Hinigaran

Hinigaran, Negros Occidental: A Quiet Stop on the Southern Highway

Hinigaran is a coastal town in southern Negros Occidental in the Visayas, about 55 kilometres south of Bacolod. Most people fly from Manila to Bacolod, which takes roughly an hour and a half, then continue south by road.

Hinigaran was never one of the main destinations during my trips around southern Negros Occidental. It was somewhere we regularly passed through while travelling between Bacolod and the projects we were working on further south.

Most of my time there involved driving through town, stopping for food or checking possible accommodation during our original reconnaissance trips. The standout was Paradiso del Sur Resort, which turned out to be a surprisingly attractive place hidden beside the highway.

My First Trip

I first passed through Hinigaran around June 2010 while we were searching for places that could potentially accommodate people working on our project. This was before we properly understood the area, so we were stopping at different towns and resorts to see what was available.

I cannot remember anyone specifically recommending Paradiso del Sur. From memory, we noticed it while driving along the highway and decided to pull over and have a look.

Paradiso del Sur Resort

Paradiso was much more open and accessible than some of the other resorts we inspected. We could drive straight in as ordinary visitors, walk around and take a few photos without any dramas.

The resort had a swimming pool, cottages, fountains, landscaped gardens and plenty of palm trees. I didn’t spend any time on the beach, although the property sits pretty close to it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the place. It wasn’t some five-star international resort, but it looked attractive, comfortable and well maintained for a regional property in 2010.

We didn’t stay overnight, eat at the restaurant or even stop long enough for a drink. It was basically a quick inspection before we continued south.

Paradiso would also make a decent weekend getaway if you’re based in Bacolod. It’s only around 55 kilometres away, or roughly an hour and a half by car, so you can get out of the city and chill out at a nice resort for the weekend.

Listings place Paradiso del Sur in Barangay Miranda and mention accommodation, a restaurant, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. If you’re thinking about staying, contact the resort directly because things may have changed since my visit.

Hinigaran Town

I drove through Hinigaran plenty of times, although I never properly explored the town as a tourist. It always felt more like a practical stop along the coastal highway than somewhere travellers would deliberately choose as their main destination.

That does not mean there is anything wrong with it. Hinigaran is a normal provincial town where people live, work and get on with their lives, which can be interesting if you want to see a side of Negros that has not been built around tourism.

Things to Do

Paradiso del Sur was the only place I personally stopped to inspect in Hinigaran. Other local options include the public plaza, coastal areas and several smaller resorts, although I cannot really provide any further recommendations.

Hinigaran works better as a short stop between Bacolod and destinations such as Kabankalan, Cauayan, Sipalay and Hinoba-an. I wouldn’t suggest building an entire Negros holiday around it unless you have a specific reason for staying there.

How Long Do You Need?

A couple of hours is enough if you are passing through and want to stop for lunch or have a look around. One night could work if you need to break up the journey south or want somewhere nice to stay near Bacolod.

Where to Stay

Paradiso del Sur remains the most obvious option based on my own brief visit. The pool, gardens and coastal setting made it more appealing than I expected, although my inspection happened back in 2010 and I did not see the rooms.

There are also several smaller inns and resorts around Hinigaran. Check recent photographs and reviews before booking because standards can vary and some online information may be outdated.

Best Time to Visit Hinigaran

December to May gives you the best chance of decent weather. Hinigaran is not somewhere you need to plan around the seasons too much, especially if you are only stopping briefly while travelling south.

How to Get to Hinigaran

From Bacolod, take a southbound Ceres bus from the Bacolod South Bus Terminal. Services run regularly throughout the day and the journey generally takes around two hours, depending on traffic and stops.

From Bacolod-Silay Airport, travel into Bacolod first and continue to the South Bus Terminal. A private car or van can take you directly from the airport to Hinigaran in roughly two to three hours, depending on traffic.

If you are driving south towards Kabankalan, Cauayan or Sipalay, Hinigaran sits directly along the main coastal route. Paradiso del Sur is in Barangay Miranda, outside the busiest part of town.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Hinigaran is primarily a stopover rather than a major tourist destination.
• Paradiso was only a brief visit, not somewhere I stayed overnight.
• Confirm the resort’s current facilities and room availability before travelling.
• Southbound buses from Bacolod pass through Hinigaran throughout the day.
• Paradiso is around 55 kilometres from Bacolod, making it an easy weekend escape.

You Might Also Like

Dezza’s Tip

If you’re based in Bacolod and want a quiet weekend away, Paradiso del Sur is worth checking out. It’s only around an hour and a half away by car, so it works well for an overnight stay without having to travel too far. If you’re already passing through Hinigaran, it’s also worth stopping for a look.

Where Is Hinigaran?