Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental
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BACOLOD TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: DIY Itinerary, Budget, Things to do and more

A complete travel guide on Bacolod: The City of Smiles

2024 Travel Guide to Bacolod City for First-time Travelers

Bacolod City is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental. Also known as the “City of Smiles“, Bacolod celebrates its yearly MassKara Festival during the 3rd week of October. The City is also known for its culinary heritage, including its Chicken Inasal (roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats found all over the city.

Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental
Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental

In this Bacolod Travel Guide, I have listed some of the most interesting Bacolod City tourist spots, things to do and see, a Sample Itinerary, the Best Hotels in Bacolod, and nearby Cities.

Best time to visit Bacolod

If you’re looking for the warmest time to visit Bacolod, the hottest months are April, May, and June. The busiest month for tourism in Bacolod is October, during the famous Masskara Festival. Hotel prices and flights are more expensive during the festival month, though you can save if you book your hotel and airline ticket in advance.

The Bacolod-Silay International Airport terminal building.
The Bacolod-Silay International Airport terminal building. By Xeltran at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0

How to get to Bacolod

Bacolod’s airport is not located within the city but within the Metropolitan Area of Bacolod in the City of Silay. The old airport, 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 to Bacolod - Silay Airport
AirAsia Flight to Bacolod – Silay Airport

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 transport from Silay Airport to the City Center. Fare costs 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. The fare costs P100 (about $2) per person. Once you reach 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 it’s also the most expensive. The fare costs P250 to P500 (about $5 to $10) per person.

Getting Around Bacolod City

Taxis, buses, and Jeepneys are the top three transportation options you can use within and nearby cities in Negros Occidental. Car Rental companies can also be found inside the airport or in Shopping Malls.

Hotels in Bacolod City

Avenue Suites

Avenue Suites in Bacolod
Avenue Suites in Bacolod

Address: Lacson St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Phone: 0917 311 5018
(Check Rates and Availability)
Check our Avenue Suites Review

Seda Capitol Central

Seda Capitol Central Bacolod
Seda Capitol Central Bacolod

Address: North Capitol Road, Lacson Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Phone: (034) 703 8888
(check rates and availability)

Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel & Residences

PLANTA Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences
PLANTA Centro Bacolod Hotel and 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 Restaurants in Bacolod City
Best Restaurants in Bacolod City

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
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 describe this city’s glorious past. 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
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 is also a work of art by the famous Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti who also did the sculptures on the roof of the Metropolitan Manila Theater.

Bacolod Cathedral
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 from Guimaras Island and Palawan wood, this church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the province.

The Ruins in Talisay
The Ruins in Talisay

Listen to the love story 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.

The building is now a monumental landmark for its beautiful structure and romantic past. The Ruins is open daily from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. 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
The Church of Angry Christ Altar

Discover the Church of the Angry Christ in Victorias City

This church became popular inside Victorias Milling Company in Victorias City because of its controversial wall-sized mural with vibrant colors and striking art strokes. The painted altar combined the Spanish-American painter Alfonso Ossorio’s artistry with Filipino artist Benjamin Valenciano.

Related Article: Church of the Angry Christ in Victorias City

The Balay Negrense Museum
The Balay Negrense Museum

Visit the Heritage Houses in Talisay City

Silay City is often called the “Paris of Negros” due to its artists, cultural shows, and a large collection of perfectly preserved heritage houses.

Around the City, more than thirty heritage houses have been declared historical landmarks. Like Vigan in Ilocos Sur, Silay is the second city in the Philippines that has been declared a Museum City.

Related Articles:

Masskara Festival Street Dancer
Masskara Festival Street Dancer

Enjoy Masskara Festival

MassKara Festival is one of the grandest and most colorful week-long festivals held yearly in Bacolod City. The Festival climax is a mardi-gras parade where revelers don elaborate masks 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
Authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal

Eat authentic Inasal at Manokan Country

A trip to Bacolod is incomplete without visiting Manokan Country to taste Bacolod’s trademark chicken inasal. Manokan Country is an entire street of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant selling various grilled foods, including the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.

Related Article: Authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country

Piaya Making
Piaya Making

Buy Piaya and other Pasalubong items from Bacolod.

Before you leave the city, your last stop should be a pasalubong shop where you can buy souvenir items and genuine Negrense delicacies. 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:)

Sample Itinerary in Bacolod

Here’s a sample itinerary for a visit to Bacolod, Philippines. Keep in mind that you can adjust it based on your preferences and the time you have available.

Day 1: Explore the City

  1. Morning: Arrival and Breakfast
    • Arrive in Bacolod and check into your accommodation.
    • Enjoy a traditional Bacolod breakfast with local delicacies like piaya and napoleones.
  2. Late Morning: The Ruins
    • Visit “The Ruins,” a famous historical site with beautiful gardens and the remains of an Italianate mansion.
    • Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the mansion.
  3. Afternoon: Lunch and Silay City
    • Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal.
    • Take a short trip to Silay City to explore its well-preserved ancestral houses like Balay Negrense.
  4. Evening: Bacolod Public Plaza and MassKara Festival
    • Stroll around Bacolod Public Plaza, a historic park in the city center.
    • If it’s October, participate in or witness the MassKara Festival, a vibrant and colorful celebration featuring street dancing and masks.

Day 2: Nature and Relaxation

  1. Morning: Mambukal Mountain Resort
    • Head to Mambukal Mountain Resort for a day surrounded by nature.
    • Enjoy activities like hiking, hot springs, and canopy walks.
  2. Afternoon: Hinigaran Seafood Lunch
    • Have lunch in Hinigaran, known for its seafood. Try local specialties like kinilaw and grilled fish.
  3. Late Afternoon: Bacolod Capitol Lagoon
    • Relax at the Bacolod Capitol Lagoon, a peaceful park where you can paddleboat or just enjoy the scenery.
  4. Evening: Manokan Country and Night Market
    • For dinner, head to Manokan Country to try various local chicken inasal variations.
    • Explore the night market for local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

  1. Morning: Negros Museum
    • Start your day at the Negros Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Negros Occidental.
  2. Late Morning: Pasalubong Shopping
    • Visit Bong-Bong’s Pasalubong Center for local treats and souvenirs.
  3. Afternoon: Balay ni Tana Dicang
    • Explore Balay ni Tana Dicang, another heritage house in Silay showcasing Negrense lifestyle.
  4. Evening: Dinner at Aida’s Chicken
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Aida’s Chicken, another popular spot for chicken inasal.

Feel free to adjust this itinerary based on your interests and the specific events or festivals happening during your visit!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a grab car in Bacolod?

Yes, GrabCar is available in Bacolod. You can find more information on GrabCar Bacolod on the Grab PH website.

What is Bacolod famous for?

Bacolod is famous for its MassKara Festival, which is a Mardi Gras-like festival known for its spectacular mix of dance, color, and music. Additionally, Bacolod is known as the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines” and is famous for its delectable sweet treats such as piaya and napoleones.

How do you travel around Bacolod?

Traveling around Bacolod can be done using various transportation options such as taxis, jeepneys, buses, and shuttle vans. Additionally, ride-hailing services like GrabCar are also available in Bacolod for convenient transportation within the city.

Also Read:

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Bacolod City Travel Guide
Bacolod City Travel Guide

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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