San Carlos City : Home of Pintaflores Festival

San Carlos is a small city in Negros Occidental. The place is famous for the Pintaflores, a mardi gras as highlight of the city's annual celebration every Nov. 3 - 5 that includes street dancing and ritual competition.

How to get there (the fastest way):

1. Manila to Bacolod City
Airfare: 1,200 Php (Non-peak season) to 3,500 Php (Peak Season)
Travel Time: 45 to 60 minutes

2. Bacolod airport ( which is now located in Silay City ) to Ceres Liner Bus Terminal ( North )
Fare : 100 Php by Shuttle Service; 150 - 200 Php by Taxi
Travel Time: 25 to 30 minutes

3. Ceres Bus Terminal ( Bacolod ) to San Carlos City via mountain roads of Don Salvador Benedicto
Fare : 125 Php
Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

4. San Carlos City Bus Terminal to anywhere in the small city
Fare : 5 - 8 Php
Travel Time: 5 minutes maximum

Must-Go Places:

1. Sipaway Island - enjoy the 7km-length island's white sand. You may indulge yourself to the scenic view by checking in at Palm Spring Resort or taking a trip back to the city by pre-booked pump-boat where you can enjoy the rest of the night at the available motels

2. Center Mall - this place is where you could also find the City Hall where you will be welcomed by a wide soccer field with a mountain backdrop. You can bring your entire family here, spread your mat and sit on the luscious green grass celebrating life having a picnic with your loved ones



3. People's Park - if you have that singing talent in you, you could come to this place,anytime of the day, and you'd witness the cottages with videoke machines. Or you could actually use this place should you decide to propose to your girlfriend on a beautiful sunset at the seaside. Just the opposite of this place is the Sipaway Island


People's Park Tower


Pagoda, one of few cottages you could find at the People's Park, San Carlos City

Where to Eat:

1. Carmel's Chicken Inasal - a grilled chicken with savvy taste; a real-famous food in Negros Occidental

2. La Grotta's - You would not believe that such a small city ( but growing) could have the best and authentic Italian Cuisine. Finding the place could be a little difficult but with some help from the motorcycle drivers (the major public utility vehicle of the city) , you'd be transported to a subdivision and find this place.