We are all too familiar with MassKara Festival and the mouth-watering delicacies of Bacolod but other than that what else about Bacolod and Negros do you know by heart? There are so many interesting sights to see but there’s more to Negros than what meets the eye. In every facet of Negrense life, there’s something interesting to discover and experience. And the more you experience, the more you will come to love Negros. The question is, do you know where to start?
I recently met a fellow Ilongga from Iloilo who’s as passionate about Negros as I am. Whereas I can only dream about traveling abroad, Imelda Tinsay has been around the world as a flight attendant for 14 years. When she decided she’s had enough turbulence, she moved to Bacolod and opened her own tour guiding company. She now manages Next Stop Negros Tours and shares her passion for travelling and love for Negros through her company’s unique tour packages which will give you a different perspective of Bacolod and Negros Occidental.
Heritage Negros – Hacienda Tour Lunch
Take a scenic one hour drive to Manapla, pass by the sugarcane plantations, and have lunch at the table of Jose and Consuelo Gaston at Hda. Sta. Rosalia. Grandson and international chef, Jomi Gaston of Trattoria Uma and TV Show The Promdi Chef, cooks up a fantastic buffet lunch made up of heritage recipes set in a modern setting.
For movie buffs, the Gaston Ancestral House at Hda. Sta Rosalia was featured in the 1982 classic film Oro, Plata Mata of Director Peque Gallaga.
Hda. Sta Rosalia is also where the Chapel of Cartwheels is located. Designed by Mrgr. Gigi Gaston, the chapel reflects the daily life of farmers and uses indigenous farm implements within its structure.
How it goes:
• Pick up at your hotel lobby in Bacolod City
• Duration: 9am – 2pm
• Minimum 4 guests
Inclusions:
• English speaking guide
• Buffet lunch
• Transportation
Biking Negros
Trail1 – Just for Fun (Beginner’s Trail)
Pedal thru sugarcane plantations, hacienda roads lined with mango trees and rocky trails with great views of Mt.Kanlaon and other mountains. An easy ride for beginners who just want a little fun. 2-3 Hours.
Trail 2 – Getting Serious (Novice to advanced riders)
Navigate mango trails thru single tracks, technical trails, fire roads and beautiful paths enroute to the mahogany trees. For advanced riders looking for a challenge. 3-4 Hours.
Trail3 – Mad Max (Expert Riders)
Attack technical trails with drops,steep climbs and river crossings thru the famous Bacolod trail – The Tube – a carabao trail that villagers cut through a small hill. For experienced riders searching for new thrills. 5-6 Hours.
Inclusions
• Minimum 4 bikers. Rates will vary fro 1-3 bikers.
• Helmets are available to buy or rent
• Bike rental is double for Specialized full suspension FSR XC/Stumpjumper FSR/Enduro Bikes. Night rides can alsobe arranged.
Climbing Negros
Explore the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon and visit 4 waterfalls around the area. Take a dip and feel refreshed, then take a picnic lunch beside the natural pool. Leave Bacolod City at 6 am and be back by 3-4 pm
Location: Rafael Salas national Park (a one hour drive from Bacolod City to the foot of Mt. Kanlaon)
Duration: 5 Hour Treak
Inclusions
• Guide/porter thru 4 waterfalls
• Lunch
• Snack
Local Life Negros
The busy market is a kaleidoscope of color, sound, taste and smell. Visit Bacolod City’s Central Market where you get to experience local life firsthand. Get to buy a pendant that drives away bad spirits, look for a knife that specifically cuts sugarcane, and learn how to fold betel nut and lime for chewing. This tour is as interactive as you can get, as local as you can go.
Meetup:
Bascon Hotel Coffee Shop along Gonzaga St., Bacolod City across BDO
Time: 9 am or 2:30 pm
2 schedules. Your choice
How long: 3 Hours.
Conservation Negros – Danjugan Tour Package
Danjugan Island is a 43-hectare uninhabited island in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. It is one of the two marine reserves in Negros Occidental, the other being the Sagay Marines Reserve. The marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary’s mission is to ensure the long term conservation of the marine and terrestrial environment in the Philippines thru education and poverty alleviation.
In Danjugan Island, electricity and power to run communication equipment is provided by 14 solar modules, and soon, 2 wind turbines. Water comes from the mainland, and will soon be a livelihood project of the fishermen during off fishing days. With limestone and mangrove forests, beach, caves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and open sea. Danjugan is a big natural classroom waiting for you to discover and experience.
Things to do in Danjugan
Scuba diving and snorkeling. Located in the eastern part of the Sulu Sea, it has a rich marine life and is a haven for skin and scuba divers.
Kayaking. Explore its biodiverse shoreline, beaches and lagoons.
Morning guided forest treks. Explore the islands’ forests, wetlands and limestone caves with a local guide.
Birdwatching. With 72 different species, Danjugan is a bird watcher’s paradise.
If you are by any chance traveling to Negros, I suggest you try one of these tour packages. It will surely spice up your travel and make it more memorable.
For inquiries, contact Imelda Tinsay of Next Stop Negros Tours
Tel. No.+63.34.4355377
Mobile:+63.917.5122071
Email: nextstopnegrostours@gmail.com
www.nextstop-negros-tours.com
need tour info on Rafael Salas Park & Nature Center. rates, accommodations, getting there, etc. hope to visit come October this year. if you could please email. thanks.
I already forwarded your inquiry to Imelda of Next Stop Negros. 😀
I’m doing a book on Negros/Mt.Kanlaon and would highly appreciate if you can provide me with copies of these photos.
than you.
EDWIN V. GATIA
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
Thanks for visiting and hoped you got in touch with Imelda.