
(including independent cities:662)
Spoken Languages: Hiligaynon
Cebuano
Flilipino
English
People: Negrense

5. HISTORY
§Negros was originally known to the natives as "Buglas", meaning "cut off" in old
Hiligaynon. When the Spaniards arrived in April 1565, they named it "Negros"
because of the dark-skinned natives they found. Two of the earliest native
settlements were Binalbagan and Ilog which later became towns in 1572 and 1584,
respectively.
§Ilog was made the first capital of the province in 1743. This was later transferred to
Himamaylan. Bacolod finally became the capital in 1849.
§The island was divided into Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in 1890. The
two provinces were briefly united as an independent Republic of
Negros with Bacolod as the capital on November 27, 1898.
§In May 29 of 2015, Negros Island Region was formed when Negros Occidental
and its capital was separated from Western Visayas and transferred to the new
region along with Negros Oriental, when President Benigno Aquino III
signed Executive Order No. 183, s. 2015.

6. INFRASTRUCTURE- How to get here?
§ Through its capital, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental is only 50 minutes from Manila and 30 minutes
from Cebu by air.
§ By sea, it is an 18-hour cruise from Manila and an hour by fast ferries from Iloilo.
§ It is also accessible by sea and land trip from Cebu via Escalante City, San Carlos City and
Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. Travel from Bacolod to Dumaguete is only 5 to 6 hours by land.
Seven airline companies, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines, serve the
province. Four inter-island shipping lines call on nine seaports of Negros Occidental
The Bacolod-Silay Airport Terminal Building
Bacolod-Silay International Airport
On January 18, 2008, the new airport was inaugurated in Silay
City, 16 kilometers north of Bacolod.
Kabankalan City Domestic Airport
A new airport designed to serve the general area
of Kabankalan City. The airport would be the
second airport in Negros Occidental, after the
Bacolod-Silay International Airport and the third
airport on Negros Island Region. It is located four
kilometers northeast of Kabankalan City proper
on a 100-hectare site in Barangay Hilamonan.
Completion of the airport is still undergoing.

7. Negros Occidental’s Wealth
of Wonders for every
JUANderer!
What to see and what to do
when in Negros Occidental?
TOURISM DESTINATIONS

8. Bird Watching in Pulupandan
-30 Kilometers south of Bacolod City, Pulupandan is a visual paradise for both professional birdwatchers
and photography enthusiasts. The bird sanctuary is located at Sitio Cavan in Barangay Tapong. It hosts a
number of Bird Species, some of which are migratory. Among the bird species that flock the swampy area of
Sitio Cavan are Garganey,Grey Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Marsh Sandpiper, Purple Heron,
Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt or Common Stilt, Common Sterns, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Purple
Heron, Whistling Ducks, and White Collared Kingfishers. The best time for bird watching is from 4 a.m. to 6
a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

9. Carbin Reef, Panal, Maca, Suyac and Molocaboc at the Sagay Marine Reserve
Sagay’s Marine Reserve has an expanse of 32,000 hectares where the following islands are found: Carbin Reef, Panal, Maca, Suyac
and the fringing reefs of Molocaboc Islands. It is now recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most successful marine
conservation programs in the Philippines and has won the prestigious Gawad Galing Pook in 1997.
Carbin Reef, a unique, tongue-shaped sand bar with clear blue water, is the center of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve. The
sanctuary offers exciting marine adventures and, most importantly, shares much-needed lessons for environment protection.
The reserve has 500 hectares of mangroves (100 hectares reforested), 33 species of true mangroves with 10 mangrove-associate
species, 10 species of sea grass in around 3,000 hectares of sea grass beds, 78 species of Macro Benthic Algae, 60 Genera of hard,
black & soft corals, 5 species of Giant Clams, more than 250 species of Reef & Pelagic fishes, 4 species of Marine Turtles and 5
species of endangered Dugong (sea cow). Giant Fruit Bats may be found in the mangrove areas.

10. Danjugan Island
– The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.’s (PRRCFI) initial project was the Philippine
Reef and Rainforest Project (PRRP) which purchased Danjugan Island for conservation. The 1.5 –kilometer island
ranks among the Philippines’ top 10 gems. The 43-hectare sanctuary is home to the endangered white-breasted
eagle. It features 5 lagoons, 70 bird species, 572 fish species belonging to 139 genera, 244 hard coral species, 17
mangrove species, at least 10 bat species and 22 butterfly species. The surrounding reef is under the Danjugan
Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries with three Special Management Areas (No Take Zones) established in 2000
through Cauayan Municipal Ordinance 99-52.

11. Sipalay
– Often called “The Boracay” of Negros Occidental for its breathtaking scenic
coastline. There three beach strips in Sipalay, each with its distinct sand type and
texture. These are: Punta Ballo that has white powdery sand; Langub’s sand is beige
and granules much like sugar; and Cartagena, also beige but finer and really thick.
Each strip measure, at least, 2-3 kilometers.

12. Lakawon- TawHai Floating Bar
TawHai Floating bar claims to be the biggest floating bar in Asia. “Tawhai” is a local dialect which means “relaxed”, and
it surely lives up to its name.
For P250, inclusive of unlimited flat boat service, you can relax (or party) aboard the floating bar. Please note that you
will need to sign a waiver before you can enter the floating bar. If you wish to take your adventure to the next level, you
can jump over board but at your own risk. Kids below 18 should be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. TawHai
offers you a spectacular view of the beach while basking under the sun. Here, you can enjoy a sip of margarita or chug
beers while partying till sunset.
Operating time: For Day Tour Guests: Mondays to Sundays: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
For Overnight Guests: Mondays to Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays to Sundays: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

13. Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park
Covers an area of 24,557.60 hectares with rainforest
and verdant vegetation sliced among the cities of Bago,
San Carlos, Canlaon in Negros Oriental side and the
municipalities of Murcia and La Castellana. It is an
active volcano. Its summit is measured at 2,435 meters
above sea level.

14. Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, Bago City
Located in Barangay Ilijan, 29 kilometers east of Bago City, the resort was a
stopover of President Quezon on his way to Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental
during his escape from Japanese forces in World War II. It is owned and operated
by the City Government of Bago. Ideal for family vacations, the resort has four
swimming pools, a training center, a pavilion, cottages and a hostel.

15. Campuestohan Highland, Talisay City
– A wonderland to fill the hearts and minds of both children and adults alike. Turn back the wheels of time to the age
of the dinosaurs. Soar into the realm of superheroes and giants. Stand tall with the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman,
Batman, Superman, Thor and Green Lantern. Have all the pictures you wish taken with iconic celebrities Elvis Presley
a n d M i c h a e l J o r d a n . G a z e a t t o w e r i n g K i n g K o n g ; l i t e r a l l y , a m o v i e g i a n t .
Take a dip in the swimming pool, walk through the gardens, have fun in the playground and simply relax and unwind.
Go horseback riding, bring out your adventurous spirit by riding on a 340-meter zip line or just take in the panoramic
scenery and breathtaking beauty of the place; So much to offer everyone.

16. Mambukal Resort, Murcia
The resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and spread over 23.6 hectares. Uniquely a complete nature,
adventure and wellness vacation destination. Take a perfect natural balm at its two sulfur dipping pools, climb its
seven waterfalls, go boating at the lagoon, walk tall on the Canopy Walk, challenge yourself on the Rock
Climbing Wall or plunge forward on the Slide for Life, marvel at the flittering butterflies at the garden and stare
up at the bats whether they’re hanging on tree branches or in flight.

17. May’s Organic Garden, Pahanocoy, Bacolod
City
– An inter-active showcase of sustainable farming initiatives on may see the
working of the ram pump, shredding machines, windmills, vermi-composting
and lemon grass oil production. It has a restaurant offering organic food,
homestay accomodations, garden cabanas, facilities for meetings,
weddings and other occasions.

18. Peñalosa Farm , Victorias City
An efficiently managed, integrated natural farming system, the farm operates under
the strict supervision of none other than the owner himself, Ramon Peñalosa, who
believes that by practicing zero waste, intercropping, vermi-composting and probiotics-
based swine technology, many things may be achieved. Experience the farm and
bring home the memory of the environment-friendly, low maintenance, self-sustainable
and profitable family business practices which one may duplicate at home.

19. Rapha Valley, Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto
– Lies 1,200 feet above sea level and spreads over 23.6 hectares. Uniquely a complete nature, adventure and
wellness vacation destination where you can take a perfect natural balm at its two dipping pools of hot sulfur
springs (onsen), take a climb at its seven waterfalls, go boating, try the Canopy Walk, Rock Climbing Wall or the
Slide for Life, Marvel at the butterflies and the bats in the sky. Mambukal is also the Gateway to Mt.Kanlaon
Trekking, via the Wasay Trail.

20. The Ruins, Talisay City
– The ruins of the once Neo-Romanesque mansion of the
Lacson family have become one of the island’s most popular
attractions.
Built in the early 1920s, the owner, Don Mariano Lacson,
lavished on its construction in an outpouring of his deep love
for his wife, Maria Braga, who suffered an untimely demise
after the difficult birth of their 10th child – the reason it has
been informally nicknamed as the Taj Mahal of Negros.
It was burned by the local guerillas during the Second World
War to prevent the Japanese from occupying it. The 2-inch
thick wooden floors took several days to burn but the
oversized steel bars and A-grade concrete used for the
foundations thankfully guaranteed a sizeable portion of the
home to survive for succeeding generations to appreciate the
grandeur of a bygone era.
It is best to visit the site in the afternoon just before sunset, as
it changes from daytime colors to an amber glow as the sun
touches the structure. The Ruins take on an entirely different
and enchanting grandeur as both the grand old home and its
manicured grounds light up.

21. BALAY NEGRENSE
The Balay Negrense is a museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental in the,
showcasing the lifestyle of a late 19th-century Negrense sugar baron. It is notable for
being the first museum to be established in the province of Negros Occidental.

22. Panaad Park and Stadium
The Panaad Park and Stadium is a multi-purpose place
located in Bacolod City and owned by City Government of
Negros Occidental. It is used for sport matches especially in
football.
Aside for football field, the stadium features a rubberized
track, Olympic sized swimming pool, and basketball court
and other sport facilities. They have also replicas of
landmarks of different cities and municipalities of province.
They have also small cabanas that good for picnics for the
whole family.

23. Negros Museum
Negros Museum is a provincial museum situated in the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Complex in
Bacolod City, Philippines. The structure was built in 1925 as the Provincial Agriculture Building.
The Negros Museum is open for you from 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday. Entrance Fees: General Admission -
Php 100.00. Senior Citizens - Php 80.00. Students

24. BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
The New Government Center or the NGC
is now one of the new landmarks of
Bacolod City. It stands on a 5 hectare lot
donated by Fernando F. Gonzaga, Inc. and
Angela Estate, Inc. Inaugurated in July
2010, it replaced the old City Hall at
Araneta-Luriaga Sreets.
What used to be a vast sugarcane field has
n o w b e e n t r a n s f o r m e d t o a b u s y
development area in the city.

25. Pope John Paul II Tower- (St. John Paul II)
Located at the reclamation area, this 7-storey tower is a landmark of the historic visit of Pope John Paul II in
Bacolod on February 20, 1981. The tower house relics, memorabilia, books and souvenir items of Pope John
Paul II. The topmost floor gives one a breathtaking overview of the city.

26. San Diego Pro Cathedral
The San Diego Pro-cathedral, formerly known as
the San Diego Parish Church or the St. Didacus
Parish Church before its declaration as a pro-
cathedral in 1994, is an early 20th-century church
in Silay City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It
is the only pro-cathedral outside of the national
capital of Manila, and is unique in Negros
Occidental for being the only church in the province
featuring a cupola or dome.

27. San Sebastian Cathedral
The construction of the church in 1876 was initiated by the recollected Friar Fr.
Mauricio Ferrero. It became a cathedral in 1933, its interior is a combined
Graeco-Roman and Neo Renaissance Design while the façade is made up of
coral stones from nearby Guimaras Island.

28. FESTIVAL CELEBRATION

29. Masskara Festival
The MassKara Festival, a popular
celebration that traces its beginnings
to the early 1980s, is a fun-festival
held every October by locals in
Bacolod.
What makes this festival so much fun
is the warmth of the locals. The name
of the festival is derived from the
words ‘mass’ for many, and ‘kara’, a
local word that translated to ‘face’. In
addition, the locals use the name as
a p u n f o r t h e l o c a l w o r d t h a t
translates to ‘masked’.
A prominent feature of the festival are
the masks, which are always adorned
with smiling faces because it is called
the city of smiles.

30. Panaad sa Negros Festival
§ DUBBED as the “festivals of all festivals,” the 24th Panaad sa Negros features the colorful and jubilant
festivals of 13 towns and 19 municipalities of one of the biggest provinces of the Philippines.
§ The annual festivity captures the essence of Negros Occidental as it brings together all the cities and
municipalities in a week-long merry-making and trade fairs showcasing their heritage and tradition at
the 25-hectare Panaad Park and Stadium in the province's capital, Bacolod City.

31. Where to eat?

32. GASTRONOMY
Manokan country is a complex of a couple dozens of
stalls serving Bacolod's most sought-after gastronomic
delight — chicken inasal. Located a few meters away
from SM Bacolod.

33. GASTRONOMY
There’s also a place for seafood lovers which the locals call the “Old Pala-pala.”
Pala-pala is the “dampa” version of Bacolod. You’ll find series of eateries or “tulahan” that will cook your freshly bought
seafood from the nearby wet market.
The Old Pala-Pala is located at San Juan St. corner North Capitol Road, Bacolod City. And just at the corner of the
street, there’s a wet market (called the Pala-Pala Market) that sells fresh sea harvest such as scallops, fish of different
sizes, crabs, shrimps, shellfish, and more! Pala-pala got its name from the Hiligaynon word for “shovel” which is “pala.”

34. GASTRONOMY

35. GASTRONOMY

36. GASTRONOMY
SUGARCANE
JUICE

37. GASTRONOMY
If you have never been to Calea, then you have never been to Bacolod City. Calea,
in a nutshell, is Bacolod's famed bakeshop.
Calea Pastries and Coffee is a Bacolod must eat with their array of sweet goodies
like cheesecake, and chocolate cakes. Cake prices range from 600-800 pesos, or
70-90 pesos a slice.

38. Where to Stay?

39. L’Fisher Hotel
Located along what is dubbed as the Tourism Strip of
Bacolod City, L’Fisher Hotel is the most luxurious
hotel in Bacolod City. The hotel is designed with a
soothing blend of wood and neutral colors which
gives the hotel a classy and modern but comfy feel.
The hotel is also equipped with state-of-the-art
facilities that rival those of other first-class hotels all
over the world. Aside from the hotel’s grandness,
elegance, and luxuriousness, what pushed this hotel
to make it to the top spot of this list is its accessibility.
The hotel is located right at the heart of Bacolod City.
The city’s iconic restaurants, shopping malls, and
attractions are all just a few minutes away from the
hotel. If you simply want the best accommodation
that Bacolod City can offer, you should definitely
book your stay at the L’Fisher Hotel.

40. The Sugarland Hotel
§ The Sugarland Hotel is not just your ordinary hotel. It is
a modern hacienda experience. The hotel has achieved
the perfect balance between nostalgia and
contemporary style, capturing its original Southern
elegance, luxury, and decadence. The hallways are
artistically designed with Machuca tiles while the
hardwood floors magnificently contrast the modern
furnishings and amenities. This creates a very authentic
but comfortable hacienda feel. This flashback to the
past that the hotel offers to its guests is what sealed its
place in this list. So, if you want to experience the
charm and romance of old-world plantation living, the
Sugarland Hotel is definitely the place for you.

41. GT Hotel Bacolod
The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in
touch and come and go as you please. Strategically situated in
Bacolod Downtown, allowing you access and proximity to local
attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the
famous San Sebastian Cathedral. Rated with 3 stars, this high-
quality property provides guests with access to massage and
restaurant on-site.
Corner Galo and Locsin Street, Bacolod Downtown, Bacolod
Negros Occidental

42. Nature's Village Resort
Zone 15, Talisay Highway, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, Talisay City, Bacolod
(Negros Occidental), Philippines
Nature’s Village Resort (NVR) is a garden
paradise located in Talisay City – only 3.5km
from the province’s capital, Bacolod. Set against
the backdrop of Mt. Marapara, the resort offers
unique accommodations where nature-lovers
can bask in unspoiled beauty while remaining
close to the city.
At NVR, you are nestled right at the heart of
business and leisure as it bridges Silay City —
home to turn-of-the-century Spanish ancestral
houses of Negros Island — and Bacolod City —
home to the region’s colorful Masskara Festival.

43. Half-day Tour of Bacolod City
§Departure time: 9:00 AM/2:00 PM
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Inclusion: Air-conditioned vehicle, tour guide, entrance fee
§The half-day itinerary covers a tour of the San Sebastian Cathedral,
Bacolod Public Plaza & Central Market, Pope Paul II Tower,
Provincial Capitol Lagoon, The Negros Museum, and a visit to a
pasalubong center.

44. Full-day Tour of Metro North Negros Loop
§Tour Duration: 6-8 hours
Inclusion: Air-conditioned van, tour guide, entrance fee, snacks and
lunch
§The full-day itinerary covers a tour of the San Sebastian Cathedral,
Bacolod Public Plaza & Central Market, Pope Paul II Tower,
Provincial Capitol Lagoon, The Negros Museum, and a visit to a
pasalubong center. The tour of ancestral houses in Silay and The
Ruins in Talisay will cap the entire afternoon schedule.

45. ORGANIC FARM TOUR
§ Learn more about the organic way of living.
Visit an integrated demo farm.
Observe the process of silk making and experience
mulberry picking.
§ Duration: 4 Hours
§ Schedule: 8am to 12nn/1pm to 5pm
§ Rate: P1,050.00 per pax
INCLUSIONS:
§ Aircon vehicle throughout the tour.
§ DOT Accredited Tour Guide
§ Entrance fees to all places indicated
§ Tour coordination to all destinations.

46. TOURISM OFFICES
Contacts:
§Bacolod City Tourism Office – (034) 708-3066/434-
6751
§National Association of Independent Travel Agents
(NITAS):
Travel Experts – (034) 468-0092
Filipiniana Tours & Travels – (034) 435-0455