First-time Travel Guide: Bacolod City

A Travel Guide for First-time Travelers to Bacolod




Bacolod City (10° 40′ 12″ N, 122° 57′ 0″ E), known as the “City of Smiles”, is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, which composes one half of Negros Island. It is located in the Visayas part of the Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia with 7,107 islands.

This city has a rich history — from the bountiful sugar industry, to its downfall, to its rising from the ashes. But its most popular feature are its sweet food and its friendly people. It is home of the Masskara Festival, held every third weekend of October. (READ: Behind Masskara’s Smile)

Masskara Festival
Bacolod Masskara is all colorful and fun.

HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD

Points of Entry:  Bacolod is accessible through the Bacolod-Silay airport. Taxis and shuttle vans are available outside the arrival area that can take you to your hotel. If you are from outside the Philippines, you need to fly into one of the country’s hubs — Manila, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao — before you can get to Bacolod City.

From Manila: By plane, there are several flights everyday that serves the Manila-Bacolod and vice versa route. The flight is around an hour long. You can also opt to take the ship at the Port Area in Tondo, Manila, which will take you around 14 hours or more. If you are to take by private car, you can take the Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) via the nautical highway that will bring you through six ports and four major islands. (READ: Road Trip to Bacolod)

From Cebu: By plane, it is just 45 minutes from Cebu to Bacolod. Another option is to take the bus, which will travel to the Toledo port and will cross the sea by barge to the San Carlos port. The trip will last to about 6 or more hours.

From Iloilo: Bacolod is accessible from Iloilo for 45 minutes or more via ferry. Bringing a vehicle via barge is about an hour or two long.

From Davao: There are several direct flights from Davao to Bacolod every week. One can also travel to Bacolod from Davao via Iloilo or Cebu.

Websites for flights, shipping and bus schedules:

https://www.philippineairlines.com/
https://www.cebupacificair.com
http://www.supercat.com.ph/
http://travel.2go.com.ph
http://fastcat.com.ph/
http://www.oceanjet.net
https://www.weesam.ph

Bacolod City in the map
Map is by Cacahuate, amendments by Globe-trotter and Texugo – Own work based on the blank world map, CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22746383. Additional text and graphic by the author.

WHERE TO STAY IN BACOLOD

Here is a list of various hotels in Bacolod City where you can stay during your visit. Choose based on your preference. You can opt for cheap and affordable hotels, or one that can provide you with comfort and convenience.

L’Fisher Hotel/L’Fisher Chalet
14th Lacson Street
Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 433 3731
http://www.lfisherhotelbacolod.com/
READ: 10 Reasons to Spend the Holidays at L’Fisher Bacolod

Metro Inn
6th St., Narra Avenue
Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 435 1818
http://metroinnbacolod.com/
READ: Metro Inn Bacolod: A Perfect Holiday Staycation

Business Inn
No. 28 South Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Negros Occidental, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 433 8877
http://bacolodbusinessinn.com

Avenue Suites
12th Lacson St.,
Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 435 7777

Palmas Del Mar
J.R. Torres Avenue, Bacolod City
Negros Occidental, Philippines
(+63 34) 434 8987
http://www.palmasdelmarresort.net/
READ: Palmas del Mar: 20 Years of Fun Under the Sun

Go Hotels
Lacson Street, Mandalagan  Bacolod City
Negros Occidental, Philippines
(+63 34) 441 0506
http://www.gohotels.ph

Sugarland Hotel
Araneta Street, Singcang
Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 435 2691 to 99
http://sugarlandhotel.com

Planta Hotel
Corner Araneta & Roxas Sts.,
Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 468 0400
http://www.bacolodplantahotel.com/

Circle Inn
Lopez Jaena & Malaspina Sts., Capitol Shopping Center,
Bacolod City 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 709 9111; (+63 34) 709 9009
http://www.circleinnph.com

Saltimboca
15th St., Bacolod City
6100 Negros Occidental, Philippines
(+63 34) 432 3617
READ: Homey Saltimboca Tourist Inn

The Inns Bacolod by Oriental
18 San Juan Street
Barangay 13, Bacolod City, 6100 Philippines
(+63 34) 7042756 to 57
http://bacolod.theorientalhotels.com
READ: Your Stay, Your Rule at The Inns Bacolod

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod
M City Bacolod Complex Reclamation Area
Block 12 Palanca, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
(+63 34) 706 8888
READ: Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is now open


WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BACOLOD

You can create an itinerary based on the attractions below. Or, you can also refer to my post Five Days Around Bacolod, Silay, Talisay for an idea on how you can explore Bacolod and its vicinity.

Urban/Town Proper

  • City Plaza – see the daily activities by the locals and spot some interesting statues that have been there for many years.
  • Central Market – try the local coffee shops and stores that have become institutions in their own right.

Nature/Adventure

Historical/Cultural/Religious

  • San Sebastian Cathedral – this heritage structure is the seat of the Diocese of Bacolod
  • Negros Museum – know the history of the province through a visit at the Negros Museum
  • Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol – another heritage building in the city. Right in front of the Provincial Capitol is the man-made lagoon and park.

BACOLOD CITY IS ALSO THE GATEWAY TO

Beaches

  • Punta Ballo beach and Tinagong Dagat, Sipalay City – go on an island hop and enjoy the beautiful beaches, as well as the many snorkeling and diving sites. (READ: Sipalay City Island Hopping)
  • Lakawon Island, Cadiz City – roll on the white sand beach or simply bask under the sun in this private island where you can be away from the crowd while you can have fun on a floating bar called Tawhai. (READ: First-time in Lakawon Island)

Mountain attractions

  • Mambukal Resort, Murcia – trek to the falls, hike to the mountains, or take a dip at the hot spring. Mambukal has plenty to offer and you can even stay the night here. (READ: First-time in Mambukal)
  • Rapha Valley, Don Salvador Benedicto – another place to spend a night or two. This is a vegan’s or organic food-lover’s haven. But be sure to book in advance prior to your visit. (READ: First-time in Rapha Valley)
  • Campuestohan Highland Resort, Talisay – get near to the mountains, spend the night here, enjoy a swim in one of the pools, do some of the activities being offered here, and bond with your family and friends. (READ: First-time in Campuestohan)

Other sights





WHERE TO EAT IN BACOLOD

There are plenty of restaurants in Bacolod. In fact, one of the main things many travelers to this city enjoy is going into a food trip. From international cuisines to local dishes, Bacolod has many spectacular eateries. (READ: Global Food Trip in Bacolod Restaurants and Eat’s More Fun in Bacolod)

Below are restaurants that are homegrown in Bacolod that you will love to try.

Bob’s
B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City
+63 34 434 2409; +63 34 709 1307Ripples Restaurant
L’Fisher Hotel
15th Lacson St., Bacolod City
+63 34 433 3730

Negros Museum Café
Gatuslao St., Bacolod City
+63 916 9086641

Rau-Ram Café
Purok Marapara 1, Zone 2, Brgy. Bata
Bacolod City
+63 34 708 9036; +63 943 4923750

18th St. Pala-Pala Restaurant
18th Aguinaldo St., Brgy. 4, Bacolod City
+63 34 433 9153; +63 34 709 1267

Café Bob’s
21st Lacson Sts., Bacolod City
+63 34 707 0001; +63 34 709 1091

Izumi Authentic Ramen
Nolan Bldg., B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City
+63 34 917 325 2686

Delicioso Wine Food Coffee Restaurant
Lacson St., Mandalagan
Bacolod City
+63 34 435 0504

Tyrol Restaurant
Mayfair Place, 12th St., Bacolod City
+63 34 703 1878

Felicia’s Pastry Café and Steak Room Restaurant
6th St., Narra Avenue
Bacolod City
+63 34 433 6586

Welcome Home Foundation’s Natural Garden Café
Consuelo Ave., Villa Valderama
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
+63 927 816 8757; +63 34 441 203121 Bar and Restaurant
21st Lacson Sts., Bacolod City
+63 908 8913588, +63 34 433 4096

Imay’s Bar and Restaurant
6th St., Narra Avenue
Bacolod City
+63 34 434 4700; +63 34 434 5113

Quan Delicacies
La Salle Ave., Bacolod City
+63 34 434 6379

Café Uma
Paseo Verde, Lacson St.
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
+63 34 709 9966; +63 34 432 3853

Fogo Grill
O Residences, Lacson St., Mandalaga, Bacolod City
+63 34 432 6130

Fresh Start
Robinsons Place Central Citywalk, Lacson St.
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
and SM City Bacolod North Wing, Bacolod City

Manokan Country
Fr. M. Ferrero St., Reclamation Area, Bacolod City

Calea Pastries and Coffee
Balay Quince, 15th Lacson St., Bacolod City
+63 34 435 8413; +63 34 433 8664

Quino’s Café
Unit 5, Ascalon Bldg., Mandalagan, Bacolod City
+63 34 441 6003


TIPS ON

  1. Getting around – it is easy to get from one point of Bacolod to another. Apart from taxis and tricycles available almost everywhere, there are also different jeepney routes that you can try when you commute. Bacolodnons are friendly people, so do not be afraid to inquire. Still, be sure to ask people who can be trustworthy. If you prefer tour packages, you can message the author as she has friends who are accredited tour guides (namely, Maricar Dabao, Betsy Gazo, and Artie Lacson.)
  2. What to buy – food is the primary product in Bacolod. But if home is a bit far away and you do not want to carry perishable goods, buy a mask at Jojo Vito’s Design Gallery (READ: Masks at the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery). Also, you can visit OISCA in nearby Bago City and buy their silk products (READ: Silk Making at OISCA Bago).
  3. Must-try – commodities in Bacolod are basically affordable and cheaper compared to other megacities. You should at least try the cakes and sweet delicacies in Bacolod, even in small quantities. Visiting a sugar plantation is also something interesting that you might want to experience.
  4. Language – while majority can understand and speak English, it is advisable to learn a little bit of Hiligaynon, the mother tongue of those living in Bacolod. The tone is singsong and very friendly. Here are a few phrases:
    1. Good morning – Maayong aga
    2. Good noon – Maayong udto
    3. Good afternoon – Maayong hapon
    4. Good evening – Maayong gab-I
    5. Let’s eat – Kaon ta
    6. Delicious – Namit
    7. How much…? – Tag-pila…?
    8. Thank you – Salamat
    9. How do I get to…? – Paano ko makakadto sa…?
    10. Very nice – Nami gid

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4 Comments

  1. I’d love to visit the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation and the Forest Park Resort, and to visit those interesting museums! This is a really useful guide – and it looks like Bacolod City will be an awesome experience!

  2. Hi Claire!
    Can you recommend your friends who can help us tour around Bacolod?
    We will be there on Feb. 16 to Feb. 18.

  3. Thanks for this article, I like the way that you well explain about first time Travel Guide !

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