The Ruins is probably the most visited spot in Bacolod for tourists. Spending even a little time there feels really amazing. It’s true that tragedies do not always bring sadness. Sometimes, they highlight the perfection of stuff, too.
What we often see on social media are the beautiful night lights from the structure. Well, I was a little sad before we went there knowing we cannot stay late because we need to catch a ferry trip back to Iloilo before evening.
Hey there! My name’s May and you can view more about me here. I travel a lot for both work and leisure. Thanks to being an auditor and a content creator and, of course, to my love for travel, I barely feel I’m actually at work when traveling. And if I’m actually off work, I usually am with friends or family, discovering places and trying out new food. I’m juggling three jobs – the two mentioned + being a single mom. You think it’s easy? Of course not! But what glues me together is my passion and love for these three. More about my story here.
I love sharing what I know and how I do things, so if you haven’t read these yet, visit the following pages to view:
- how I take and edit my blog photos + what devices and apps I use;
- how I plan my travels;
- how I treat my sunburns (from the mildest to the wildest!); and
- what do I get from traveling, by the way?
About The Ruins
The Ruins became available to the public on 2008. Touring the Ruins in Talisay, Bacolod City will include a look back of the rich and colorful history of the place through the humorous tour guides known throughout the city. It has also been acclaimed as “one of the 12 most fascinating ruins of the world”, “one of the best landmarks in the Philippines”, “the Taj Mahal of Negros”, and “the Best Heritage Site of the Philippines awardee for 2016”.
Every turn is so beautiful, even stolen and candid shots will become instagrammable. Enough even for portfolios! Many people are doing photoshoots in this place, and currently, they are charging P1,000* for the first 5 persons.
The photo above is a painting on the wall of the male’s washroom. Yep, a painting, not a sculpture. However, I’m not sure who the artist is, but it’s definitely #goals especially for an art enthusiast like me! If only I can do the same kind of piece at home… hmm.
Pre-travel Guide
How to get there?
Bacolod isn’t really the first place people would want to list in their top to-go list. Due to lower demands, domestic flights to Bacolod are cheaper compared to the most-visited municipalities and/or provinces.
Bacolod is just 45-minute plane ride away from Metro Manila. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia offers daily flights to Bacolod-Silay Airport which isonly 20-minutes away from Bacolod City.
From the airport, take a shuttle to Bacolod and tell the driver to drop you off at The Ruins. It is along the way to Bacolod City from the airport.
By private car or taxi, from the airport, take the access road to the airport going south to Bacolod City. Turn right to Don Mariano L. Lacson Highway (5th intersection) and in about 900 meters you will arrive at The Ruins.
From Bacolod City, take a jeepney ride to BATA and get off at Robinson’s Mall. Walk to GO Hotel and take a shuttle from there to The Ruins.
By private car or taxi, take Lacson Street going north to Talisay City. After the flyover at the CERES North Terminal and PEPSI bottling plant, turn right towards the mountains on Don Mariano L. Lacson Highway and in about 2.3 kms. you will arrive at The Ruins.
How much would it cost?
Guests who would want to have a tour in the said place are welcomed. Entrance fees as follows:
- Adults -P100*
- Students -P50* (but should provide a valid school ID)
- Senior Citizens – P60*
- Children below 8 years old – P20*
*rates are as of January 2020.
Travel Tips
◘◘ Since The Ruins in Bacolod is a famous spot, expect it to be crowded anytime. But here’s a tips for selfies and other photographs: people love taking pictures of the front view, so the sides of the structure are open for your solo pics.
◘◘ All sides are a pretty and good enough for your photos. A kind reminder though that the second floor of the mansion is off limits. I see selfies taken there, and it just makes me sad. Travel responsibly, guys! Mind the signages! Better safe than sorry!
◘◘ The Ruins is open for guests from 8:00am to 8:00pm
◘◘ Expect the most number of people in the evening. But you can also enjoy the place in the morning and appreciate more of its beauty.
◘◘ There is a fine restaurant inside, in case you’re hungry.
Wrap-up
Most people say The Ruins is one good representation of the beauty coming from a tragic history. And I couldn’t agree more. Sometimes, the more painful the past has been, the more we learn and molded to unexpected beauty.
The Ruins is located at Talisay City, Bacolod negros Occidental. Tehy’re open to public daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
For more information and latest updates, visit their website: www.theruins.com.ph or yo ucan email them for inquiries at lacson_mansion@yahoo.com.ph
Have you been to Bacolod before? Have you seen The Ruins yet? Share your experience!