Example Itinerary

Colors & Cultures of Negros, Philippines

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Romance, Heritage
Destinations
Philippines

Get a taste of Latin-Asian fusion as you travel through the Negros chain of islands in the exotic Philippines. This 13-day Colorful, Cultural Experience in Negros takes you to Manila, Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod, Guimaras and Bulata. Watch Filipino dancing, don pineapple silk-woven garments and ultimately relax on the area’s intensely beautiful beaches. There’s plenty of culture and relaxation ahead.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Negros Beaches: Travelers can relax on the beaches of the charming little town of Bulata, lounging by the beach and snorkeling crystal clear waters.
  • Architecture of Iloilo: The Miagao Church is a World Heritage Site built of stunning yellow limestone in Iloilo and surrounding sites feature historic churches and even a Trappist monastery.
  • Festival of Negros: Fall travelers to Bacolod will find the Masskara Festival celebrations - an island-wide party featuring masks, colorful costumes, and street parades. Travelers in January should aim for the Ati Atihan Festival to join in the dancing and feasting through the night and into the morning.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Manila

Fly into Manila - the Philippines’ capital and center of education, business and transportation. The lively city has a rich culture just waiting to be explored. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, before heading out into the capital. With eight sprawling districts in the city, there’s plenty to see today.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Outstanding Service: Guests rave about the staff at Fairmont Makati, from the front desk, concierge, and housekeeping professionals to the expert bartenders and chefs.

Fitness Forward: The hotel’s fitness and spa facilities are especially well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and creatively planned classes. The spacious fitness center alone occupies some 928 square feet.

Indulgent Cuisine: Fairmont Makati’s culinary offerings include “live culinary theater,” handcrafted pastries, and artisan cocktails.

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Fairmont Makati Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Peninsula Manila is the most centrally located five-star hotel in Manila.

Dining: Four world-class dining and drinking options including a modern French restaurant, a restaurant serving exotic Asian fare, a 1930s Shanghai mansion style bar and an ostentatious lobby lounge.

Health and Fitness: The Peninsula Manila boasts a host of luxury well-being facilities including a spa, swimming pool, gym, steam and sauna rooms.

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The Peninsula Manila Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Manila

Peruse through the fascinating walled city of Intramuros. This is the oldest district in Manila. The original citadel during Spanish rule was located inside of the walls. When the Spanish were in power, everything outside the walled area was called “outside the walls.” The walls were constructed in the 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasion, and were declared a National Historic Monument in 1951.

Manila
Manila

Day 3

Kalibo

Transfer to the airport and fly to vibrant Kalibo. The area is home to many cultural festivals and practices. Kalibo is noted for their “pina-weaving,” where locals weave pineapple silk into beautiful fabrics. This is the favorite fabric of the city’s sophisticated elite population. Make sure to try some of the city’s delicious eats, such as fresh seafood and pork or beef al fresco.

Hotel Options
About

Just five minutes’ drive from the airport, the Marzon Hotel in Sta. Monica Andagao, Kalibo provides 25 modern rooms with all the facilities required for a pleasant and relaxing stay.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

At this weird and wonderful hotel in Kalibo, it’s Christmas seven days a week, every week. Trees, tinsel, angels and wreaths all add to the odd festive theme throughout.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Kalibo

If you happen to be in Kalibo during the Ati-Atihan festival, which takes place every year in the third week of January, join in on the feasting, dancing, and festivities. The festival is famous for dancing and drinking the whole night through. All the locals wear bright and colorful clothing. The festival celebrates Aklan becoming an independent province.

Day 5

Kalibo

The final day of the festival is called Aklan Day. This is many visitors’ favorite day and food is the central focal point of the celebrations. The city is full of different food festivals decorating the streets. The festivals provide all you can dream of eating, including local favorites cooked up fresh and hot for your trying. There’s also a long parade in honor of Santo Nino. You will see the country’s strong Catholic presence on this day.

Kalibo
Kalibo

Day 6

Iloilo

After the festivities have finished, it’s time to travel to the beautiful ancient island of Iloilo. The province is famous for its beautiful old-world architecture that’s commonly found throughout Latin American countries. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming city. The Miagao Church is a World Heritage Site built of stunning yellow limestone. Other highlights include the Molo Church, the Cabatuan Church, the San Jose Church, the Passi City Church and the Old Capitol Building.

Hotel Options
About

The Amigo Terrace Hotel is an ideal place to stay right in the center of Iloilo City - one of the Philippines’ most beloved tourist destinations. Although situated on a busy road, the hotel’s rooms are quiet and well-secured, offering a haven from the busy city streets and lively nightlife just a stone’s throw away outside.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Iloilo

The day is spent on an excursion to the island of Guimaras. The island is home to Trappist monks who brew up incredible-tasting, not to mention rare, beer. Stroll beneath cashew nut trees, and savor fresh, tropical fruit as you explore the quaint island. The Guisi Lighthouse is a must-see, as well as the island’s lovely beaches. Return to Iloilo in the evening.

Day 8

BACOLOD

Begin the day by taking a ferry to the gorgeous island of Bacolod. Explore the island’s lush beaches, the Capitol grounds, the lagoon, San Sebastian Cathedral, climb the pope’s tower or pick from several other exciting sights in the lively city. In the afternoon, visit the Paris of Negros - romantic, breathtaking Silay. Return to Bacolod for the evening.

Hotel Options
About

L’Fisher Hotel proves year-by-year to be one of the most popular accommodation choices in Bacolod for both tourists and business travelers alike. Large 320-square-foot rooms provide stylish and elegant surroundings, with double beds, fresh white linen, a writing desk and coffee table alongside all the usual modern conveniences that you’d expect to find.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The yellow-painted, colonial-style Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences is one of the few quality hotels in town. Catering for business guests and tourists, the hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with a whole host of facilities, including air conditioning, telephone, flat-screen cable TV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and refrigerator.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Having had a complete renovation in 2010, the Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod has recently come to the forefront of accommodation options in town. The owners have attempted to make this into a ‘modern hacienda retreat’ with its charm and elegance reflecting the former old-world plantation living of the area.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

BACOLOD
BACOLOD

Day 9

BACOLOD

Take an excursion to learn about the fascinating sugar industry. This is the main source of income for this area of the Philippines. Walk along the tall green stalks and see locals hard at work in the beautiful surroundings. Sample some sugary goodies before returning to Bacolod to relax.

Day 10

Bulata

Enjoy watching the countryside pass by as you are driven five hours south along the coast of the Negros Occidental, to the charming little town of Bulata. The town is famous for its postcard-perfect beaches. Relax on the sand in front of the beachfront hotel of your choice. Go for a swim in the turquoise waters after heating up in the beating sun.

Hotel Options
About

The stunning Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is where paradise beach living meets comfort and convenience. Guests can choose from a wide selection of rooms, such as Filipino nipa hut cottages or luxurious spa rooms, all of which are located just a matter of steps away from a private, postcard-perfect tropical beach.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bulata
Bulata

Day 11

Bulata

Visit the small, coral-fringed island of Danjugan. The island’s reefs are ideal for snorkeling. The pink corals are crawling with a wide variety of marine life. The island’s interior is densely-forested. Take a hike through the stunning nature that surrounds: the forest is home to several tropical species. Return to Bulata for the evening.

Day 12

Departure

Return today to the capital, Manila. From here, you will be able to connect with your onward flight.

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