Located in the heart of Negros Island, Kabankalan is a lively city that’s renowned for its Sinulog Festival, which is believed to protect locals from pirate attacks. It’s a major health and education hub and surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes that include hidden caves, lush valleys and waterfall swimming holes.
Things to do in Kabankalan
Refresh in the turquoise waters of Mag-aso Falls, which cascades into a lush gorge within the Magaso Leisure Camp. You can soak up the views from the elevated platform and kick back in one of the rental cottages or sunbathe on the huge boulders that frame the natural pool. Thrill-seekers may also want to adventure through the nearby Mag-aso Cave, a 436-metre-long passage that’s one of the deepest caves in the Philippines.
Another waterfall not to miss near Kabankalan is the Augustina Falls, which is associated with a local myth about a woman who was enchanted by a blackbird. There’s a natural swimming hole at the base of its photogenic cascade, as well as plenty of vines from which you can swing into the idyllic waters.
A short drive from Kabankalan will take you to the Carol-an Valley, the homeland of an indigenous people once ruled by the legendary chief Manyabog. Follow the hour-long trail that leads to Udlom Cave, with its boulder-strewn entrance revealing a spectacular cavern adorned with unique rock formations.
Getting around Kabankalan
Kabankalan is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Bacolod and New Bacolod-Silay International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the Philippines. Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport is also around 2.5 hours away. Buses are the main means of getting around Negros Island while jeepneys serve destinations across Kabankalan.