Don Salvador Benedicto is considered as the Summer Capital of Negros Occidental, thus, earning a nickname of Little Baguio. It is a promising municipality as a tourist destination with its beautiful view of the country side. A lot still needs to be developed but, on its own, it has a lot of places and things to do for tourist.
It was my first time to be in Don Salvador Benedicto and I was amazed of the many places I can visit and things I can do.
Welcome Arch at Don Salvador Benedicto
How to get to Don Salvador Benedicto
When you are in Bacolod, it will be a good idea to have a day trip to see and explore what Don Salvador Benedicto has to offer.
Don Salvador Benedicto is located in the center of Negros Occidental. You will take the Bacolod-San Carlos City Road or the Eco Tourism Highway. It will be a little more than an hour ride from Bacolod.
Here are things to see and do at Don Salvador Benedicto.
Views at Don Salvador Benedicto
1. Pine Trees. About 10,000 full-grown Benguet and pine trees line the main thoroughfares of about 1.7 kilometer stretch of road from Barangay Igmayaan to Poblacion proper.
Pine Trees line up along the highway
2. Winding Roads. You can see in a map how crazy the winding roads look like but the roads are wide and well-maintained. Follow traffic rules and speed limits and you will have a safe trip.
3. Mountain ranges. Don Salvador Benedicto offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Mt Madalagan and Mt. Kanlaon. You will also get to see Mt. Canlandog where most of the cell sites and transmitter towers are built.
4. Rice Terraces located at Poblacion which more or less look like the rice terraces in Banawe. There are not too many terraces here but they look beautiful too.
Rice Terraces at Don Salvador Benedicto
5. Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP). A protected area located on the northern portion of Negros Island in the Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. The NNNP covers an area of 80,454.50 hectares and falls within the political jurisdiction of several municipalities including Don Salvador Benedicto.
NNNP is significant to the biodiversity of Negros Occidental. It is largest watershed of the Province being the main source of water for 17 municipalities and cities in Central and Northern Negros. It has six of Negros Island species of large mammals, two of which are endangered: the Philippine Spotted Deer and the Visayan Warty Pig.
6. Chocolate Hills in Prosperidad. Yes, you can find hills similar to the ones found in Bohol. The Chocolate Hills are part of Barangay Prosperidad of San Carlos City. But if you are already in Don Salvador Benedicto, it’s just a few more kilometers away from the town proper. You might as well pass by for the view.
Chocolate Hills at Prosperidad, San Carlos City
For Quick Stop Overs
7. Magnetic Hill at KM34 SB13 road marker. Aphenomenon where cars in neutral gear are being pulled uphill even though the road is downhill. This is actually in Murcia, a town before Don Salvador Benedicto, but you’ll pass by it and you might as well experience it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icuRAy9vZoY
8. Lion’s Monument. It seems like a copy of the Lion’s Head in Baguio but this one has the full body of a Lion. It has a viewing deck of the lush green forest of the Northern Negros Natural Park.
Lion’s Monument
9. Viewing Deck or Lantawan. Provides a nice view of Malatan-og Falls. The falls is thin and hidden behind lush green trees. But it can be easily seen by the naked eye.
Malatan-og Falls as seen from the Viewing Deck
10. Signature Plant at the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Hall. Drop by at the Municipal Hall where visitors can write their names on the leaves of the Signature Plant.
11. Saint Padre Pio’s Garden is a meditation place just beside the Lion Monument. It is still being developed. It is built on a mountain side with a serene atmosphere and a panorama of the rain forest of NNNP. There will be gazebo, religious icons and statues and a pool.
Saint Padre Pio’s Garden
Food Trips and Resorts in Don Salvador Benedicto
12. Rapha Valley. Best place for vegan food lovers. Rapha Valley serves great vegetarian and organic dishes. Even non-vegetarians will love it. They also have overnight rooms good for 2 persons, or rooms for a family of four. Read my blog about Rapha Valley HERE.
13. Villa Ica. This exquisitely landscaped area is a place where one can escape the busy and tiring city life and here find serenity as one communes and enjoys the beauty of nature in a pollution-free environment. It is an ideal venue for themed garden wedding.
14. Balokon Resort. If you are looking for a cool pool to dip in D.S. Benedicto, then head to the Balokon Spring Resort. It is a mountain valley with a collective natural water springs. Check out the Balokon Facebook Page for details.
Balokon Mountain Resort (Photo from their FB Page)
15. La Vista Highlands. You can finish off your Don Salvador Benedicto trip with a nature adventure at La Vista Highlands. Again, this one is already located in San Carlos City but it’s just a few kilometers more. At La Vista Highlands, you can experience it’s thrilling 1,500m zipline, relaxing cable car ride and horseback riding. There is an entrance fee though. Visit the La Vista Highlands Facebook Page for details.
La Vista Highlands
Pasalubong Ideas
After visiting Don Salvador Benedicto, take home some local delicacies for pasalubongs. There are vendors selling banana chips, bukayo (sweetend coconut meat), garlic peanuts, and more.
If you love flowers and plants, there are plenty of vendors selling them them along the highway.
Fresh fruits like bananas and pineapples are also being sold.
