Welcome to another exciting chapter of my Philippine journey, where I continue to explore the islands by bike, meeting friendly locals and discovering hidden gems along the way. This leg takes me from Panay Island to Negros Island, with a series of unique experiences, scenic landscapes, and warm Filipino hospitality.
I woke up at 6 AM, and one of the kind police officers at the station where I was staying offered me coffee and rice for breakfast. It wasn’t long before a group of officers and locals gathered around, excited to meet a vlogger from Nepal. Their warm welcome set the tone for the day, and after chatting with them, I packed my gear and hit the road, heading towards Dumangas Port. Instead of venturing into Iloilo City, I opted for a more direct route to my next destination.
At Dumangas, I was pleasantly surprised by the ferry fare—it was only 150 pesos! Considering that I had been paying up to 1,000 pesos for previous ferry rides, this was a bargain. The one-hour ferry ride was smooth, with the vessel mostly accommodating large vehicles. Before I knew it, I had arrived on Negros Island, specifically in Bacolod City—the capital of Negros Occidental.
Bacolod City, also known as the "City of Smiles," is famous for its annual MassKara Festival, but I didn’t spend much time there due to the heat and pollution. The city’s bustling streets, heavy traffic, and smog pushed me to ride quickly through it, covering about 20 minutes before reaching a quieter spot—Murcia, just 10km away from Bacolod. In Murcia, I stayed at the local police station, where the officers graciously provided food and shelter for the night.
The next day, I set off early, heading towards San Carlos City with my ultimate goal being Cebu City. Along the way, I encountered a friendly local woman who offered me an apple mango—something I had never seen before. It was red and green, and the sweetness of this new fruit was a delightful treat for my journey.
The road became more challenging as I ascended into the hills. This area is known as the 'Small Baguio,' named after Baguio City, which is famous for its cool climate and fog-covered roads. The resemblance was clear—thick fog, dense forests, and steep uphill roads tested my endurance. Despite the difficulty, the natural beauty of the area was breathtaking and well worth the effort.
By evening, I reached a place called Prosperidad. Unfortunately, there was no police station available here, but I managed to find a place to rest and gather my energy for the next day.
Negros Island has a rich history. Bacolod, once a small settlement, grew into a bustling city during the 19th century, thanks to the booming sugar industry. The island itself was heavily involved in the sugar trade, which played a crucial role in the development of the region. The presence of large sugar plantations brought wealth and infrastructure to Negros Occidental, shaping its modern-day culture and economy.
This video takes you through my journey across Negros Island, showcasing the mix of urban life in Bacolod and the serene, fog-covered landscapes of Small Baguio. I’ll be sharing more about my interactions with the amazing locals, the new fruits I discovered, and the challenges of biking through the island’s mountainous terrain. Join me as I make my way towards Cebu City, one pedal at a time
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