San Sebastian Cathedral
One of the first places I visited in Bacolod was the San Sebastian Cathedral, a famous church located on Rizal Street, near the city's Plaza. It is a structure steeped in history. As I walked from SM Bacolod to the cathedral, I could immediately see its massive form from a distance, as if giving an invitation to approach it. The church was built using coral stone from the island of Guimaras, while its wooden parts came from Palawan. The details, from the carving on the front to the interior, were very carefully crafted; it showcased the talent and artistry of the people of that time. I stood for a long time, enjoying the beauty of the structure and the silence of the place. It is very important in the history, not only of Bacolod but of the entire Negros Occidental. If you are going here, it is easiest to take a taxi or rent a car from Bacolod-Silay Airport, which is 18 kilometers away from the church. For those who prefer public transportation, there are jeepneys and tricycles that go there.
Kubo sa Pukatod
After my trip to Bacolod, I headed to Kubo sa Pukatod sa Patag, Silay City. An environment-friendly place, it is perfect for those looking for a quiet and fresh place to relax with family or friends. The natural breeze here feels like nature is embracing you. A wonderful retreat from the noise of the city. It's easy to get here. If you have your own car, you only need to take Silay-Lantawan Road from Bacolod-Silay Airport for about 45 minutes. As for those who will take public transportation, take a jeep from Silay public market to Patag-Silay terminal, which will take about 50 minutes to an hour. On the way down, you will see the signage to Kubo sa Pukatod, which is just opposite the Patag Health Center.
Kobe's Cabin and Almaciga sa Patag: Baguio Vibes in the Heart of Silay
(New Baguio-like getaway alert 🚨)
If you love cool weather and a serene vibe, you'll definitely love Kobe's Cabin in Patag, Silay. This is a perfect vacation spot for those who want to experience Baguio-like feels in Negros Occidental. For P460 per person (if divided by the maximum capacity of 12 pax), you can experience vacation weather that is cool and calm.
Here are some of the reasons why Kobe's Cabin is worth a visit:
✨ Location: It is only 15 minutes from the famous tourist spots in the mountains of Silay.
✨ Weather: Cold weather, perfect for those who want to chill.
✨ Accessibility: Only 2 hours away from Bacolod City.
It is an ideal place for bonding with friends and family, while surrounded by the beauty of nature. This place, originally built as a private family getaway, is an excellent destination for people looking for peace and fresh air. While I was there, I felt the quiet surroundings, a place where you could relax and forget the worries of the city. This forest cabin getaway can be rented for P5,500, and is well worth the price especially if you are with family or friends. If you're looking for a simple retreat full of natural vibes, Almaciga is the answer.
Travel to Silay: Paris of Negros
As I walk the streets of Silay City, I feel like I've gone back in time. Every corner seems to have a story. McDonald's Silay, for example, is a former ancestral house that has been renovated to become a modern fast-food chain but retains its vintage charm. They are very well organized, enough to retain its original appearance. For me, it was like I was in a movie walking down the street of ancient times.
Jollibee Silay, on the other hand, was built from scratch but its architecture was followed in vintage style. Structures like these have given Silay the nicknames “Paris of Negros” and “The Visayan Marseille.” There are so many heritage structures here: houses that have been converted into shops, restaurants, or museums, that show how much the Negrense love their art and culture.
A Scenic and Memorable Journey
Throughout my Bacolod-Silay adventure, I felt the spirit of Negros Occidental. From the historic San Sebastian Cathedral, the quiet forest of Almaciga sa Patag, to the serene Kobe's Cabin and eco-friendly Kubo sa Pukatod, each place left an unforgettable memory.
The combination of historic architecture, natural beauty, and cool climate brought my trip to life. If you are looking for a destination rich in culture, full of nature, and full of stories, Bacolod-Silay is the answer.
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