[2025 Negros Occidental Attraction] Travel Guide for The Ruins (Updated Apr)

The captivating ambiance of this must-to-visit place will unlocked your curious minds what is/are in-store for you. The entire scenery is with in a 400+ hectare of land, covered by lush green plants welcoming everyone with calmness and serenity as they gaze their eyes. No doubt, you will surely capture every moment in every spot of this tourist(both local and international) destination. Try to include "The Ruins" of Talisay-Bacolod in your bucket list because it will showcase you its beauty tested by time.

#timetotravel During my trip to The Ruins in Bacolod, Philippines, I had an incredible experience exploring the remnants of this majestic mansion. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit: 1. Timing is key: Plan your visit to The Ruins in the late afternoon or early evening. This will allow you to witness a breathtaking sunset and see the ruins illuminated at night, creating a truly magical atmosphere. 2. Guided tour: Consider joining a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of The Ruins. The knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories and anecdotes about the mansion, making your visit more insightful and engaging. 3. Capture the moment: Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone! The Ruins offers countless photo opportunities with its picturesque surroundings. From striking arches to beautiful gardens, you'll want to capture the stunning architecture and lush greenery. 4. Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you'll be doing some walking and exploring. The Ruins is set amidst a lush garden, so be prepared for some outdoor activity. 5. Enjoy the surroundings: Take your time to stroll around the gardens surrounding The Ruins. The beautifully landscaped area is perfect for a leisurely walk or a moment of tranquility. Enjoy the serene ambiance and take in the scenic views. 6. Savor local delicacies: After your visit, head to the nearby café or restaurant to indulge in some delicious Negrense cuisine. Try local delicacies like Chicken Inasal, Batchoy, or Cansi to complete your Bacolod experience. Remember, The Ruins is not just a historical site; it's a symbol of love and resilience. Embrace the rich heritage, immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance, and create lasting memories during your trip to The Ruins in Bacolod. #travel #mytripvlog #travelinspiration #travel #travelguide #wanderlust #philippines #trip #tripmoments #triplocal #tripblazers #fun #historicallandmarks #historical #mustvisit #adventure

The Ruins was originally the ancestral mansion of the sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his family. Built in the early 1900s, the mansion was a testament to the love of Don Mariano for his wife, Maria Braga Lacson, who died tragically at a young age. The mansion's architecture is inspired by the Italian Renaissance style, featuring tall columns, intricate designs, and a spacious layout. It is often referred to as the "Taj Mahal of Negros" due to its romantic backstory and resemblance to the famous Indian mausoleum. Sadly, during World War II, the mansion was burned down by the retreating Japanese forces to prevent it from being used as a headquarters by the approaching American troops. What remains today are the skeletal remains of the grand mansion, which have been preserved and maintained as a heritage site.

The Ruins is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. It is situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The mansion was built in early 1900s and inspired by Italian architecture The Ruins was the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy sugar businessman Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built on a 440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, in the early 1900s in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga Lacson, who died during the birth of their 8th child. During the Second World War, Filipino guerillas burned it down as a countermeasure to prevent the invading Japanese forces from using it as a military headquarters. It burned for three days. The intention was to burn it to the ground Known variously as the "Taj Mahal of Talisay", "Taj Mahal of Negros" and "Taj Mahal of the Philippines", it is in the private ownership of the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga. They have preserved it in its ruined state, among operational farmland, as a tourist attraction that can be visited for a fee or hired for events. It is open to daily visitors from 8am to 8pm for am entrance fee of PHP100 for adults, PHP 50 for students and PHP20 for children. #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer

Some ruins of ancient times are much more beautiful than the best buildings of modern eras! Mehmet Murat Ildan

Being a travel blogger and a true-blooded Negrense and Bacolodnon, I feel that it is a must that I should write an extensive travel guide which will surely help travelers when doing a Bacolod Tour. Before planning your Bacolod Tour, it would be great for you to know the schedule of the 3 major festivals in Bacolod City. You might want to visit the city during these events. Please take note that during the Masskara Festival almost all hotels are fully booked, so you are advised to book your hotels at least 3 months in advance. Bacolaodiat Festival (held during Chinese New Year) Masskara Festival (held every October with its highlights on the 4th Sunday of the same month) Panaad sa Negros Festival ( help every April) Bacolod City is easy to navigate and the sample itineraries presented below are designed to help solo travelers. It is indicated in our guide the jeepneys to take when navigating various attractions, however, if you are traveling as a group, it would be best to take the taxi or hire a van to make your trip more comfortable and swift. #maydaytrip #urbanexplorer

THE RUINS. This ancestral house of a wealthy family in Negros Occidental Province was “intentionally” set into fire in order to prevent the Japanese invasion during the WWII. You can’t leave Bacolod City without visiting this picturesque tourist destination. #travelinspiration#awesomepic

The Ruins in Bacolod City

Although I missed the MassKara Festival in October, the City of Smiles still beckoned, so I decided to visit. Bacolod City doesn't have many attractions within the city itself, just a few churches and museums, but the ruins on the outskirts are famous far and wide. If you hurry, you can see it all in one day. 🏞Itinerary: San Sebastian Cathedral—Bacolod Old City Hall—The Ruins 🕰Morning: 1️⃣ San Sebastian Cathedral This medieval church ⛪ is right behind the accommodations. The main structure is built with coral stones from Guimaras Island. 👉The coral stone exterior walls in the sunlight and the Baroque dome are unique. It is said that there is a saint's festival in January. 💡Tip: This is not a tourist-style church, so please be quiet during your visit. You can experience the local religious culture during mass.⛪ 💰Admission: Free! 📍Address: Rizal St., Bacolod City (10 mins walk from the city center) ⏰Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 6:00–19:00 / Sunday 5:00–20:30 2️⃣ Bacolod Old City Hall This Spanish colonial building, completed in the 1880s, once served as the mayor's office. The Justice Fountain is in front of it. You must take a photo when passing by. 👉The interior is not open to the public, but the Old City Hall is in the most prosperous area of the city, close to restaurants and shops. 📍Address: Intersection of Araneta and Luzuriaga Streets, city center 🚶‍♀️Transportation: Walking distance to the public square/cathedral, forming a triangle with the Justice Fountain for photo opportunities 🕰Afternoon 3️⃣ The Ruins 🌺These ruins are known as the Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental and are a must-see attraction. 👉In the Middle Ages, sugar tycoon Don Mariano built this Italian-style manor to commemorate his wife, Maria, who died in childbirth. During World War II, to prevent the Japanese army from occupying it, the manor was burned for three days, leaving only the skeleton. 🌟If you have time, count whether there are 10 bedrooms. The concrete building has a marble-like sheen, and the shell decorations are a tribute to his father-in-law, a sea captain. The initials "Ms" are hidden in the carvings on the pillars, a poignant detail!! 📍Tips: The sunset through the ruins is especially picturesque. The mango smoothie at the cafe at the entrance is excellent.👍👍 Listen to the family descendants tell the secrets and touch the time marks on the tiles. ⏰Opening hours: 9:00–18:00 (open daily) 📍Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental (10 mins drive from Bacolod City) 🚗Transportation: A taxi from Bacolod City costs about 150 pesos, or take a jeepney to Talisay and then walk.

The Ruins is a national landmark in Talisay City, Philippines. The popular tourist attraction is rich in history and the grounds are gorgeous as they are well kept to keep its beauty for those to adore.

Ruins of the past, engraved with the light and shadow of history.🏛️ The aroma of food, dyed with the tenderness of time.🍱 The grand celebration, releasing the unrestrained nature.🎉 A gentle smile, encountering a poetic journey.🌸 📍Detailed Address Bacolod is located in Negros Occidental, Western Visayas, Philippines, on the western part of Negros Island, and is the capital of the province. 🚘Transportation Guide ✈️By Air: Bacolod International Airport is located in Silay City, about 15 km from Bacolod City, a 20-30 minute drive. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and others have flights from major Philippine cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao to Bacolod. 🚌By Ferry: Bacolod's Bredco Port has ferries from Manila and Iloilo. For example, 2go travel boat from Manila to Bacolod has 4 trips per week, taking 20-24 hours; Supercat 2go travel boat from Iloilo to Bacolod has 4 trips per day, taking 1.5 hours. 🚖By Land: Ceres buses from Cebu to Bacolod take 7-11 hours. In the city, you can take a jeepney, tricycle, or taxi, and to nearby towns, you can choose Ceres public buses, private vans, or taxis. 🍽Food Recommendations 🍲Chicken Inasal: Marinated with vinegar, lemongrass, and other spices, then grilled with Annatto oil, served with garlic Annatto rice and vinegar, the chicken is juicy and tender. 🍲Lechon: The skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is a traditional Filipino dish, often seen in local restaurants and banquets. 🍲Leche Flan: Sweet and smooth, with a strong milk flavor, it is a popular dessert. 🍲Napoleones: A puff pastry with custard filling, sweet but not greasy. 📸Must-Visit Attractions 🎬Negros Museum: Located on Gatuslao St, it showcases the history of Negros Island, the development of the sugar industry, and local endangered animal specimens. 🎬San Sebastian Cathedral: Located in the city center, it was built in the late 19th century with coral stones and other materials. The architecture is unique and is an important Catholic site. 🎬The Ruins: Once a sugar baron's mansion, now only ruins remain, but the architectural framework still shows the former luxury, and the night light show is spectacular. 🏠Recommended Nearby Attractions 📍Mambukal Mountain Resort: About 1 hour's drive from Bacolod City, you can hike, dive, swim, and see waterfalls. 📍Punta Ballo Beach: Located in Sipalay City, it takes about 5 hours by long-distance bus from Bacolod's Southern Terminal. The water is clear, and the sand is fine. ✨Travel Experience ✅Bacolod is known as the "City of Smiles", with friendly and enthusiastic locals. The city has fresh and clean air and a high level of greenery, making it one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. Visitors can feel a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere here. ✅The Masskara Festival, held on the third week of October every year, is a local event where people wear masks and celebrate, with beauty pageants, food festivals, and other activities.

THE RUINS 📌 Negros Occidental, Western Visayas, Philippines This destination has become a tourist attraction because of its majestic scenery and its history. Want to know more? Visit the Ruins now! 📌150 Entrance Fee 📌Free parking 📌Affordable foods and drinks offered by an Italian restaurant inside. 📌 Amenities are clean as new 📌Relax and Enjoy 👌 #travel #theruins #staycation #thingstodo #history #philipines #itsmorefuninthephilippines

It is very rare for a city to find it’s identity with a heritage site. This is what Bacolod has to offer. The Ruins is a symbol of grandiose, resiliency and redemption. It’s story goes way deeper than being just a simple ruins. #TravelPH #travelph #lovethephilippines

📌 The Ruins Located at Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines The Lacson Ruins are the remains of the ancestral mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. It is situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The mansion was built in early 1900s and inspired by Italian architecture. #itsmorefuninthephilippines #theruins #wheninbacolod #worldwar2 #philippinehistory #glimpseofruins

#theruins #bacolod #airasia Getting There - flying high thru Air Asia, no hustle with budget fare and very kind staff from geound to air. I trust trip.com with my booking, they are updated on the flight details and easy to reach for any questions or queries Attractions - the ruins , i was surprised with how this structure looks in actuality. Hotels - We visited Sipalay beach. there alots of resorts nearby but we stayed in Campo quino. Average rating I can give. Food & Restaurants - Manokan Country servicing authentic Chicken Inasal . . . namit Merzi pasalubong and restaurant they serve budget food with superb taste and the halo halo a must try Shopping - SM Bacolod superb sale

The Ruins Address - Talisay, Negros Highlights - The Ruins Rating - 8/10 Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines🇵🇭

From the "City of Smiles", Bacolod, experience an awesome, scenic view of one of the tourist spot, "The Ruins (a remnant of an ancestral house of one of the prominent family in the known sugar-producing province of Negros Occidental. Here, anyone will be mesmerized and be awed on what this place in-store for its visitor. International and local tourists were and will be captivated by its beauty tested by time.

The ruins

Negros is a laid back province but its one of the peaceful and beautiful place in the Philippines.

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

a vacation to remember for a life time to cherish

Known variously as the "Taj Mahal of Talisay", "Taj Mahal of Negros" and "Taj Mahal of the Philippines" The Ruins was the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy sugar businessman Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built on a 440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, in the early 1900s in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga Lacson, who died during the birth of their 8th child. During the Second World War, Filipino guerillas burned it down as a countermeasure to prevent the invading Japanese forces from using it as a military headquarters. It burned for three days. The intention was to burn it to the ground.

My best experience to go this place is really nice and warm 😌 there are some musician that perform and you can drink while listening to there music #2023travelwish#mytripvlog#summervacation

Don Mariano Lacson, who sent away his beloved wife All materials were imported from Spain, And instead of water in the concrete, egg whites were used, And the exterior walls are still smooth to the touch.. It can't be anything but an amazing history But just as the glory of a family cannot last forever, all human affairs#Hot Place

If you will visit Bacolod City don’t forget also to dropby at the ruins is just a 4 to 5 kilometers from bacolod. Formally known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, the ruins is and ancestral mansion situated in Talisay, just outside of Bacolod City. The mansion was built in the early 1900’s by the wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his wife. Maria Braga Lacson died during the birth of her 11th child. The Ruins Bacolod are now open to the public as a tourist destination. The grounds surrounding The Ruins are beautifully decorated with lanes, gardens and arches making it a popular venue for weddings. There is also a restaurant where you can grab drinks, food and snacks. #ruins #bacolod #philippines #philippinespride #philippinestrip #vacation #unforgettableexperiences #travelinspiration

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