Ilog — First Capital of Negros & Kisi-Kisi Festival
Ilog, Negros Occidental · about 82 km from 3ACs Apartment, Talisay City
The town where Negros was first governed — famous for oysters and the shrimp-dance Kisi-Kisi Festival.
About
Quiet riverside Ilog was the very first capital of Negros in the 18th century. Today it is best known for its seafood, especially talaba (oysters), and for the Kisi-Kisi Festival every March, whose street dancers copy the quick darting moves of shrimps, prawns and fish. Come for the festival, or any day for fresh oysters and a look at the old town by the Ilog River.
History
Ilog served as the capital of Negros from 1734 until the seat moved to Himamaylan. Kabankalan was once one of its barrios, becoming a town in 1907.
Why visit
History and oysters, and a lively festival in March.
How to get there
Ilog town proper, about 21 km south of Binalbagan, off the national highway near Kabankalan.
- Bus Bacolod–Kabankalan, then jeepney/tricycle
Prices (estimates)
- FestivalFree to watch
- OystersMarket prices
Hours / best time: Kisi-Kisi Festival around March 25; town open daily
Nearby places
- Balicaocao Highland Eco-Park — Hilltop park with a sweeping view of Kabankalan, sunsets and city lights.
- Mag-aso Falls — Twin falls dropping into a turquoise pool — 108 steps down into the gorge.
- Himamaylan Old Capital, Church & Hamungaya Campsite — The old capital of Negros: church ruins in town, a hilltop campsite above, seafood and mangos on the coast.
- Binadlan Falls (Bambi Falls) — Binalbagan's upland waterfall, now easier to reach on a new concrete road.
- Hinigaran Oysters (Talabahan) & Tagda Pier — Fresh, cheap oysters on the highway in the 'Oyster Capital' of Negros Occidental.