San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

 Vamos! San Carlos!

Imagine a getaway rich in culture and diversity, a hideaway with new experiences waiting around every corner, a place positively brimming with adventure. Imagine a solace alive with the promise of relaxation and rest, a haven that takes you away from all the stress, a breath of fresh air. Imagine all of this here in the Philippines, completely attainable and affordable. Sounds impossible?

 

Not quite.

San Carlos is a quaint little city in the province of Negros Occidental in Western Visayas, about a one-and-a-half hour road trip from Bacolod City. It is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the big city lifestyle, but at the same time, it is nowhere near boring. Its tranquil and serene environment makes it soothing and calming, but its attractions make it exciting. In short, San Carlos is the perfect new destination for young travelers, and I’ll tell you just what it has to offer.

First off, for the beach goers, we have Sipaway Island, just off the coast of the city. You can hire a pump boat at the port to cross over to it. It’s quiet and beautiful, with soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and a whole lot of sun. Enjoy a day off at Whispering Palms resort, and explore all the secrets the place has to offer. Or simply stay on the beach all day, basking in the heat of the sun. Or, of course, you can choose to take to the water, making friends with the fishes, enjoying the coolness, kayaking, snorkeling, and everything else.

 

Now, if the beach wears you out and you’d like a break to close your eyes and rest your muscles, we have the perfect place for you. Enjoy an afternoon in the city’s hot spring, where you can relax in the hot water and feel all the knots in your muscles unravel and all the tension in your joints melt away.

Now that you’ve hit the beach and relaxed in the hot spring, it’s time for you to hit the mountains, where the atmosphere is fresh with the smell of pines and adventure waits at every corner.  Enjoy the many ziplines and and drop zones the mountains have to offer, and remember to dress for the chilly, relaxing breeze. Hot choco never tasted this good!

View from Jilla's Cafe











La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort

 Anahaw Falls

There is one event in San Carlos that you simply cannot allow yourself to miss, and that is its Pintaflores festival. The city’s annual fiesta celebrates color, life, music, dance, and just about everything else good about life. Take to the streets to watch the amazing parade of vivid colors and graceful movements, or wait for the evening to check out the carnival rides and food stalls in Center Mall. Unfortunately, I missed this years Pintaflores festival. Just for you to see how colorful it is! I searched this in google for you from awesome photographers out there!

Cuisines

Since we’re talking about food, we can’t deny the fact that that is one thing San Carlos will never fail at. Try the delicious habechuelas soup,  a traditional Spanish bean soup. Perhaps you’d prefer the famous lechon bisayang manok and lechong baboy, typical Bisaya favorites. Of course, the street food is not to be ignored. Try famous Mani(peanuts) of San Carlos like no other! and let your taste buds enjoy!

 

Yes, there is simply nothing about the city that cancels out its glory. The food, the fun, the paradise — everything is perfect. But perhaps the best thing about San Carlos is its locals — they’re friendly faces that never give up a smile, even in the face of adversity. They’ll welcome you with open arms. After all, everything’s fun in San Carlos!