Negros — a small sock-shaped island in the archipelago of the Philippines. Most would be familiar with ‘Negros’ when they visit Bacolod because of the Masskara festival, or the famous ‘chicken inasal’…

But in the corners and depths of this island, you’ll find that there are more places to see than just the usual food trip and the street party that the tourists usually go to when they come to visit the city of smiles. Awaiting you guys are gems of places here in Negros that are just waiting to show off its beauty. I’ve had so many friends ask me where else to go after they’ve finished booking a flight to Bacolod and so, I’ve made  a list of the best side trips to do when you’re here in my hometown… Take notes guys… 😉

1.Mag-Aso Falls, Kabankalan

A 2-hour drive away from Bacolod City, Mag-Aso falls boasts of its awesome waterfalls where you can jump off of a cliff into the body of the falls and take a picture at this gigantic tree trunk.

2.Carbin Reef and Suyac Marine Eco-Park, Sagay

Carbin Reef is a long stretch of sand in the midst of a marine reserve. Whats unique about this place is that it’s almost bare (expect for a few cottages and a make-shift toilet) and is perfect for sunbathing and getting the perfect tan! From there, we took a boat onto Suyac Marine Eco park and explored the mangroves and spent a relaxing afternoon at their cottages.

Wearing @eigthmermaid swimwear with @cheyzmeister

Wearing @triangl swimwear

3.Takatuka Beach Resort, Sipalay

Takatuka is this quirky beach front resort that I loved staying in. They serve Swiss food (which was just delicious) and the location is great. It’s perfect if you need a beach getaway and a few colorful pictures here and there. To book your stay at Takatuka, click here.

4. Gary’s Place, Punong, Silay city

The Punong is located at the Border of Silay and E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental. You can book for brunch here during the weekends or stay overnight at their villas or enjoy their Tapas Night on Thursdays and Fridays at 6-11 pm. For more info about The Punong, click here.

 

5. Malatan-Og Falls

This is probably one of the best pictures I have in my gallery. The majestic waterfall is located in Don Salvador Benedicto and is about an hour and a half drive from Bacolod City.  I loved the hike and swimming in this place, since it was a good way to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. For everyone who plans to come here though, (my friend didn’t warn me since I would’ve probably chickened out) but… there’s a snake in the water… I also just found out about the snake after I swam and took about 50 pictures already. So, just warning you ahead of time…

P.S. i think its ‘quite’ worth the risk!

 

6. Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais

I know you’ll love manjuyod even though it’s really different from its popular term the ‘Maldives of Negros’… I like to think of it as a beauty of its own–incomparable to any other destination. It’s crystal clear blue waters and long stretches of white sand are perfect for when you want to see nature brag. Boat rentals here for the whole day cost around 2,500 php for 15 people and they offer dolphin watching trips on the side (super worth it!). It’s jump of point is from Capinahan Wharf in Bais City and will take around 15 minutes via an outrigger boat going to the sandbar.

You can also read more about our trip Manjuyod, Bais, here.

7. Perth Paradise Resort, Sipalay

You’ve got Thailand’s Maya Bay and El Nido, Palawan’s alternative right here, just 2 and a half hours away from Bacolod. The resort’s infinity pool and its priceless view is what I loved the most about Perth. But other than taking breathtaking pictures here, you can also go bamboo rafting, hiking and go Island hopping here.

Wearing @beyondthebeach swimwear

 

8. Apo Island

Apo Island, known for its marine sanctuaries and green sea turtles that come to the shore to eat. Snorkeling there will be such a pleasant experience– aside from coming to a close encounter with the “pawikan” a.k.a the Turtles, there are also over 400 species of corals and over 650 species of fish. You can also go trekking, diving, hiking, and relax on the beach. You can go to Apo Island by taking a boat from Duamguete or from Dauin, a 4-hour drive from Bacolod.

Wearing @byprimrose bikini

9. Don Salvador Benedicto

Mountain View Restaurant– Savor the mountain side while sipping hot chocolate and eating lunch here at this unique restaurant overlooking Don Salvador Benedicto’s mountain ranges. There’s nothing like having a good meal at an exceptional location.

 

Jomax Peak- A sea of clouds awaits you in this cozy resort and wellness facility. For only 150 pesos you get to enjoy their unlimited native coffee and the rich mountain range as your backdrop. For more information about Jomax Peak, click here.

Photos by @ashleyyee / @gotmarked / @joweetoroy

10. La Vista Highland Resort, San Carlos City

Stay overnight, Have Coffee, or just afternoon snacks…  Below La Vista’s Cottages is a swimming pool  and a restaurant with the most wonderful view. They also have a room where you can play billiards, table tennins, cards, and board games.  I don’t know with you but this place definitely won me over.

 

If you needed more reasons to book that flight to Bacolod, I sure hope this article helped you make up your mind! Share this to your friends who  also plan to visit the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines to explore just in time for the Masskara Festival!

 

Photos taken with my Fujifilm XT10

Photos taken by your #JointheJourneyPh crew:

Ashley, Jowee, Mark and Yours Truly.

Follow us on instagram at : @JoinTheJourneyPh