2020 Travel Guide to Bacolod City for First-time travelers
Table of Contents
Bacolod City is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental. Also known as the “City of Smiles“, Bacolod celebrates its yearly MassKara Festival held during the 3rd week of October. The City is also known for its culinary heritage, including its Chicken Inasal (a kind of roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats found all over the city.
In this Bacolod Travel Guide, I have listed some of the most interesting Bacolod City tourist spots as well as things to do and see, Sample Itinerary, Best Hotels in Bacolod, and nearby Cities.
Best time to visit Bacolod
If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Bacolod, the hottest months are April, May, and then June. The busiest month for tourism in Bacolod is October during the famous Masskara Festival. Prices for hotels and flights are more expensive during the festival month, though you can save if you book your hotel and airline ticket in advance.
How to get to Bacolod
Bacolod’s airport is not located within the city but just within the Metropolitan Area of Bacolod in the City of Silay. The old airport which was located in Singcang was replaced by a bigger airport with air-bridges — Bacolod-Silay International Airport(ICAO: BCD | IATA: RPVB).
Bacolod City is 45-60 minutes Southeast of Manila and 30 minutes west of Cebu by plane, the airport is connected to the two cities by local airlines — AirAsia, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. There are also flights from Clark (1 hour travel time) and Davao City (1.5 hours travel time).
AirAsia Flight Schedule for Manila to Bacolod
Manila – Bacolod (Z2 603) / 8:20 (Depart) / 9:40 (Arrive)
Bacolod – Manila (Z2 604) / 10:10 (Depart) / 11:30 (Arrive)
Manila – Bacolod (Z2 605) / 16:05 (Depart) / 17:25 (Arrive)
Bacolod – Manila (Z2 606) / 17:55 (Depart) / 19:15 (Arrive)
Manila – Bacolod (Z2 607) / 19:40 (Depart) / 21:00 (Arrive)
Bacolod – Manila (Z2 608) / 21:30 (Depart) / 22:50 (Arrive)
How to get to Bacolod City Center from Bacolod – Silay Airport
- Shuttle Service – This is the most recommended mode of transport from Silay Airport to the City Center. Fare cost P150 (about $3) per person.
- Tricycle and Jeepney or Bus – This is the most affordable option but not the most comfortable mode of transport. You can take a tricycle ride just outside the airport to Silay City Center. Fare cost P100 (about $2) per person. Once you reached the City Center, ride a Bus or Jeepney to Bacolod North Terminal. The fare to Bacolod North Terminal is P15 per person. From the North Terminal, take another Jeepney ride to Bacolod City Center.
- Taxi or Grab Taxi – This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Bacolod City Center but its also the most expensive. Fare cost P250 to P500 (about $5 to $10) per person.
Getting Around Bacolod City
Taxi, Bus, and Jeepneys are the top three transportation options that you can use within the city and to nearby cities in Negros Occidental. Car Rental companies are also available and you can find them inside the airport or Shopping Malls.
Hotels in Bacolod City
Avenue Suites
Address: Lacson St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Phone: 0917 311 5018
(Check Rates and Availability)
Check our Avenue Suites Review
Seda Capitol Central
Address: North Capitol Road, Lacson Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Phone: (034) 703 8888
(check rates and availability)
Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel & Residences
Address: Corner of Araneta and Roxas Street, Araneta Ave, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Phone: (034) 468 0400
(check rates and availability)
Looking for a list of the best hotels in Bacolod City? Visit Agoda to save time and money on your hotel selection with millions of reviews and options to choose from.
Best Places to Eat
- Pala-Pala Market
- Manokan Country
- Ideal Bakery in Silay
- Calea
Bacolod Tourist Spots that you should include on your Itinerary (including nearby Cities)
The Negros Museum
Learn everything about Negros by visiting The Negros Museum
Located in Gatuslao St in Bacolod City, The Negros Museum is a well-curated Museum that showcases various artworks, relics, and artifacts that best describes the glorious past of this city. The museum not only represents the historic artworks but also encourages recent story-based contemporary art innovatively created by local artisans. The Museum also has a souvenir shop that sells local artworks and handicrafts made by local artists.
The Negros Museum
Address: Gatuslao St. Bacolod City
Phone: 034 434 5552
Price: adult/child P40/20
Operating Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat
Related Article: The Negros Museum in Bacolod City
Provincial Capitol Lagoon
Walk around the Provincial Capitol Grounds
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building and Lagoon is the official seat of the provincial government and served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and formerly was the Negros Museum. The building is of Romanesque architecture and also has a nice surrounding park and lagoon, which includes the Ang Paghimud-os statues done by Eduardo Castrillo, “Ang Paghimud-os” is a Hiligaynon word for “The Struggle”. Just like Luneta Park in Manila, Kilometer Zero can be found in Bacolod Capitol Grounds. Interesting sculptures can be found in the lagoon which are also a work of art of the famous Italian sculpture Francesco Riccardo Monti who also did the sculptures at the roof of the Metropolitan Manila Theater.
Bacolod Cathedral
Visit San Sebastian Cathedral or Bacolod Cathedral
San Sebastian Cathedral also known as Bacolod Cathedral is located along Rizal Street across the Bacolod City Public Plaza. Bacolod Cathedral has a baroque architectural style and is one of the century-old churches found in Negros Occidental. Made up of coral stones and lime quarried of Guimaras Island and Palawan wood, this church is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the province.
The Ruins in Talisay
Listen to the story of love at “The Ruins” in Talisay City
The Ruins in Talisay City is one of the most visited landmarks in Negros Occidental. It was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, following the death of his first wife, Maria Braga. Today, the building is now a monumental landmark for its beautiful structure and romantic past. The Ruins is open to the public from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm daily. The Ruins can also be rented for special events such as weddings, family reunions, etc.
Related Story: The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental
The Church of Angry Christ Altar
Discover the Church of the Angry Christ in Victorias City
Located inside Victorias Milling Company in Victorias City, this church became popular because of its controversial wall-sized mural with vibrant colors and striking art strokes. The painted altar was combined artistry of Spanish-American painter Alfonso Ossorio together with Filipino artist Benjamin Valenciano.
Related Article: Church of the Angry Christ in Victorias City
The Balay Negrense Museum
Visit the Heritage Houses in Talisay City
Silay City is often referred to as the “Paris of Negros” due to its artists, cultural shows and a large collection of perfectly preserved heritage houses. Around the City, there are more than thirty heritage houses that have been declared as historical landmarks. Just like Vigan in Ilocos Sur, Silay is the second city in the Philippines that has been declared as a Museum City.
Related Articles:
Masskara Festival Street Dancer
Enjoy Masskara Festival
MassKara Festival is one of the grandest and most colorful week-long festival held yearly in Bacolod City. The Festival climax is a mardi-gras parade where revelers don elaborate mask and costumes and dance to Latin rhythms Rio de Janiero style. This Festival is held on the third week of October and coincides with the city’s Charter Day celebration.
Authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal
Eat authentic Inasal at Manokan Country
A trip to Bacolod is not complete without visiting Manokan Country to taste Bacolod’s trademark chicken inasal. Manokan Country is an entire street of a hole in the wall restaurants selling various types of grilled foods including the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
Related Article: Authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country
Buy Piaya and other Pasalubong items from Bacolod
Before you leave the City, your last stop should be in a pasalubong shop where you can buy souvenir items and delicacies that are truly Negrense. Piaya, Barquillos from Sugarlandia Pasalubong Shop, Cheesecakes from Calea, and Bacolod’s famous Napoliones.
These are just some of the interesting Bacolod Tourist Spots I visited during my recent Bacolod Trip, There’s more to explore in Bacolod and I already have my itinerary for my next visit. I will update this Bacolod Travel Guide very very soon:)
Published on: Apr 1, 2014
Updated June 6, 2020
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[…] Bacolod City is one of the Philippines’ most loved tourist spots. The warmth that the people bring to its visitors is the reason why the city is called as the “City of Smiles.” It became even popular when it started holding the annual Masskara Festival in the 1980’s. Fast forward today, it is deemed as one of the best festivals in the country. Every year, the event becomes more fun with the addition of exciting activities. […]
[…] Bacolod Travel Guide 2018: Itinerary, Budget Guide, Things to do and see and more […]