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This is one place that is never to be skipped especially when you are heading to Negros Occidental. Just a few minutes away from Bacolod City lies the commonly known as “Taj Mahal of Negros” or “The Ruins” of Talisay City, Negros Occidental (except that there’s no one buried here).

The Ruins of Talisay City

The Ruins of Talisay City has become famous for its naturally ruined beauty. The Ruins was built to memorialize the great love of a husband to his departed wife. Currently, the family of the grandson of Mercedes, Mr. Raymund Javellana, owns and maintains The Ruins.
Here’s how the love story goes that made to build the mansion, now called, The Ruins: This Love Story of Fame, Power & Tragedy is Why “The Ruins” are a Valentines Destination | Source: Choose Philippines
Please be guided that there is some misinformation about where the place is located. The Ruins is located in Talisay City and NOT in Bacolod City.

Our Experience at The Ruins

Arriving at around 11 am, it was really hot that day. Upon entry at the gate, we waited for a few minutes for the entrance personnel to go to the front desk. We paid ₱ 100.00 each per entry.
The Ruins ground area is like a huge garden full of benches, trees, and plants. It’s almost like a park but with an entrance fee. We didn’t look around for long because the heat is melting so we headed straight to The Ruins or the mansion itself.

We were approached by a lady who was asking if we would like to ride the shuttle van going back to Bacolod City so she told us the schedule and how much it cost. After a brief conversation, we looked around and I immediately aimed to look for the glass table where the famous mirror shots are taken.
Yes, the mirror shots are a reflection from the glass table just outside in front of the cafe and not something created by nature (like water pond or fountain). Just open your mind for creativity and you will achieve the perfect shots you wanted.

There’s also a fountain across the supposedly main entrance of the mansion and it’s quite adorable for photos as well. When we got there, there’s a wedding that was scheduled by 2:30 pm so we were lucky enough to get there by 11 am as the whole area will be closed for the wedding. I’m saying it’s a great location for the wedding ceremony!

Because of the scorching heat outside, we went inside the mansion. The details of the pillars of the mansion can still be recognized and it’s an amazing work I must say. There’s a cart inside for photo ops, a wall full of the owner’s and its family portraits and history, and at last, a souvenir shop which is the only air-conditioned area in the mansion.

Honestly, there’s really nothing much to see inside The Ruins and I think that the entrance fee they are collecting (₱ 100.00 / head) is not at par to what the area has to offer. Nonetheless, it’s a good sight of history and a famous landmark but I don’t think I will ever go back again.
Note: According to locals, it’s best to see The Ruins during 6:00 pm onwards.

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The Ruins Entrance Fees

• Consumable (valid only on the Restaurant) — ₱ 300 (Optional)
• Adult — ₱100
• Senior Citizens / PWD — ₱70
• Students — ₱60
• Children (below 8 yrs. old) — ₱20
*Present IDs on the entrance to avail of the discount for Senior Citizens and Students.

How to Get to THE RUINS from Bacolod City by commute

1. From Bacolod City (or along Lacson St), ride a jeepney/cab bound to Bata-Libertad (northbound, going to Bata). The fare is only ₱ 8.00 per person.
2. Tell the driver to drop you off at Pepsi Plant (nearby Ceres North Terminal). You will also see a huge board along the road telling “This way to Ruins / Campuestohan”.

3. Hire a tricycle going to The Ruins. That will only cost ₱ 50.00 per person about 20 minutes ride.
4. Once you get to The Ruins, pay an entrance fee of ₱ 100.00 each and feel free to explore the area.

Going back to Bacolod City from The Ruins

1. There’s a shuttle van that leaves every 30 mins – 1 hour. They charge ₱ 50.00 each up until Robinson’s Bacolod and ₱ 70.00 each up until Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
2. If you want to commute, same directions apply as above. Outside the entrance of The Ruins are tricycle waiting for passengers. Each passenger costs ₱ 50.00 up until Pepsi Plant.
3. From Pepsi Plant, cross the street (hi-way) and look for jeepneys or cabs bound to Libertad. Each passenger costs ₱ 8.00.

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The Ruins Gallery

THE RUINS

Hacienda Sta. Maria, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Open daily from 8:30am to 9:00pm
Contact (+63) 917-832-6003 or (034) 476-4334 for inquiries.