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

Map

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

Day 2

Map

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

Map

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

Day 4

Map

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

Map

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

Map

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

Day 7

Map

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

Map

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
BACOLOD
BACOLOD

Day 9

Map

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

Map

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
Bulata
Bulata

Day 11

Map

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

Map

Departure »

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

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.