Himamaylan, Philippines

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Himamaylan, Philippines

Region: Negros Occidental


Geographic Coordinates: 10.100000, 122.867000
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 35.0°C (73°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 116240
Language: Filipino

Himamaylan is a city located in Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is known for its cultural heritage, Natural scenery, And friendly locals. The city has a land area of 37, 727 hectares and a population of approximately 106, 880 people as of 2020. One of the main attractions in Himamaylan is the Mambukal Mountain Resort which offers hot springs, Swimming pools, Hiking trails and outdoor activities such as zip-lining and wall climbing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Mambukal Forest Reserve which boasts an impressive array of flora and fauna.

The Balay ni Tana Dicang Museum is another popular destination showcasing artifacts that depict Negros Occidental’s life during Spanish colonial times along with collections from local artists such as paintings, Sculptures etc. Himamaylan celebrates several festivals throughout the year including Pasalamat Festival honoring their patron saint San Sebastian; Sinulog Festival showcasing traditional dances; Sag-ahan Festival celebrating their agricultural heritage; Kalamayan Festival highlighting local products such as sugarcane-based delicacies. The economy primarily relies on agriculture with sugarcane being its main crop. Other industries include fishing and handicrafts production.

In terms of transportation infrastructure Himamaylan has two major ports – one for commercial use while another caters to small boats for fishing purposes – that connect it to neighboring cities via sea travel. Additionally there are bus terminals within the city offering daily trips to different parts of Negros Island. Overall Himamaylan offers visitors a unique experience with its blend of natural beauty coupled with rich cultural heritage making it a must-visit destination in Negros Occidental.



Important Landmarks

  1. Mag-aso Falls – A popular waterfall located in Barangay Mag-aso.
  2. Mambukal Mountain Resort – A mountain resort with hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  3. Balay ni Tana Dicang – A heritage house that showcases the traditional lifestyle of Negrense people during the Spanish colonial period.
  4. St. Joseph Parish Church – A historic church built during the Spanish colonial era.
  5. Tinagong Dagat Island – An uninhabited island known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.
  6. Suyac Island Marine Reserve – A protected marine area with diverse marine life ideal for snorkeling and diving activities.
  7. The Old Railway Bridge – An old railway bridge built during the American colonial period that offers a scenic view of Himamaylan River.
  8. The Bamboo Forest at Brgy Caradio-an – An eco-tourism destination that features a bamboo forest park where visitors can experience nature walks, camping or picnics with family or friends.
  9. The Tabugon Bird Sanctuary – Located in Brgy Tabugon is a bird sanctuary where migratory birds flock to rest before continuing their journey southward to Australia/New Zealand from Siberia/China/Japan/Korea etc..

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture (sugarcane farming)
  2. Fishing
  3. Handicrafts production
  4. Small-scale businesses such as retail stores and food establishments
  5. Growing tourism industry with several resorts and beach destinations

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Himamaylan was a significant event during the Philippine-American War on September 20, 1900. Filipino revolutionaries led by General Aniceto Lacson fought against American forces.
  2. Aniceto Lacson was a revolutionary leader and general who played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish and American colonial rule. He was born in Himamaylan on April 17, 1857.
  3. Leon Kilat fought against Spanish colonial rule in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas region. It is said that he sought refuge in Himamaylan during his rebellion.
  4. Dr. Jose Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines who inspired many Filipinos to fight for independence from Spain through his writings and activism. It is said that he visited Himamaylan during his travels across the country.
  5. The Himamaylan Sugar Mill was established in 1918 and played a significant role in shaping the local economy of Himamaylan as well as contributing to the development of Negros Occidental province as one of the major sugar-producing regions in the country.
  6. Vicente Gustilo served as governor of Negros Occidental province from 1968 to 1986, initiating various infrastructure projects that benefited not only Himamaylan but also other towns within his jurisdiction.
  7. Lino Brocka, a renowned film director from Manila, shot some scenes for his movie Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (You Crawled Through Mud) at a sugarcane plantation near Himamaylan back in the 1990s.
  8. Fructuoso Reyes Jr., an educator and writer born on August 16,1953 at Baranggay Caradio-an,Himamayan,Negros Occidental authored several books including Himamaylan: A Historical and Cultural Perspective.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Himamaylan City Museum showcases the history and culture of the city through exhibits and artifacts.
  2. St. Augustine Church is a historic church that dates back to 1859, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
  3. The Ruins is a popular tourist spot located in nearby Talisay City, featuring the remains of a mansion built in the early 1900s.
  4. Balay ni Tan Juan Museum is a privately owned museum that displays antique furniture, pottery, and other artifacts from Negros Occidental.
  5. Mag-aso Falls is a stunning waterfall located just outside of Himamaylan City that offers swimming opportunities and scenic views.
  6. Panaad Park and Stadium is an expansive park and sports complex located in Bacolod City, featuring various attractions like gardens, pavilions, museums, and more.
  7. Negros Museum is another museum located in Bacolod City that showcases the history and culture of Negros Occidental through exhibits on art, anthropology, archaeology etc.
  8. San Sebastian Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Bacolod City with an impressive facade adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  9. Campuestohan Highland Resort – A popular theme park situated atop a hill overlooking Bacolod City with various rides/attractions for all ages to enjoy.
  10. Mambukal Mountain Resort- A mountain resort with hot springs where guests can relax amidst nature’s beauty while enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking or swimming in natural pools surrounded by lush greenery.



Cultural Events

  1. Kali-Kalihan Festival – This festival is held every January to celebrate the bountiful harvest of sugarcane. The festival features street dancing, parades, and other cultural performances.
  2. Himaya-an Festival – This festival is held every May to celebrate the founding anniversary of Himamaylan City. It showcases various cultural activities such as street dancing competition, beauty pageant, sports events, and a food fair.
  3. Sinulog sa Kabankalan – Held every third week of January in nearby Kabankalan City which is only 30 minutes away from Himamaylan City by bus or jeepney ride.
  4. Panaad sa Negros Festival – Held annually in Bacolod City which is around 45 minutes away from Himamaylan by bus or jeepney ride.
  5. MassKara Festival – Held annually in Bacolod City during the month of October which is also around 45 minutes away from Himamaylan by bus or jeepney ride.
  6. Pasalamat Festival – Celebrated annually during November as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest season with various activities like street dance competition and parade floats showcasing local products and delicacies of the city.
  7. Tawo-Tawo Festival – A unique event that takes place on February 11th each year where people dress up as scarecrows (Tawo-Tawo) to protect their crops against birds while celebrating their agricultural heritage through music and dance performances.
  8. Hinugyaw Festival – A celebration held on January 10th each year that honors Santo Niño de Cebu with traditional dances like Ati-atihan along with live music performances throughout the day until late at night.

Cuisine

  • Some popular local cuisine in Himamaylan, Philippines are:
    • Inasal – grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice and spices
    • Puto Maya – a sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves
    • Sinigang na Baboy – a pork stew with tamarind broth and vegetables
    • Adobo – meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and other spices
  • There are several restaurants in Himamaylan that serve these dishes including:
    • Ann’s Kitchenette
    • Jollibee
    • Mang Inasal
    • Tita’s Grill House

    Parks and Recreation

    1. Himamaylan Eco-Park
    2. Bantug Lake Ranch
    3. Mambukal Mountain Resort
    4. Campuestohan Highland Resort
    5. The Ruins in Talisay City (not technically in Himamaylan, but nearby)
    6. Beaches along the coast of Hinoba-an (also nearby)
    7. Hiking and trekking in the nearby mountains and forests
    8. Visiting local markets and festivals for cultural experiences
    9. Swimming, boating, and fishing at various lakes and rivers in the area
    10. Exploring historical landmarks such as churches and ancestral homes

    Suitcase

    Dream, Travel, Repeat.


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