COLORFUL NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Negros was originally called “Buglas”, an old native word that is thought to mean to “cut-off”. It is believed that Negros was once part of a greater land mass but was cut off by what geologists call by rising waters during the so-called glacial age. Among its earliest inhabitants were dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group with their unique culture. Thus, the Spaniards called the land, “Negros” after its natives whom they saw when they first came to the island in April 1565.

The major boom to the province at the latter half of the 19th Century was the widespread cultivation of sugarcane introduced by the Spaniards and the opening of ports like those in Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce. In 1856, Negros Occidental produced only 4,000 piculs of sugar. This increased to 100,000 piculs in 1864 and 2,000,000 in 1893. The cultivation of sugarcane then became widespread and soon after, Negros Occidental led other provinces in the production of sugar. Modern machines were also introduced at this time and by 1864, seven machines operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan (now Talisay) and Bago.

Points of Interest

Silay City

• Balaring Mangrove Eco-Park
• Balay Negrense
• Fresh Start Organic Farm
• Hawaiian Philippines
• M. Hofilena Heritage House
• New Bacolod-Silay Airport
• Patag Mountain Resort
• San Diego Pro-Cathedral

Bacolod City

• Biodiversity Conservation Center, Negros Forest & Ecological Foundation
• Dizon-Ramos Museum
• Negros Museum
• Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club
• Negros Showroom
• Organic Market
• Panaad Park and Stadium
• Pope John Paul II Tower
• The Forest Park
• The Provincial Capitol

Bago City

• Balay ni Tan Juan Museum
• Bantayan Park
• Buenos Aires Mountain Resort
• Kipot Twin Falls
• Mt. Kanlaon, Guintubdan Trail
• OISCA Silk Farm
• Pataan Mountain Resort
• The Quiet Place Farm Resort
• Tinago Mountain Resort

Talisay City

• Balay ni Tana Dicang
• Melba’s Farm
• Nature’s Village Resort and Hotel
• The Ruins

• Church of St. Joseph the Worker
• Penalosa Farm
• VMC Golf and Country Club

Cadiz City

• Lakawon Island

Sagay City

• Carbin Reef
• Children’s Museum
• Himoagaan River
• Molocaboc Island

Escalante City

• Api Cave
• Bonista Beach Resort
• Jomabo Island

San Carlos City

• Whispering Palm Resort
• Sipaway Island

Negros Occidental Quick Facts from Department of Tourism

Brief Description

Often referred to as the land of genteel people and large sugar plantations, Negros Occidental is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, unexplored waterfalls and mountains, white sand beaches, and crystal springs.

Negros Occidental’s wealth has always been its land, its charm in its people, its pride in its cuisine. These elements make for a destination that is best when experienced.

Geography

Strategically located as part of the Western Visayas Region, the province of Occidental Negros occupies the western portion of Negros Island. It is bounded to the north by the Visayan Sea; to the east by the province of Oriental Negros and partly by Taon Strait; to the west by the Strait of Guimaras; and to the south by Sulu Sea.

Political Subdivision

The province is composed of 13 cities and 19 municipalities.

Climate

Negros Occidental has two pronounced seasons, wet (June-November) and dry ( December – May).

Major Industries

Negros Occidental is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Sugar was introduced to the Negrense during the Spanish period and has been the main industry of the province since then. Other industries include aqua culture, agribusiness, steel fabrication, and beer breweries.

Getting There:

(Panoramic view of Bacolod City’s Coastline; best viewed in slideshow)

By air, it is 55 minutes from Manila and 30 minutes from Cebu.
By sea, it is an 18 to 22-cruise from Manila and an hour aboard sea crafts from Iloilo.

From Cebu, by land-and-sea travel, it is seven hours.

From Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Bacolod is 5 hours away via Mabinay in the south, and via San Carlos City in the North, 6 hours via the coastal road and 5 hours via the translink highway in Don Salvador Benedicto.

By Air, Philippine Airlines 4 flights from Manila to Bacolod-Silay Airport; Cebu Pacific 5 flights daily from Manila to Bacolod and 2 flights daily from Bacolod and Cebu; AirPhil Express have 3 flights daily from Manila to Bacolod and another 2 flights from Cebu to Bacolod.

By sea, Negros Navigation travels daily (except Wednesdays) from Bacolod to Manila, and vice versa.

For inquiries, please contact:

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TOURISM CENTER
Provincial Capitol Building
North Capitol Road, Bacolod City
6100 Negros Occidental, Philippines
Tel. Nos. +63334 4332515 / +6334 4762018
Email Address: tourism_negocc@yahoo.com