Where To Find?

Negros is an island of the Philippines located in the Visayas, at 10° N 123° E. It is the fourth-largest island in the country, with a land area of 12,706 km² (4,905 square mi.). People on the island are called Negrenses.

Location/Positioning
Negros Island, one of the Visayan group, central Philippines. It is separated from the island of Panay to the northwest by the Guimaras Strait and from Cebu island to the east by the Tañon Straits. The island is bordered on the north and south by the Visayan and Sulu seas, respectively.

The busy Metropolitan Bacolod is located at the central part of Negros Occidental province, northwest of Negros Oriental province, and southeastern part of the province of Iloilo. It is the metropolitan capital city and entry point to the island of Negros and the province of Negros Occidental. Aside from having culture and history, Negros Island has excellent convention facilities making it a convention destination.

Getting to And Around
By Air
Metro Bacolod is the entry point to Negros Island. It can be accessed by three major airline companies (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines) that also run connecting flights to various parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Metro Bacolod is 50 minutes from Manila and 30 minutes from Cebu. Philippine Airlines has three daily flights from Manila and a daily flight from Cebu. Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Airways also have two daily flights from Manila. Bacolod Domestic Airport is located 4 kilometers away from the city's downtown area.
Airport Terminals: Bacolod Domestic Airport (Newly closed, rumored for retention). Bacolod-Silay Airport of International standard in Silay City, Negros Occidental (Newly opened on January 18, 2008), San Carlos Community Airport in San Carlos City (Under construction), Kabankalan City Airport in Kabankalan City (Under construction), Sipalay Airport in Sipalay City (Re-open is on 2nd quarter of 2008).
New Bacolod-Silay Airport


By Sea
Two major sea vessels, the WG & A from Superferry and Negros Navigation Co., ply the route from Metro Manila to Metro Bacolod as well 5 minor commercial vessels that connect it to the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao. A 20 hour leisurely cruise to and from Manila aboard world - class sea vessels and 7 hours from Metro Cebu. Access other routes to Palawan, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos City in Mindanao. 55 minutes by first class fast craft to and from Iloilo City. The Banago and the BREDCO ports are the vessel's entry points.

Banago Seaport (Left) and Bredco Seaport (Right)


By Land
Buses, taxis, jeepneys and tricycles are the main mode of transport within the city. However, buses provide regular trips from Metro Bacolod and other cities and towns. From San Carlos City in Negros Occidental to the north, Bacolod is 2 hours away via the coastal road and 2 hours also from Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental to the south. From to vice-versa Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is 6 hours away.

Bacolod North Terminal (Left) & Bacolod South Terminal (Right)


Special Interest Tours
Iron Dinosaurs - known among locomotive enthusiasts as the "Steam Paradise of the Philippines". Seven of the fifteen sugar centrals in the province maintain these machines in good working condition. Each milling season, one may occasionally encounter one of these "dragons" creeping along the cane fields like a mechanical caterpillar dragging along a host of cane field cars.

War Memorial Tours - Visit memorial shrines, places of significant events, and other war related activities commemorating World War II.

Mt. Kanlaon National Park - the highest peak in the Visayan island, rises 2456m above the fertile lowland plains of northern Negros. The mountain is an active volcano the last major eruption was in 1978. Government geologists monitor the mountain constantly, but eruptions are difficult to predict, and there is an element of risk. It has been closed to trekkers intermittently in the past, but there are plans to open it again, trekkers should check with authorities before planning any hike. Despite its fiery reputation, Mt. Kalaon is a popular trek. The main attraction is the dense forest clinging to the mountain, and the views from the top are magnificent.

Balay Negrense- in neighboring Silay city for a tour of a 19th century house, now a museum. While in Silay check out the local Catholic church building circa early 1900s and old ancestral homes.

Mambucal Resort - located in adjoining Murcia town. The resort is on a higher elevation that the city hence having a cooler average temperature. It's main attraction are its natural hot springs

Negros Island maps


Travel and Tour Agencies
SBC Travel & Tour Agency
Location: 1st-Lacson Sts., Bacolod City
Contacts: Tel. No. 435-2969 or 708-8241

Jiggers Travel & Tours
3/F, Cor. Gonzaga-Locsin Sts., Centroplex Mall, Bacolod City
Contacts: Tel No 434-7189

Manna Travel Agency
Location: Sea Breeze Hotel, Bacolod City
Contacts: Tel No 433-9204