Don Salvador Benedicto is a 4th class municipality under the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines, which is best known for its cool temperature and ambiance, hence, called “the little Baguio of Negros.” It is the ideal vacation place in Negros to unwind and relax.

But first of all, who is Don Salvador Benedicto?

Don Salvador was the late Vice Governor of Negros Occidental that played an important role in the Revolutionary Government of Negros Island Barangay Igmaya-an, when the country was occupied by the Japanese during World War II.

Unlike different highlands, the road going to Salvador Benedicto is cemented and has  four wide lanes which is suitable for cars, motorcyles, bus and even trucks. It takes approximately about an hour to finish the 47km travel from Bacolod City.

And as you approach the town, you can see and feel the sudden change and difference of ambiance. Don Salvador Benedicto welcomes you with a very green environment containing various types of trees especially pine trees.

Here are some of the tourist attractions in Don Salvador Benedicto:

• La Guada Cafe
• Malatan-og Falls
• Lion Statue & View Deck
• Maranatha Camp Site
• Don Salvador Pine Trees
• Terraza Cafe
• Jomax Peak

 

Below are my personal go-to places in Don Salvador Benedicto

• First, I usually stop by at the La Guada Cafe to enjoy a coffee with a view. The cafe itself is located at the peak of the hill.

 

Proper position and angle of camera will make a good instagram photo.

 

But how about the foods? They specialize in different Filipino foods, namely native foods such as “suman”, “suman latik”, “biko”, “budbod”, “ibos”, alupe” and many other more.

 

• Next, if you want to unwind, Jomax Peak is the place for you! Introducing the home to the sea of clouds in Negros Occidental

 

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Jomax Peak is an exclusive campsite, picnic ground and flower sanctuary in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental which is owned by Atty. Jomax Ortiz. It is the perfect destination if you want to escape the busy traffic and polution of the city.

 

Be in awe of the panoramic mountain scenery. You’ll get an awesome mountain view experience from the balcony; therefore making it one of the instagrammable destinations in the region.

Here’s a short preview of what to expect there:

Things to do to make your stay worthwhile:

1. Enjoy the view itself, especially the bed of clouds.
2. Take as many photos as you can.
3. Have as many cup of their home brewed coffee as you like, don’t worry they’re unlimited.
4. You can also try their icy pool if you’re up for a challenge.
5. Or you can just simply rest, relax and unwind.

 

This is surely a place you want to revisit! But make sure to have your reservations ready beforeheand.

• Last but not the least, one of the best staycation villa in Don Salvador Benedicto—Salvio’s Vacation Villa at KM55

The villa is located at Kilometer 55, Don Salvador Benedicto which is owned by Mr. Lito Salvio along with the 3 other villas—the Mountain Villa, the Forest Villa and their newly opened Poolside Villa.

• Vacation Villa— P3800 for weekdays, P5000 for weekends — good for 5-15 persons — contains 2 bedrooms, 2 comfort rooms, 2 single bed, 1 king size bed, 1 refrigerator, hot and cold shower, 2 dining table, water dispenser, flat screen tv, and a cctv monitor.

 

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• Mountain Villa— P2500 for weekdays P3000 for weekends — good for 5-8 persons (P200 for the extra beds) —  contains 2 Mountain Cabin style single beds, 1 pull out bed, 1 king size bed, 1 refrigerator, hot and cold shower and outside table and chairs.

 

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• Forest Villa— located between Vacation Villa and Mountain Villa — P2,500 — good for 2-5 guests (P200 for the extra beds)–contains 1 king size bed, a kitchen, hot and cold shower and a refrigerator.

 

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• Poolside Villa— located below Vacation Villa — good for 5-8 guests — contains 2 bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, hot and cold shower, and an infinity pool.

 

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Food? Guests can cook food at their own but should observe proper disposal of the wastes and leftovers. Outside grill and other tools are provided as well as the dining wares.

 

Me and my friends cooked our own food and decided to have an evening boodle fight with the assistance of the villas housekeeper for the banana leaves.

 

On the other hand, they also have a cafe that caters meals and snacks to be delivered at your doorstep upon request.

 

And if you are thinking about activities, well there’s a lot to do. You can organize your own outdoor activities, but just make sure to limit your noise. They can set up a bonfire
for you, just pay the caretaker 100 pesos for the woods and preparation.

They also offer trekking to an underground river (accompanied by a tour guide) for only 100 per head – including the safety helmets and native “baston”. It would take about 20 mins to reach the jump off site which is 2 km away from the villa.

Even though weak cellular reception may be observed, it’s not really a big problem. Just enjoy the time and the cozy ambiance that is best paired with a cup of coffee. So take your staycation into a new level and visit Don Salvador Benedicto. 

 

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This is an experience worth trying!