Himamaylan, city of the Philippines in the province of Negros Occidental
Himamaylan is a coastal city in Negros Occidental with a natural harbor where deep waters make it easy for ships to come and go. The city sits on mostly flat and fertile land with rivers that help with drainage and shape daily life throughout the area.
Himamaylan became the capital of Negros Island in 1795 under Spanish rule and served as a base for Spanish military operations with fortress structures. The city remained important during American occupation and World War II, then was officially declared a city in 2001.
Himamaylan's name comes from an old story about a skin disease called hima that affected early settlers, causing their feet to swell. The name preserves this memory of the past and the people who lived here. Visitors can see today how local traditions stay alive in festivals, markets, and the way neighbors know each other and gather together.
The city is about 2 hours south of Bacolod by car and is easy to reach by bus and vans. Visitors can walk around, explore markets, or reach coastal attractions like Acapulco Summer Resort and Batang Peninsula Beach Resort by motorcycle or car.
The city's name comes from an unusual history: early inhabitants suffered from a skin disease called hima, and that word became the place's name. This detail shows how a medical problem from ancient times shaped the identity of an entire location for hundreds of years.
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