Kabankalan City Hotels

While not as popular as Bacolod or Dumaguete, Kabankalan City makes up for it with its warm locals and simple way of life.

It might have a laid-back vibe but Kabankalan is the second to Bacolod in terms of population and revenues, making it one of Negros Occidental’s rising stars.

One can say a trip to Kabankalan is a sweet escape; after all, Negros Occidental is the sugar capital of the Philippines.

How to Go

By plane

Air Asia and Philippine Airlines have flights to Bacolod-Silay Domestic Airport. Situated around 118 kilometers away from Kabankalan City, it will take almost three hours to reach the town proper.

By boat/ferry

If you’re planning to travel by sea, 2Go has trips to Bacolod or Dumaguete. Travel time is approximately eight hours, with one-way tickets starting at P1,565.

By land transportation

You can get to Kabankalan City via public buses from Bacolod or Dumaguete. Travel time is roughly two hours. You could also rent a van if you’re traveling with a big group for extra space and leg room.

Getting Around

Once in Kabankalan City, you can hire a tricycle to take you around. If you’re traveling with a group, there are vans and other types of vehicles for rent.

Tourist Attractions

Perhaps Kabankalan’s main draw is the majestic Mag-aso Falls, a 120-foot, three tiered waterfall best visited during the summer season.

Nature lovers will love breathing in the fresh air and swimming in the turquoise waters amidst lush trees.

Aso in Hiligaynon translates to smoke – a fitting name since the waterfall does look smoky when it’s shrouded in mist.

Top Things to Do

Kabankalan has its own version of Cebu’s famous Sinulog festival, known locally as Sinulog de Kabankalan. It’s a religious and cultural festival in honor of the Child Jesus. Arrange for you to be there on the third week of January so you can join in on the week-long festivities.

There are novena masses, a fluvial procession, variety shows, street parades, battle of the band competitions, sports events, fireworks displays, the highly anticipated Miss Sinulog, fireworks displays, and a whole lot more.

There’s also the Udyakan Festival, the highlight of the city’s Charter Day celebrations in August. It aims to showcase the cultural heritage and traditions of Kabankalan’s barangays through exhibits and dances.

Don’t worry if you won’t be able to make it in January or August; Kabankalan City has attractions you can experience all year round. Explore Udlom Cave, then cool off at Agustina Falls or Mag-aso Falls; the latter is situated alongside Mag-aso Leisure Camp.

Shop for souvenirs at the Showroom and Pasalubong Center Kabankalan, where local apparel, accessories, handicrafts, and delicacies are on display.

Where to Eat

Satisfy your chicken barbecue cravings at Wow Chicken Inasal. Near Kabankalan City Hall is Rib Shack, which serves grilled spare ribs and unlimited rice for P99.

Meanwhile, from a small cake shop in 1984, Reegals is now a popular snack place in in the city. Eat like a local and try kalamay-hati, a dessert made from glutinous rice, muscovado sugar, and coconut milk.

Nightlife

Get a glimpse of how the locals let their hair down during the festivals. The streets are filled with merrymakers having a good time amidst food, drinks, and live music.

Where to Stay

There are budget-friendly inns and pension houses in Kabankalan such as Southgate Inn, Monbela Tourist Inn, JLT Traveller’s Inn, Justine’s Guest House, Hans Travelers Inn, Alton’s Pension House, Plaza Lodge, and RGA Pension House. Room rates start from P300 per person per night.

Want to splurge a little? Book one of Zaycoland Resort and Hotel’s 16 luxurious guest rooms. Choose from family, bridal, and master suites. You’ll also love its amenities that’s perfect for families including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, volleyball court, children's play area and restaurant.

If you want to commune with nature, stay at Mag-aso Leisure Camp (the waterfalls is just outside your doorstep!) or at Balicaocao Highland Resort. Standing on a hill 500 feet above sea level, it offers fantastic views of Southern Negros, Panay Gulf, and Guimaras Island.

Travel Tips

• Book flights and accommodations ahead of time if you’re planning to attend one of the festivals to get the best deals.
• Make sure you have extra memory cards and power banks with you so your gadgets are fully charged and ready to go all the time.
• Just two hours away from Kabankalan is Sipalay City, a go-to place for divers and snorkelers. Its beaches are among Negros Occidental’s best-kept secrets.