Sinulog de Kabankalan
With 7,107 islands in the Philippines , you’d think that there would be an endless list of places around the country that deserve to be visited and explored. Apart from the well-known destinations that serve as the country’s tourist gems, there are those diamonds in the rough that may not be as popular, but are simply begging to be rediscovered because of its natural beauty, and its rich culture.
Kabankalan, Negros Occidental is one of those pristine places that have yet to be touched by the Midas hand of tourism. Just three hours away from its more popular neighbor, Bacolod City, we give you three things to love about Kabankalan. Consider this quaint inland town for your next around-the-country road trip!
Top Three Things To Love About Kabankalan, Negros Occidental
3. The Nightlife
While Kabankalan does not have a much developed night life like you would expect from neighboring Bacolod or Iloilo, the people of Kabankalan sure know how to have a good time! Ditch the usual Cebu Sinulog route and try Kabankalan’s more grounded version of the popular festival (yes, Kabankalan also has its own Sinulog, Sinulog de Kabankalan, which they have been celebrating far longer than Cebu has!) Locals can definitely give the carnavals of Rio de Janeiro a run for their money, bursting with talent, energy and colorful costumes as they stage their Mardi Gras, a popular street festival during Sinulog. Trust us, you’ve never seen anything like it! Oh, and watch out for the uling —Â while it’s all in good fun, best to wear a black shirt, or any vintage clothing you don’t mind getting stained on!
A more recent tradition in this component city has also popped up in the form of Neon Splash, an annual party that all the hot young (and young-at-heart!) people of Kabankalan like to get “turnt up” at.
It’s that time of the year where they bring in the hottest DJs busting out some fresh beats and mixes for the crowd to party the night away. Oh, and they’re not afraid of getting wet at all. Pool party, anyone?
2. The Seafood
Negros is known for its exquisite seafood, and of course, Kabankalan is no exception! When you’re tired from all the partying, trade in the lights and music for something more low-key, perhaps somewhere by the outskirts of the small city. Don’t expect anything fancy here, as you go back to basics in a hut surrounded by a lake, getting your hands on the freshest catch, that only the locals know best to prepare.
Preparing pasayan — Ilonggo word for “shrimp” — the old-fashioned way.
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These oysters are the freshest oysters that you will ever taste.
Nothing like eating with your hands while enjoying good company, all surrounded by nature’s finest. And speaking of nature…
1. The Nature
One of the perks of being an underrated tourist destination is that the natural resources are barely touched. And while you’re away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city, it’s good to find some sort of hidden getaway, where you enjoy the unexploited, virgin wonders of nature.
This is why it’s not hard to see a handful of trekkers, bikers, and just outdoorsy people looking for a respite from the metropolis flocking to this quaint place. Fall in love with the breathtaking sights of sprawling hills, warm sunshine, and the vast green sugarcane farms that just seem to go on and on.
 
Planning to travel around the Philippines this year? Veer away from the usual sites and head over to Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. The hospitality of its locals, the intimacy of the town, and the treasures waiting to be discovered in this place are hard to be missed.
Kabankalan, Negros Occidental
https://tourism.negros-occ.gov.ph/places-to-go/cities/kabankalan-city/Â
