Negros Occidental - Bacolod, Murcia, Talisay and Silay, December 11-12, 2010

I just got back from a solo adventure in the "Sugarbowl of the Philippines" - Negros Occidental. Being an "adventurer", I boarded the plane without any thorough research about this province (read: this is not recommended). I just read one blog post and that's it! I'm ready to go! =D

I arrived at Silay-Bacolod Airport at around 5:30 AM. I looked for the shuttle service outside that will bring me to Bacolod City. The fare is 150 pesos and travel time is about 45 minutes.

I don't have any reservation at any hotel. So when I reached Bacolod city, I started to search for a budget hotel that will fit into my budget. Luckily, I found one, the Star Plus Pension Inn in Lacson Cor. Rosario Sts. Their room rates range from 300 - 430 pesos only per night. I took the premium room and I'm glad that they allowed me to check-in right away. Thanks, I now have a place to keep my things safe.

After fixing myself and my things, I went out of the pension house to start my solo adventure. As a first timer, I got lost around the city, I can't see where the jeepney or bus stations are. But it's okay, I'm not afraid to get lost. I know that getting lost can be a great adventure.

I went to 3 Cities and 1 Town to experience Negros Occidental's innate beauty and charm.

On day 1, I went to the town of Murcia to explore Mambukal Resort and later on, the town of Murcia.




In the afternoon 'til the evening, I went to Talisay City to see "The Ruins", said to be the "Taj Mahal of Negros".


After which, I went back to Bacolod City and spent the rest of the night at Robinson's Place and SM City. I also was able to experience one of the best Chicken Inasal I ever tasted at San Juanokan Restaurant. It is located at San Sebastian cor. San Juan Sts. very near SM City.




On my 2nd day in Negros Occidental, I woke up early to have ample time to explore the "Paris of Negros" - Silay City. It is known to have 29 heritage houses declared by the National Historical Institute as national treasures.


Also visited the San Diego Pro Cathedral and the Silay City Hall.



I ended my tour by having my brunch at Silay City's well known bakeshop, since 1920 - El Ideal, famous for their guapple pie.


I then went back to the pension house in Bacolod City to check-out. Since I still have 3 more hours of free time, I decided to spend it in the area where the Capitol Building and the Capitol Park and Lagoon are.



I also visited Negros Museum, San Sebastian Cathedral, The Archbishop's Residence and the Bacolod City Park on my way to SM City where I had my late lunch at BOB's.






Lastly, a tower near SM City caught my attention, it is the newly built Pope John Paul II Tower. I climbed this eight-storey tower before I headed to the airport shuttle service terminal.


I will have separate posts on the places I've been to, the people I met, the food that I tasted and the experiences I gained in this trip.

This Negros Occidental solo trip happened last December 11-12, 2010. Here is a series of posts on my 2-day experience in one of the most progressive provinces in the country. Discover the places I've been to, the people I met, the food I tasted and the experience I gained in this memorable adventure. Bacolod, Murcia, Talisay and Silay | Mambukal Resort in Murcia | The Town of Murcia | The Ruins in Talisay City | Silay City, "The Paris of Negros" | The Capitol Park and Lagoon Complex | The San Sebastian Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace | Pope John Paul II Tower in Bacolod City | Heritage Houses in Silay City

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