While adventure trails have been all the rage around the world for a while now, most of them are focused on adrenaline-pumping activities or treks to scenic peaks. A rarity is one that focuses on a town’s culinary heritage, and such a gem you will find in Negros Occidental, the “Sugar Trail.”
Imagine an itinerary packed with visits to sugar mills and ancestral houses, feasts of heirloom dishes, sugar farming, and even a ride on a steam locomotive—a refreshing break from the typical mountain tours and water activities. These are just some of the many exciting activities to look forward to in Western Visayas as the province reopens its doors to tourists. Visitors will get to explore the sugar heritage of Negros Occidental which came from Panay Island, particularly Iloilo and its neighboring towns where most of the sugar planters originated. Currently, only the Western Visayas has these intact sugar refineries in the country. Sugar mills are still intact in Negros Occidental, while in Panay, there are still extant small muscovado mills in Antique.
A beautiful complement to the Sugar Trail adventure is a visit to the growing Slow Food community in Negros Island, one of two such communities in Western Visayas (there is also a Slow Food Community in Panay). The former is recognized by the Italy-based organization Slow Food International and has 25 food items listed in the “Ark of Taste”, a catalog of endangered heritage foods around the world. Among the food items in Negros Occidental included in the list are batuan (organic souring agent), kadyos (pigeon peas), criollo cacao (white-bean cacao), and darag chicken (native Ilongo chicken). Slow Food is a concept that seeks to preserve local food cultures and traditions. It promotes traditional cuisines and the sustainable preparation of food.
Today, many travelers take an active interest in the source and history of their food and are becoming even more invested in learning about the communities that grow them. While Guimaras’ beautiful beaches and delicious mangoes make it an amazing place to visit, this stunning island also offers engaging farm-to-table agri-tourism attractions. Its Agri-tourism Circuit features a network of farm sites, including mango orchards, bee farms, salt farms, and aquaculture ponds scattered across the five municipalities of Guimaras. The tour takes visitors to Guimaras Wonders Farm and National Mango Research and Development Center in Jordan, Sebario Salt Farm in San Lorenzo, SEAFDEC Marine Reserve, and Aqua-Culture Farm in Nueva Valencia, Southern Orchard, and Spring Bloom Farm in Sibunag. Travelers can also drop by the old Trappist Monastery in Jordan, founded in 1972, where they can stock up on mango-flavored goods, jams and sweets, and many other sweet delights.
The underwater world of Western Visayas must also not be missed. You can only imagine the incredible scenery that lies within the province’s enchanting blue seas, from undamaged reefs to rich marine wildlife and a unique underwater environment. The Western Visayas Dive Circuit comprises Nogas Island in Antique, a 24-hectare deserted marine sanctuary and government naval reserve with a highly abundant marine life that is regarded by most divers as one of Panay Island’s most stunning dive sites. The Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary in Iloilo offers enticing opportunities for snorkeling and diving. It is home to a diverse range of fish, invertebrates, micro-organisms, and lush vegetation. Dive spots for skilled and seasoned divers are additional attractions for tourists looking to see the breathtaking white-sand beaches of Boracay in Aklan. Yapak and Crocodile Island are its most popular diving destinations. For macro enthusiasts, the Sipalay diving sites in Negros Occidental are ideal. People come to Campomanes Bay in search of adventure at its famed diving spots like Turtle Island, Sunken Island, and the MS Jojo wreck.
The most eco-conscious travelers will get an amazing adventure in Bacolod. You’re sure to see a spectacular array of wildlife at every turn at the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center in South Capitol Road. Its ecological area is teeming with flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Due to deforestation and the rise of commercial and agricultural operations, most animals and plants here are in danger of extinction. This conservation center helps tourists design more eco-friendly trips and connect with the environment and wildlife while learning to respect their habitat.
Majority of the towns in Iloilo are known for having outstanding Spanish-influenced architecture. You will find beautiful churches, cemeteries, watchtowers, and bridges in nearly every site. A visit to the province’s southern and central districts takes travelers to many unique churches with rich histories to dive into as you explore them. The Baroque-Romanesque parish church of St. Thomas in Miagao, which was proclaimed a National Shrine in 1973 and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of 1993, is a must-see when visiting these heritage churches. A tour of the Leon, Pavia, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan, Guimbal, and San Joaquin churches also provides a memorable experience.
Travelers are encouraged to check the official websites of the sites and attractions they plan to visit as well as https://philippines.travel for the latest updates on open destinations, travel restrictions, and entry requirements and safety protocols.
