Sta. Maria Magdalena Church, Hinigaran
Hinigaran, Negros Occidental · about 55 km from 3ACs Apartment, Talisay City
ChurchHeritage
One of the best-preserved Spanish-era churches in Negros, with a landmark brick tower.
About
A massive coral-block church whose single brick bell tower tells highway travellers they've reached Hinigaran. Look for the two small 'Judas' doors in the main entrance. Stop for Hinigaran's famous oysters and royal bibingka while in town.
History
Construction began in 1858 under Fr. Francisco Ayarra, using coral and hardwood brought from Guimaras, Palawan and upland Hinigaran.
Why visit
A quick, photogenic heritage stop on the southern highway.
How to get there
Hinigaran town proper, along the national highway — about 1.25 hours south of Bacolod.
- Ceres bus south (get off at Hinigaran)
Prices (estimates)
- EntranceFree
Hours / best time: Open daily
Nearby places
- Hinigaran Oysters (Talabahan) & Tagda Pier — Fresh, cheap oysters on the highway in the 'Oyster Capital' of Negros Occidental.
- Pontevedra — Food Basket & Handurayo Festival — A coastal farm town nicknamed the 'Food Growth Center' of the province, with a May festival.
- Binadlan Falls (Bambi Falls) — Binalbagan's upland waterfall, now easier to reach on a new concrete road.
- Our Lady of Candles Church, San Enrique — A Recollect parish from 1867 in a small rice-and-sugar town between Valladolid and Pontevedra.
- Glory Hill, Isabela — A hilltop pilgrimage site with a 45-foot steel cross and wide views of the sugarcane plains.