Sagay City - Negros Occidental Destinations

Sagay City

It is a city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Sagay City is a 2nd class city in the northenmost tip of the province of Negros Occidental. It is about 84 kilometers or two hours travel by land from the province’s capital city, Bacolod. The name was taken from the semi-spherical shells called sigay which are found abundant on its seashores.


Home of the Sinigayan Festival and known as the “Garden City of the North,” Sagay has a number of unique tourist attractions to offer its visitors. Probably the most frequently visited part of the city is the Sagay Marine Reserve, a 32,000 hectare area that includes Carbin Reef, Panal Reef, Maca Reef and Maca Shoal. Its white sand beaches and pristine waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Even in shallow water, there are corals and coral fishes to see.


Located on the shoreline directly facing the Sagay Marine Reserve is the The Museo Sang Bata sa Negros (MSBN). It is a hands-on, interactive museum for children focused on the marine environment. The museum has an interesting whale-shaped edifice and is located at the port area of Brgy. Old Sagay, 5.5 kilometers from the city proper. MSBN has four permanent exhibit areas: The Marine Story, ABCs of Smoking, Las Islas Filipina and the Hampanganan toy room.


The biggest annual event in the city, the Sinigayan Festival, is celebrated every 19th day of March. The word is derived from 'sigay', the name of a hardy, bright-shelled mollusk that abounds in the sandy shores of Sagay. The festival is a thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay--the arts, culture, products, and its people.


Other points of interest in the city include the Balay Kauswagan, which is a good venue for seminars, skills training, art exhibits, trade fairs, wedding receptions, and also offers accommodations to tourists; the City Garden and the Living Tree Museum; the Vito Church which was built in the 1800’s; and a steam train called the Legendary Siete which is in display at the city plaza.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Philippine Travel

Experience Negros

Museo Sang Bata sa Negros Foundation, Inc.

Philippines Festivals

 

Also check out Sagay City Website