Exploring the Pine-Clad Charms of Negros | Bacolod's Little Baguio!

One of the most unforgettable trips we had on the island of Negros was to be able to explore the so-called Little Baguio of Bacolod. Here’s a little description of what Baguio is in the Philippines - Baguio City is known to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines! This city has the coolest climate in our country making it the place to be the favorite escape of Filipinos who live in the bustling and warm cities. This city is home to tropical pine forests that give a refreshing ambiance of nature which Filipinos love to seek.

Traveling to Baguio is costly. From the articles I read, the cost of living there is highly expensive. So if one plans to go to Baguio one should have a well-prepared budget for the trip and yes some attire for the cold weather. I searched some of the info about the place as this is one of my bucket lists. And imagining that I’m there in Baguio, strolling along the tall pines gives me a chill! It has me saying, “Just wait a little Baguio, I’ll come very soon!*” It’s my dream- a road trip going there!

But little did I know that before 2023 ends I’d got a taste of Baguio! At a lower cost and in an unexpected timeframe! Waaaahhh!!! Let’s go Taraaa! Let’s together feel BAGUIO!

Little Baguio : Don Salvador Benedicto, Bacolod

A forest of lush and towering pine trees perched on the hills of Don Salvador Benedicto, Bacolod served as the island’s grand welcome to us for our tri-city tour in Negros. Instead of the boring plane highway flanked by sugarcane fields, our driver took the scenic Calatrava route enabling us to see the magnificent mountain terrains of Negros!

After a couple of hours traveling on a winding road where I saw nothing but only lush green vegetation, finally we arrived at our destination, the enchanting Little Baguio of Bacolod!

The first word that escaped my lips was a “slow wow”. The pine trees were proudly standing gracefully extending their branches with each other. They are beautiful!

As we walked towards the forest, it honestly felt surreal. We didn’t have the luxury of such a vast pine forest in my countryside. I instantly feel the majestic ambiance of the forests. Huhu.

I don’t know if they were planted there intentionally, or if they just naturally sprouted there a long time ago. But as I look at its distance and arrangement from each other, I could say someone planted this treasure for how many years ago.

The trees were of different sizes, and they all had unique features in their stems and branches. But their diversity harmoniously unified into one beautiful forest of pines! It was picturesque!

By the size of the woods, I could say these pine trees are relatively young, I believe they could expand more and I couldn’t imagine the beauty of this forest 10 to 20 years from now!

There were also random groups of rocks in the forest evoking a vibe like the scenes I watched in Korean movies. I regretted that time that I didn’t wear clothes that would complement the beauty of the forest. Huhu.

The forest was exuding a refreshing ambiance one would yearn for. Everywhere you looked you would see nothing but only green and earthy brown, from grasses, the branches of the pine trees, and the distant views. Everything was just so refreshing, and cool and the wind was chilly. Though the sunlight was out there peeking through the leaves it only provided the perfect balance of the atmosphere and the overall sense of refreshment and tranquility.

I noticed that some tourists also dropped by the place just to unwind. Some travelers were enjoying the food they brought with them under the trees.

I strolled around and inhaled all the positive energy the forest was exuding. Haha. And it just feels so great breathing all the freshness and serenity the forest is giving. Meanwhile, our kids also enjoyed running and examining the trees! It was their first time seeing a forest and I could tell that was also amazed like me!

Bacolod’s little Baguio is more than just a destination, it is an enchanting echo of Baguio’s charm. It was my dream to see and feel the tropical pine forests and I am more grateful to have a taste of it in Bacolod. Its picturesque view, its refreshing breezes, and its cool embrace added to my anticipation to visit the real one someday!