Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature's blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scubadiving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.
Bacolod City, provincial capital, observes its charter celebration in October with Masskara Festival (festival of smiling masks). The event showcases the Negrenses' (people of the province) happy disposition.
Other colorful and exciting local events are Cadiz Ati-Atihan (January), Sinulog (Ilog and Kabangkalan, January), Pasalamat Festival (La Carlota City, May), Kali-Kalihan Festival (Don Salvador Benedicto, November) and Pinta Flores Festival (San Carlos City, November).
There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.
How to get there
Negros Occidental is accessible by plane from Manila and Cebu seven times daily and by sea from Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Palawan and General Santos.
For more information on Negros Occidental, write or call:
Department of Tourism Region VI
Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City
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 Tañon 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).
Population
The most recent census on population conducted on May 2000 shows that Negros Occidental has a population count of 2,565,723.
Language / Dialect
Hiligaynon - 78.81 % as of 1995; Cebuano - 21.01%"
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.
Contact