Overview
Sitting on the northwestern part of the island of Negros. Manapla and Silay are beautiful cities known for their magnificent colonial architecture, many of which have been declared national landmarks.
Combined in these two cities, are all-round destinations that are home to beaches, historical sites and stunning nature. Patag National Park actually lies within Silay’s city limits, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves with nature and visit beautiful waterfalls and snap photos of various flora and fauna.
Transportation link to Silay are excellent, with the Bacolod–Silay International Airport sitting, just a mere 10-minutes drive from the city center. There are also tricycles outside the airport going into the city. Private taxis provide access from the airport to Manapla, while jeepneys connect the two cities.
In June 2003 Silay held a referendum to approve the city’s annual budget and was the first city in the Philippines to do this. Since then the ‘Little Paris of Negros’ has been listed as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the country.
Manapla and Silay have a tropical climate with a significant amount of rain throughout the entire year. The weather is best in February, March, and April when it is less wet and hot, while October, November, and December offer the most disappointing weather.
What to see
Most visitors to these cities stay in the Silay City Heritage Zone, making a day trip to Manapla. Silay is the island’s center of arts, culture, and eco-tourism, while Manapla offers a glimpse of a sugarcane plantation established in the late 1800’s, of which the island is famed for, and considered as the major sugar producer in the country. Manapla also has a lovely and very quiet stretch of seaview with a backdrop of greenery.
The most noted attractions in Silay are of course, the 30+ the stunning colonial houses, with Balay Negrense, being at the top of the list. The picturesque house was built by the son of a French resident Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and in 1992 was restored by the Philippine Tourism Authority. When it opened its doors it became the first museum in Negros Occidental.
Known as the ‘Pink House’ because of its pink façade, the Bernardino-Ysabel Jalandoni Ancestral House is another stunning example of Silay’s European architecture. The 20th century house is now a museum that houses a rare collection of expensive dolls and antique objects.
The only pro-Cathedral church outside of Manila, San Diego Pro-Cathedral was built in the 1700’s out of nipa-palm, bamboo and grass. It was then converted to stone and wood in the 1800’s, and in the 1900’s Italian architect Lucio Bernasconi built the 20th Century concrete-dome church that it is today.
Manapla’s Chapel of Cartwheels was constructed completely out of farm implements, such as plows, cartwheels, margaha sand, mortar and pestle, and broken glass. It is an extremely unique chapel built and designed using the principles of VATICAN II.
As far as eco-tourism is concerned, the Patag National Park is as good as they come. Home to waterfalls, hot springs and lakes, the national park sits at the foothills of Mount Mandalagan and Mount Marapara, and is popular among nature buffs.
Our signature experiences
Silay Sugarland History Tour
Taking a Sugarland History Tour is by far the most popular activity in Silay, which consists of visiting the European houses that were built during this thriving era.
By local tricycle or bicycles, we will show you the most interesting heritage houses of this lovely town.
Cycling tours
The sugarcane fields that are scattered on the side of the roads around Manapla are truly breathtaking and cycling tours are a great way to explore these farms. Visitors can visit the farms and tours often include homestays.
Trekking and waterfalls at Patag
There are numerous places to go trekking in the Patag National Park, taking visitors to the waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic lakes. The park also offers ziplining around 120-metres above ground at 120-metres, offering spectacular views.
Farm stay and organic farming at Patag
With its cool climate year round Patag is ideal for growing vegetables. Our farm stay allows you to experience the life of an organic farmer on the slopes of Patag. You can help harvesting or assist in any other agricultural activity.
Gaston Hacienda
Enjoy an exclusive lunch or dinner at the Gaston hacienda ancestral home and explore the grounds of the plantation. Schoolchildren will perform traditional music and you will get a guided tour of this unique heritage house and the grounds surrounding it.
Sugarcane farm tour
Tour the Gaston sugarcane plantations by bicycle or tricycle, and sample your own seafood. A visit to Hacienda Crafts factory showcases how natural materials are gathered and woven into contemporary home furnishings. Included in the tour is the Hawaian-Philippine Company Sugar Central, where you can admire the old steam-locomotive trains and learn about the process of making muscovado sugar.