Ting had a seminar in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental on May 28, 2014. I resided in Bacolod for more than 3 years but never explored the other side of Negros island. I jumped at the opportunity to join her four days later. Search for the best hotels in Dumaguete City.
I took a Ceres bus to Bacolod’s South Terminal. The shortest trip towards Dumaguete is via the Mabinay route, which is about 6 hours of travel time. Negros is mountainous, and the road winds up and down, following the contours of the rolling hills. My eyes were treated to the beautiful landscape. Man, Negrosanons plant sugarcane everywhere, and I mean everywhere, even at the very edges of the hills!
I arrived in Dumaguete City at around 7 PM and went straight to Go Hotels to meet Ting there. After I checked-in, we hurriedly took a tricycle and went to Lab-as Seafood Restaurant, where we indulged in the fresh seafood that the place is known for. The restaurant’s location is ideal for relaxing too because of the cool breeze and idyllic view of the Dumaguete Bay.
After we got our stomachs full, we strolled along the popular Rizal Boulevard, which reminds me of Iloilo City’s Esplanade. We talked about a lot of topics as we listened to the band playing in front of us and watched people passing by. It was quality time and I wish we could have stayed longer, but we have to buy our pasalubong before the shop closes.
If it is about pasalubong, then one of the must-bring items is the famous “silvanas” made by Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, which happens to be nearby. Silvanas are sweet cookie discs in original butter or chocolate flavors. The cookie’s texture is so soft that it literally melts in your mouth. After getting our packages, we went back to our hotel to have a needed rest.
At around 4 AM the next day, together with Ting’s co-participants, we headed back to Bacolod on a rented van. Look for great accommodation in Bacolod City.
While on the road, I can’t help but notice the very thick fog which makes the visibility so poor that vehicles turn on their headlights. Accidents can happen in such conditions.
We had a brief stop along the way to have breakfast and proceeded to Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay via Alangilan route. Find excellent hotels in Talisay.
It is about an hour’s ride from Bacolod City. There’s an entrance fee of 150 PHP per head, but it already includes free use of the swimming pools. The resort is located between the mountain ranges of Bacolod and Talisay, providing it with a cool, fresh air. From this elevated position, you can see the picturesque view of the expansive city below.
Campuestohan has a lot to offer that will surely get its visitors engaged. They have these round cottages that are actually livable. As I was looking into one, I was completely startled when the occupant suddenly came out! There are these life-size statues of superheroes such as the Avengers and characters like Snow White, Micheal Jordan, and animals like dinosaurs and even King Kong that is equally humongous and surrounded by giant boulders. They have a children’s playground. For the adventurous types, there’s the zip line, rope and obstacle course, and horse ride, but you have to pay additional fees for these. In case you get hungry while exploring and enjoying the place, there’s also a restaurant.
After several hours, Ting’s friends decided that it was time to go home, and we headed back to Bacolod, dropping them off at their preferred point of departure.
Meanwhile, Ting and I billeted at MO2 Westown which is conveniently located near SM. It is one jeepney ride away from Robinson’s and walking distance from the pier. We plan to spend the rest of the day roaming around and go back to Iloilo the next day. Search for the best accommodation in Iloilo City.
It was a grueling and tiring schedule, but I’m happy as it sure is one hell of a quickie trip.
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