The trees reclaim what was once taken and give back tenfold.
If you are looking for a place with excellent internet connectivity, then look elsewhere because this place prioritizes a connection with nature. Northern Negros Natural Park stands as one of the Philippines’ ecological features, spanning over 80,454 hectares across several municipalities. The area was established as a forest reserve in 1935, and its status was elevated to a nature park in 2005. This serves as a protected area that has earned its reputation as a watershed for the communities in Negros. It shelters diverse biodiversity, including some critically endangered species, such as the Bleeding Heart pigeon, the Spotted Deer in Visayan, and the Rufous-headed hornbill. Preserving the park was the result of collaborative efforts between DENR Region 6, the local government unit, and other community groups to protect the sanctuary and its natural beauty.
Green Room
The park’s topography resembles a natural amphitheater, allowing visitors to experience the lush forest surroundings. At the same time, adventurers can discover hidden wonders like Malatan-og and Pulang Tubig Waterfalls or embark on a trek at the heart of the park that connects San Bacolod to San Carlos through a green corridor.
Treebellion in the Wild
The conservation of the natural park is seen as a reflection of both its struggles and triumphs, as it marks a turning point for this issue following decades of commercial logging and the 2005 designation as a natural park under NIPAS. Even though they are threatened with illegal activities and development pressures, they still recover through their reforestation efforts. The canopy covered 8.4% of the area, as the park’s survival still owes much to the fierce community opposition against the proposal to convert the place into a protected establishment. Military personnel are now working alongside forest rangers in patrolling the area, while local communities have implemented a more sustainable land use policy, utilizing a 60-30-10 reforestation approach.
Nature’s VIP List
The place has been one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in the Philippines, which shelters endemic species in its ecosystem, with rare sightings that include the Visayan warty pig, Rufous-headed hornbill, Visayan spotted deer, the Negros bleeding, and the towering trees that have stood for centuries. Partners for conservation, such as the Zoological Society and the Save Our Natural Treasures Network, conduct regular assessments of biodiversity, which document the recovery of species. It serves as an outdoor classroom where researchers study ecological restoration while some adventurers participate in annual trail runs through its landscape. Paired with the community-led campaigns, these activities foster a growing pride for protecting the Negros Occidental’s Natural Heritage.
How To Get There?
Exact Location: Silay, Negros Occidental
- By Car: If you’re driving from Bacolod City, head north towards Silay via the Bacolod–Silay Access Road. Once in Silay, you can use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze by entering “Northern Negros Natural Park” as your destination. The route will guide you through barangays and interior roads that gradually lead into the mountainous areas of the park. The streets are generally accessible by private vehicles, though some parts may get rough near the forest zones, so a sturdy car is ideal.
- By Commute: From Bacolod City, head to the Northbound Ceres Terminal and board a bus or jeepney bound for Silay or Victorias. From Silay, you can ride a local jeepney or tricycle to the upland barangays, such as Patag, which serve as common entry points into the park. These local transport options are accustomed to ferrying hikers and locals alike, especially those visiting waterfalls, eco-resorts, or forest trails in the area.
The park embodies the resilient spirit of both the community and nature, representing more than just a protective area. It recovers the forest, which tells a story of redemption, where a once-damaged landscape now shelters critically endangered species and purifies the air for millions amid the ongoing pollution in the world. Visitors can relax under the cathedral-like canopies or witness waterfalls cascading down through volcanic slopes, experiencing a living testament to determination and conservation that many of us can strive for. The Northern Negros Natural Park is not just a haven for natural wonders and sightseeing. Still, it also thrives, proving that even a critically endangered ecosystem can succeed through hard work, love, and collaboration. The Park is not just for environmental safety but also a connection to the soul within.
