Enchanted by The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental
May was a hectic month of sorts for me this year. My sis, her hubby and two kids came all the way from Prague for a three-week vacation, so I decided to mark the whole month as H-O-L-I-D-A-Y in big capital letters. 😉 My niece from Cebu also came for a weekend visit which simply added more to our family bonding and fun! I made a mini-trip itinerary for her so she can maximize her 3D2N stay; she told me she just needed to visit nearby attractions and eat Bacolod chicken inasal. Pretty easy, eh? With those simple requirements, going to the popular Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia, about an hour’s drive from Bacolod, was checked off the list.
As I mulled over a list of tourist attractions in Negros Occidental, The Ruins came up as a good option. It’s not only a popular tourist spot, it’s also very near our place, located in Hacienda Santa Maria, Talisay City. The rough road leading to the place can be frustrating though but once you see part of the interesting structure of The Ruins gradually coming to view, you know an out-of-the-ordinary experience waits ahead.
After settling entrance fees, our van proceeded to the parking area located at the back. We couldn’t wait to explore the place again, and at the rear entrance, a mini-golf course greeted us. Our next steps led us to a delightfully wide expanse of green, some beautifully landscaped areas, and a restaurant/café on the side. But I was enchanted with the main attraction, the stunning two-story skeletal structure of the ruins of the mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built in the 1900s for his first wife Maria Braga.
The Ruins is also fondly called the Taj Mahal of Negros.
At the second level of the structure.
The four-tiered fountain built after the construction of the mansion. The Japanese gardener who used to tend the plants around the fountain was later found out to be an informer.
Me and my cousin at the fountain.
At the Pizzeria, located at the side of the complex.
It was a Sunday when we went there and we found the place to be a bit crowded compared to our previous visits, there were even groups of foreign tourists aside from the usual local visitors. It’s good that the place is becoming well-known as a tourist spot, not only for the locals but for our foreign guests. Last year, we had family guests from Europe who found the place very interesting especially when they had dinner there as part of their trip itinerary. They are well-traveled, savvy tourists who’ve been to Japan, Hawaii, North America and other parts of the world, but according to one of them, dining amidst the ruins of a mansion was a first.
Visitors and tourists enjoying the weekend at The Ruins.
During our latest visit, my sister’s two kids immediately liked the place. We climbed up the steep steps leading to the second floor, which was quite scary because there are no railings and hand guides on the stairs and the floor beams.
The four-tiered fountain as seen from the second floor.
I don’t recommend kids to climb up to the second level, although my 4-year old niece went up and she would not even let me hold her hand! For adults, it’s definitely a must to go up and enjoy an interesting view of the whole complex from the top.
A view of the complex from the second floor.
If you have a day to laze about, The Ruins is the place to go as it displays a different character with each hour – noticeably at midday, at sunset and early evening. The place is an ideal venue for photographers, whether hobbyists or pros. During our visit, there were some photography enthusiasts on standby with their tripods, patiently waiting for that perfect shot.
A different view at the four-tiered fountain area at sunset.
The mini-golf course located at the rear area of the complex.
The fascinating structure of The Ruins, enhanced by the rough interesting texture of its walls and columns, plus the well-landscaped lawn, makes the place a perfect backdrop for photo and video shoots during special events such as wedding receptions and birthdays.
The Ruins at sunset
Getting there
The easiest route to The Ruins is via Bata Subdivision. I don’t recommend the route via the Honda Cars Showroom in Talisay City as it entails a very rough and bumpy ride. If you’re driving from Bacolod City, turn right when you reach the PEPSI Bottling Plant; you are now in Bata Subdivision. After approximately 600 meters on the road, you will see a big signage on the left greeting you with “This way to The Ruins”, turn left to enter a narrow street that leads to Rose Lawn Memorial Garden. Turn right, you will see a guard house, leave your driver’s license and proceed to The Ruins by following the red and yellow signages that serve as guides. I think there are tricycles available at the PEPSI Bottling Plant that will readily take you to The Ruins. Most taxi drivers in Bacolod City are also familiar with going there, so you can easily hire one.
About The Ruins
Entrance Fees:
Adults – Php60.00
Students with valid I.D. and Senior citizens – Php40.00
Student groups (20 or more) – Php40.00
child (below 8 years old) – Php20.00
The Ruins can also be contacted for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Telephone Numbers: +63 34 476-4334 / +63 917 832-6003
E-mail address: ruins@theruins.com.ph
Website: www.theruins.com.ph
Check out The Ruins photo album in our Facebook page (facebook.com/happystepstravel) for bigger photos.
never been to the ruins yet, thanks for sharing tips how to go here, may visit this when i visit home not so soon 🙂
Betchai, hey, it’s been awhile… I’ll drop by your blog soon. Hmmm… when are you visiting home? Do let me know when…hope we could meet! 🙂
will surely let you know Carey, maybe this December, but I will let you know when my sched is definite.
Hi, I didn’t realize you lived here in Negros. Would you like to join the Negros Bloggers group? Contact me!
Sure, thanks for the invite. I’m just not always here in Negros, but would be happy to join. Will send you an email soon.
Wow! This is one place I’d definitely love visiting.
Rizza (beingwell)
Hi Rizza! Yup, this is a great place to drop by, not only for tourists, even the locals enjoy visiting regularly here for coffee or dinner, or just enjoying the peaceful and quiet ambiance esp. during weekdays.
Whenever you visit Bacolod , The ruins in Talisay City is a must. I have never been to Mambukal though. Sigh…
Aw, you missed Mambukal. Next time then… 🙂
Is it near Silay City? The place is so picturesque by the way 😀
Not really near, maybe about 15 mins. drive. I see you’re familiar with Silay, it’s the city next to Talisay.
this was one of what I missed to visit when I dropped by to Neg Oc.. 🙁
Awww… I bet you had a limited time. Dibale, next time, make sure to drop by the ruins.
thanks for sharing this is very informative
You’re welcome!
HERITAGE+BEAUTY!!
Indeed. What a way to describe it in just two words. 🙂
one of my friend visited here and they amazingly!! xx
Glad your friend enjoyed visiting the ruins. 🙂
The ruins looks great. It’s well maintained and clean.
Yup, this is why the entrance fee is relatively higher than average. It’s worth it though.
Never heard this place before. It’s nice to see that we got places like this in the Philippines! A must visit place! 🙂
Yup, it’s really a unique place. You can have a fashion photography session here if you like. 😉
its so beautiful, i never been to negros, great blog, i liked your fb page 🙂
Thanks. Do include Negros in your future trips. Liked your fb page too! 🙂
wow, i have seen this place and its really wonderful! you have great photos as well!
Glad to know you have visited the ruins. Thanks for appreciating the photos, they’re better viewed in larger sizes if you click on the Facebook gallery link at the end of the post. 🙂
looks like a great a place.. i will check this out when I have a chance to go to talisay negros occidental
Sure, do check out the place when you’ll visit Negros.
The ruins remind me of Manderlay Mansion in the 1940 film “Rebecca.”
You made me Google for that film, lol. The Ruins story is interesting as well. It’s just unfortunate that this once beautiful mansion was intentionally burned down during WWII.
wow! beautiful pics! i’m from negros, but i’ve never been there. 🙁
It’s only been recognized as a tourist destination lately. Even the road going there is not via a highway or public road; you need to drive through a subdivision, passing thru residences to get there.
looking forward to have my own set of this photos on october! 🙂 great shots!
Wow, you’re coming for the MassKara Festival this year. Hope you’ll enjoy your stay in the City of Smiles!
I’ve been to Bacolod many times when I was still studying in Iloilo..
Really a fascinating city.
The Ruins where not as popular then.
Wish I could have visited this place when it was still an off beaten path.
Yup, it’s only been recently that people are discovering The Ruins and considering it as one of Negros’ tourist attractions. Fortunately the owners are upgrading the place, offering more for their guests.
I’ve seen several pictures of the Ruins but this perhaps would be the best ones. ^_^
Awww… thanks! 🙂
this ruined building looks amazing and not the typical old ones, it looked so new.
Maybe the structure’s present condition looks new due to the tough high quality concrete mixture used for the walls and columns, when it was built, which survived the 3 days of being intentionally burned down.